The Archer Project has a new sunscreen dispenser in the foyer of our centre, so that people we're supporting have ready access to sun protection.
Every summer we ask for donations of suncream to help people protect themselves from risk of sunburn. People experiencing homelessness are at greater risk of sun exposure as a result of spending more time outside.
Sunburn increases the risk of developing skin-related cancers, such as melanoma. Charlotte Killeya, who was diagnosed with melanoma in 2020, has been campaigning for more awareness of sun safety and for greater access to sunscreen in Sheffield. This includes working with a number of organisations who support people experiencing homelessness, such as Archer Project, Ben's Centre and Likewise.
Following treatment at Sheffield's Weston Park Hospital, Charlotte has been working with Melanoma Focus to bring more attention to this issue. According to their research, 54% of Sheffield residents suffer from sunburn at least once a year, and 29% of people in Sheffield rarely or never apply suncream during summer.
Cancer Research UK state that 86% of melanomas are preventable through staying safe in the sun by wearing sunscreen, covering your skin, and seeking shade – but for people experiencing homelessness, particularly if they're on the street, staying cool in hot weather and preventing sunburn can be even more challenging.
Thanks to Charlotte's ongoing efforts, a sunscreen dispenser has recently been donated and installed at The Archer Project.
Our CEO, Tim Renshaw said: "We're very grateful to have worked with Charlotte on this, as street homeless communities are frequently overlooked but are subject to unprotected long hours of outdoor life all year round. We are a health-related service so helping people to protect themselves from sunburn is important.
"Summer weather conditions present a particular threat for sun exposure. This year we will have had two incidents of three-day periods of around 30 degrees, so at the moment there is a significantly increased risk for the people we support."
Charlotte said: "It’s important to get the right protection and follow NHS guidelines – a minimum of SPF 30, broad spectrum UVA and UVB and 4 or 5 stars. Suncream also has an expiry date, so if you are making a donation please follow the NHS guidelines and please donate new bottles of suncream that haven’t been used."
If you would like to donate suncream for The Archer Project, please find details about making a donation at: https://archerproject.org.uk/gifts-in-kind
Melanoma Focus is a national charity dedicated to providing a comprehensive and authoritative source of information for public and professionals alike, as well as supporting education and promoting research about melanoma.
For more information you can visit https://melanomafocus.org/ or phone the Melanoma Focus free and confidential helpline on 0808 801 0777.
Image with headline: Sunscreen dispenser affixed to a yellow wall in The Archer Project's foyer, accompanied by posters that read: "SUN CREAM Free Sun Protection Help Yourself" and "HOT WEATHER Drink water to keep you hydrated. We have suncream available."
