A grassroots group has been given a funding boost to help encourage more black people to become blood, organ, and stem cell donors.

Medway African and Caribbean Association (MACA) has been awarded a grant from the NHS Blood and Transplant Grants project.

Currently, black, Asian and minority ethnic groups make up one third of all people on the organ transplant waiting list due to the difficulties finding a match.

The money will be used to undertake a 12-month-campaign with individuals and community groups to educate people about the project.

MACA will work with Medway Council's public health team, Medway Arts and Cultural team and other partners to close the gap in access to treatment between varying ethnicities.

Carol Stewart, the chair of the Medway African and Caribbean Association, said the charity was "very proud" to have been awarded the grant.

"We know that nationally there is a shortage of donors, which ultimately decreases the likelihood of treatment for Black people in need of blood and organs," she said.

"Increasing the diversity of donors will help to ensure that people of African and Caribbean origin have more accesses to compatible blood and organs when needed.

"We look forward to supporting the drive to save lives."

At present, white patients have an 80-90% chance of finding a stem cell match from a stranger, compared to the 30-40% probability for Black and Asian people.

Matches for stem cells and blood types are urgently needed to treat the 15,000 people in the UK suffering from sickle cell, a disease particularly prevalent in African and Caribbean people.

CEO of leading cancer charity Anthony Nolan, Henny Braund, said: "These vital projects will boost the number of stem cell donors from minority ethnic backgrounds on the UK stem cell register."

Health Minister, Neil O’Brien added: "It is important everyone has the best chance of receiving a potentially life-saving blood, organ or stem cell donation.

"Thank you to all these grass roots organisations for bringing communities together to transform the lives of thousands of people."

Medway African Caribbean Association was started back in 1984 and aims to promote inclusivity with regards to African and Caribbean heritage, arts and culture.