A Cool Escape When It Mattered Most
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With schools, gyms, shops and more shut, sweltering heat, and vulnerable residents at real risk, we wanted Hillfields Park Community Centre to be the place people knew would be a safe and welcoming place to go: somewhere shaded, calm and cool for anyone who needed it — families with young children, elderly neighbours, and anyone whose home simply isn't built to cope with these temperatures.
Over two days, Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th June, more than 500 local people came through our doors for free air-conditioned Cool Play sessions. From 12pm to 3pm on both days, we offered:
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The reaction to our work was far reaching. Channel 4 News came down to see the difference a safe, air-conditioned space can make during a heatwave, and interviewed our CEO, Sarah Rogers and a core volunteer, about why we opened our doors, what Cool Play involved, and why spaces like ours matter more than ever as extreme weather becomes part of everyday life. You can catch this live on Channel 4 news on Monday 13th at 7pm.
We're proud that our community's efforts are being recognised on a national stage, and even prouder of the staff, families and volunteers who made it all possible.
We're proud that our community's efforts are being recognised on a national stage, and even prouder of the staff, families and volunteers who made it all possible.
Small Team, Big Impact
We're a small but mighty team, and none of this would have been possible without our amazing staff and volunteers, who pulled it together at short notice. Thank you to everyone who gave their time, and to the wider community whose support keeps our work going by supporting us to be open and accessible to all.
“You are literally life savers for some families. It was lovely to see so many people come together!! Thank you to you and all your team xx” - Local parent
“You are literally life savers for some families. It was lovely to see so many people come together!! Thank you to you and all your team xx” - Local parent
Why We Did This
The hot weather and red weather warnings show just how important a community space like ours is.
When local schools closed because of the heat, it created real challenges for local families, especially those without gardens, cool homes or support with childcare. But it's not just families who were affected. High temperatures can be dangerous for older people, disabled residents and anyone living with a long-term health condition.
That's why we opened our doors as a cool, safe space - free - for anyone who needed it. Whether it was to get out of the heat, have a cold drink, let the children play, or simply spend time with the community, everyone was welcome.
As extreme weather becomes more common, we know our role for our community needs to adapt. Alongside our usual activities, we want Hillfields Park Community Centre to be somewhere local people can rely on when the weather makes everyday life more difficult.
Keeping the building open for longer with air conditioning comes at a cost, and our energy bills have increased because of it. If you're able to make a donation, you'll be helping us keep Hillfields open as a safe, welcoming space for everyone who needs it.
“Thank you for offering a great environment in the local community. It was a great idea to provide this opportunity to help parents and children to enjoy fun, play snacks and of course the cooler in the centre .We are so lucky having Hillfields community centre.
I do appreciate all the workers, volunteers and staff that work so hard to provide the best for everyone as always.” - Local parent
When local schools closed because of the heat, it created real challenges for local families, especially those without gardens, cool homes or support with childcare. But it's not just families who were affected. High temperatures can be dangerous for older people, disabled residents and anyone living with a long-term health condition.
That's why we opened our doors as a cool, safe space - free - for anyone who needed it. Whether it was to get out of the heat, have a cold drink, let the children play, or simply spend time with the community, everyone was welcome.
As extreme weather becomes more common, we know our role for our community needs to adapt. Alongside our usual activities, we want Hillfields Park Community Centre to be somewhere local people can rely on when the weather makes everyday life more difficult.
Keeping the building open for longer with air conditioning comes at a cost, and our energy bills have increased because of it. If you're able to make a donation, you'll be helping us keep Hillfields open as a safe, welcoming space for everyone who needs it.
“Thank you for offering a great environment in the local community. It was a great idea to provide this opportunity to help parents and children to enjoy fun, play snacks and of course the cooler in the centre .We are so lucky having Hillfields community centre.
I do appreciate all the workers, volunteers and staff that work so hard to provide the best for everyone as always.” - Local parent
