On 6th February 2024, I had the great opportunity to accompany the Director of University of Brighton Donor Research, Simonne Weeks, at, the NHS Blood and Transplant Community Grants program at the Ambassadors Bloomberg Hotel, London. The event brought together directors and leaders of different organisations to share the amazing work done over the last year in promoting and creating awareness about blood and organ transplantation.
Why is it important to create awareness about blood and organ donation?
In the UK alone, more than 7000 patients wait for a lifesaving transplant, and we require about 5000 blood donations every single day to save patients [1,2]. This is a national health issue which invites collaborative efforts and fresh ideas. The NHSBT Community Grants Programme 2024 was a great opportunity to share and discuss new and innovative ways to create awareness and ensure these efforts lead to registrations to donate with the NHS.
What was your experience representing Donor Research at this event?
It was my pleasure to represent Donor Research along with our director, Simonne Weeks. When I was first told about the event and that I had to present the work of Donor Research, I was excited and nervous at the same time.
On the day of the event, I was nervous to speak in front of all the experts, however, when I started explaining what we at Donor Research do in creating awareness about blood and organ donation, it came in naturally. The best thing about these events is that they are all about networking. When I entered the room, I barely knew anybody in the room. I sat down at one of the tables, and suddenly representatives from different organisation’s started introducing themselves and the work they did. It was amazing to see so many different groups all over the UK with the same passion for organ and blood donation.
Here are some of amazing works we presented: “What’s your Blood Type Event”?, Films for life series in collaboration with the New Black Film Collective, ‘Discussion About Donation’ podcast; and multiple Social Media campaigns. These campaigns include working with the University of Brighton for ‘Think Pink Week’, where we turned our campus pink for Organ Donation week. Donor Research has grown a lot in the last few years, and we are creating a positive impact in our community.
It was great opportunity to meet Prafula Shah, a living kidney donor from Jain and Hindu Organ Donation Alliance and to learn about the work her team has been doing to improve awareness among the Hindu and Jain communities. Prafula also serves as NHS Organ Donation Ambassador, speaking at public events and starring in awareness videos. She is also the winner of ‘Community Excellence Award’ for her volunteer work with the Jain Community.
It was really fascinating to see the work of “WE ARE DONORS” and their award-winning animation about the need for blood and organ donation. See their award animation here
After our talk, I was really encouraged to see many groups who wanted to collaborate and be a part of our podcasts. We look forward to meeting with you and hearing your stories.
References
- Statistics about organ donation [Internet]. NHS Organ Donation. 2023. Available from: https://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/helping-you-to-decide/about-organ-donation/statistics-about-organ-donation/
- Why give blood [Internet]. NHS Blood Donation. Available from: https://www.blood.co.uk/why-give-blood/