In order to respond to the needs highlighted by the pandemic, this partnership arises under the E-REDES social responsibility policy, materialized in the donation of 50,000€ for food vouchers, plus 22,500€ for the diagnosis on the impact and response of Caritas to the pandemic. In addition to the direct support of food aid, E-REDES has encouraged research by the Academy, aimed at strengthening the capacity of intervention and social response, of Caritas in particular, but also of all actors with responsibilities in the creation of a more cohesive society.
The study we sponsor and support reflects the essence of one of our main values at E-REDES, which is proximity, in what is a relationship of partnership and support for a social dimension initiative, which invites us to stop and reflect on the effects that this "COVID-19" crisis is having, to observe and help deeper situations, which are portrayed in the study presented here today. I believe that there are always positive aspects to take away and from this pandemic we should take the lessons and reflections that this study presents us with," said José Ferrari Careto, president of E-REDES.
The study now presented identifies a "growing demand" for help after the first confinement caused by the pandemic, with 60% of the beneficiaries of this program resorting for the first time to the support of Caritas. Some of these new beneficiaries were working in economic sectors (already characterized by low wages and job insecurity) that suffered the most during this period such as tourism, restaurants, commerce or support services.
Some of the serious and immediate effects addressed in this study reveal a strong increase in material deprivation by new beneficiaries to the Caritas Network.
During the presentation session of the study, several topics for further reflection were also shared, such as housing, mental health, precariousness, the seasonality of the country, and the necessary social responses.
Get to know the study here.
