Today (9th March 2021), Groundswell has launched a short film sharing experiences on ‘what works’ when rolling out the COVID-19 vaccine.
The COVID-19 vaccination, the associated criteria and rollout plan is something that has been dominating conversations and headlines since the end of 2020. How this works for people experiencing homelessness is something that has been questioned, challenged and advocated for on behalf of many charities and groups; the approach continues to vary across the country.
Groundswell has launched a short (3min) film and resource aimed at frontline workers, to share experiences of ‘what works’ when rolling out the COVID-19 vaccine to people experiencing homelessness. This information is based on people’s experience of working in frontline homelessness and health teams, and feedback from people with experience of homelessness.
Accompanying resources
Guidance: logistics and communications for supporting people who are homeless with the COVID-19 vaccine. This highlights practical advice and recommended methods to roll the vaccine out at your service; for example considering the value of relationships, the power of the peer, how you can prepare your service and residents by empowering them with knowledge and confidence.
Q&A guides for people experiencing homelessness:
- ‘About the COVID-19 vaccine’ – Answering questions on how the vaccine works, its development, how we know it’s safe for us all and access. Also available in Amharic, Arabic, Polish, Romanian, Tigrinya and Turkish.
- ‘After the COVID-19 vaccine’ – For people who have had their first vaccine and want to understand how it’s working, why they must follow the Government restrictions still and possible side effects. Also available in Amharic, Arabic, Polish, Romanian, Tigrinya and Turkish.
We know there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to rolling out the COVID-19 vaccine. The way services and health teams operate in specific locations will have an impact; nevertheless we hope by having experience led insight and advice our resources will be of some help.