Safeguarding concerns, practices, and resources in COVID-19 mutual aid groups

Abstract

Community mutual aid groups that sprang up during the COVID-19 pandemic were characterized by a lack of formal regulation and therefore potential issues around safeguarding. In this study, eight organizers of COVID mutual aid groups in the UK describe their group’s concerns, and existing safeguarding resources, and resources they would find useful in the future. Groups often created their own policies, training, reference materials, and safeguarding roles as a way of implementing safeguarding measures. Interviewees expressed three types of concerns around safeguarding: protection from harm (of both volunteers and members of the public), retaining the character of mutual aid, and making appropriate referrals. Solutions suggested by interviewees included educational materials, training, funding, consultation, a signposting database, and a forum for COVID mutual aid groups. Some of these needs could be provided by developing relationships with formal community groups. We suggest some of the mechanisms whereby informal community support groups can retain their grassroots identity and yet protect the health, wellbeing, and rights of volunteers and those they work with.