How to support people sleeping rough in the heat
Hot on the heels of the warmest June on record, we’re heading into another heatwave.
While many of us enjoy basking in the sunshine, it is our essential home comforts that make the heat bearable. For people facing homelessness, hot weather is not only uncomfortable; it can be life-threatening.
As temperatures rise, so does the risk of heat-related illness – and while anyone can suffer during a heatwave, people experiencing homelessness face a significantly greater danger, especially those who are rough sleeping.
Staying safe during extreme heat becomes a daily challenge without consistent access to shelter, water, and medical support.
Why People Experiencing Homelessness Are at Greater Risk
People living without stable housing are more likely to:
- Be exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods
- Have limited access to water, shade, suncream, appropriate protective clothing and hygiene facilities
- Be managing underlying health conditions
- Be taking medication that impacts temperature regulation
- Struggle with substance use or mental health needs
All of these factors can make it harder to stay cool and healthy in the heat. People facing homelessness are at significantly greater risk of suffering from dehydration, sunburn (which can leave blisters and broken skin, increasing the likelihood of infection), heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
What we’re doing to support rough sleepers in the heat
Our Outreach Teams are on the frontlines supporting people sleeping rough 365 days a year, whatever the weather. When temperatures rise, they’re ready to assist with welfare checks, advice and support to help people access shelter, and essential items to help rough sleepers stay safe in the sun, like water, suncream and hats.
How you can help someone rough sleeping survive the heat
During hot weather, people sleeping rough are highly vulnerable. Here’s how you can help:
📞 Contact our Street Outreach Teams to notify us on:
Nottingham and Nottinghamshire: 0800 066 5356
Sheffield: 0800 066 5358
📍 Or use StreetLink to report someone sleeping rough anywhere in England and Wales.
💧 Offer a bottle of water to help them stay hydrated if you’re able to
☀️ Offer items to help protect them from the sun, like suncream or protective clothing (sun hats, sunglasses, light scarves, or loose-fitting light clothing can all help) if you’re able to
🫶 Donate to support our work during the heatwave and beyond here
Recognising Heat-Related Illnesses: Signs and what to do
Two of the most common and dangerous conditions caused by extreme heat are heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Heat exhaustion happens when the body loses too much water and salt, often through heavy sweating. Heatstroke occurs when the body can no longer regulate its temperature. If not treated urgently, it can cause lasting damage or even death.
The NHS lists some of the signs of heat exhaustion as:
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Pale, sweaty skin
- Fast breathing or heartbeat
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or confusion
- Weakness
If you suspect someone is suffering from heat-related illness and you feel comfortable helping, here’s what to do:
- Help the person move to a shaded or cool area
- Provide water or a sports/rehydration drink
- Ask them to remove unnecessary clothing, like a jacket or socks
- Cool the skin with water or wet cloths
- Call 111 for advice
Call 999 if the person has any of these signs of heatstroke:
- still unwell after 30 minutes of resting in a cool place, being cooled and drinking fluids
- a very high temperature
- hot skin that’s not sweating and might look red (this can be harder to see on brown and black skin)
- a fast heartbeat
- fast breathing or shortness of breath
- confusion and lack of coordination
- a seizure or fit
- loss of consciousness
Heatstroke occurs when the body can no longer regulate its temperature. If not treated urgently, it can cause lasting damage or even death.
As we settle in for another period of hot weather, let’s not forget those who face it without the basic comforts we often take for granted. Extreme heat isn’t just inconvenient — it’s a serious threat to life for people sleeping rough. Whether it’s making a call, offering water, or donating to support vital outreach work, every small act of kindness can make a huge difference.