As hot weather becomes more frequent, having somewhere safe and welcoming to take a break from the heat can make a real difference.
The City of York Council’s Shaping Neighbourhoods programme is putting together an online list of community spaces where people can cool down and stay safe during periods of hot weather and heatwaves.
They are looking to hear from community centres, foodbanks, community cafés, venues and other local spaces that could offer people somewhere welcoming to take a break from the heat.
What could your space offer?
Spaces might provide:
- Drinking water
- Food or light refreshments
- Shaded or cooler seating
- A cooler indoor space
- Fans or air conditioning, where available
- Somewhere safe and welcoming to sit and take a break
There is no expectation that venues provide everything on the list.
The aim is simply to help people find out what welcoming spaces and support are available locally when temperatures rise.
This could be particularly helpful for people who may be more vulnerable during hot weather, including older people, people with certain health conditions and those who may not have access to a cool place at home.
Could your organisation be included?
If your organisation has a space that could offer people somewhere to cool down during hot weather, you can ask to be included in the online list.
Email [email protected] with:
- Your venue name
- Address or location
- Opening times
- A brief note about what you can offer
You don’t need to provide a full range of facilities. Sharing what is available at your venue can help local people find somewhere that meets their needs.
Help make York a cooler, safer and more welcoming place during periods of hot weather.