Employment

'Knock for a drink or an ice lolly!': How Brits are helping those working outside in the heatwave

Many churches and mosques are inviting people of all faiths and none to take a rest in their cool spaces.

A dog with a sign offering free bottled water in the heatwave

With the country in meltdown – literally – Brits are having to find new ways to keep themselves, and others, cool and safe.

For those unable to enjoy an air-conditioned office or the comfort of working from home, metres from a well stocked freezer, it can be a really uncomfortable time.

Sweltering temperatures outside leave bin collectors, postal workers, delivery drivers and others working in direct sun, often with few rest breaks or access to cooled water.

So, until the government strengthens the rules around working conditions and brings in a maximum working temperature for safety, kind-hearted Brits are doing what they can to help their communities cool down. 

A chilled bottle of water will be much appreciated, but so too will a few words of thanks to people slogging away in the heat to keep things moving despite the extreme temperature. 

“Give them a cold drink, some sun cream, tell them you appreciate them and back their fight for decent pay,” tweeted Nick Ballard.

Emma Moore tweeted: “Look after our posties!” with a picture of a note pinned to her door that read: “Dear postie/delivery drivers, please knock if you would like a drink or an ice lolly”.

Likewise, for those delivering post to the “number 67 girlies”, a cold drink is just a knock away. AND, they’ve got “spf and rocket lollies”. 

But if the Number 67 Girlies aren’t on your route, many churches and mosques are inviting people of all faiths and none to take a rest in their cool spaces. 

Makki Masjid in Manchester (125 Beresford Road, M13 0TA) will keep its doors on both Monday and Tuesday from 1pm until 10pm “for people to drop in and stay in a nice, pleasant and AC-cooled environment during the hottest parts of the day. 

The mosque welcomes “people from all/ no faiths and backgrounds and we will have separate designated areas for men and for women. We will also provide free bottled water.”

Also in the north-west, Christ Church in Wesham is using TikTok to let their community know everyone is welcome to take a break from the heat inside the cool stone Church. 

@christ.church.wesham Need a break from the heat? #heatwave #church #christian #priest #God #Jesus ♬ Originalton – S☆U☆N☆N☆Y

If you have one, put drinks in a cooler or ice bucket to keep them chilled. While back in olden times you’d be eagerly awaiting the morning post, deliveries can come at any time. 

But it’s not just posties that are out working in the heat, bin collectors, street cleaners and parking inspectors (for they are human too after all) will also be out trying to get the job done. 

Even this kindly dog has even managed to set up a cold water station. Stay hydrated out there!

Support the Big Issue

For over 30 years, the Big Issue has been committed to ending poverty in the UK. In 2024, our work is needed more than ever. Find out how you can support the Big Issue today.
Vendor martin Hawes

Recommended for you

View all
'Job apocalypse': Up to 8 million Brits risk losing their jobs to AI, government warned
Employment

'Job apocalypse': Up to 8 million Brits risk losing their jobs to AI, government warned

I was a drunk and homeless at 19. Volunteering helped me get my life back
Volunteering

I was a drunk and homeless at 19. Volunteering helped me get my life back

'I skip meals to save money': Life on social care frontline is leading to a support worker exodus
Image of carer holding elderly person's hand
Social care

'I skip meals to save money': Life on social care frontline is leading to a support worker exodus

'All my earnings go on rent:' Millions of women in UK struggling to make ends meet in low-paid jobs
People on legacy benefits are being pushed into poverty
employment

'All my earnings go on rent:' Millions of women in UK struggling to make ends meet in low-paid jobs

Most Popular

Read All
Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits
Renters: A mortgage lender's window advertising buy-to-let products
1.

Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal
Pound coins on a piece of paper with disability living allowancve
2.

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal

Here's when UK households to start receiving last cost of living payments
next dwp cost of living payment 2023
3.

Here's when UK households to start receiving last cost of living payments

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know
4.

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know