Covid-19 response to seldom heard groups in Buckinghamshire

Background

The Public Health team at Buckinghamshire Council asked us to carry out research to support their Covid-19 recovery planning and response.

Methodology

We used an entirely qualitative approach to speak to stakeholders and residents among communities at risk from or vulnerable because of coronavirus.

We focused our research on the following groups:

• Black and Asian minority ethnic (BAME) groups
• People experiencing food poverty (food bank users)
• Socially isolated people, particularly older groups
• People with existing mental illness
• People with learning disabilities
• Travellers

We used semi-structured interviews by telephone and video calls and focused on particular needs of the above groups and support they have received particularly during the lockdown and support that is needed in the future.  

Outcomes

We were able to tailor key recommendations based on what our research revealed. Our report set out our key findings, first looking at mental and then physical health, before looking at the impact on groups within Buckinghamshire.

Our report provided insight on the importance of existing infrastructure.

We identified a need to keep certain existing resources running and advised on how to deliver support to meet rising demand. Many of our recommendations offered ways to cope with and recover from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.