Inherited.
Never contagious.
It is passed on through genes. You cannot catch sickle cell through touch, friendship or sharing a meal.
AWARENESS BEGINS WITH UNDERSTANDING
See the person.
Understand
their world.
Sickle cell can be invisible. Your support doesn’t have to be. Learn the facts, explore everyday experiences and discover how to show up for someone.
A space for everyone. A conversation worth having.
More than a diagnosis.
Connected by compassion.
LEARN WITH AN OPEN MINDLISTEN WITHOUT JUDGEMENTTURN UNDERSTANDING INTO ACTION
01 / UNDERSTAND THE BASICS
A small step towards
a bigger understanding.
Sickle cell disease is a group of inherited conditions affecting red blood cells. It can cause pain and fatigue, and everyone’s experience is different.
You don’t have to know everything to be supportive. Start with these three things.
Explore the NHS guide ↗Inherited.
Not all pain
is visible.
Someone may look well while experiencing pain or fatigue. Take what they tell you seriously.
Small gestures.
Real support.
Listen, be flexible with plans and ask what would help. Support starts with the person’s own needs.
02 / PUT UNDERSTANDING INTO PRACTICE
Sometimes, support
starts with what
you say.
A friend cancels. A colleague needs a break. How you respond can make a difference.
These fictional situations explore supportive responses. They do not simulate living with sickle cell.
THE EMPATHY MOMENT
03 / A LITTLE LEARNING, A LASTING DIFFERENCE
Curious? You’re in
the right place.
Challenge a myth. Discover something new.
Take that understanding into your world.
THE AWARENESS QUIZ
KNOWLEDGE, WITHOUT JUDGEMENTWhat does
Read the screening guidance ↗
What does
“carrying the trait” mean?
Having sickle cell trait is different from having sickle cell disease. A carrier can pass the gene on to their children.
Explore a simple inheritance example
If both biological parents have sickle cell trait (AS), each pregnancy has these chances:
25%AA
Usual haemoglobin genes50%AS
Sickle cell trait25%SS
Sickle cell disease
Usual haemoglobin genes50%AS
Sickle cell trait25%SS
Sickle cell disease
The chances are the same for every pregnancy. Other gene combinations can also cause sickle cell disease. Testing and a healthcare professional can help you understand your own situation.
“What would help you today?”
One simple question. Space to listen. A good place to begin.
04 / YOU DON’T HAVE TO NAVIGATE IT ALONE
Find your next step.
Trusted places to learn more
and find support in the UK.
HEALTH INFORMATION
Understand the condition ↗
NHS information on symptoms, care and when to seek medical help.
Visit the NHSCOMMUNITY & SUPPORTConnect with support ↗
Explore information, advice and community services from the Sickle Cell Society.
Visit the Sickle Cell SocietyAbout our information & your privacy
This independent awareness site provides education, not personal medical advice. Medical facts draw on the NHS and GOV.UK pages linked above; sources checked 27 October 2026. This starter has not been independently reviewed by a clinician.
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Sickle cell is inherited. Awareness can support informed reproductive choices and understanding of care; it cannot guarantee prevention of the disease or its complications. For personal advice, speak with a qualified healthcare professional. For urgent help, follow your care plan and local emergency guidance.