People with learning disabilities in Doncaster have been shown how to protect themselves from skin cancer this summer thanks to staff from St John’s Information Service and the Community Learning Disabilities Services Health Action Team.
Joanne O’Marr, who manages St John’s Information Service, said: “Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK and the number of people diagnosed is increasing. We urge everyone to stay safe in the sun.”
Specially designed to help learning disabled understand risks
The teams, run by Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH), held a series of sessions across Doncaster in August, specially designed to help learning disabled people understand the dangers of skin cancer and the importance of protecting their skin from the sun.
RDaSH staff nurse Jacky Crawshaw from the Health Action Team added: “We’re giving our service users some basic information and advice around enjoying the sun safely, such as seeking shade, wearing sunglasses, a hat, and sun-protective clothing, as well as using sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) 15 or higher.”
For more information go to www.rdash.nhs.uk
Pictured: RDaSH staff nurse Jacky Crawshaw (right) and RDaSH cancer information support worker (second left) with Mark Ambler (left), Darren Jones (centre) and Mark Tattersill (second right) at the suns safety awareness session held at Thorne Social Education Centre.
