More than two thirds (68%) of state and independent schools across the UK have already ordered the award-winning "Give and Let Live" educational resource and NHSBT is now writing again to encourage them to use the materials with 14-16 year olds.
The NHS Special Health Authority says the scheme is an important part of raising awareness amongst young people about the value of donation, both in life and after death, and encouraging them to think about becoming donors themselves in future.
Jeanette Reaney, who teaches at The Corbet School in Shrewsbury, explained: "Staff at our school enjoy using the 'Give and Let Live' resource as it is very user friendly, clear and straightforward to teach. Our students like learning from the pack as the lessons are interesting and the case studies are real life stories which they can relate to.
"As a teacher, I am constantly reviewing materials as possible subject matter in lessons but Give and Let Live stands out as one of the most important because of its life-saving nature.
"We all expect blood or organs to be there if we need them but someone has to donate them. I see this pack as a vital part of our children's learning for the future, making them into good citizens and encouraging them to do the right thing not just for themselves or people close to them but for the community as a whole.
"I have used the resource every year with a variety of age ranges and it is easy to dip in and out of. I would thoroughly recommend the resource to any other school or youth group."
The resource includes detailed lesson plans to be used in PSHE (and equivalent classes in Scotland, Wales and NI), Religious Education and Science, as well as activity sheets, real life stories, debating topics, games and films.
'Give and Let Live' is now complemented by the "Register and Be a Lifesaver" programme, a joint initiative between NHSBT and the Anthony Nolan Trust which is delivered in schools and colleges to raise awareness of donation with 17-18 year olds.
Lynda Hamlyn, Chief Executive for NHSBT, commented: "The 'Give and Let Live' resource provides a level of knowledge to young people about donating blood, organs, tissue and bone marrow. Through discussion, activities and presentations students will develop an understanding about the importance of donation, which will allow them to make an informed choice about whether to become a donor themselves."
'Give and Let Live' is dedicated to the memory of Bedfordshire Prep School teacher Jeanette Crizzle, who lost her battle to acute myeloid leukaemia in October 2006 while awaiting a suitable bone marrow transplant match.
The Teacher's Pack can be ordered by calling 01634 729843 or email giveandletlive@education.co.uk
