A pattern of social support for pandemics and crisis periods: Vefa Social Support Groups; Türkiye-Isparta province example

Abstract

In order to prevent the spread of the disease in the Covid-19 pandemic, various restrictions such as curfew, partial shutdowns, or full shutdowns have been taken. These restrictions have also brought to light the importance of social assistance and solidarity. Within the framework of the study, the purpose, structure, and operation of the social support model developed in Türkiye were established to avoid the victimization of individuals who were unable to take the streets and who had no one to help them address their needs. In order to meet the basic needs of citizens aged 65 and older and chronically ill during the pandemic process, Vefa Social Support Groups (VSSG) were formed throughout Türkiye and various demands of a quarter of Türkiye's population were met. While the application in various provinces has been terminated, the VSSG, which continues its activities in the province of Isparta, has been discussed in-depth in the study. It has been observed that Isparta Vefa Social Support Groups (IVSSG) fulfills the demands of citizens in seven different items such as bank transactions, billing transactions, food-market shopping, salary check, drug supply, permission request and other (dress-up and fuel assistance requests, etc.).