How is Covid-19 affecting Croydon residents?

Healthwatch Croydon report on the initial findings of a survey of Croydon residents’ experience of the Covid-19 pandemic.  There were 63 respondents between 3 April and 23 April.

The report looks at people’s information needs and how they have met.  It also looks at the main impacts on people of the lockdown and the pandemic.  These are food supplies, accessing healthcare, social isolation, the impact on people’s mental health, financial and work issues and the impact on children and young people.  They asked people to rank their needs in order of preference. Not surprisingly, social interaction was the highest need, with food and deliveries of food second, other significant numbers were concerned about keeping safe as well, money, accessing medical treatment and being able to undertake normal activity like getting a haircut.

There were 7 suggestions for change on information, publicising the help available for people getting food, how to access healthcare services, access to employment, benefits, housing and financial advice, and initiatives to support families and children, and to provide mental health support for people who have been affected by lockdown.