Feast or famine in Covid-19 lockdown
New survey reveals effect of virus shutdown on social services
Astudy into the impacts of Covid-19 on Western Bay of Plenty’s community and social service agencies has found some scrambling to remain viable as they are hit hard by funding cuts.
A Socialink survey out this month highlights the impact of the pandemic and reveals it was a case of feast or famine for Bay social services during lockdown.
Some were stopped in their tracks and others saw demand surge.
Many reported financial strain, with more than half of social agencies surveyed expecting to – or already experiencing – a drop in revenue due to funding freezes and the inability to fundraise.
Of the survey respondents, 82 per cent said not being able to deliver face-to-face services was the most significant issue.
This was the case for Neighbourhood Support Pa¯pa¯moa.
Manager Bruce Banks said lockdown had been tough for the organisation as it relied on face-toface interactions.
“That is what we are about . . . being out in the community, interacting with each other.”
“There were a lot of things we had in progress that had to be stopped in their tracks when we went into lockdown.
“It’s nice to be coming out the other side, it’s a real luxury for us because we couldn’t do anything at level 4.”
Community concerns around financial difficulties, mental health issues, loneliness, worries about Covid-19 and specific difficulties related to lockdown all saw marked increases during lockdown.
So did demand for food parcels, with one in five organisations providing more food parcels and meals to their communities.
“One day a week is used to make up 200 packs of takeaway meals for homeless people . . . Where we would normally cater up to 40 people.”
Another agency said it was anticipating long-lasting effects from Covid19.
“We anticipate significant impacts to be felt within our community for years to come, so not only are we reacting to more calls for support now, but we are preparing for what is to come.”
One day a week is used to make up 200 packs of takeaway meals for homeless people . . . Where we would normally cater up to 40 people. Bruce Banks
However there were some positives to come out of the situation.
There was an increase in interagency collaboration to ensure the communities’ needs were being met during lockdown.
One respondent wrote: ”[Our agency] has effectively stopped since lockdown but has provided financial support to three other organisations [providing community kai].”
Another respondent said their agency began delivering something new to meet the community’s new needs for connection and wellbeing.
“We are running daily live fitness videos for clients and the general public to engage in. This is a totally new service.”
Socialink general manager Liz Davies said many organisations were still feeling the effects of lockdown.
“Most have been able to resume their services but many are reluctant to meet in person because they are typically dealing with vulnerable people,” Davies said.
“The impact on funding has been significant. Some have seen a very big reduction and are scrambling to remain viable.
She said the survey had allowed them to establish a recovery action plan so the sector could move forward and tackle the challenges ahead. Details were not yet publicly available.
Davies said the survey reached beyond the Western Bay of Plenty and was being used by government officials and agencies nationwide.