Inspiring Young Voices

South Lanarkshire College Students Champion Organ Donation Awareness

South Lanarkshire College students have made a powerful impact through a creative collaboration with NHS Lanarkshire, producing three compelling videos aimed at raising awareness of organ and tissue donation among young people.

As part of their Foundation Apprenticeship in Creative and Digital Media, students were challenged to develop communication ideas that would resonate with audiences under 25. The aim was to increase understanding of organ and tissue donation and encourage young people to share their donation decisions with family and friends.

The students responded with creativity and empathy, producing three videos that explore the emotional and practical aspects of organ donation. 

The project emphasised the importance of using digital platforms to engage young people in meaningful conversations about organ donation. By leveraging storytelling, relatable scenarios, and clear messaging, the students helped demystify the donation process and encouraged viewers to make informed decisions and discuss them with loved ones.

This successful partnership between South Lanarkshire College and NHS Lanarkshire showcases the power of youth-led creativity in public health communication. It also sets a precedent for future collaborations that combine education, digital media, and social impact.

Jackie McColl, deputy director of communications at NHS Lanarkshire, who worked with the young people commented: 

“The students demonstrated remarkable maturity and creativity in tackling a sensitive subject with care and compassion. Their collaboration with a specialist nurse and an organ recipient brought depth and authenticity to the videos they produced. It was a privilege to celebrate their achievements at South Lanarkshire College, where their hard work and talent were recognised”.

 Ailey Ross, lecturer at South Lanarkshire College said: 

“Contributing to a project as sensitive as organ donation has been a privilege shared by both staff and students, and we are extremely grateful to NHS Lanarkshire for entrusting our young people with this challenge. Having the chance to work on a real-life project of this scale has been an invaluable experience, giving our students the opportunity to apply their skills in a professional context and see the impact their work can have beyond the classroom.”

For more information contact:

Jackie McColl, Deputy Director of Communications, NHS Lanarkshire  jackie.mccoll@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk