The National Trust teams up with Coeliac UK

The campaign is designed to raise awareness about coeliac disease – a serious lifelong autoimmune disease triggered by eating gluten - and the consequences of maintaining a strict gluten-free diet when eating out. Throughout May, a number of the 150 National Trust tea shops, cafes and restaurants will lead the way in supporting Coeliac UK's 'Free for Tea?' – providing information on the condition and gluten-free options on their menus. Over 15 million people visit National Trust properties every year and it is expected that the campaign will reach thousands of visitors by the end of May. A recent survey of over 3,000 Coeliac UK Members showed that over 58% felt that eating establishments do not offer clear gluten-free options, and 59% don't trust staff to know enough about preparing gluten-free food. Lynda Brewer, Catering Development Manager for the National Trust said: "Supporting Coeliac UK's 'Free for Tea?' campaign is a natural partnership for us. The National Trust has already led the way on many food issues, such as promoting local, seasonal food and using freedom food, free range eggs in all our cafes and restaurants. We see this campaign as a great opportunity to help support a very important message to dispel the ignorance and misunderstanding surrounding coeliac disease." Sarah Sleet, Chief Executive, of Coeliac UK said: "1% of the UK population has coeliac disease and the need for catering outlets to offer gluten-free options on their menus is ever increasing. It's also a great way to increase the number of customers eating out which can only be a good thing in tough trading conditions. We hope that others will follow the National Trust's lead and embrace the needs of people with coeliac disease who will then be able to eat out safely and with added choice." The awareness campaign will run throughout May, with Coeliac UK holding a specific Awareness Week from 11th -17th May.