Community 'cool hub' in Exeter

Volunteers handing out essentials

Many Exeter residents are taking to the city centre streets to support the local community during the latest spell of extreme heat.

The UK is facing its fourth heatwave of the summer and to provide much-needed relief, a group of Exeter volunteers will be handing out sun cream, handheld fans, cold water, and practical advice on staying safe in extreme heat… along with a little light-hearted fun involving water pistols.

The team will be outside Exeter Central station from 2pm on 12th August, and aim to be in action whenever Exeter is affected by heatwaves.

Exeter Community Assembly is looking to launch the UK’s first community-led Cool Hub Network, consisting of pop-up shelters and hubs in air-conditioned public spaces like museums and libraries. These will offer shelter from the sun and a place to cool down, focusing on supporting the most vulnerable people in the city.

Experts from the University of Exeter’s Global Systems Institute warn that climate change is making UK heatwaves more frequent and intense, and that the only long-term solution is to rapidly phase out fossil fuels.

A spokesperson for Exeter Community Assembly said:“During heatwaves, more people than usual get seriously ill or die, and essential health services can also be disrupted.

"Our team of volunteers are here to remind people of simple ways to protect themselves and others, for example by checking in on vulnerable neighbours, especially those over 65, living alone, or with health conditions, and making sure they are ok and keeping hydrated.

"We can’t stop heatwaves from happening, but we can take steps to slow climate change by reducing carbon emissions, and in the meantime, look out for each other.”