The impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the mental health of those living in some of Fife’s most deprived areas could soon be overwhelming, it has been warned.
One frontline worker, already struggling to support the most vulnerable and poverty stricken in Glenrothes, said he has had to rip up next year’s plans to help those most in need because of the new challenges faced by staff since lockdown.
JP Easton, Fife Council team manager, community development said mental health and wellbeing has become the top priority, with those needing support increasing rapidly since the pandemic.
“All the anxieties and fears people have trying to survive while affected by poverty have
been exacerbated and compounded by Covid-19, making mental health a real concern and presenting us with unprecedented challenges.
“Referrals are starting to increase rapidly and we have had to scrap initial plans that were being developed before the coronavirus took hold on how we would tackle poverty.
“We’ve also had to create a whole new anti-poverty work plan that now takes into account the impact mental health is having on supporting the most vulnerable.”
Many of his staff were redeployed to the hands-on support effort during lockdown, with emergency priority given to ensuring people had access to food and shelter and were listened to and supported.
Mr Easton said social distancing restrictions are further hampering efforts as some vital facilities remain closed to the public.
Additional staff have been employed to cope with the added pressures brought about by job losses and business closures.
