'Someone could die in this weather': how Manchester's homeless are coping in the heatwave
As temperatures hit the mid-30s, rough sleepers in the city centre are suffering sunburn and heat-related illness, with one man saying his "body felt like it was shutting down" on Tibb Street.
Every news website in Britain this week is full of tips on coping with the heatwave. Keep the curtains shut, put ice in front of the fan, drink plenty of water. But not everyone has that luxury.
As temperatures have climbed into the mid-30s in Manchester city centre, the MEN witnessed several homeless people suffering with sunburn and, in one case, appearing visibly unwell.
Josh, 29, from Wigan, has been sleeping rough since the age of 17. "I've had no help whatsoever in the heat, from anyone," he said.
"Yesterday my body felt like it was shutting down. I was in Tibb Street at 11.15am, two people jumped out their car to put water on me."
He added: "Someone could die in this weather. I don't smoke, drink or take drugs or have mental health issues, so they keep saying I'm not a priority for housing. They're saying there's nothing they can do to help me."
What are others saying?
Thomas, 53, had accommodation for the night but was on the street. Sitting on St Ann's Square sheltering under an umbrella, he said: "I do worry about people rough sleeping not being able to cope in this weather."
He added: "A lot of familiar faces are around here. If you don't see someone you start to worry and think the worst. They need to do something to help people."
What support is available?
Homelessness charity Mustard Tree said it hands out ice water, sun cream, caps, t-shirts and shorts during severe weather, and supplies GMP and the Street Engagement Hub with packs of water during outreach missions.
The Street Engagement Hub runs every Tuesday and Thursday alongside GMP's Neighbourhood Policing Team, a drug and alcohol service, Big Issue, St John's Ambulance and Manchester City Council's Rough Sleeping Team.
What has the council said?
Manchester City Council said outreach teams are directing people to day centres "during the hottest parts of the day" and providing water. Their Severe Weather Emergency Protocol is in force.
A spokesperson said: "Our outreach teams, and partner organisations, work round the year to identify and offer support, including accommodation options, to anyone sleeping rough. During periods of severe weather, such as the current heatwave, additional measures are put in place to help keep people safe."
Frequently Asked Questions
- What support is available for rough sleepers during the heatwave?
- Charities like Mustard Tree are handing out ice water, sun cream, and summer clothing. Manchester City Council is directing people to day centres and providing water.
- What is the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol?
- It is a Manchester City Council initiative activated during extreme weather, including heatwaves, to provide rapid response outreach and additional safety measures for the homeless.
- How hot has it been in Manchester city centre?
- Temperatures have reached the mid-30s during the recent heatwave, creating dangerous conditions for those without access to indoor shelter or cooling facilities.