Celebrate Culture, Community, and Life-Saving Blood Donation in Brixton

“For The Love” is a unique cultural event at Brixton House on 26 January marking the launch of the new NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) blood donor centre in Brixton. This special evening blends art, food, music, and a powerful purpose, shining a light on the need for more Black blood donors.

Word from the Cabinet

Cllr Jacqui Dyer, Lambeth Cabinet Member for Healthier Communities, said: “The NHS requires over 200 blood donations every day to meet the needs of patients with sickle cell disease, which disproportionately affects the Black community. However, only 1% of regular blood donors are Black. This new centre in Lambeth is a step toward closing that gap.”

You can change a life

Altaf Kazi, NHSBT Assistant Director for Partnerships and Community Engagement said: “We hope that opening a new donor centre in the heart of Brixton will make it easier for more people in the Black community to give blood.

“We especially need people in the Black community to come forward because of the need for better matched blood for people living with sickle cell, the fastest growing genetic condition in the UK. Giving blood is easy, quick and safe – and you will save and improve lives.”

Blood donations also save Black lives in many other scenarios — helping mothers during childbirth, children facing life-threatening conditions, and older adults in need of transfusions.

Give Blood, Save Lives

Sarah Babalola, Project Manager from the Sickle Cell Society said, “Blood donations are absolutely vital for people living with sickle cell disorder. What’s often not understood is how crucial it is for these blood stocks to come from the Black community. By giving blood, members of the community can make a real difference.”

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