Creating a social media appeal for a living donor

Appeals often work best when they start with people who already know the recipient.

You may find it helpful to begin by sharing your story privately with close family and friends, then decide together whether to post more widely.

You are in control of what you share.

If you are posting on behalf of someone else, make sure you have their clear permission.

Take care to protect your privacy when sharing personal or medical information and remember that social media posts can be widely shared.

You may find it helpful to create a dedicated page for the appeal rather than using a personal account.

Keep your appeal safe by not sharing your own personal contact information or the names of individual members of the transplant team.

It's important to make any potential donors aware that they must contact the living donor transplant team themselves, not by someone else.

Potential donors responding to your appeal should not contact you directly unless they already know you.

Do not arrange to meet strangers who offer to donate - direct them to the living donor team.

Living donation must be voluntary, and recipients should never offer anything in return. It's illegal to exchange money or gifts for an organ transplant.

Likes and shares can help your story reach more people, but they do not reliably predict whether a suitable donor will come forward.

Many people will respond with kindness and encouragement.

If you do receive unhelpful comments or messages, it can help to plan in advance how you will manage them for example, by limiting replies, using moderation tools (such as blocking or filtering comments), or asking a trusted person to help.

Make sure emotional support is available if needed.

It's important that you do not offer guidance about donor suitability. All assessments must be carried out by the living donor team.

Friends, family members, or recipients should not contact the team on behalf of a potential donor

The living donor team will guide the process and identify which respondents can move forward to the next stage.

Not everyone who contacts the team will progress to medical testing, as this depends on suitability and each centre's capacity to carry out assessments.

The assessment process is thorough and involves several appointments and tests. Donors are supported to make informed decisions at their own pace, without pressure.

Some people who wish to donate may not be suitable and the team will clearly explain outcomes and next steps to the donor.

The living donor team cannot share personal information about donor assessments with recipients. However, they can provide general monthly updates on whether potential donors have responded and whether testing is likely to proceed.

Living donation involves major surgery, and the donor team will explain the benefits, risks, and what recovery typically involves. Depending on the nature of their job, donors may need up to three months off work to recover.

Potential donors can withdraw at any stage, without giving a reason. Their decision and personal information will remain confidential.