Proceedings of The 6th World Conference on Social Sciences
Year: 2023
DOI:
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A Qualitative Exploration of the Impact of Mutual Aid on the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Pandemic Response
Kalimah Ibrahiim, Victor Oghenenyerovwome Iki, Douglene Jackson, PhD
ABSTRACT:
Grassroots action can promote population health during emergencies and pandemics. Presented is s study assessing the efforts of community organizing, their effectiveness, and concerns that arose during the process. The aim is to explore the impact of Mutual Aid on a local community in response to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic in the United Kingdom. An interpretative approach was used to understand the perspectives of organizers, volunteers, and recipients of support from Mutual Aid. A purposive sampling technique was used to recruit participants (N=15) who responded to semi-structured interviews virtually. Following transcription and thematic content analysis, the following three themes emerged: 1) lack of trust in government during the Covid-19 pandemic, 2) people feeling forgotten by the national and local authority, and 3) the need to support vulnerable populations and members of the community. Results will be shared, demonstrating how community organizing in efforts to bolster local authority and national initiatives is possible to improve population health, especially in times of emergency.
keywords: community organizing, disparities, grassroots, health equity, mutual aid, population health