The UK Government must take urgent action to protect people living with severe mental illness from the growing risks posed by extreme heat, according to a new report published by Centre for Mental Health, Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of York.
The report, Hotter Summers, Hidden Harms, highlights how rising temperatures are creating serious and often overlooked dangers for people with severe mental illnesses. Researchers warn that psychiatric medications, ageing mental health facilities, poverty and the challenges of managing day-to-day wellbeing during periods of extreme heat can all increase vulnerability.
People living with severe mental illness already face significant health inequalities, with life expectancy estimated to be 15 to 20 years lower than the general population. Many of the physical health conditions that contribute to this gap, including heart and respiratory diseases, are exacerbated by high temperatures.
The report raises particular concerns about inpatient mental health settings, where many patients remain exposed to unsafe indoor temperatures. Researchers note that concerns over poor ward environments have been recognised for almost a decade, with some patients unable to open windows or leave wards to access cooler spaces during heatwaves.
Recent NHS data revealed a maintenance backlog across the health service estate totalling £17.3 billion, underlining the scale of infrastructure challenges facing both acute and mental health providers.
Authors of the report say the Government’s forthcoming mental health strategy for England presents a crucial opportunity to embed climate adaptation into mental health care planning. They argue that ministers should fund essential upgrades to both inpatient and community mental health facilities ahead of summer 2027, while ensuring climate resilience is incorporated into the development of new neighbourhood health centres.
The report also calls on integrated care boards (ICBs), NHS trusts, primary care services, local authorities and voluntary sector organisations to take immediate steps to safeguard vulnerable people. Recommended measures include helping individuals adapt their homes to cope with higher temperatures and ensuring access to local “cool spaces” during periods of extreme heat.
Andy Bell, Chief Executive of Centre for Mental Health, said:
"Our changing climate is a major health issue. This summer, people using mental health services faced record high temperatures without additional support, and sometimes in environments that weren’t safe or suitable. The NHS must make mental health services climate resilient, starting work now to be ready for next summer. The Government’s mental health strategy can set out the essential actions so that people with mental health conditions are not put at high risk in future heatwaves."
The findings add to growing concerns across the health sector that climate change is becoming a major determinant of health, requiring long-term investment in NHS infrastructure, community resilience and targeted support for vulnerable populations.
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