Our Blood Saves Lives

On 5th April 2023, it was announced that ‘Grassroots group SICKLE CELL SUFFOLK are to get a share of Government funding to deliver projects encouraging more Black people to become blood, organ, or stem cell donors’ Media Release

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Sickle Cell Suffolk made a successful bid and were one of 50 groups to receive a share of government funding to community, faith, or belief organisations to deliver projects that encourage more Black and Asian people to become donors.

It was part of the Government’s commitment under The Community Grants Programme, managed by NHS Blood and Transplant, to continue to tackle health inequalities and promote organ, blood, and stem cell donation among Black and Asian communities.

Sickle Cell Suffolk’s campaign, ‘Our Blood Saves Lives’ was to help to address the shortage of donors from the African and Caribbean communities, which often means patients from these communities can have worse outcomes. People from the same ethnic background are more likely to be a match.

“We are very pleased to receive this funding. We have been arranging group donations in Ipswich for the Black community since 2020, so it’s great that we can do so much more with funding. We can reach far more people.

I myself have sickle cell, and blood donations have made a difference to my life. But in 2021, I needed a major blood transfusion when I became seriously ill, so blood donation saved my life.

I don’t think the NHS do enough to reach my community, so it’s great that they recognise that community groups can reach their own communities better.” Elaine Tappin - Coordinator Sickle Cell Suffolk

Health Minister Neil O’Brien (2023) said: “It is important everyone has the best chance of receiving a potentially life-saving blood, organ or stem cell donation, regardless of their ethnic background and these organisations are helping to make a real difference. We’re investing to encourage and increase education about donation among black and Asian communities. Thank you to all these grassroots organisations for bringing communities together to transform the lives of thousands of people.”

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The campaign team engaged in a range of activities to present, talk and engage the black community to share our information.   Events included Black led churches, community centres (such as black women’s & men’s groups, community events such as Windrush celebrations, health & wellbeing, a dominoes tournament, theatre and October history month events.