A leading home care provider in Lincolnshire is calling for people to check on elderly and vulnerable neighbours during the current heatwave.
Walnut Care, a home care agency which provides adult home care across Lincolnshire, has made the warning as temperatures across the county soar to 30 degrees this week.
Melanie Weatherley, Chief Executive of Walnut Care, said: “During the Beast from the East this winter, we were brilliant as a society at coming together to support those who couldn’t get out. This extraordinary heatwave is no different, it’s just another form of extreme weather.
“We care for hundreds of people across the county so we know that thousands of vulnerable people, particularly the elderly, will be scared to leave the house for a fear of falling ill in the hot weather. We’re asking those who can get out and about to check on their neighbours who might not.”
Yesterday, the Met Office issued a weather warning and told people to stay out of the sun as this summer looks set to be the hottest and driest for more than three decades. 
The weather organisation is also advising people to keep their windows and curtains closed during the day and open in the evening when the temperatures drop.
The Lincolnshire-based care provider is asking people to spare ten minutes to check on vulnerable neighbours and friends who might be struggling in the heat.
Melanie added: “Make sure they have enough food and water. Also check that they are drinking enough fluids. Ideally the elderly should be drinking three litres of water daily to counter the hot conditions.
“It could really help relieve the pressure on the NHS and care staff. As we all know, prevention is the key. A five or ten-minute call each day this week could make all the difference.”
The plea comes as adult loneliness continues to rise across the UK, particularly in rural areas.
Melanie said: “It’s even more important to check in on people who are on their own. They are particularly more vulnerable than those who live with someone else.”
Public Health England and the Met Office are urging people to take precautions in the sun, including covering up, wearing sun screen, keeping your house cool and drinking plenty of water.
The Met Office said the first half of summer has been the driest since 1961. Several parts of the country have had 54 consecutive dry days, meaning less than 1mm of rain fell during the heatwave.
If you are struggling in the heat and want further advice, please call the NHS 111 line or 999 in emergencies.
