How the homeless in Oxford are protected during heatwave

With temperatures soaring above 30C this week, the Luther Street charity in Oxford has been taking extra measures to protect people from the blazing sun.

Toby Blake, head of housing and support services, said: “Without access to shelter and water, people experiencing rough sleeping are at serious risk of heat stroke, heat exhaustion, sunburn and dehydration.

“The Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) is launched when the temperature rises above 30 degrees, meaning Homeless Oxfordshire’s city centre hostel, O’Hanlon House, provides a cool space, water, sunscreen, and urgent health support to rough sleepers who are not current residents.”

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For members of the public wishing to help those living on the streets in this heat the organisation has recommended offering water and cold drinks where possible, as well as donating to Homeless Oxfordshire.

During summer heatwaves, tens of thousands of excess deaths are estimated across Europe, with thousands specifically recorded in England and Wales during extreme temperatures.

While people sleeping rough or residing in poorly ventilated temporary accommodation are disproportionately vulnerable, isolating heat as the primary, documented cause of death for this group remains highly complex.

A heatwave may trigger a fatal cardiac event or severe dehydration for a rough sleeper who already had underlying health conditions.

There are roughly 500 households housed in temporary accommodation across Oxford after experiencing homelessness.

Meanwhile, up to 50 individuals sleep rough across the city.