Coeliac UK knows gluten free staple substitutes play a crucial role in supporting people with coeliac disease to stay healthy, yet they are significantly more expensive and harder to find available on the shelves than gluten containing equivalents.  

For years, the NHS has been instrumental in supporting those with coeliac disease by providing access to gluten free food on prescription. However, recent changes in Integrated Care Board (ICB) policies and uncertainties surrounding government funding jeopardise this vital support system. Whilst this funding remains in place in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, across England, many ICBs have taken the decision to withdraw much needed provision often based on faulty evidence and ignoring the views of the public on the impact of removal.  

We cannot stand by while patients with coeliac disease are left without the support they need to stay healthy. It's time to hold the Government accountable for safeguarding the health and wellbeing of vulnerable members of our community.  

Join us in calling on the UK Government to uphold its commitment to health equality and ensure that those with coeliac disease have access to the gluten free food they need to thrive. Sign our petition to make it clear to the Government that protecting access to gluten free food on NHS prescription is invaluable for keeping people with coeliac disease safe and well. Help us get to 10,000 signatures so we can take the petition direct to the Government and make our voices heard.  

You can sign the petition here: www.change.org/p/act-now-to-protect-critical-nhs-prescription-support-for-those-with-coeliac-disease  

Please note when you sign the petition, you’ll need to add your name and email address and you’ll be sent an email to confirm your signature. Be sure to click the button on the email or your signature won’t be added!  

Please also note if you choose to ‘Chip in’ when you sign the petition, the money will go to change.org. If you'd like to support Coeliac UK please visit www.coeliac.org.uk/appeal