By amplifying the voices of the people we serve, our research placed a spotlight on the challenges faced by those experiencing disadvantage.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we drew on rapid research and policy analysis to inform policy stakeholders and decision makers about the likely short and long-term impacts of COVID-19 on vulnerable groups.

Our COVID-19 Insights series pointed to areas demanding attention:

• for children on the edge of care and at risk of homelessness , COVID-19 exacerbated existing gaps in protection
• for young people, the sharp increase in unemployment highlighted the need for training pathways to employment security, not just short-lived jobs
• for women , the unequal burdens of care and domestic work were compounded by the pandemic
• for mature age people loss of employment and drawing on their superannuation undermined their long-term financial security
• for people with disability , the risk of social isolation increased.

This research was complemented by our work to capture and analyse the issues our own frontline staff observed. These were featured in our report Voices from the COVID-19 frontline .

The report shows how both the pandemic and its accompanying isolation restrictions had unequal social, health and economic impacts on people facing disadvantage.

Overall, our research reports highlight the need for comprehensive, systemic solutions that focus on meeting the needs of those most likely to suffer the long-term effects of the pandemic.