Guidance for Amber Heat-health Alert
The government has advised voluntary and faith sectors to take action to support people during the hot weather.
The UK Health Security Agency issued an Amber Heat-Health Alert covering between 11AM on 22/06/2026 until 11PM on 26/06/2026 across the North West.
This means there is a risk to health, particularly (but not exclusively) for older people, those with long-term health conditions, and people who may be more affected by heat – such as those living alone or in housing that’s hard to keep cool.
If you are working with any older residents then please also take at look at the Talking about Heat guide
The government has advised voluntary and faith sectors to take the following actions:
🔶 Key Actions at Amber Alert Level
- Check in on people who may be more affected by heat – especially those living alone or without access to cool spaces.
- Continue Yellow Alert actions including encouraging hydration, ventilation, and regular contact.
- Adapt your services if needed – consider rescheduling home visits and activities to avoid the hottest part of the day.
- Brief your staff and volunteers – make sure they know the signs of heat exhaustion and what to do.
- Link in with local partners – stay connected with your local authority, health services, or Local Resilience Forum.
📄 Full details and Action Cards / Guidance
- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/adverse-weather-and-health-plan-heat-health-alert-action-cards
- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/beat-the-heat-staying-safe-in-hot-weather
Below is a selection of heatwave resources to support your planning and communications, taken from the full list available on the VCSEP’s Summer Preparedness page.
- Hot weather communications toolkit (UKHSA) – This toolkit supports the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) Adverse Weather and Health Plan, providing health information that can be communicated during hot spells so that the right messages reach the right people at the right time.
- 10 things you should do now to prepare for summer (Met Office) – 10 simple steps to take to stay safe and healthy this summer, from preparing your home, to taking care of yourself, family and neighbours.
- Advice for people more likely to be at risk during a heatwave (British Red Cross) – Advice for groups that are more likely to be impacted by high temperatures and hot weather.
- Staying safe in hot weather (SCOPE) – Tips for people with disabilities can be especially important during hot weather, as higher temperatures may make certain conditions or impairments feel more challenging.
- How to help rough sleepers in hot weather (Shelter) – How professionals can support rough sleepers during hot weather, including heat-health alerts and government guidance.