Healthwatch Southwark and GSTT present: Every Drop Matters

Healthwatch Southwark is working in partnership with Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust to deliver Every Drop Matters, a community roadshow focused on sickle cell awareness and blood donation.

Sickle cell is a genetic blood condition that disproportionately affects Black communities. Many people living with sickle cell rely on regular blood transfusions as part of their ongoing care. For transfusions to be safe and effective, there is a continued need for blood donors from diverse ethnic backgrounds, yet demand often exceeds supply.

This event has been developed as part of Healthwatch Southwark’s role to listen to local residents and support community voices to influence health and care services. We know that people from underrepresented communities can face barriers to accessing information, services and opportunities to engage, which contributes to wider health inequalities.

The roadshow will bring together Sickle Cell Programme Leads from Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, who will share information about sickle cell and local services, alongside colleagues from the NHS Blood and Transplant team, who will deliver a What’s your blood type session and provide information about becoming a blood donor.

The event is designed as an informal, drop in space where people can engage at their own pace, ask questions, and have open conversations with health professionals in a supportive, community focused environment. No prior knowledge is needed and the event is open to everyone in the local community.

By working in partnership with NHS colleagues and local residents, this event aims to raise awareness, reduce barriers to participation, and support more equitable health outcomes for people living with sickle cell.