The coronavirus crisis is placing enormous pressure on us all and will impact the most vulnerable in our communities the greatest. We see the impact particularly for individuals and families who are already dealing with the impact of trauma as a result of violence, abuse and neglect.
Southside supports hundreds of individuals and families across Bath and North East Somerset who are dealing with multiple and complex difficulties, including domestic abuse, debt, addiction, mental ill-health and/or homelessness. Many were already socially isolated and lack the personal support networks that will be so critical during this crisis. They have support through Southside though, and we are doing everything we can to ensure that people continue to receive support by telephone and Zoom calls whilst face-to-face meetings need to be suspended. The need for personal support is greater than ever and we are extremely concerned about the impact that this crisis will have on the individuals and families we support.
As always, the wellbeing of Southside’s team of staff and volunteers is critical. We are supporting everyone to work from home, keep them – and their families – safe and to provide the ongoing support and clinical supervision they need to provide the essential services for the people and communities we support.
Impact of this crisis for the people affected by domestic abuse
Women and children experiencing and escaping from domestic abuse are likely to be particularly affected by the coronavirus outbreak. Self-isolation is likely to shut down routes to support and safety for women, who may face even greater barriers to finding time away from the perpetrator to seek help. We are very concerned for the safety of the people we support, and that domestic abuse incidents and coercive control could increase as a result of household isolation. This crisis will also make it more difficult than ever for victims of domestic abuse to get help with the additional pressures on our emergency services at this time.
Southside supports the Joint Statement from the VAWG (Violence against Women and Girls) sector on Covid 19, which sets out priorities for action on funding, support and awareness:
www.endviolenceagainstwomen.org.uk/joint-statement-from-vawg-sector-on-covid-19
Southside’s approach to support during this crisis
Southside staff and volunteers will continue to support individuals and families by phone and virtual one-to-one sessions, but home visits, community hubs and other groups are currently suspended to follow the national guidance on distancing. We are seeking to increase our support in other ways with regular contact by phone, developing our use of technology and setting up a weekly Emergency Food Pantry in Twerton in partnership with FareShare SW for families we support and who are most in need. We know that some people we support are digitally excluded and do not have access to the internet, so we will ensure that our staff and volunteers can speak to people and not only rely on digital.
We are also raising funds to be able to provide emergency food and care supplies as well as mobile phones when needed to ensure we can continue to stay in contact with people we support whilst they are isolated. Thanks to Quartet Community Foundation for making the first donation towards our Coronavirus Emergency Fund.
Your support
We are grateful to our commissioners, supporters, partners, staff and volunteers for their support at this difficult time for everyone. We all face a significant challenge – for Southside, this includes meeting the growing need for support with limitations on how we can work currently, emerging issues and increasing pressures on our communities and the organisations who support them. Charities locally and nationally are significantly affected by financial pressures as a result of this crisis and the increased need for our services. Southside is working closely with other local organisations as part of 3SG’s Compassionate Community network to provide the support needed for individuals and families, both during this immediate crisis and beyond.
If you would like to support Southside’s work during this difficult time, please donate online at:
www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/3147642
