What It’s Actually Like to Give Blood in Wales (From Someone who Just did it)

On the 11th March, I donated blood again for the second time. A small act that takes less than an hour but has the potential to change someone's life. 

When you arrive, they ask for your name, date of birth, address and donor number. Don't worry if you've left your card at home - I did - and they found me on the system no problem. You're handed a tablet to fill out a short questionnaire, an information booklet to read, and a pint of water to drink. I had my trusty Stanley flask with me, so I was one step ahead. 

After filling out the form, you wait to be called over for a quick finger prick test to check your iron levels. They also ask a few extra questions about your health and any recent travel, just to be sure everything's good to go. 

Then it's over to the waiting area until a nurse calls you over for the donation itself. The nurses are great! Friendly, calm and quick to get things going. They use a blood pressure cuff to help find your vein, pass you a makeshift stress ball (usually a bandage) and keep things light throughout. 

Here's a quick snap mid donation, it's not glamorous, but its real. This was in a local leisure centre, everyone quietly doing something that could save a life. 

The actual donation took ten minutes. After that, you're advised to rest, avoid anything strenuous, and then it's time to head over to the refreshments table. 

While I was having my tea and biscuit (or three), one of the team told myself and fellow donors that he wouldn't be alive today if it weren't for people donating blood. And I realised I'm in a similar position. My mum who donated blood for as long as I can remember, needed a transfusion herself. Without it, she wouldn't be here today either. 

A few days ago, I received this message: 

My donation had been sent to Wrexham Maelor Hospital to help someone in need. 

If you are able to give blood, do it. 

It's a small part of your day that could change the rest of someone else's. You never know who might need it - a stranger, a loved one, or even you one day. Book the appointment, take the time, and be part of something that genuinely saves lives. 

You can check your eligibility and find your nearest clinic by visiting the Welsh Blood Service's website here. 

A Day in Life of Sarah at Care & Repair

Sarah Burton, a dedicated caseworker with Care & Repair in Powys, spends her days ensuring older adults can live comfortably and safely in their homes. Through the Older Not Colder project, Sarah helps clients over the age of 60 stay warm, reduce energy bills, and access vital adaptations to improve their quality of life. Here’s a glimpse into one of Sarah’s busy days.

9:00 AM: Preparing for the Day Ahead

Sarah begins her day by checking emails, phone messages, and referrals to plan her week. Before visiting her first client, she reaches out to confirm that they have the necessary paperwork, such as benefits documentation, ready for their meeting. This will help determine eligibility for grants like the Disabled Facilities Grant.

She also ensures her resources are fully stocked for the day, including energy-saving items like carbon monoxide detectors, energy efficient bulbs, Winter Warm packs, and small adaptations such as draft proofing strips and radiator foils. Everything is carefully prepared to make the days visits as productive as possible.

10:30 AM: First Visit of the Day

Sarah’s first stop is to a ground floor flat in a converted older building. Her client, a woman in her 60s with mobility challenges, is relying on portable heaters and blankets instead of the old storage heaters in her home. Sarah discusses available grants for heating system upgrades, but the client prefers to wait for now. To provide immediate relief, Sarah gives her a Winter Warm pack.

The client also struggles with her bathroom, where a level access shower has been recommended. While waiting for that work to be completed, Sarah arranges for the installation of grab rails as an interim safety measure. A referral is made to the in-house adaptations team, and because the client qualifies for full grant funding, the larger shower project can move forward without financial concerns.

12:00 PM: Supporting a Recently Discharged Client

The next client Sarah visits lives in a small village and has just returned home after a hospital stay. Grab rails have already been installed, but further recommendations from an Occupational Therapist include a straight stairlift and a level access shower. Sarah ensures the necessary paperwork is in order to expedite the grant process so the client can receive these vital adaptations as soon as possible.

1:30 PM: Addressing Repairs and Financial Needs

In the early afternoon, Sarah meets another client to collect financial information for a benevolent funding application. This client’s roof and electrical system require urgent repairs, and Sarah is working to secure funding to cover the costs.

Recently, the client had a new heating system installed through the ECO Flex scheme, which has greatly improved her quality of life by providing reliable hot water. During the visit, Sarah conducts a benefits check to ensure the client is receiving all the support she qualifies for. The assessment confirms her eligibility for means tested benefits, offering additional peace of mind.

3:00 PM: Wrapping Up the Day

After completing her visits, Sarah returns to her office to document the day’s work and send follow up emails. She contacts the Housing Adaptations team to coordinate grant applications and confirms benefit eligibility for one of her clients, scheduling a follow-up visit to assist with the application process.

Later, Sarah makes a call to a new client who has been dealing with subpar repairs from untrustworthy builders. The client is relieved to hear that Sarah and the Care & Repair team can provide professional support to address her housing concerns.

Every day, Sarah Burton works tirelessly to make a tangible difference in the lives of older adults in Powys. Her role through the Older Not Colder project ensures clients can remain warm, safe, and supported in their homes. For anyone over 60 living in Powys who owns or privately rents their home, Sarah and the Care & Repair team are ready to help. To get in touch, call 01686 620760, or email enquiries@crpowys.co.uk