20 July 2026
A member of St Mungo’s Outreach Team providing support to people who are rough sleeping during the recent heat
When the recent spell of extreme hot weather hit, teams across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole moved quickly to make sure no one was left to face those conditions alone.
While many people associate the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) with freezing winter nights, extreme heat can be every bit as dangerous. For people sleeping rough, prolonged exposure to high temperatures can quickly lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion and serious health complications.
That’s why partners from across the homelessness system once again quickly came together, to act; united by one shared priority of protecting people.
Led by St Mungo’s and supported by BCP Council teams, health colleagues, outreach services and voluntary sector partners, the response was swift, coordinated and rooted in compassion.
Outreach teams spent extended hours out across the conurbation, checking on people sleeping rough, handing out water, providing cool spaces, offering practical support, and taking the time to have meaningful conversations. Behind every bottle of water or welfare check was an opportunity to build trust, listen and remind someone that they weren’t alone.
At the heart of this work is a trauma-informed approach. We know that everyone has their own story, and that accepting help isn’t always straightforward. Conversations are led with kindness, patience and respect. It is important we meet people where they are, listening without judgement, and giving them the space to make decisions that feel right for them.
Sara Turner, Senior Service Manager at St Mungo’s, captured this perfectly:
“Periods of extreme weather can be incredibly dangerous for people sleeping rough, whether that’s freezing temperatures or intense heat. Our priority is always to meet people where they are, build trust, and make sure they know support is available. By working closely with our partners, we’ve been able to reach those most at risk, offer practical help, and provide support for people who need it most.”
Across all services, colleagues showed real dedication. From outreach workers walking miles in the heat, to those behind the scenes coordinating support, every role played an important part in making sure help was there when it mattered most.
Cllr Kieron Wilson, Cabinet Member for Housing and Regulatory Services said:
“The response to the recent spell of hot weather demonstrated the strength of partnership working across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. I’m incredibly proud of the way our teams and partners have come together to support some of the most vulnerable people in our community during this period. This collaborative effort shows our shared commitment to safeguarding lives, providing compassionate support, and ensuring that help is available when it’s needed most.”
This is partnership working at its very best. Different organisations, different expertise and different roles, all coming together with a shared purpose: protecting people and supporting those who need us most.
SWEP reminds us what’s possible when we act quickly, compassionately and together.
Thank you to everyone involved for the care, professionalism and humanity you bring to this work every single day.
