Social mobilization in the event of floods in Poland and assistance to war refugees from Ukraine. Comparative analysis of the provided support

Abstract

For a community dangers caused by natural disasters (floods, whirlwinds, gales) or resulting from humans activities (gas output, war) mean the time of social mobilization related to protection of both social and institutional resources. This is a situation when in local communities forces present in informal relations (volunteers, self-helpgroup) as well as institutionalized structures (non-governmental organisations, social welfare centre) are mobilised. In this article, actions carried in case of a flood in Poland and the help provided for Ukraininan refugees are compared. Empirical data from three studies has been used two with flood victims and the social workers and one with social workers and volunteers helping the refugees from Ukraine. Some aspects related to giving support for victims of a crisis situation should be indicated. Firstly, both flood victims and refugees are not unitary collectivities and differ in terms of future plans, social and financial capital, situation in the household or trust given to helping institutions. Secondly, social mobilization is carried out by both state institutions (e.g. social welfare centre) as well as non-governmental sector and volunteers. Thirdly, the suport is provided in three speheres: informative connected with how to conduct some tasks or how to exist after a flood or leaving Ukraine, material (financial) and emotional. Fourthly, well-prepared and competent representatives of governmental and non-governmental sector are important and a clear division of tasks between particular people or entities giving suport for those in need coordination of activities.In case of Ukrainian refugees in walfare social centres complex social work should be implemented from welcoming to becoming independent. Social work should be focused on familarizing with an offer of public and non-governmental institutions supporting refugees in the proces of integration but also on enhancing successful communication and orientation in the place of living.