Leeds City Council has launched a new Cool Spaces pilot to help people stay safe and well during periods of hot weather.
The scheme provides free, welcoming indoor spaces across the city where people can take a break from the heat, rest and access drinking water.
Cool Spaces are available in a range of venues, including leisure centres, community hubs, libraries and neighbourhood networks.
Why are Cool Spaces needed?
Summers in the UK are becoming hotter, with more frequent periods of extreme heat. In Leeds, hot weather can pose significant health risks, particularly for older people, young children and people living with long-term health conditions.
The initiative forms part of the city’s wider response to climate change and follows recommendations from the Director of Public Health’s report Heat in the City: Our Health in a Warming Leeds, which highlighted the need for practical measures to help communities stay safe during hot weather.
What can people expect?
Anyone needing somewhere to cool down can visit a participating Cool Space during normal opening hours.
Venues offer:
-
A cooler indoor environment
-
Free drinking water
-
Seating and places to rest
-
A welcoming and inclusive space
-
Information and advice on staying safe during hot weather
Supporting Communities During Heatwaves
VCSE organisations play an important role in helping people stay safe during periods of hot weather.
Leeds City Council is encouraging organisations to share information about Cool Spaces with staff, volunteers, service users and local communities, helping ensure that anyone who may be affected by the heat knows where they can find support.
Find Out More
Find your nearest Cool Space:
https://www.leeds.gov.uk/campaign/welcome-spaces
Heat health advice:
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/beat-the-heat-hot-weather-advice
Weather-Health Alerts:
