Welsh Blood Service Campaign Calls on Youth for Lifesaving Donations

The Welsh Blood Service is launching a campaign to recruit young blood donors as the aging population increases the demand for blood supplies. The initiative, named Gwaed Ifanc/Young Blood, aims to encourage individuals aged 17 and over to donate regularly. Currently, only 3% of the population donates blood on a regular basis, with just 15% of those under 30 participating in this vital act.

Although blood stocks are currently at normal levels, the Welsh Blood Service is taking proactive measures to secure future supplies. This campaign not only invites new donors but also encourages participation in the stem cell registry.

At Ysgol Stanwell in Penarth, students expressed enthusiasm for the initiative. Head boy Saif, 17, who aspires to study medicine, stated, “You also get a text to let you know where your blood donation was used at what date and at what time, so there’s a real sense of connection to the fact you’ve donated blood.” His remarks highlight the personal impact of blood donation, fostering a sense of community and involvement.

Another student, Niamh, 17, shared her positive experience. Having accompanied her parents on previous donations, she expressed confidence, saying, “It’s something I’d do as many times as I could really.” Her familiarity with the process encouraged her peers to consider participating.

Conversely, Elliot, who initially felt apprehensive about potential pain, found his worries unfounded. “I would 100% do it again,” he affirmed, noting that friends from schools lacking donation programs were also interested in contributing.

The Welsh Blood Service collects approximately 100,000 donations each year, with each donation capable of saving up to three lives. Eleri Schiavone, a representative of the Welsh Blood Service, emphasized the necessity of attracting more young donors to sustain future blood supplies for the 19 hospitals in Wales that rely on their services. She stated, “Blood is used for many different treatments; cancer treatments, people who have had traumatic injuries, mums during childbirth, so it’s really important we maintain our stocks for the future.”

In addition to blood donations, the campaign seeks to recruit over 6,000 individuals aged 16 to 30 and between 16 and 45 from black, Asian, mixed, or minority ethnic backgrounds for its stem cell registry. The need is significant, as around 2,000 people in the UK require a stem cell transplant each year, yet 30% of patients do not find a match, a figure that rises to 70% for those from minority ethnic backgrounds.

Promoting early and regular donation habits is crucial for maintaining adequate blood supplies. At Ysgol Stanwell, the initiative aligns with the school’s values of effort, kindness, and respect. Deputy head teacher Sarah Owens remarked, “We want to encourage all of our young people to look at what they can give for their local community.”

Since 2015, the school has actively supported the Welsh Blood Service, leading to significant contributions, with students and staff collectively saving up to 3,000 lives and more than 120 students joining the stem cell registry.

The Welsh Blood Service’s campaign serves as a reminder of the critical role that young donors play in ensuring the availability of blood for those in need. It fosters a sense of community engagement and personal responsibility among youth, encouraging them to take part in life-saving initiatives.