Heatwave – Our emergency actions to support people experiencing homelessness

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The Met Office has announced a 90% probability of Heat-Health Alert criteria being met on Tuesday 9th until perhaps Sunday 14th of August in London.

The current watch level, amber, “requires social and healthcare services to target specific actions at high-risk groups.

People experiencing rough sleeping are at risk any time of the year, but they are among those who suffer the most during heatwaves.

At SPEAR, we have implemented emergency actions to support people experiencing rough sleeping as well as our residents.

Extra outreach shifts are being carried out by our teams who, in addition to their regular morning and evening shifts, have been out all day and night to offer water, sunscreen, hats and advice to people on the streets.

Our Tenancy and Support teams have also been visiting clients in accommodation to offer the same support, particularly to our 70+ residents. 

SPEAR’s Director of Operations, Mark Taylor, said:

“SPEAR’s flexibility of approach meant that our staff has been able to respond effectively to the heatwave.

We are extremely proud of our Outreach Teams who have gone above and beyond in order to ensure that people are safe.”


Are you concerned about a rough sleeper? Report them via Street Link for our Outreach Teams to be notified.

To help us support people experiencing homelessness away from the streets and towards an independent future, you can donate here.

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