NHSBT partners with digital health app to register more Black heritage blood donors through UK workplaces

A new collaboration is bringing NHS Blood and Transplant directly into workplaces through employee networks at organisations including Google, TikTok and the BBC to encourage more people from Black heritage communities to become blood donors to provide vital blood stocks for people living with sickle cell during Black History Month.

The programme brings NHS clinicians and sickle cell advocates directly into employee networks across a range of leading UK organisations, creating opportunities for employees to learn more about sickle cell, ask questions about blood donation and understand the lifesaving difference their blood donation can make.

The programme will reach up to 250 employees across 10 organisations, representing 6 sectors.

The initiative was developed by Sikila, a digital health platform built with and for the sickle cell community, with over 10,000 downloads since launching in April 2026. The online event will bring together employees from corporate networks and clinical spokespeople to explain why more Black heritage donors are needed to help treat the 19,000 people living with sickle cell in the UK.

Who is participating?

Participants sharing their story through the initiative, include Nikki Fagbemi, an actor and writer from London who recently took her one-woman play to Edinburgh Fringe. The dark comedy titled, Bed Five, is based on her own experience of living with sickle cell. Nikki relies on red cell exchanges every 6 weeks, receiving 10 units of blood to stay alive and well.

"I've seen firsthand the power of storytelling to open up conversations about sickle cell and help people better understand the realities of living with the condition. I'm really pleased to be involved in this initiative and to have the opportunity to continue those conversations beyond the stage.

"I want those attending to understand that someone at your workplace could save my life. I hope that by sharing my experience and speaking directly with people through their workplaces, we can encourage more people from Black heritage communities to understand the importance of donating blood and ultimately, become donors themselves."

Additional participants include clinician Dr Emmanuel Beckley, a medical doctor and health tech professional, who is a passionate sickle advocate, dedicated to improving outcomes for people living with the disorder. He said:

"I know how important it is that we continue to have open and honest conversations about the realities of living with this condition and the difference the wider community can make. Blood donation is one of the most tangible ways people can support someone living with sickle cell, yet many people may not realise just how important blood donations from Black heritage communities can be. I hope these conversations inspire people to come forward together to become regular blood donors and help improve the outcomes for people living with sickle cell."

Research carried out by NHS Blood and Transplant, of more than 3,000 blood donors, found that 43 per cent of existing blood donors would be more likely to donate blood if given time off to do so by their employer. This rises to 65 per cent for those aged between 25 to 44.

At the end of the webinar, attendees will be given the opportunity to register and book a blood donation appointment directly with NHSBT.

Statements

Statement from Fauzia Van Der Leeuw

Fauzia Van Der Leeuw, Co-founder at Sikila said:

"People living with sickle cell know firsthand how important blood donation can be. We wanted to create a simple way for employers to have meaningful conversations with their employees about why Black blood donation matters and, importantly, give people the opportunity to take action.

"Bringing together organisations across different sectors means we can reach people in workplace across the country and hopefully inspire many more people to become regular blood donors".

Statement from Mark Chambers

Mark Chambers, Director of Donor Experience at NHS Blood and Transplant said:

"For people living with sickle cell who need blood transfusions, finding the right blood match is incredibly important. We need more people from Black heritage communities to come forward and become blood donors so that we can build a stronger and more diverse donor base and help ensure patients receive the blood they need.

"We're delighted to see up to 250 individuals across corporate employee networks getting behind this initiative. Employee networks and supportive employers can play a powerful role in reaching people who may never previously have considered donating blood and helping them understand the difference their donation can make."

Statement from Chiara Vendramin

Chiara Vendramin, Specialty Doctor in Donor Medicine and Clinical Lead for Rare Donor and Special Donor Call-ups at NHS Blood and Transplant said:

"Every blood donation is important, but for some patients finding the right match can be particularly challenging due to low blood stocks. People living with sickle cell may need repeated transfusions, making it important that we have a diverse pool of donors with the blood characteristics needed to provide the closest possible match.

"These workplace conversations are a valuable opportunity to explain the science behind blood matching and help people understand why we need more donors from Black heritage communities to give blood."

How you can help

Become a blood donor

It only takes a few minutes to sign up