Founded by Jody and Isobel, two parents of children with coeliac disease, the group was created to fill a much-needed gap in the north of England. It's a space for children under 16 with coeliac disease and their families to meet others living with the condition, share gluten free food, and enjoy inclusive events and activities. 
 
Whether it’s a park walk or a gluten free Christmas party, every event is designed to help young people feel more confident navigating life with coeliac disease, while building local connections and support. 

Volunteering for Coeliac UK takes many forms, and for Jody and Isobel, it’s all about creating community. They shared with us what drives them to lead the group and what it’s meant to them and their families.

“We couldn’t find a group up north – so we started our own”

After Jody’s son Asher was diagnosed with coeliac disease, she looked for local support groups for children but couldn’t find any nearby. As the owner of Darton Coffee House with her partner, which is completely gluten free, she decided to create a new group—a safe, welcoming place where Asher could meet other children with coeliac disease, and she could connect with other parents going through the same experience.


Asher with friends

A safe space to share gluten free food and experience

Q. What sort of events do you run – and why do they matter?

“We run events throughout the year, with a focus on occasions where children with coeliac disease can often feel excluded – Easter, Halloween and Christmas. Our gluten free buffet and party bags are a highlight. Seeing the children’s faces when they realise they can eat everything is priceless.”

Volunteering with Coeliac UK: “It’s helped our family feel less alone”

Q. What does volunteering with Coeliac UK mean to you, personally?

“We love what we do. It’s so heartwarming to see families sharing tips, discussing gluten free products and recommending safe places to eat. Some children have been coming since the very first event, and watching them make friends they can relate to has been incredible.”

Favourite memories

“There are so many, the Christmas event last year was extra special we had a local boxer Callum Simpson come along to meet the children and we had Santa giving all the children safe gluten free presents in the grotto, which  was pure magic. At Easter, we had local shops donate  safe gluten free chocolate eggs for the children, which was so much fun we played lots of games.”

Christmas Event 2024 with the Group

Advice for others

Q. What would you say to someone considering volunteering or setting up a local group?

“We would say just go for it! Lean on other groups already set up, we always go to the Young Wolverhampton Group for any tips as they are brilliant. Jody would say get some help asking for help with the events was the best decision - three heads are definitely better than one.”

Creating a network of support

Q. How has the group helped your own family’s journey with coeliac disease?

“It’s made such a difference. We don’t feel so alone, especially during those times of year when it can be hard to keep children included – Easter, Halloween, Christmas. Asher knows he’ll be able to take part safely, and we’ve built a brilliant local support network.”

Jody, Isobel and Asher

Interested in getting involved? Learn more about volunteering with Coeliac UK here .