The majority of diaconal workers encountered people in need of help who were not able to use electronic services during this period. To help the hard-to-reach, new ways have had to be found.
Many people who need help will be excluded from services as more and more services are moved online. This is according to the Deacon Barometer published on Thursday.
It is not possible for everyone to do business remotely. 71% of deaconry workers encountered clients who were unable to use e-services during the corona.
During the restrictions imposed by the pandemic, the Church’s diaconate has made extensive use of electronic tools. At the same time, special arrangements have had to be made to reach those who cannot be reached by electronic services.
“The need to meet hasn’t gone away”
The pandemic brought with it changes to interactions between people. Diakonia workers strive to develop activities based on meeting people in accordance with the restrictions.
Instead of taking place inside, activities taking place outside were invented.
– We developed patio coffees and other outdoor stuff so that you can meet and communicate in some way. Conversations about spiritual care on the phone increased.
Less encounters with people with substance abuse problems
But not everyone even has a phone. Those who do diaconia work are worried about how to reach these people and how they can get help when they need it.
– For example, I’ve been to many subsidized apartments even before the corona era. Not everyone has phones. During the Corona period, I got special permission to visit them there.
The barometer shows that, for example, people with substance abuse problems were encountered less now than during the data collection of the barometer published two years ago. Kalanti thinks that this is partly due to the fact that not all people with substance abuse problems have a phone, which has made it difficult to contact them.
– It can actually be said that those who have had a bad time in the past have had a worse time during the corona virus, says Kalanti.