Protection against the sun and heat in Doetinchem
The municipality of Doetinchem sought to raise awareness of the risks of heat and UV radiation among children and parents, and to take protective measures at locations frequented by children: schoolyards, sports fields and event grounds. Support from the ZonMw healthcare funding organisation and the GGD community health service enabled the municipality of Doetinchem to include sun protection in its existing policy on climate adaptation and the greening of schoolyards.
Photo: Sunscreen dispenser at an athletics club. Photographer: Argo Atletiek
What measures have been taken?
The municipality of Doetinchem has taken the following measures:
- Sunscreen dispensers
The municipality made four mobile sunscreen dispensers available. Clear application instructions are provided on the dispensers, which are managed and refilled by the sports company and the inner-city company. This works well, as these companies are familiar with the urban network and know where the dispensers are needed. - Communication
Municipality Cabinet Member Jorik Huizinga shared a picture of the first dispenser on social media, which garnered additional attention in the local press. The “Weren, kleren, smeren” (Protect, Clothe, Slather) campaign was promoted among sports clubs through posters, whilst schools received a full information kit. Schools were free to decide whether to use the kit. - Trees
The project provided four trees for the King’s birthday celebrations – royal lime trees that could be re-planted afterwards. One of these trees will be planted by a school in the autumn of 2025.
Sun protection now embedded in policy
Within the municipality, this project has given significant impetus to the attention for sun protection. It has also boosted regional collaboration on this topic. Furthermore, the municipality of Doetinchem has now anchored sun protection in policy. The communication materials that have been developed will remain useful for the time to come, and the “Weren, Kleren, Smeren” campaign features on next year’s communication calendar.
Lessons learned
The main lessons to be learned, identified by the municipality of Doetinchem, concern timing and the best parties to involve in the project:
- Schools could apply for a tree free of charge or for a grant (to a maximum of 250 euros) for a shade cloth. This garnered little response, as the timing was off. Starting in the autumn will allow schools more time to plan.
- It would have been advisable to involve the GGD Healthy School consultant, as they have a good network among schools.
- One school head recommended directly informing school boards, as they are in a better position to disseminate the topic within the schools.
Contact
Trinette Ufkes
Municipality of Doetinchem
T.Ufkes@doetinchem.nl
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