Burnham and the villages of the Dengie 100 have a long history of supporting the National Blood Service by attending the visiting Blood donor Sessions.

Most people will have a friend or relative who has been given blood as part of medical care in hospital.

In many of these cases the condition may well have been life threatening without the blood transfusion.

FAQ of donating blood

Where can I donate my blood?

Planned sessions to be held in the area  are listed below

Carnival Hall, Devonshire Road, Burnham on Crouch CM0 8DR

Wednesday, July 29, 2009 14:30 to 16:00 and 17:00 to 19:30 
Wednesday, September 16, 2009 14:30 to 16:00 and 17:00 to 19:30  
Wednesday, November 4, 2009 14:30 to 16:00 and 17:00 to 19:30 
Wednesday, December 9, 2009 14:30 to 16:00 and 17:00 to 19:30 
Wednesday, January 13, 2010 14:30 to 16:00 and 17:00 to 19:30 
Wednesday, March 10, 2010 14:30 to 16:00 and 17:00 to 19:30.

Maldon Sports and Social Club, Saville Suite, Park Drive, Maldon, CM9 5XX

Monday, July 13, 2009 14:00 to 16:00 and 17:00 to 19:45 
Monday, August 10, 2009 14:00 to 16:00 and 17:00 to 19:15 
Sunday, August 16, 2009 09:45 to 12:30 and 14:00 to 16:15 
Monday, September 28, 2009 14:00 to 16:00 and 17:00 to 19:45 
Monday, October 19, 2009 14:00 to 16:00 and 17:00 to 19:45 
Sunday, October 25, 2009 09:45 to 12:30 and 14:00 to 16:15 
Monday, November 9, 2009 14:00 to 16:00 and 17:00 to 19:45 
Sunday, December 6, 2009 09:45 to 12:30 and 14:00 to 16:15 
Thursday, December 17, 2009 14:00 to 16:00 and 17:00 to 19:45

The blood in your body

Your body has around 4-6 litres (8.5-12.5 pints) of blood, made up of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets, in a liquid called plasma.

There are four main blood groups - A, B, AB and O. Each of these can be positive or negative, so there are eight different variations of blood in total.

Blood types react differently to each other, so some are incompatible with others. O negative can safely be given to anyone.

Some blood groups are more common among some ethnic communities, so donations from people of all backgrounds are needed.

What is donated blood used for?

Hospitals and doctors need donated blood to treat a lot of different illnesses, and it's also used in most surgical operations.

On most days, there is less than a week's supply of blood in the UK's blood banks.

How do I give blood?

It's simple, just find your nearest venue and a nurse will guide you through the session.

A tiny drop of blood will be taken from your fingertip. This allows a check on your haemoglobin levels - to ensure that giving blood won't make you anaemic.

It's time to take your blood. There's nothing to worry about, most people hardly feel a thing.

Normally about 470ml is taken - just under a pint - which is quickly replaced by your body.

Once you've given blood, you will have a short rest before going to the refreshment area for a drink and biscuits.

Giving blood shouldn't take more than an hour.

When can I give blood?

You can start giving blood when you are 17.

As long as you generally fit and healthy and weigh over 50kg (7st 12lbs) you should be able to give blood.

What can I do before and after giving blood?

Before and after giving blood you should drink a lot of liquid and eat normally.

How often can I give blood?
You can donate blood every 16 weeks (about every four months).

I have a busy life will I have to Queue to give blood?

By contacting the Blood Service on 0300 123 33 33 or visiting their website www.blood.co.uk it is possible to book an appointment.

By making your appointment you will normally be dealt with on time.

People who arrive without appointments are seen as soon as possible and ocasionally there may be a short waiting period if the centre is busy.

How can I find out more?

You can visit the website of the National Blood service by clicking the below link.

This will provide more information and allow you to check the dates of future blood donor sessions and to make an appointment if you wish.