If you’re the giving type, we need you
We’ve partnered with faith-based charity RAFFA to launch a campaign encouraging people from Christian communities to give blood and help those with sickle cell.
The need for blood
Sickle cell is a life-threatening genetic blood disorder that is most common in people of Black heritage. It can cause stroke, blindness and organ failure.
People treated for sickle cell disorder with regular transfusions need, on average, the support of 100 blood donors every year.
Ethnically matched blood provides the best treatment for sickle cell, which is why the NHS needs around 12,000 life-saving donations from new donors of Black Heritage.
By getting involved in the campaign, you can help us reach that target and provide life-saving treatment for people with sickle cell.
Who you can help
Theo has sickle cell disorder and faces challenges such as chronic fatigue daily.
Despite his young age, he has also experienced crippling pain and complications that hospitalised him.
Blood transfusions have enabled Theo to make a quick recovery so that he can quickly return to the activities that he enjoys.
Through well-matched blood, people like Theo can live full lives without fear of painful health conditions.
Get involved with your church
- Have blood donation-themed services or deliver talks, presentations, or online webinars on the importance of giving blood
- Invite NHS Blood and Transplant to set up a What’s Your Blood Type event on the premises
- Suggest the premises as a venue for quarterly mobile blood donation sessions run by NHS Blood and Transplant
- Share this campaign page on social media
Joining our campaign is a chance for you to really make a difference and save lives.
By giving blood, each person can save or improve up to 3 lives in just 1 hour.
By faith, we are creating a new culture of giving type
The partnership campaign will bring together church leaders across England to raise awareness about the importance of blood donation, particularly within Black communities.
RAFFA's extensive experience working on similar initiatives is a testament to their commitment to addressing health disparities and promoting community engagement.
“This is an important collaboration that aims to address the lack of blood donors from Black communities,” said Angela Clarke BEM, CEO and co-founder of RAFFA.
“There is a disproportionate need for more blood donors of Black heritage to help treat patients with sickle cell.”