The physical and psychological stresses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic must not be underestimated.

Victorians on low-incomes, living with pre-existing health conditions or experiencing some other form of exclusion are particularly vulnerable.

We seek to give voice to these people at a time when governments are shaping their recovery plans for a post-COVID world.

The stories below are based on longform interviews about life during the pandemic, people’s health and wellbeing more generally, and how easily they can access services, supports and other essentials.

They are all Creative Commons, and can be reproduced with attribution.

• These insights will be used to inform a larger research project about the lessons from COVID-19, and how to build a more accessible and equitable community.