Charity helping to keep homeless people cool in heatwave

News imageBBC Chilled water bottlesBBC
People are being given free water as the heatwave continues

A homelessness project is offering shelter, cold drinks and showers for homeless people during the heatwave.

The Salvation Army in Blackburn is giving extra support to people through its Cool Hub.

Support worker Sandra Skellern, said the project was a "safe space", especially for people who sleep in hostels that they cannot go into during the day time.

"I don't think people realise that they can die in summer as well as die in cold being outside," she said.

Skellern said: "We're trying to get everything in place where we can save lives, basically."

She also said people could have showers, adding: "We'll give them clean clothes, whether it be a nice dress for the ladies or shorts and T-shirt for the males.

"And the clothes that they've got on, we'll stick them in the washer, wash them, dry them and give them back."

Temperatures in Lancashire predicted to be 30C and above on Thursday.

News imageSomaiya Motara/BBC Sandra Skellern has a white top with blue haerts, blonde hair and glasses. She stands near a fan in front of a ntocie board.Somaiya Motara/BBC
Sandra Skellern says the unit is a safe space in the heat

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