Everyone has been affected by COVID-19.
There has not been an event in recent times of this magnitude in recent times which has affected every aspect of people’s everyday lives. It has turned ‘normal’ ways of living, working and socialising into impossibilities.
Millions of people’s vital networks and support systems were disrupted when lockdown was declared on 23rd March and many people have experienced great hardship during the pandemic.
For too many people, even getting basic food and medication became a logistical nightmare.
While Sheffield City Council and many statutory and voluntary partners across the city have worked incredibly hard to alleviate some of the worst distress, the fact remains that certain groups including those living in poorer areas, BAMER and disabled people and those with long term health conditions have been disproportionately affected.
As people in these groups represent a large percentage of Sheffield’s population, we need to be absolutely clear in our focus on improving outcomes for vulnerable groups first.
Our strong
community sector responded.
One of the great strengths of Sheffield as a city is its voluntary sector and during the COVID-19 pandemic the voluntary, community and faith sector reacted quickly, and efficiently, responding with a range of tools to help the various communities which it serves.
Organisations shared resources and information with one another due to long standing, trusted relationships which have been established, enabling progressive partnership working.
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The number of universal credit claimants in Sheffield approximately 44,000 in July 2020, roughly double the number in February​.
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SCC, DWP, Citizens Advice, Shelter and South Yorkshire Police have been working together to make sure that people are accessing the financial support they need.
With structures covering the whole of the city from voluntary community support groups which sprang up to support neighbours and others who lived nearby or long established VCS names, the voluntary, community and faith sector has been integral to helping Sheffield stay on its feet during COVID-19
Foodbanks.
Food parcels and food banks have played a vital role in feeding the most vulnerable in our communities
There are currently 27 foodbank sites for which we have data.
The ratio of households in Sheffield supported was 1 in 144.
Bringing foodbanks together in a trusted network proved powerful. The network worked closely with the City Council, which bought food in bulk, which was then available to food banks at no cost. Without this joint effort the picture would likely have been very different.
A collective approach to food was also important for the hubs - one of the significant challenges faced early on was how to manage financial transactions securely for both volunteer and client. Sharing options for how to buy food for people at home is an example of the importance of hubs working together, maximising capacity to be working with people needing support. (VAS COVID-19 VCS report)
Financial challenges.
Covid-19 has had a potentially devastating impact on the finances of the community sector in South Yorkshire.
The South Yorkshire Community Sector resilience survey of 168 community organisations across the region showed that:
Three quarters of organisations expect a reduction in income this year compared with last year; more than half expect their income to be down by more than 20%.
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Over half of community organisations report that they are financially sustainable for 6 months or less. A quarter stated they are financially sustainable for 3 months or less.
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90% have had to close or put on hold their service.
71% have not received any financial support from local or national government.
Reflections
How can we build on the strong foundation and focus of the rapid community response across sectors?
How can we support and ensure the continued commitment of increased numbers of volunteers and mutual aid in the city?
How can we mitigate the deepening poverty and unemployment faced by many families and communities as a result of the pandemic?
How can we best support Voluntary sector organisations who are increasingly vulnerable and depleted?
How will we support the already vulnerable groups who have been much more deeply impacted than others?
How can we respond to the increased demand on foodbanks and the wider food system?