Hot weather can be dangerous, especially for people sleeping rough. Without proper access to shade, toilets, water or sun cream, hot summer days are long and risky.
If you see someone sleeping rough in your local area, here are a few ways you can help keep them safe in the heat:
Staying hydrated is essential. You could also offer food with high water content like watermelon or strawberries.
Helps reduce the risk of sunburn and sunstroke.
Provides much-needed shade and protection.
If it’s safe, approach and ask how they are. Treat people with kindness and respect. If someone looks unwell or needs urgent help, dial 999 or alert public services.
Suggest places like The Wallich, libraries, or other public buildings where people can get out of the sun during the hottest parts of the day.
Our Solutions drop in centres provide showers, laundry facilities, water and cool spaces for people sleeping rough, with centres in Cardiff, Bridgend and Ceredigion.
Our Street Homelessness Support Service in Haverfordwest also works directly with people on the streets.
Access to showers or even wet wipes can help reduce the risk of infection, especially for existing wounds or injuries.
In hot weather, risks increase. Encourage people to use low and slow, avoid mixing drugs and alcohol, and not to use alone.
Keep animals cool, shaded, and hydrated wherever possible.