Donating blood is not made easy for people

[Floogal]

Listening to today's news, regarding the severe shortages of blood stocks and the call to get more donors has got me thinking.

https://www.itv.com/news/2025-06-09/nhs-calls-for-an-extra-200000-blood-donors-as-stocks-run-low

They don't exactly make it easy for people to donate as sessions are often at inconvenient times and places (week days and working hours when most people are working). And as a former donor myself, I was often made to feel that they were doing me a favour by letting me donate. Not forgetting the cancelled sessions.

I've just searched on three major cities and there are no slots available between now and 24 March. Is there a knack to searching to find an appointment?

It seems to be becoming easier again in my area. They have opened up more of the smaller venues rather than the big ones they had to use during Covid and now I find getting a session much easier. I love the new venue I'm using as a lot of the staff are the same and very friendly and it feels more like a family party than a blood production line

I got a reminder text today saying I was eligible to donate again - I used the app and was able to book an appointment the first week in December on a day and time of my choice at a city centre donation centre. They had weekend slots and loads of availability.