Coeliac awareness month, May 2024

May is coeliac disease awareness month, with May 16 recognised internationally as coeliac disease awareness day. These dates have an important role to play in helping to reach people who suffer coeliac symptoms but have not been diagnosed, as well as providing an opportunity to educate the rest of society about the condition and the delicious possibilities of gluten-free food. 

Millions of people around the world are experiencing a range of confusing and diverse symptoms including stomach pain, anaemia, diarrhoea and other gut problems, nausea and extreme tiredness without knowing that they have coeliac disease and their problems have an answer. To start on the process of finding out whether you might have coeliac disease or gluten/wheat sensitivity, try taking Schär’s online Symptom Test.

The coeliac disease awareness ribbon is light green. To show support and raise awareness, you can wear the ribbon and change your social media profile images to show the symbol.

1. Host a gluten-free cooking workshop with friends and family, showcasing delicious recipes and emphasizing the importance of safe food preparation for those with coeliac disease.

2. Organize a virtual fundraising event, such as a bake sale or online auction, with proceeds going towards coeliac disease research and support organizations.

3. Take gluten-free snacks to your place of work or study and explain why it is important to know about coeliac disease.   

4. Start a social media campaign using hashtags like #CoeliacAwarenessMonth to share personal stories, facts, and resources to educate and inspire others.

5. If you have coeliac disease, share your story – it could make a huge difference to someone else’s life. 

6. Encourage local businesses to offer gluten-free options by reaching out to them directly or participating in community forums and discussions.

7. Collaborate with local restaurants to create special gluten-free menus or promotional deals for the month of May.

8. Volunteer at a coeliac disease support group or organization, offering your time and expertise to assist those in need.

9. Create informative flyers or posters about coeliac disease and its symptoms, then distribute them in your community's gathering places.

10. Organize a community walk or run fundraiser, inviting participants to join in person or virtually and raise funds for coeliac disease research and support.

11. Support a bakery that offers safe gluten-free products.

12. Reach out to schools and universities to advocate for gluten-free options in cafeterias and promote education about coeliac disease among students and staff.

13. Plan a gluten-free picnic with friends and family, encouraging everyone to bring their favourite dishes to share and celebrate together.

14. Donate gluten-free foods like breads, pastas or baking mixes to a food bank.

15. Collaborate with local media outlets to publish articles or interviews about coeliac disease awareness and the importance of early detection and diagnosis.

16. Organize a virtual book club focused on literature related to coeliac disease, health, nutrition, and gluten-free living.

17. Create and distribute informational brochures or pamphlets about coeliac disease to local doctors' offices, pharmacies, and health centres.

18. Reach out to influential bloggers, influencers, and celebrities to spread awareness about coeliac disease to a wider audience.

19. Host a DIY gluten-free baking competition, challenging participants to create delicious treats using only gluten-free ingredients.

20. Consider participating in clinical trials to advance medical science relating to coeliac disease and other forms of gluten intolerance.