Supporting your community during heatwaves – your experience and case studies

Overview

We would value your input on how your community organisation is protecting or preparing your users or members during heatwaves or high summer temperatures. If you have any effective case studies or examples of actions taken to support vulnerable groups or the wider community during periods of extreme heat, we would be keen to hear about them.

Your feedback will help Hackney Council understand the borough’s current preparedness, risks, and community needs related to extreme weather, especially heatwaves, and shape policies and initiatives to better protect all residents, with a focus on those most vulnerable to summer heat.

The survey will close on Monday 14th July 2025, and should take approximately 10/15 minutes to complete. By participating, you will be entered into a draw to win one of ten £50 Growing Communities Veg Box vouchers.

What is a heatwave?

A heatwave is a long period of very hot weather, especially when nights stay warm and don’t cool down. In London, a heatwave is officially declared when the temperature reaches 28°C or higher for three days in a row.

When these high temperatures happen, the Met Office and UK Health Security Agency may issue heat-health warnings.

However, temperatures below 28°C  such as on slightly warm days (around 25°C) can also be risky for some, especially:

• For older people, young children, and those with health problems.
• For people in hot homes, like top-floor flats.
• Because London traps heat, making it feel even hotter, especially at night.
• People who can’t easily cool down or don’t know how to protect themselves, like those who can’t afford fans or breaks from work.
• Warm nights stop the body from cooling down and recovering properly.