How can we help?

Staying safe during the heat
At this time of year most of us look forward to some warm, sunny weather and the chance to spend time outdoors, but it’s important to remember that some people struggle to cope in the heat.
The good news is, we can all take precautions that allow us to enjoy the hot weather safely and help people who might be more vulnerable as the temperatures rise.

Who is at risk?
Anyone can become unwell when the weather is hot. People who are at higher risk of becoming seriously unwell include:
• older people aged 65 years and over
• babies and young children aged 5 years and under
• people with underlying health conditions particularly heart problems, breathing problems, dementia, diabetes, kidney disease, Parkinson’s disease, or mobility problems
• pregnant women
• people on certain medications
• people with serious mental health problems
• people who are already ill and dehydrated (for example from diarrhoea and vomiting)
• people who experience alcohol or drug dependence
• people who are physically active and spend a lot of time outside such as runners, cyclists and walkers
• people who work in jobs that require manual labour or extensive time outside
• people experiencing homelessness, including rough sleepers and those who are unable to make adaptations to their living accommodation such as sofa surfers or living in hostels.
• people who live alone and may be unable to care for themselves

What can we do to stay safe?
There are a few very simple things we can all to do stay safe when we experience high temperatures.
This includes looking out for people who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated. Get in touch with friends, family or neighbours that may need help keeping cool.
Staying cool indoors is important, taking action like closing curtains on rooms that face the sun but also remembering that it may be cooler outdoors than indoors.

And if you’re out and about, try to keep out of the sun and avoid physical exertion in the hottest part of the day. It is often cooler in the early mornings and in the evenings but check local weather forecasts to see conditions in your area.
When out in the sun think about covering up with suitable clothing, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses and applying SPF 30+ sunscreen with UVA protection. There’s lots more information online to help you stay safe during hot weather. Visit the UKHSA and NHS websites including their pages on how to beat the heat and on heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Met Office also have information on their WeatherReady campaign which you may also find useful.

Are you or someone you know experiencing difficulties with mental health? Open Mental Health is here to help. We offer support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to make sure that anyone in Somerset struggling with their mental health can access the right support at the right time.

If you need to speak to someone, please contact Mindline Somerset. They are available any time of the day or night, locally on 01823 276892 or freephone 0800 138 1692

Mindline is a confidential listening service offering emotional support and signposting to other help that might be useful to you. You can also ask the person on the phone to refer you directly to the Open Mental Health team for further support.