More than 50 grassroots organisations in England and Wales have been awarded a share of a £600,000 government grant to increase blood and organ donations within Black and Asian communities.
This funding, administered through NHS Blood and Transplant’s (NHSBT) Community Grants Programme, aims to address urgent health disparities by promoting awareness and participation in organ and blood donation across these underrepresented groups.
The lack of Black and Asian donors has created critical challenges for patients in need of matched blood and organs, as individuals are more likely to find compatible donors within their own ethnic backgrounds.
This issue is particularly acute for sickle cell patients—a condition that disproportionately affects Black African and Caribbean communities.
NHSBT estimates it needs around 250 blood donations daily to meet demand for these patients, yet currently, only half of this demand is met.
Breakdown of £600,000 Donation Funding:
- £300,000 directed towards 23 blood donation projects.
- £125,000 allocated for 11 living kidney donation initiatives.
- £125,000 for 10 deceased organ donation projects.
- Seven projects covering multiple donation types also received funding
The Birmingham-based RAFFA International Development Agency is among the funded organisations, using its grant to conduct educational and faith-based events in the West Midlands.
This initiative specifically aims to encourage blood donation within Black African and Caribbean communities by offering culturally relevant information tailored to community needs.
The South Asian Heritage Trust (SAHT) is also using the grant to enhance organ donation awareness among South Asian populations.
By addressing common myths and encouraging open dialogues around organ donation, SAHT is working to reduce cultural taboos.
Recently, SAHT organised a Community Listening Circle during Organ Donation Week, inviting members to share personal insights into organ donation—a crucial first step in breaking down long-standing stigmas.
Umar Malik, NHSBT’s Community Funding Manager, highlights the importance of trusted, community-led projects in addressing the donation gap.
He notes that Black sickle cell patients, in particular, benefit from increased awareness and participation in blood and organ donation within their communities.
These local initiatives are essential to dispelling misinformation, fostering family discussions, and saving lives by increasing donation rates among Black and Asian donors.
By supporting trusted community groups, NHSBT and the Community Grants Programme are working to increase awareness, reduce health inequalities, and encourage life-saving donations across diverse communities.
