Free suncream for Vale Primary, thanks to Mug
A LOCAL charity has been providing local schools with the tools to be sun safe as UV levels start to rise.
Male Uprising Guernsey (Mug) started giving schools suncream and dispensers around five years ago, aiming to get young islanders thinking about how they can protect themselves from sunburn and the issues it presents.
According to the Healthcare Group, non-melanoma skin cancers account for approximately 45% of all diagnosed cancers in Guernsey.
Chris Walker from Mug said it is an issue that is often ignored, especially among young people.
‘Guernsey is one of the worst places in the world for skin cancer.
‘A lot of people just think it’s cloudy so it doesn’t matter and don’t appreciate it’s actually the UV levels,’ he said.
‘We want to remind the kids of what needs to be done to keep safe so they hopefully carry it on throughout life.’
Vale Primary was the most recent school to have had its stock replenished after Mr Walker gave it six litres of SPF 30, which is widely recommended for most people.
There are five dispensers around the site, with mirrors to ensure the cream is applied correctly.
The school has become increasingly aware of sun safety and takes other measures to instil the message in its pupils.
‘We do a lot of outdoor learning so we ensure the kids are wearing sun hats and we make sure any areas that aren’t covered by clothes are covered by sun cream.
‘We also have UV monitors so we know what the levels are,’ said Vale Primary sun safe ambassador Juliet Bell.
Vale is also a Skin Sun Safe Accredited school, which it reapplies for every year.
Around six schools are currently taking up Mug’s offer of free suncream.
The charity would like to see all schools take part in the initiative.
n Those interested should contact info@mug.gg.
