Campaigning
NHSBT Blood and Organ Donation
Our work at BACE began with one of our directors, Primrose Granville, who after discovering that her mother had polycystic kidney disease, initiated conversations within her immediate family and community. These discussions continued for several years. In 2008, when Primrose began her career in radio, she launched a comprehensive on-air campaign to raise awareness about the disease. Prior to her radio career, Primrose had also been diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease. For years, she only shared her mother's story until she herself reached end-stage renal failure in 2017.
In May 2018, Primrose publicly shared her own story for the first time, just before a video she created with NHSBT was launched on YouTube. This marked the start of her personal media campaign. It was only natural, when BACE was founded, advocating for health equity, especially in blood and organ donation, became a central part of our mission.
BACE partnered with NHSBT to produce a podcast series on blood and organ donation. "Podcasting for Our Health" features narratives from patients, caregivers, advocates, and medical professionals across ten episodes. Guests included members of African and Caribbean communities who relied on blood and organ donations. The series highlighted stories from parents of children with sickle cell disease, men who experienced sudden kidney failure and felt isolated, and celebrities like Levi Roots and Shaun "The Dark Destroyer" Wallace, who discussed why they give blood and pledge to donate their organs.
The podcast gained significant attention for the number of male voices included, the honesty of the individuals, and the insights shared by professional clinicians. The podcast is still available and can be accessed via Apple, Google, Podbean and Spotify.
Brigstowe’s Engagement
The city of Bristol has one of the highest rates of HIV infections in the UK among African and Caribbean communities. To address this critical health issue, our founder, Primrose Granville, volunteers with Brigstowe, a community organization dedicated to raising awareness about HIV testing, reducing stigma, and normalizing conversations around this health issue.
As a fast track city, Bristol benefits from initiatives that help to promote these importqnt conversations. Under Brigstowe Common Ambition umbrella, these conversations are actively promoted, helping to increase awareness and understanding.
Brigstowe's Human Ribbon campaign, launched in December 2023, featured public displays and billboards across the city that aims to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS in Bristol. Through these efforts, BACE and Brigstowe are making significant strides in improving health equity and fostering a more informed and compassionate community.