Hot weather support for rough sleepers is activated by North Somerset Council

North Somerset Council has put emergency support measures in place to help homeless people during the ongoing heatwave.

The authority has activated its severe weather emergency protocol (SWEP) due to the exceptionally high temperatures.

In Weston-super-Mare, the Somewhere To Go rough sleeper outreach team is handing out sun cream and bottled water to vulnerable people in the area.

Temporary overnight accommodation is also being offered by the charity to individuals with medical conditions that increase their risk of heat-related illness

The action comes after an amber heat-health alert was issued for the South West, running from today, May 26, until 5pm on Thursday, May 28.

A North Somerset Council spokesperson said:

“We’ve activated our Severe Weather Emergency Protocol for people who are sleeping rough.

“The Somewhere To Go Weston-super-Mare Rough Sleeper Outreach team is going out with sun cream and bottles of water to check in with people who are sleeping rough, seeing who needs shelter during the hottest part of the day and to offer overnight accommodation to people with health conditions which might make them more vulnerable to the heat.”

The council also cautioned that older adults, babies, young children, and people with long-term medical conditions could struggle more in the hot weather.

Residents are being encouraged to look out for friends, relatives, and neighbours throughout the heatwave.

Pet owners were also reminded not to walk dogs during the hottest parts of the day and never to leave animals inside hot vehicles.