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

• Working temperature: When is it too hot to work?
• UK heatwave: How to travel if you absolutely have to
• How can I help homeless people during a UK heatwave?

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!