Abstract
Background: Evidence from a range of major public health incidents shows that neighbour-based action can have a critical role in emergency response, assistance and recovery. However, there is little research to date on neighbour-based action during the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. This article reports on a survey of people engaged in supporting their neighbours in weeks three and four of the UK COVID-19 lockdown. Methods: Members of area-based and community of interest COVID-19 support groups in the Bristol conurbation were invited to complete an online survey. Of 1,255 people who clicked on the survey link, 862 responded; of these, 539 responses were eligible for analysis. Results: Respondents reported providing a wide range of support that went beyond health information, food and medical prescription assistance, to include raising morale through humour, creativity and acts of kindness and solidarity. A substantial proportion felt that they had become more involved in neighbourhood life following the lockdown and had an interest in becoming more involved in future. Neighbour support spanned all adult age groups, including older people categorised as being at-risk to the virus. With respect to most measures, there were no differences in the characteristics of support between respondents in areas of higher and lower deprivation. However, respondents from more deprived areas were more likely to state that they were involved in supporting certain vulnerable groups. Conclusions: As with previous research on major social upheavals, our findings suggest that responses to the viral pandemic and associated social restrictions may increase existing social and health inequalities, and further research should explore this issue in more depth.
Highlights
At times of public health emergency, neighbours can play a critical role in responding to the needs of people who are adversely affected, vulnerable or at-risk
The questionnaire was piloted and refined with the help of public contributors from People in Health West of England (PHWE) and Bristol Ageing Better (BAB) Community Researchers, both acting as a public involvement group for this study
A further 15 respondents were excluded based on non-neighbour support
Summary
At times of public health emergency, neighbours can play a critical role in responding to the needs of people who are adversely affected, vulnerable or at-risk. While acts of assistance can be one-way and directed towards those in need, neighbour support often blurs the boundary between care ‘giving’ and ‘taking’ and reflects wider moral emphases on reciprocity, mutual aid, self-help and ‘neighbourliness’ (Boyce, 2006; Stephens et al, 2015; and Williams & Windebank, 2000). This points towards the key role of neighbour support in building place-based identity, sense of belonging, and ‘care for place’ (Wiles & Jayasinha, 2013). Conclusions: As with previous research on major social upheavals, our findings suggest that responses to the viral pandemic and associated social restrictions may increase existing social and health inequalities, and further research should explore this issue in more depth
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