Community-based volunteering in response to Covid-19: people, process and planning
ISSN: 1476-9018
Article publication date: 7 July 2023
Issue publication date: 6 December 2023
Abstract
Purpose
The Covid-19 pandemic saw a dramatic rise in the number of people volunteering to support older people shielding at home. This study aimed to determine the processes by which volunteers were rapidly engaged in their communities and their impact on the older people who were supported and health and social care services.
Design/methodology/approach
The study took place in South East England between May–August 2020. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 88 participants including health and social care practitioners (n = 12), leaders of voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations (n = 25), volunteers (n = 26) and older people receiving volunteer support (n = 25). Policy and procedure documents were sourced from the VCSE organisation leaders. Data were analysed thematically according to a framework method.
Findings
The authors identified key themes of People, Process and Planning. People: volunteers had a significant, positive impact on older people in their communities, with volunteers themselves, also benefiting. Process: VCSE organisations needed to work together and with health and care providers to avoid gaps and duplication of services. VCSE organisations were able to act quickly, by-passing many complex operational procedures. However, there was a need to ensure the safety of both volunteers and older people. Planning: Looking forward, there were concerns about the long-term funding of VCSE organisations and the availability of volunteers.
Originality/value
This study took place during the first wave of the pandemic, hence, it provides a snapshot of how voluntary organisations operated at this time and highlights the importance of integration with health and care statutory services.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank the health and social care staff, volunteer organisers and volunteers who took the time to be part of the study. Most of all the authors would like to thank those people receiving volunteer support at the start of the pandemic who shared their stories and experiences.
Citation
MacInnes, J., Jones, B., Frere-Smith, K., Abrahamson, V., Eida, T., Sharp, R., Gage, H. and Wilson, P. (2023), "Community-based volunteering in response to Covid-19: people, process and planning", Journal of Integrated Care, Vol. 31 No. 4, pp. 389-400. https://doi.org/10.1108/JICA-02-2023-0012
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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