Psychosocial support for community of migrant workers during lockdown imposed due to COVID 19 pandemic

ABSTRACT

Background: Migrant labourers had particularly tough time after imposition of complete lockdown in India during March, 2020, due to COVID-19 pandemic. Millions of people in India migrate out of their natives to large cities, in search of work and livelihood. In large construction projects, groups of families of labours usually camp in temporary shelters (labour colonies) at construction sites for months together. This practice not only serves their need for shelter but also social needs. As multiple families living, together in shared physical space and work environment, they form communities that provide for protection and affiliation needs for children, women, and elders. Community level interventions during COVID-19 pandemic have rarely been reported. Methods: This paper report a case study based upon authors' experience of psychosocial intervention for a community of migrant labourers distressed due to unexpected lockdown. The report describes the rapid assessment and fast action of psychosocial care provided to community of migrant labourers at the campus of National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India. Results: Rapid assessment indicated significant distress among the community members due to lack of basic facilities, nonfood essentials, lack of information on Covid-19, loss of wages. Basic amenities and non-food resources, as well as health education and counselling were delivered as part of psychosocial interventions. Conclusion: The psychosocial aspects of the living of migrant workers are an issue that is tangled with several stressors including family separation, acculturation, unpredictability of job and livelihood, restricted mobility and marginalization. Thus they particularly vulnerable during major socio-economic disruptions. Keeping these considerations in mind, migrant workers require focused attention and support from concerned authorities in order to manage their psychosocial issues and well-being. © 2023 DMICS.