A Cool Space is somewhere you can go, free of charge, to spend time to keep cool if you're struggling in the heat.
- Cool Spaces
- Explore York libraries
- Keep Cool tips - how to cool down
- Keeping schools safe during hot weather
Cool Spaces
Due to the recurring heatwaves and unprecedented temperatures, many people are finding it difficult to keep cool in the heat.
Cool spaces are indoor venues where people can spend time during warm weather and help to reduce health risks from heat. They offer a comfortable place to rest and cool down.
Cool spaces are not intended to provide medical care or specialist support. Instead, they typically offer:
- shelter from the sun
- free drinking water
- a place to cool down
- seating and resting areas
See details of Cool Spaces in York, which may offer some relief and respite from extreme heat and sun, and provide within their space seating, air cooling or cooler room temperatures, and light refreshments such as tap water or water bottle refills.
| Cool Space | Address | Opening hours |
|---|---|---|
| St Sampson’s Centre | Church Street, YO1 8BE | Monday to Saturday, 10.00am to 4.00pm |
| Tea, Chat, Nibble and Giggle | St Deny’s Community Hall, Walmgate, YO1 9QD | Saturdays (fortnightly), 11.00am to 3.00pm |
| Lived Insights | St Deny’s Community Hall, Walmgate, YO1 9QD | Mondays, 12.30pm to 3.00pm and Thursdays, 11.30am to 2.00pm |
| Explore York libraries | Various locations | Opening times vary |
Explore York libraries
Explore York is here for everyone, all year round, offering cool, welcoming spaces in 15 libraries across York.
Libraries are open from early in the morning into the evening. You can relax and meet friends or join in with a range of free and low-cost activities for all ages, including:
- crafting
- book groups
- board games
- low-cost refreshments at Explore Reading Cafés
PCs and printers are available for you to use, with digital support on hand from knowledgeable and friendly staff. All libraries and cafés have free Wi-Fi.
Explore York also offer events for children, to help families make their money go a bit further, including:
- a free toy library
- under 5s story and play sessions
- Lego clubs
If you need information about cost of living support, or anything else, Explore York staff are available to help.
Keep Cool tips - how to cool down
Due to the recurring heatwaves and unprecedented temperatures, many people are finding it difficult to keep cool in the heat.
Here are some top tips to help you stay cool and keep yourself and others safe in hot weather:
- stay hydrated and drink water
- keep in cooler rooms and shaded areas
- check in on family, friends and neighbours
If you or someone else has symptoms of heat exhaustion:
- move to a cooler place such as a room with air conditioning or somewhere in the shade, avoid direct sunlight
- remove all unnecessary clothing, like a jacket or socks
- drink cool water, a sports or rehydration drink, or eat cold and water rich foods like ice-lollies
- apply cool water by spray or sponge to exposed skin, and using cold packs wrapped in a cloth and put under the armpits or on the neck can also help
You should start to cool down and feel better within 30 minutes.
If you are concerned about symptoms, or they are worsening, seek medical advice by contacting NHS 111. In an emergency, or if you think someone has heatstroke, dial 999.
See Beat the Heat guidance from GOV.UK for Further help with keeping cool and taking care of your health in extreme heat.
Keeping schools safe during hot weather
The School Heat Checklist has been developed to support schools in preparing for and responding to periods of hot weather and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) Heat Health Alerts.
The aim is to help schools take simple, practical steps to reduce the health impacts of extreme heat on pupils, staff and visitors while maintaining education wherever it is safe to do so.
School Heat Checklist
Hydration:
- ensure access to drinking water
- encourage pupils to drink regularly
- allow water bottles in lessons
Learning:
- move teaching to cooler rooms where possible
- reduce strenuous PE and outdoor activities between 11.00am and 3.00pm
- use shaded areas
Buildings:
- close blinds on sun-facing windows before rooms heat up
- ventilate when outdoor temperatures are cooler
- switch off unnecessary electrical equipment
Protect:
- consider flexible uniform arrangements
- encourage hats and sunscreen outdoors
- identify and monitor pupils more vulnerable to heat
Staff:
- remind staff to stay hydrated
- review outdoor duties
- recognise signs of heat exhaustion
Communication:
- monitor Heat Health Alerts
- inform parents of any timetable or activity changes
- review local risk assessments
National guidance
- Looking after children and those in early years settings before and during hot weather (UKHSA)
- Hot weather and heatwaves: guidance for schools and other education settings (Department for Education)
The School Heat Checklist should be used alongside local emergency planning arrangements, Heat Health Alerts and the school's own health and safety policies.