This season, give the gift of life: urgent call for Black heritage blood donors
As the year draws to a close, the Brixton Blood Donor Centre is calling on our community to come together and make a life-changing difference. Blood donations drop during the winter months, yet the need remains constant – and urgent. One hour of your time could save up to three lives, making it one of the most meaningful gifts you can give this festive season.
While every donation matters, the NHS is in urgent need for more blood donors of black heritage to fight sickle cell, the UK’s fastest-growing inherited blood disorder. For patients with sickle cell, regular blood transfusions are not just a medical procedure – they’re essential to stay alive.
Sickle cell can affect anyone, but it is most common in people of Black heritage. For the best treatment, patients with this disorder need closely matched blood, most likely from a donor of the same ethnicity. Yet, only 3% of blood donors in England are of Black heritage. This critical shortage means patients are struggling to get the life-saving closely matched blood they need, specifically the ‘Ro’ blood sub-type.
Give blood in Lambeth
The Brixton Donor Centre in Lambeth is just a short walk from Brixton Tube at 444 Brixton Road, SW9 8BH, open seven days a week with flexible appointments, including evenings and weekends. It’s quick, safe, and an incredible way to make a difference.
Make your appointment now
If you are new to blood donation, find out more about giving blood for the first time.
Brixton Donor Centre opening times
Monday: 10.20am to 7.10pm
Tuesday: 8.20am to 5.10pm
Wednesday: 11.20am to 8.10pm
Thursday: 10.20am to 7.10pm`
Friday: 8.20am to 5.10pm
Saturday: 8.20am to 5.10pm
Sunday: 8.20am to 5.10pm