Columnist Claire Kenny has been supporting Focus4Hope as its team delivers emergency support across West Yorkshire.

I had a thought the other week: We talk at length about dogs in heatwaves – but why aren’t we talking about its impact on humans too?

As PR for Focus4Hope, a charity that’s become a lifeline for people who are isolated, vulnerable and disadvantaged, I decided to put a call out to the regional media, and the response didn’t disappoint.

With temperatures peaking to unbearable levels, at that point CEO and founder Louise Reed had led a response which included the distribution of 2,700 bottles of water in two days. The charity had also sourced extra hats and food for its Leeds outreach, where it usually feeds over 130 people.

Louise Reed

Heatwaves are deadly for rough sleepers, who face direct sun exposure, reduced access to water, and fewer safe places to cool down. Many take medications that make the heat even more dangerous.

The campaign was also an opportunity for Louise to highlight concerns about inconsistent activation of the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol during heatwaves (a recent Big Issue investigation found significant variation in how councils respond, leaving many rough sleepers without access to emergency accommodation during dangerous temperatures).

From a PR perspective it was a hugely satisfying week, with appearances on ITV Calendar, BBC Radio Leeds, Greatest Hits Radio, the Yorkshire Evening Post, and of course, the lead story in the Yorkshire Times. To round off the week we spent Friday morning interviewing guests who used the charity’s cool and welcoming hub in Brighouse for support and social connection, and their stories were a powerful reminder of the need to look out for each other – not just when crises crop up, but every day.

Focus4Hope argues that extreme heat should trigger the same level of emergency provision as freezing conditions. It’s urging local authorities, businesses, and community groups to recognise heatwaves as a serious public health threat for homeless people. The charity says coordinated planning, accessible cooling spaces, and consistent emergency protocols are essential to preventing avoidable harm.

As extreme weather becomes more frequent, Focus4Hope’s message is clear: no one should be left to face life threatening heat alone.

Help Focus4Hope help others

Focus4Hope’s ten-year anniversary ball is on Saturday 19th September in Brighouse. The ball will be hosted by presenter, influencer, reality TV star and Focus4Hope ambassador Matt Jameson. Tickets can be purchased at focus4hope.co.uk