All secondary school children in England are now being taught about blood, organ and stem cell donation as part of the national curriculum for the first time.

By having donation as a key part of their lessons this academic year, it is hoped that young people will consider becoming donors and drive donation conversations at home, to help patients relying on life-saving gifts.

NHS Blood and Transplant needs to collect around 1.4 million blood donations a year in England to help hospital patients of all ages.

Alex Cullen, head of Marketing at NHSBT, says: “We’re delighted that donation is now part of the national curriculum, young people can make such a difference, by donating but also by talking to their family and friends about donation and encouraging others to become lifesavers.

“We see considering the types of donation as a rite of passage to becoming an adult, these lessons will allow pupils to discuss donation and empower them to make their own informed decision.

“If young people support donation after learning about it, we know they can be hugely influential and can help advocate for us and ultimately help us save more lives.

“We’re excited to be working with teachers to educate 11 to 16 year-olds about donation and would encourage teachers to check out our free resources to help them with these lessons. We know young people can save lives too but also inspire others around to think about the gifts they can give.”

Free resources to help teachers educate secondary school students about the different kinds of donation and the difference they make, are available now online.