People in Newham long to belong to a strong community. That is the legacy of lockdown, according to a new report by Bonny Downs Community Association (BDCA).

The wide-ranging report, Voices for Change, looked at people’s lockdown experiences, the fear and anxiety created by factors such as job loss, food insecurity and the need to turn their homes into both an office and a school. But researchers also asked what they had been grateful for. Answers have revealed a desire for strong local connections to combat loneliness and support mental health as we emerge from the pandemic.

Based on research involving face to face peer interviews, online questionnaires, free flowing narratives and creative input, the report looks at eight areas: loneliness and isolation; mental health and wellbeing; physical health; employment; food insecurity; money; children and young people; the environment.

Steve Bynon, Voices for Change consultation co-ordinator at BDCA, said he had been struck by how, within Newham, so many people had experienced “falling off the edge, with support mechanisms under strain. The level of need was amazing”.

The BDCA Food Hub assisted over 3889 people between April and June 2020, up from 622 for January to March, an increase of 625 per cent. Many of those attending were in desperate need with no recourse to public funds as job losses hit. Some turned to food banks for the first time and the service became a lifeline.

One person who took part in the research wrote: “We found ourselves needing food bank help. I decided to donate my time and volunteer here, so I don’t feel ashamed of getting food for free. Yes, I stopped shielding and risked my partner’s health, however, I healed my mental health. I found support and a motivation to get up every morning and help feeding families like ours.”

Among the wish list for future services are:

More local community activities that bring people together
Mental health support groups, counselling and wellness sessions
Sports, fitness and dance activities for all ages with some for specific groups such as women and girls
More support to get people into work
Schemes to provide budgetary and financial literacy, advocacy and help accessing available support
More culturally appropriate food at food banks

The findings will help develop BDCA’s next 5-year plan. Steve Bynon added: “We want to keep the conversation going as things change and people’s needs change. We will create an exhibition online and at various venues so that we can keep adapting and learning. We also want to make this work available to other community groups in the area.”

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