The Channel Islands Coop has announced its support for a new Sun Safe Schools pilot campaign launching this summer at St Sampson’s High School, aimed at tackling Guernsey’s alarmingly high rates of skin cancers.
Following a presentation to all the schools by Public Health, St Sampson’s went on to develop an entire Sun Safety campaign which seeks to educate students on the dangers of UV exposure, encourage sun safety habits, and provide sun protection to students who arrive at school without any.
As main sponsor, Coop Pharmacy will provide:
- A donation of 30+ SPF sun cream for students needing it
- Co-branded signage and posters to be displayed in designated ‘Sun Safe Zones’ and changing rooms
- Support with public awareness messaging and parent communications
If successful, it is hoped the initiative will roll out to all three Guernsey secondary schools in September and return every March – September from 2026.
Carl Winn, Head of Community and Sustainability at the Channel Islands Coop said: “We’re proud to support this important health campaign. We believe education, access, and community-led action can make a real difference in preventing long-term harm. As a local pharmacy, our role is not only to provide products but also to promote wellbeing — especially for young people.”
Guernsey’s rate of malignant melanoma skin cancer stands at 49.3 per 100,000, nearly double that of England. According to the island’s 2023 Wellbeing Survey:
- 30% of young people used no sun protection at all
- Over 17% could not name a single sign of skin cancer
- Rates of sunburn and lack of awareness are increasing over time
Lee Thomas, Personal Development Lead at St Sampson’s High School said: “At St Sampson’s High School we aim to prepare our students to be successful adults in as many ways as possible. When I saw the results of the Wellbeing Survey, presented by Public Health at our PSHCE Inset day, I decided we as a school needed to do more. As ever our students are attentive to the message and the need to improve their own behaviours as well as sharing their knowledge within their communities.”
