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Providing support and stability in a time of uncertainty
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31.08.2021
The suddenness of the uncertainty we were all plunged into in March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic was universal yet the impact on daily lives was, and is, different for each of us, with financial, emotional and physical aspects of life being affected.
ABS takes a holistic approach to supporting people and our aim has always been to help in a way which responds to individual needs and improves quality of life. Our approach to providing support during the pandemic was no different. However, we were faced with the challenge of keeping up with an ever-changing situation, not only in terms of restrictions but also in terms of financial support from the government available to people. We needed to work out how our support complemented these schemes, and make sure our beneficiaries were aware of what they could access.
“ABS helped me at the worst time of my life, the coronavirus pandemic was devastating for my business. I had nowhere else to turn and was confused, angry, upset and desperate. The support given allowed me to get my life back on track.”- anonymous
Increasing demand and changing needs
In the first 6 months of the pandemic, we saw a huge increase in the number of requests for help for our support.
Unsurprisingly, we saw a huge demand for financial support at the beginning of the pandemic caused by the impact on building projects, many of which were cancelled or put on hold. We provided financial support to many who experienced sudden loss or reduction of income while they waited for benefits to be awarded, or to those who were not eligible for government support.
The requests for financial support decreased as time went on. Many people were able to access government funding, mortgage holidays or claim benefits. However, requests for psychological and emotional support increased significantly as covid restrictions continued. The effects were varied and wide ranging; coping with redundancy and unemployment, isolation, pressure of homeworking, home-schooling, caring for loved ones, losing loved ones, and relationship breakdowns to name a few.
We referred many people for psychological support through our partner Anxiety UK during this period.
