Churches have been opening their doors during this summer heatwave to help people cope with the rising temperatures.
Scorching temperatures have been recorded across the UK, with England recording its warmest June on record, where temperatures reached 37.7C.
With temperatures set to rise again this week, churches across the UK are providing cool spaces and inviting people to take refuge from the heat and stay safe
One of these churches is St Paul’s Church in Cambridge, which opened their church hall as a cool space, with fans, water, ice pops and company for those suffering with the heat.
Rev Imogen Nay, of St Paul’s Church, stressed the importance of making those who are vulnerable welcome in an interview with Premier Christian Radio.
“We've been intentionally inviting people, particularly those who are rough sleeping, who people forget about in this weather and those who are living in accommodation without outdoor space."
Rev Nay stresses it is not just the act of keeping churches open which matters, but spreading the word let everyone know that they are welcome to take shelter.
“Imagine what it's like rough sleeping in this sort of temperature. They really need a refuge. So really think about the most vulnerable and go out and invite them. Don't just expect them to turn up.”
The UK is anticipating its third heatwave this year. Amber and yellow heat health alerts have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) from Wednesday as more places in England and Wales could exceed 30C.
The threat of high temperatures comes amid a recent study by Imperial College London, which found approximately 550 people died as a result of the heat between 21 and 29 May, and nearly 2,200 died between 18 and 28 June in England and Wales.
Many churches across the UK are also opening up their doors, including River Vale Churches across South Warwickshire, Quinton with Admington, Welford, Weston, Long Marston and Meon Vale.
Source: @rivervalechurches on Instagram
Churches across the capital have also encouraged anyone suffering in the heat to use their church as a shelter.
Church of St Mary the Virgin in Primrose Hill encouraged passers by to “take shelter, sit, relax and hydrate” during the record-breaking June heatwave.
Many churches have run warm spaces with hot drinks and heating for a long time during winter, to help shelter the vulnerable and those in need. However, with the threat of extreme heat many have turned their hand to relying on church architecture to create cool spaces.
Rev Nay noted: “The hot weather is a new thing for us. We all seem very unprepared, and we forget about the impact on the vulnerable. And so I think people have appreciated that we've adapted and done something new and done it quickly and been there for people.”
