Hackney VCS sector Coronavirus survey findings
Hackney CVS have shared the results of their voluntary and community sector (VCS) survey, which had 50 responses from you as local frontline organisations.
They reached out to many other organisations through their networks of organisations, gathering insight and talking to organisations working at the coal face of the crisis.
“A large proportion of you have remained open for business, finding new remote ways to support residents at this difficult time. The crisis has really demonstrated how absolutely vital the sector is in providing that blanket of help and support to the vulnerable.”
It is noted how impressive it is that the sector has engaged with statutory bodies when everything has been moving at such a pace. These positive working relationships are crucial and will be ever more important in the recovery phase of this crisis.
“We see our main focus going forward is to support those of you who are connected in your local wards and neighbourhoods to be centre stage in the emergency response, providing you with the information and tools to respond, linking you to the public sector responses, Mutual Aid groups and formalised volunteering so that you can access food, medical support and above all, emotional support for those impacted.”
They note that many organisations are doing amazing work. For example, Age UK East London have mobilised to support the hundreds of patients being discharged immediately from the Homerton and Royal London hospitals to free up space for COVID patients.
Also, Minik Kardes are speaking to clients 1:1, offering an online forum for parents in Turkish with support from a psychologist, as well as broadcasting daily exercise classes narrated in Turkish for children.
They have already started linking VCS organisations to statutory bodies and volunteer groups to equip them for what will need to be a very local response to the emergency, and welcome the statutory sector’s involvement in this. Their staff are on hand to talk to you about how best to make this work. If you need help in this regard to link to other organisations, the Council, volunteers etc. please email: helpline@hcvs.org.uk.
Hackney CVS is also available to provide advice to you, as organisations, about a range of issues you are no doubt facing including: working remotely, funding and business continuity and furloughing staff – please contact advice@hcvs.org.uk if you need support.
The report findings provide a really rich snapshot of the key challenges facing the sector and offer a wealth of opportunities which will improve the emergency planning response, integration with public bodies and ultimately better information to residents. Hackney CVS say they are meeting regularly with senior figures across the Council and NHS to understand what’s possible. The findings can be found here
Key challenges outlined
There are a number of key challenges, including:
1. Simple, easy to read information is key
This is so that community groups can help residents know where to turn – FAQs on what to do, and what help is out there.
2. Many respondents were concerned about residents who are not online.
It would help to understand what plans are in place to support people. We know that many VCS organisations are phoning around their service users and offering the support and information that they can. Some residents will not be connected, and there are many who are out of contact, for example, where they do not have funds to top up their phones. They are particularly concerned for those self-isolating and with underlying conditions. Also for carers, including young carers who may not know they are carers.
3. A real need for emergency money for those in need
For example, for families in need who had free school meals, those who have been sanctioned by welfare system, those with multiple debts – can community groups access a pot of money for those in difficult financial situation to purchase key goods, mobile connectivity, charge gas and electricity keys?
4. Is community WiFi underway for those without connectivity?
Most information is online, many accessing this using up mobile data. Children need this to access education.
5. Mind and St Joseph’s have developed some training for professionals in supporting clients who have been bereaved
The sector needs the council’s input to progress this.
6. Mental health support has emerged as a very high concern and will become a bigger issue as the crisis deepens.
The Wellbeing Network, IAPT and the PTA are all working to provide easy access and adapted service. Mind is looking at their wider trauma offer, in terms of volunteer and community training, possibly via the Wellbeing Network. There’s also a discussion about a health & social care staff wellbeing offer via the Psychological Therapies Alliance. Many VCS organisations are phoning round service users to try to support and inform them, not probably their usual role, they will need clear help in knowing how to escalate support and psychological support as they start to support clients through bereavement and potential trauma.
Hackney CVS are issuing their newsletter three times a week, which reaches over 1700 contacts so they can swiftly send out key messages to local VCS organisations within days. They will also continue to gather insight from the frontline and make linkages using their sector networks. If you read this and want to discuss how they can work with you, then please get in touch on helpline@hcvs.org.uk.
