The Rapid Relief Team (RRT) charity was recently joined by Poynton Town Mayor, Cllr Hayley Whitaker, in Poynton Town Centre for Operation Hydrate, a community event focused on helping residents stay well during the warm weather.
Representatives from RRT, a charity made up of volunteers from the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, and the Town Mayor distributed free bottled water to members of the public in the town centre, while also raising awareness of the importance of keeping hydrated and how to recognise the signs of heat-related illness in vulnerable friends, neighbours and family members during periods of warm weather.
Throughout the event, the team engaged with residents, shared safety advice and highlighted the simple steps everyone can take to reduce the risks associated with high temperatures.
Operation Hydrate is designed to raise awareness of the health impacts of hot weather and encourage communities to work together to protect those most at risk, including older people, young children and those with underlying health conditions.
Over the years RRT has successfully delivered similar events across the UK during previous heatwaves, providing free bottled water to thousands of people and supporting community wellbeing.
Amos Wilkinson, Local Team Leader from RRT said:
“Operation Hydrate is all about helping people stay safe during periods of hot weather through simple but effective advice. It was fantastic to be out in Poynton speaking directly with residents alongside the Town Mayor, and we’d like to thank everyone who stopped by to chat with us. At Rapid Relief Team, we’re committed to supporting our local communities in practical ways, whether that’s through emergency response, community outreach or initiatives like Operation Hydrate. By taking the time to speak with people face-to-face and share simple tips on staying safe in the heat, we hope to help residents enjoy the summer while reducing the risks that hot weather can bring.”
Cllr Hayley Whitaker, Poynton Town Mayor said:
“As Mayor of Poynton, I was delighted to join the RRT volunteers in handing out bottled water during the exceptionally hot 34°C weather. We offered water to shoppers, passers-by and workers travelling through the village, helping people to stay safe and hydrated. A big thank you to RRT – it was lovely to meet the volunteers, and I am grateful for their time, and of course the water!”
RRT continues to work across the region to deliver support to local communities, and welcomes opportunities to collaborate with partners who would like to support the delivery of the Operation Hydrate initiative in their own community.
For more information about Operation Hydrate or to discuss other future community events, please get in touch with the RRT team: manchester.uk@rrtglobal.org
