Local social services are under pressure due to increasing demand, according to a report released by the Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC).

The social sector capacity report, which outlines the impacts of COVID-19, looks at the capacity of the Queenstown Lakes district's social sector to meet increased levels of demand.

The report also identifies ways to change models of service delivery to address demand and capacity.

Of the 17 social sector organisations interviewed, 12 respondents (71 per cent) said demand for their services had increased, and 12 respondents (71 per cent) said they had reached their capacity to deliver to current demand.

Despite this, QLDC community lead Marie Day said the report found evidence of resilience and hope amongst the district's social sector organisations, and a desire to achieve more by working together.

"It's become clear that if all parties, including local government, can work together to address capacity issues, the Queenstown Lakes social sector can achieve a sustainable future," Marie said.

"Some of the ways in which we can achieve this is through accessing a greater level of funding, but also through efficiencies, innovation and collaboration."

Some groups said a growing number of volunteers had come forward in the wake of COVID-19, and one respondent said the sector was seeing a realignment of values in which people see the importance of sharing their time and helping.

The social sector capacity report was developed by the QLDC recovery team with input from Jan Hudson (Tonic Consulting) and Kathy Dedo (LINK Upper Clutha), with further support provided by Rochelle Stewart-Allen and Hui E!

Read the report here.

PHOTO: Supplied