Post-lockdown survey: money and mental health top NI public’s biggest concerns
Last updated 5th May 2022
As Northern Ireland goes to the polls today (Thursday), new research shows that people here are concerned most about trust, money and mental health
However, it seems they are much less worried about Covid now than they were last Autumn.
The post-lockdown survey was conducted by Bauer Media NI which includes Downtown Radio, Cool FM and Downtown Country
Tracking a wide range of feelings, from lifestyle concerns to attitudes towards travel, the ‘Your Life and the Future’ research reveals just how much priorities have changed since the start of the Covid lockdown in 2020.
The survey gauges the mindset of listeners regarding life in Northern Ireland, both now and in the future.
Among the findings are:
• Two thirds admitted they do not know who to trust these days,
• 75% said they are worried about the pace of change
• 76% are unable to imagine what the future holds
Meanwhile the return to a ‘new normal’ with the easing of if Covid restrictions was also highlighted with only 25% now concerned about Coronavirus.
This contrasts directly with the 81% who were very worried about Coronavirus in autumn 2021.
The ever-spiralling cost of living was also a feature of the research with 73% saying they expect their disposable income to be significantly less in 2022 than it was last year. This, coupled with 91% stating mental health as one of their biggest challenges, provides a strong indication of the social and mental ‘wellness’ of the population.
David Tighe, Managing Director of Bauer Media NI said:
“This research is timely as it gives a clear indication of the changing mood landscape across Northern Ireland, particularly as the focus shifts to new priorities in a post Covid world.
“While it is easy to highlight the concerns and worries, there were also some clear positives, with 59% applauding Northern Ireland businesses for being innovative in the face of change. Likewise, nearly two thirds are excited by the prospect of globalisation and all it presents for our local entrepreneurs.
“There are also great opportunities for the local tourism sector to capitalise on the 69% of the respondents who say they will holiday in Ireland this summer. Likewise, with 64% of those questioned admitting to being ‘constantly’ or ‘mostly’ connected to their devices, technology provides a significant means of engagement.
“The findings also reveal that radio remains a highly trusted media platform thanks to its ability to connect and inform. To reflect this Bauer will continue to harness the power of new technologies to deliver even more innovative output – traditionally and digitally – building trust across our many audience groups.”