UK heatwave records broken

With UK records being broken this summer and reaching highs of 35 C and temperatures expected to keep rising, the heat is starting to take its toll, especially on the older members of our community.

Our day opportunities service has been helping the people we support to stay cool this summer.

We have been offering extra fluids as well as fruit as an alternative to help keep everyone hydrated. Wet wipes have been put in the fridge to keep everyone refreshed and windows and doors have been opened when cooler outside, while keeping the blinds closed. In the afternoon we’ve been enjoying ice cream as a treat in this hot weather.

With the temperatures rising, we have had to make the difficult decision to close some of our centres early due to the temperature inside becoming too hot for the people attending that day.

Our Day Opportunities Manager, Alison, has spent time searching for air conditioning units to buy, however due to the demand they are now out of stock! Our mini buses have been making shorter, more frequent trips to reduce the length of time that everyone is on the buses.

Alison Fisher Day Opportunities Manager said “The teams have been assessing each day individually, on occasion the staff and drivers have been taking the people we support to the local parks to have ice cream in the shade and much needed fresh air, rather than staying indoors where it is hotter. They are all working very hard to keep the people we support and staff hydrated and healthy over the last few weeks and we will continue to put them first as the hot weather continues.”

To find out more about day opportunities and how we could support you or a loved one visit our page here.