The impact of the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic on referral patterns and therapeutic service provision for children and young people's psychosocial distress in a Low-or Middle-Income Country: A service evaluation of routinely collected data from a non-government organisation operating in schools in the Western Cape, South Africa.

INTRODUCTION: In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including South Africa, there is a paucity of psychosocial support services. Therefore, services are often provided in schools by non-government organisations like Community Keepers (CK). The COVID-19 pandemic and resultant restrictions meant that children and young people's (CYP) lives changed, negatively affecting their mental health. Further, organisations like CK had to change their working processes.

METHOD: This project compared routinely collected data from CK from 2019 (pre-pandemic) to 2020 (pandemic) to describe the changes that occurred in referral patterns to, and service provision by, CK.

RESULTS: Both pre-pandemic and during the pandemic, most referrals of CYP were for emotional/psychological support and behavioural difficulties. In 2020, referrals for general guidance increased, whilst referrals for peer group issues and sexuality decreased. Further, CK completed more brief check-ins, provided wellbeing workshops to increased numbers of teachers, parents and CYP, and had more consultation sessions with other service providers during the pandemic.

DISCUSSION: Routinely collected data from this community-based service in a LMIC context shows differences in the way that support was provided, and to whom, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Clinical implications, including the importance of increasing access to psychosocial support via technology, are included.