Register as a blood/organ donor using the registration websites provided by your national health services. Once registered, make a date to donate blood with friends, family or a group from church as a communal act of generosity. Going with others also helps those who may feel nervous and is a great way of remembering to give regularly.

Churches can be ideal venues for blood donor sessions. If you have a large and flexible space that may be capable of housing a session, consider contacting your local area blood services team and offering your premises as a new venue in case they have need for a new location.

Some national blood and organ donor services offer txt codes allowing people to register as blood and organ donors by sending an SMS message to a specified number. If this is available in your region, consider using this service when your church meets as an alternative or in addition to your monetary offering.

Understanding blood and organ donation can be vital in helping us make informed choices regarding donation. By running an Awareness Day it provides an opportunity to invite others to find out more, ask questions and share their thoughts and experiences. Invite your church, C.U. or organisation and those in your local community. Blood and organ donation will interest many in your community and inviting them to join with you is a great way to get to know your neighbours and act together.

Download the awareness day pack in the resources area below.

Talk to your whole church by booking a slot in a service, placing it in the notices or including it in a sermon. Introduce the campaign to your organisations and groups giving them the opportunity to get involved as well.

You will discover amazing stories of people within your community who have been personally impacted by blood and organ donation either as donors or recipients. Asking them to share their stories can paint a powerful picture of the impact of your corporate generosity and raise up advocates within your church who are already invested in donation.

Let your local media know if you're planning an awareness day, a communal visit to a donor centre or if you find amazing stories within your community of people whose lives have been impacted by donation.

Local newspapers, tv/radio stations, websites and social media accounts are often interested in human interest stories. 

Use your church or community's social media presences to share stories of how you're getting involved as advocates for blood and organ donation. This will help to encourage further conversation within your community and provide opportunities for others to engage and join in.

To help church communities explore the themes and issues of donation, we've provided a number of biblical reflections and discussion starters for use within small groups or bible studies.

Get creative and share your advocacy of blood and organ donation. From the simplicity of posters on display boards to large creative ideas and public expressions of generosity, let your local community know more about the need for blood and organ donors and how easy it is to register and give.