The VCS Emergencies Partnership brings together to local third sector infrastructure organisations like Voluntary Action Leeds, with national charities working on emergencies like the Red Cross.

It works closely with Government to improve the co-ordination of services during emergencies and to support the third sector to be more prepared.

At a recent network meeting 150 people from across the country received a briefing on resources to keep people safe through Adverse hot weather.

With heatwaves increasing likely due to Climate Change and the first hot spell of the summer has arrived, VAL would encourage all organisations to take a look at the resources below and take any steps you can to support communities.

• Sign up for Adverse Weather Alerts from UK Health Security Agency here – (this system takes a risk based approach – ie. looking at both weather and social factors to assess risk – you can read the full guidance here)
• Heat-Health Alert action card for the voluntary and community sector – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
• The British Red Cross Guidance to Heatwaves in the UK and Heatwave checklist
• Hot weather and health: supporting vulnerable people – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Voluntary Action Leeds