Did you know that in Autumn blood donations can decrease by up to 20%? Here are eight reasons why:
1. Daylight savings time
It's that time of year when it's dark when you wake up and dark when you leave the office at 5pm! The last thing many of us want to do after coming home on a gloomy night is to get wrapped up and head back out to your local community session to give blood.
2. Bad weather
With Autumn comes wind, rain, hail and storms. When the sun is shining we're delighted to see more walk ins to our sessions that don't require appointments. If it's blowing a gale outside we are less likely to welcome a donor who happened to notice us when they were walking by.
3. Football season starts back
The Champions League, Premier League, Scottish Premier League and World Cup qualifiers are all back. Whether you're out supporting your team in person or relaxing in front of the TV, your evenings are significantly busier than in the summer.
4. Autumn TV schedule is too good
Speaking of relaxing in front of the TV- who wants to brave the cold, wet journey to a blood donor session when there's the Great British Bakeoff, Poldark, Strictly, Westworld and X Factor to watch?
5. School Holidays
No school for the wee ones means extra childcare requirements for you! While your wee ones are generally welcome to our blood donor sessions, this is at the Team Manager's discretion. As long as your children are happy to amuse themselves whilst you are donating as our collection team are not able to supervise. If you have never given blood before or have had problems whilst donating in the past (e.g. feeling lightheaded) it is probably better to leave the wee ones at home.
6. October Holidays
If you are lucky enough to be on your travels this October, please remember to #GiveBeforeYouGo. Not only do holidays mean that you wont have time to give blood but there are certain destinations that may delay blood donation when you come back.
7. Cold and flu
You need to be feeling 100% fit and well to give blood. Had your flu jab recently? You can give blood without delay provided you are not feeling unwell. If you've had a cough or a cold you can donate as soon as you're feeling better. If you've had sickness, diarrhoea or other symptoms there will be a longer wait before you can come back. See here for more info.
8. Bonfire Night and Halloween
Parties, nights out and fireworks displays can fill up your already busy schedule.