Over 17,000 People in the UK Live With Sickle Cell Disease. In Scotland, Most Face It Alone.
Sickle cell is a life-threatening blood disorder that causes excruciating pain, frequent hospitalizations, and isolation, which predominantly affects African and Caribbean families. In Scotland, nearly 500 people struggle with the disease.
Children like Amara can spend up to 47 days in the hospital each year treating sickle cell complications. Until 2016, there was no dedicated support organization in Scotland to help families and communities manage the crisis until the Hope Project.
Hope Project Scotland was founded in 2016 by Christine and Lekan, who live with sickle cell themselves, because they couldn't find the help they desperately needed.
Today, we provide 24/7 crisis support, weekly peer groups, and youth empowerment workshops to families across Glasgow and beyond.
8 million active Sickle Cell Disease Cases
Help us help them
Sickle cell Care in Scotland, UK
240+
Worldwide children helped and treated from sickle cell disease
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Sickle cell Care in Scotland, UK
About us
Where it all begun..
In 2016, Hope Project Scotland was founded by Christine and Lekan, both living with sickle cell disease, alongside other families facing the same crisis. Beyond the physical pain caused by the disease, families and patients suffered social stigma and isolation, which worsened their quality of life as they battled the medical and financial demands of staying healthy.
In Scotland, there was no dedicated local support for families affected by sickle cell and other blood disorders. Our mission was clear from day one: bring together patients and their families to eradicate the isolation, social stigma, and prejudice, and advocate for better healthcare for people living with the disease.
Hope Project Scotland was launched on September 5, 2016. A year later, it became a registered charity (SC047913). Today, through community support, education, and advocacy, we provide 24/7 crisis support, weekly peer groups, youth empowerment workshops, and family activities across Glasgow and beyond.
We're led by people who live this reality every day, and that makes all the difference.
‘Sicklers’ and their carers can live happy and fruitful lives
Awareness of the disease in families is paramount
Shining a light on Thalesamia and other critical blood diseases
MISSION
THE JOURNEY SO FAR…
Our Mission is to build a community where we support patients and their families affected by the disease, easing the stress and trauma that’s often caused by the unknown.
£42,945
Invested directly in families (2023-24)
24/7
Crisis support during medical emergencies
8+ Years
Serving Scotland's sickle cell community
10+ Staff/Volunteers
All dedicated to your care
500+
Families supported since 2016
IMPACT STORIES
From Isolation to Advocacy:
Amara's Journey
Amara, 16, has lived with sickle cell disease since birth. Her life has been punctuated by pain and frequent hospital visits. Last year alone, Amara spent 47 days in the hospital receiving treatment for sickle cell complications.
While she battled through every episode, she also faced acute isolation due to her frail health. According to Amara, her classmates at school didn't understand why she always missed school, so she was always left out of school activities.
But through Hope Project's Youth Empowerment Workshops, Amara was able to meet other young people living with sickle cell disease, learn pain management techniques, and support families and peers who share the same struggle.
Today, Amara volunteers with Hope Project, mentoring newly diagnosed families. She recently achieved her Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award and is studying for her Highers with plans to become a nurse.
"The Hope Project showed me I wasn't alone." — Amara
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12-04-2024
Hope Project Scotland steps up partnership with SPAH
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12-04-2024
Scotland Rugby star Aaron Purewal becomes first Hope Project Scotland Ambassador
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