Staying Safe in the Sun
- By Tara Roberts
- •
- 03 Aug, 2018
Summer has arrived and it’s Hot Hot Hot! Most of us spend all year wishing for better weather, but it’s very important to know how to enjoy the sun in a safe way and be prepared for a heatwave. High temperatures can be dangerous to our health, especially for those more vulnerable like older people and people with disabilities. This weekend is set to be another scorcher, so we’ve put together some tips for everyone to help stay safe. Keep up to date on weather and weather warnings on the metoffice website.
General advice
Here are some general tips on how to stay safe in the sun:
- Try to stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm as this is when the sun is at its strongest.
- When you do go outside, ensure you apply sun cream at least once every 2 hours.
- Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine as these can cause dehydration, instead try water or fruit and vegetable juices. For some ideas click here and view some healthy juice and smoothie recipes.
- Try wearing a hat to provide some shade and cover up your head.
- Put a cool damp cloth behind your neck to lower your body temperature.
- Eat cold foods with high water content such as
salads and fruit.
For more tips click here and view our easy read booklet on how to stay safe in a heatwave.
Advice for staff
Here are some tips on how to stay safe when working in the sun:
- Try to wear clothing that’s loose, long sleeved and thin to work to stay cool and reduce your skins exposure to the sun.
- When you’re outside, ensure you wear sunglasses to protect your eyes form strong rays, this is extremely important for people with light coloured eyes.
- Ensure that adequate arrangements are made for clients’ food shopping that decrease the need to walk around in the heat, e.g. getting shopping delivered to the clients’ home.
- Stay hydrated and ensure you drink at least 6-8 classes of water a day, even if you are very busy.
Advice for managers
Here are some tips to ensure your business is prepared for a heatwave:
- Create
specific heat related risk assessments
for clients who may be more vulnerable to extreme heat such as those who are
bed-bound.
Click here to view our Hot Weather Risk Assessment blog and form.
- Have person-centered care plans that outline clients who are at higher risk.
- Provide extra care and support during times of high temperature by giving regular advice and arranging for someone to visit a client at least once a day.
- Consider using reflective paint, window shutters and planting trees around homes to help provide extra shade and to keep buildings cool.
- Ensure staff know which rooms are the easiest to keep cool coolest in order to organise the distribution of clients according to the most at risk.
- Assess
a client’s environment to ensure it is safe
and responsive
to a heatwave and can
provide things such as safe and secure ventilation.
Follow this advice and stay safe this summer!
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My name is Kanika Akinshegun.
I started at Manor Community In Jan 2025 as a HR & Recruitment Co-ordinator. I have been in recruitment for over 5 years, and I really enjoy engaging with people and helping them to make their next career choice. Often the candidate experience shapes the way a company is perceived, and I always work hard to ensure the first experience someone gets is a positive one. My aim at Manor Community is to ensure we employ the best people for our services, where caring comes naturally to them, in turn making the best experience for our clients.
Going forward I plan on working towards attending relevant recruitment events, with amazing merchandise, ensuring the recruitment is streamlined, cost effective and we plan to ensure we have the right people in place at the right time!
Outside of recruitment I have an 8-year-old son, and a cat called Sonic. I love art and paint on canvases using oil paints as a way of relaxing. I love working out and enjoy making up new workout routines to release those endorphins.
The best kind of recruitment is word of mouth so if you know anyone you can refer to me, please let me know!
Today, our residents were in for a special treat when a little puppy named Teddy paid us a visit! With his soft fur, big eyes, and wagging tail, Teddy quickly won the hearts of everyone in the room, bringing a wave of joy and comfort to our residents.
For many of our residents, it’s been a while since they’ve had the company of a furry friend, and Teddy’s playful energy was a breath of fresh air. As he trotted around, curious and excited, many of our residents couldn't help but smile and reach out to pet him. The simple act of stroking his soft fur seemed to lift their spirits and spark memories of their own beloved pets from years ago.
What seems like an age ago now I first got interested in working in the social care sector working with adults with learning difficulties in the land-based industry. Right from the start I could see the benefits this sector has mainly, obviously to the individuals using a service – improving knowledge, confidence and having a purpose to get up for. After many courses/qualifications and throughout the decades I pursued this sector, again working with adults and young people in different settings including residential and supported living, not only in the land-based sector but supporting people in their communities.
Fast track to the present day and Manor Community. I have been working for Manor for roughly seven years, with a slight hiatus after four years, believe me the grass isn’t always greener. Today my passion for helping people with learning difficulties and mental health issues remains the same, albeit there have been some knocks and falls but after self-reflection and kind words of encouragement you get up and carry on.
Presently at Manor I have progressed through the ranks as a senior. I was thrilled to get the role as it shows that I’m valued within the company. No two days of my working week are the same, I could be completing audits or assisting colleagues with their work one day, to supporting individuals for appointments and social scenarios or pulling my hair out trying to get through bureaucratic (external agencies) red tape ensuring individuals are treated as equals. Occasionally I go home frustrated, but more often I go home satisfied I have made a positive difference to someone’s day.
Continuing our feedback series, we are delighted to shine a well-deserved spotlight on the incredible care workers who make Manor a truly special place. At Manor, we believe that every member of our team plays a vital role in creating a supportive and nurturing environment for our residents. Our care workers are at the heart of this effort, working tirelessly day and night with unwavering dedication, compassion, and skill. They go beyond just providing care—they build relationships, offer comfort, and ensure that each resident feels valued, respected, and safe. Their efforts create a warm and welcoming atmosphere where families can feel at ease, knowing their loved ones are in the best possible hands.
Recognitions and Accreditation
Manor Community is a trading company of Improving Prospects Limited registered number 06851740