Heat Risk Community Engagement in London

With four 30°C degree heatwaves experienced in London so far this summer, it is clear our city cannot cope in the heat.

Tackling the impacts of extreme heat requires building a culture of resilience in London where no one is left behind.

Shade the UK, in collaboration with the Greater London Authority and Love Design Studio, are looking to interview people in London about their experiences with extreme heat. The output of this project will ultimately inform the Greater London Authority’s Heat Risk Delivery Plan for London.

  • What is this project about?

    Many Voluntary, Community, and Faith organisations work with people considered more vulnerable to heatwaves and can reach people that local institutions might consider challenging to access. These organisations also possess practical and distinctive local knowledge derived from experience working in the community.

    The aim of this project is to gain insights into the impacts of extreme heat on different social groups and to understand the current people-focused initiatives tackling heat in London.

  • What will participating involve?

    You will be asked to take part in an interview. The interview will take up to 30 minutes. This can occur online or in-person.

    The purpose of the interview is to understand the following:

    - Your experience during heatwaves as someone who works or uses organisations within the Voluntary, Community, and Faith sectors.

    - What measures you feel have or have not been taken to support you during heatwaves.

    The interview will be audio recorded. Select participants may be asked to have their photographs taken after the interview, which may be featured in the final publication.

    You will receive a £20 voucher for your participation.

    Language translation (including BSL) is available, if required.

  • Who is involved in this project?

    Shade the UK  - Shade the UK is a community interest company adapting the built environment and public spaces to protect vulnerable people against a changing climate. Our mission is to reduce the deaths caused by overheating in the UK to zero, safeguarding the health and wellbeing of everyone during hot weather.

    Greater London Authority - The project is led by the Greater London Authority. The output of this project will ultimately inform the Greater London Authority’s Heat Risk Delivery Plan for London.

    Love Design Studio - Love Design Studio is a multi-disciplinary sustainability consultancy specialising in the built environment. We work on projects across London's boroughs, tackling critical issues such as net zero carbon strategies, overheating risk, and urban adaptation and resilience. 

Get in touch.

Please email us at info@shadetheuk.co.uk or fill out the form to participate in this project. We are looking for the following people to interview:

  • You work or volunteer for a Voluntary, Community, or Faith organisation in London.

  • You are a beneficiary of a Voluntary, Community, or Faith organisation in London (i.e., you use the services provided by the organisation).

  • None of the above, but you are a London resident interested in sharing your experience with extreme heat.

If you agree to participate in this project, you will be asked to take part in an interview. The interview will take up 30 minutes.

Participants will receive a £20 voucher for the interview.