26.06.2026
We found ourselves to be very popular with service users and the wider community this week, as we opened our doors to offer a cool, welcoming space for people to pass the time safely during the spectacularly hot weather.
It was lovely to see so many people making use of our wellbeing space and garden, knowing they could come in throughout the week from 9.30am to 3pm for a bit of shade, company, and relief from the heat. In weather like this, simple things make a big difference: somewhere cool to sit, a friendly face, a glass of water, and the chance to slow down for a while. Regular May said "I came here early this week as it is so much cooler than the house at home and I will have fun here too".
Our team's iced coffees have become all the rage, and we even served affogatos and ice-cream sundaes much to the amusement — and delight — of some of our regulars. Many boxes of ice-pops were consumed with even some of the staff team spotted enjoying fruit pops. It brought a real holiday feeling into the week, even if most of us were simply grateful to be out of the blazing sun.
Card games particularly Uno Extreme and Twenty Five, dominoes and bingo added to the atmosphere. Sean had lots of (unsolicted) help with his crossword.
The heat also sparked lots of reminiscing about hot summers gone by. There were stories of haymaking, long days outdoors, and being on the bog in weather that felt endless. Many remembered summers when sun cream was rarely mentioned, hats were optional, and children seemed to spend the whole day outside until they were called in for tea.
It made us reflect on how much better we are now at caring for our skin and protecting ourselves from the harmful rays of the sun. We talked about seeking shade, wearing hats, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking extra care during the hottest part of the day. Current public health advice reminds us to avoid direct sun where possible between 11am and 3pm, keep cool, stay hydrated, and check in on those who may be more affected by the heat.
Most of all, the week reminded us of the value of community. A cool space is more than just a cooler room: it is a place to rest, chat, laugh, remember, and feel looked after. We were delighted that people knew they could come to us, and we will continue to do what we can to help everyone stay safe, comfortable, and connected during the warmer weather.
