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In early work to document #covidrealities, parents & carers shared their experiences of life on a low income during the pandemic; keeping diaries & responding to themed questions. We share key findings in this thread https://covidrealities.org/learnings/write-ups
The cost of getting by rose due to lockdown; while normal strategies for managing on a low-income were suddenly no longer possible. Roisin explained; “I have to do my shopping in small local shops so I can lock my children in the car & watch them’ https://covidrealities.org/learnings/write-ups
Many relied on charitable food provision; sometimes woefully inadequate. Holly felt ‘disgust’ in herself after receiving inedible items in a food parcel; “It’s emotionally difficult to think that I’ve been reduced to asking for stale & mouldy bread.” https://covidrealities.org/learnings/write-ups
Support (from government; charities; family & friends) was fragmented; and often fell short, either due to the conditions of lockdown or because of the limitations in the governmental response. https://covidrealities.org/learnings/write-ups
Zara wrote in her diary: ‘It does help getting the school meal vouchers…but with my son eating so much, I am feeling the strain on my purse.” https://covidrealities.org/learnings/write-ups
In their diaries, parents looked towards a future that felt uncertain & for many, frightening. Worries were especially evident around paid work; and whether current jobs might be lost or it to be difficult to find new ones #covidrealities https://covidrealities.org/learnings/write-ups
Jasmine, who worked in retail, was worried about her job: ‘The high street isn’t going to be the same. Even if my shop reopens, it may end up shutting if it doesn’t make enough money.” https://covidrealities.org/learnings/write-ups #covidrealities
