Free sun protection for the homeless

Date published: 24 July 2010

A unique scheme to protect homeless people of Manchester against the health risks associated with sun exposure is now underway.

Based in Rochdale, The Co-operative Pharmacy with the organisation, Sunwise, is supplying free factor 30 sun cream and after sun to the homeless in Manchester during the summer months, along with 13 other UK cities to help shield them from one of the fastest growing forms of cancer in the UK – skin cancer.

Following the roll out of the scheme last year and an initial trial in Cardiff in 2008, the scheme continues to grow.

Despite frequently unsettled summers in the UK, the two organisations are warning that even during cloudy days, ultra violet (UV) rays can still have a harmful effect on the skin.

Phill Lewis, Advice and Support Manager of Cardiff Council founded Sunwise specifically to tackle a health issue, which affects a significant number of homeless every year. After the success of last year’s project, a number of hostels from various locations across the UK contacted Sunwise to become part of the scheme.

Amanda Croome of the Booth Centre, an activities and advice based day facility which enables homeless people to rebuild their lives, at the Manchester Cathedral, said: “Despite only having short sunny periods in the UK, risks of exposure to the sun still exist, particularly for a group of people who often don’t have a choice about being outdoors for a greater period of time. The scheme was extremely well received last year and more then 100 people benefitted from the project.”

The sun cream will be distributed via front line services for Manchester’s homeless including the Booth Centre at Manchester Cathedral, other day centres, outreach workers and hostels.