Brenda was diagnosed with coeliac disease 18 years ago, at a time when gluten free food was far harder to come by. Her early experiences of isolation and lack of information have shaped her passion for helping others feel more connected and informed. 

Now, as a volunteer Meet Up Host, she’s creating space for people to come together, swap stories, discover safe places to eat, and share gluten free life tips. 

Finding community after diagnosis 

“I had my own cupboard in the kitchen, but I didn’t really know about cutting boards and cross contamination back then.” 

After her diagnosis, Brenda says support was limited and information hard to find. She eventually found a local coeliac disease support group, which became a vital source of encouragement and advice. Though that group eventually disbanded, Brenda stayed connected through a local Facebook group, and her passion for supporting others only grew. 

Hosting Meet Ups in Norwich 

Brenda became involved in local volunteering almost by accident. While chatting to a fellow diner at Harry’s Soul Station in Norwich, which later became Gluten Free accredited by Coeliac UK, she suggested organising a recipe swap. That idea sparked a conversation with the restaurant owner and eventually led Brenda to connect with other volunteers running Coeliac UK Local Meet Ups. 
 
Brenda isn’t the only Coeliac UK Volunteer in Norfolk, Nicole and Alison also run meet ups in the area. Nicole supports children and their families in Norwich and Alison hosts a monthly meet up in Swaffham – open to all on a Saturday morning for breakfast in a local pub! 

Brenda at Harry’s Soul Station

Bringing people together – and sharing tips 

Brenda says she loves meeting new people through the Local Meet Ups, and the groups often end up sharing tips on gluten free recipes, products, and safe places to eat. She always keeps an eye out for new venues that understand our community's needs and encourages others to do the same. 

“I ask places if they have separate fryers, a dedicated area, or if they can clean down before preparing gluten free food. If they can’t cater for us safely, they miss out on our custom – and that of everyone who would have joined us.” 

Brenda’s very first Local Meet Up as a host was made extra special with the support of her husband, who’s also the household cook. She brought along Becky Excell’s cookbooks to help spark conversation – and says people blended in easily and quickly made connections. 

Brenda cheering on fellow volunteer Nicola who recently completed a challenge for Coeliac UK

Exploring the UK, one gluten free stop at a time 

Now retired, Brenda and her husband enjoy travelling the UK in their campervan, often planning weekend trips that often involve visiting local gluten free venues. She’s passionate about trying out Gluten Free accredited venues and feeding back to Coeliac UK – something anyone can do by becoming a Gluten Free Diner. 

Our Gluten Free Diner programme invites people to share their experiences of eating out gluten free by completing a short survey – helping us to improve our Gluten Free accreditation scheme and make eating out safer and easier for all. Each time you eat out or get a takeaway, you can support the scheme by completing the survey here. 

Why community matters 

Brenda encourages anyone considering joining a Local Meet Up to give it a try. 

“Come and say hello – bring a friend or a partner. You’ve got nothing to lose and a lot to gain.” 

She knows from experience how isolating living with coeliac disease can be, especially when eating out or attending social events. That’s why community is so important. 

“I’ve taken my own wrapped-up food to barbecues and gatherings, it’s not always easy, but it means I can still be part of things. I want more people to understand coeliac disease, because awareness makes life easier for all of us.” 

Living gluten free, confidently 

Brenda’s daily life with coeliac disease includes planning ahead, contacting restaurants before dining out, and always carrying a safe snack. 

“Becky Excell once mentioned Paddington and his marmalade sandwich in her handbag – I feel the same! I always have a bar of something with me, just in case.” 

She also makes use of Facebook groups, and resources such as Coeliac UK’s Live Well Gluten Free app, to research places to eat especially when travelling. At home, she’s created a completely gluten free kitchen and feels lucky to have a husband who enjoys cooking and friends who let her choose the venue.

“We all go where I can eat safely. That way, everyone’s included.” 

A final thought on volunteering 

Brenda’s aim is simple: to make life better for people with coeliac disease, one conversation at a time. 

“The more places that understand the needs of someone with coeliac disease, the more confident and included we will all feel. Volunteering gives me the chance to help make that happen.” 

Thank you to Brenda and all our wonderful volunteers across the UK. Your efforts help create stronger, more informed communities and make everyday life a little easier for everyone living gluten free. 

Brenda pictured at one of her Local Meet Up’s

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