By Brian Reeves, CAN Head of Volunteering & VCS Development

Phew! It’s been a scorching summer already, and with more hot weather on the horizon, we need to talk about staying safe.

Volunteering during a heatwave requires careful planning and preparation. Whether you are managing a team from an office or you’re out on the ground delivering vital services, the safety and well-being of both our volunteers and the communities we serve must come first.

Here is how volunteer coordinators, leads, and frontline volunteers can work together to beat the heat this summer.

1. Stay Informed

Don’t just guess how hot it feels; keep up-to-date with local health advice and official weather warnings.

• Coordinators: Monitor weather apps and official health alerts. If a severe heat warning is issued, be prepared to trigger your organisation’s extreme weather policy.

• Volunteers: Check the forecast before you leave the house. If your shift is outdoors, mentally map out where you can find shade or air conditioning if you need a quick escape.

2. Over-Prepare for the Heat (Hydration & Timing)

Safety isn’t accidental—it’s planned. Simple adjustments to a volunteer shift can make a world of difference.

• Shifts: Consider shifting activities to earlier in the morning or later in the evening to completely bypass the midday peak (usually 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM).

• Essentials: Ensure everyone has easy access to clean drinking water and shaded areas.

• Breaks: Volunteers are famously selfless and will often push through discomfort to get the job done. As a lead, it is your job to insist on regular, mandatory cooling breaks.

3. Protect Vulnerable Groups (and Each Other)

Heat impacts everyone differently, and some are much more vulnerable to its effects, including older adults, young children, and those with underlying health conditions.

• The Power of No: Remind volunteers that it is 100% okay to stay home if they are struggling with the heat. No guilt, no judgment.

• Buddy System: Pair volunteers up so they can keep an eye on each other.

• Check-Ins: Coordinators, take a few minutes to call or text volunteers who haven’t been active recently just to ensure they are coping well at home.

4. Event Management with a Cool Head

If you are organising public events, heat mitigation needs to be at the very top of your risk assessment.

• Provide clear signage directing attendees to water stations, first aid, and shaded zones.

• Send pre-event emails or social media posts reminding attendees to bring hats, sunscreen, and refillable water bottles.

• Ensure you have a dedicated “cooling zone” (an air-conditioned room or a well-ventilated marquee with fans).

5. Know the Signs & Act Fast

Heat-related illnesses can escalate rapidly. Everyone on site needs to know what to look out for.

Condition	Symptoms to Watch For	Action Required
Heat Exhaustion	Heavy sweating, pale skin, muscle cramps, tiredness, dizziness, headache, nausea.	Move to a cool place, loosen clothing, sip water, and use cool wet cloths on the skin.
Heatstroke (Medical Emergency)	High body temp (40°C or above), hot/red/dry skin, rapid pulse, confusion, loss of consciousness.	Call emergency services immediately. Move the person to the shade and cool them down while waiting.

Remember: If you or someone around you is experiencing severe symptoms, do not hesitate. Seek medical attention immediately. For more detailed guidance, check out the official NHS Advice on How to Cope in Hot Weather.