2020 was a hell of a year for all of us, with life throwing an indefinite number of curveballs our way. A fourth of the way into 2021, the global population is still having to deal with the many repercussions that the events of 2020 have caused. No more than ever, it is so important for us to pay close attention to social welfare issues in a bid to work together towards the healing of mental health, physical health and beyond. Today, we have a look at 5 of the biggest social welfare issues of 2021, so read on to find out more.
1. Suicide Prevention
With so many people forced into lockdown and isolation over the last year, many people have suffered from poor mental health. In Victoria alone, there has been a 40% spike in calls to various mental health hotlines as a consequence of COVID-19, and it is now more important than it ever has been to pay attention to the struggles of millions of people around the world. Thankfully, the exceptional work done by those in the mental health sector has most certainly been a contributing factor in assisting the general public to cope with worsening mental health during the pandemic. For anyone who is looking to contribute to the cause, here is a list of best charities to donate to in 2021.
2. Family Violence
Another victim of the pandemic are families who are in dangerous situations due to loss of work, lockdowns and being isolated from the public. Record rates of family violence were recorded in 2020, and cases have increased dramatically, resulting in many support services struggling to help those in need. National research by the Australian Institute of Criminology found one in ten women who are in a relationship experienced intimate partner violence during the pandemic, and these numbers continue to rise even in 2021.
3. The Rise In Homelessness
Over the last year, the number of people who have been forced into homelessness has surged as short-term coronavirus and housing protections have phased down. Due to loss of income, many families have had to bear the burden of being kicked out of housing due to an inability to pay rent. Unfortunately, only a small percentage of those who were housed in emergency accommodation during the pandemic are believed to emerge from the crisis permanently housed. According to census, there are currently up to 20,000 children who are rough sleeping in Australia, a number that is far too high for a developed country. More information about homelessness in Australia can be found here.
4. Our Ecological Crisis
Poverty and pandemic aside, another issue we are facing is the ecological crisis due to the collapse of ecosystems and troubling disappearance of biodiversity. Although the slowdown in economic activity due to COVID-19 created a very brief reduction in global carbon emissions, it is impossible to ignore the mounting effects of unchecked human activity over the last decade or so. In fact, the latest data shows that emissions were 60 million tonnes higher in December 2020 compared to the year before. The only way we will combat this is to take personal responsibility and actively try to lead a more eco-friendly life even in the smallest ways possible. Here is a list of how you can contribute to the healing of the planet — it is, after all, the only one we have.
5. Speeding Up The Vaccine Rollout
Last but certainly by no means the least, 2021 will see the COVID-19 vaccines being rolled out in most countries around the world. Although more than 360 million vaccine doses have been administered, there is a troubling gap between vaccination programmes in various countries, with many yet to report even a single dose. Getting effective tools and vaccines accessible to everyone regardless of their location will be key to ending the first, acute phase of the pandemic. This in part has been delayed by the strict transportation requirements of the vaccine. Needing to be stored at temperatures below -94-degrees Fahrenheit, the vaccine realizes on dry ice manufacturers, link Cold Jet dry ice Melbourne, to supply dry ice for specialty-built transportation boxes to effectively roll-out the vaccine at such a large scale. Unfortunately, there are still over 130 countries that are struggling to get their hands on the vaccine, which is why donating to the COVID-19 emergency appeal is so important.
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Above are just 5 of the biggest social welfare issues of 2021 that we all can play a part in even by donating the smallest sum of money. Although things look rather bleak, we have faith that if we all work together as one, we will be able to overcome these challenges and assist each other in living the best lives possible.
