Representatives of the International Centre Ukrainian House UK CIC held a productive online meeting with Joanne Walker, Regional Community Engagement Manager at NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT).
The International Centre Ukrainian House UK CIC was represented by Anatolii Shalaiev, Director; Dr Inna Thompson, Medical Adviser; and Olha Shalaieva, who provided translation and language support.
The discussion focused on practical ways to raise awareness of blood donation and encourage greater participation among Ukrainian communities through our Blood Solidarity project, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund.
Key Areas of Discussion and Next Steps
Overcoming Language Barriers
The Ukrainian House team offered to support the preparation and translation of bilingual donor information and guidance using our existing Ukrainian–English blood donation glossary.
The participants also discussed the possibility of facilitating remote interpretation support to help Ukrainian-speaking donors communicate more confidently during appointments and better understand the blood donation process.
Producing Bilingual Media Content
The organisations explored the possibility of jointly producing a series of short educational audio and video materials in Ukrainian and English, featuring NHSBT experts and approved blood donation information.
The content could be broadcast through our weekly Ukrainian-language radio programme on ALLFM 96.9 and shared through our website and social media platforms.
The International Centre Ukrainian House UK CIC has the technical equipment and production capacity required to create this content, supported by funding from the Manchester Airport Community Trust Fund.
Invitations to Upcoming Community Events
NHSBT representatives were formally invited to participate in our upcoming community events.
4–5 September, Stockport — “CHOICE” Performance Exhibition
NHSBT was invited to provide printed promotional and educational materials for distribution during the event.
26 September, Lymm — Ukrainian Culture and Public Health Day
NHSBT representatives were invited to participate by hosting an information stand, providing a guest speaker, supporting donor registration or speaking directly with members of the Ukrainian community.
The organisations also discussed opportunities for future outreach involving Ukrainian student societies at universities in Lancaster and Greater Manchester.
Promotional Materials
The Ukrainian House team requested information about the availability of NHSBT promotional resources, including printed leaflets, brochures, banners, event signage, branded tents or gazebos, educational materials and promotional merchandise.
These resources would support upcoming community events and help provide clear and accessible information about blood donation.
Community Grant Opportunities
The meeting also included a discussion about potential future collaboration through the NHSBT Community Grants Programme.
Grant support could help the International Centre Ukrainian House UK CIC expand its regional outreach, develop bilingual information resources, produce educational media content and encourage more people from Ukrainian and other communities to consider becoming blood donors.
The International Centre Ukrainian House UK CIC sincerely thanks Joanne Walker and the NHSBT team for their openness, guidance and shared commitment to raising awareness, overcoming barriers and saving lives.
We look forward to continuing this positive dialogue and exploring future opportunities for collaboration.