24 Jun Isolation and loneliness have dramatically increased amongst disabled people over the last 12 months
The disability charity, Sense, is calling on Government and local communities to ensure disabled people are not “left behind” as lockdown restrictions ease, as new research reveals many are fearful to go out in public.
The pandemic has had a severe impact on disabled people. They account for six out of every 10 deaths with coronavirus*, while making up 22 per cent of the population. Many disabled people have shielded for months at a time, and while Government advice to shield has now paused, almost half (45 per cent) of those classed as Clinically Extremely Vulnerable (CEV) say they continue to shield, despite an 85 per cent vaccination rate among this group **.
Concern about health, cuts to social care, and fear of being unable to comply with social distancing measures, have all contributed to disabled people losing independence as well as confidence, with many avoiding leaving home at all. Isolation and loneliness have spiralled, with nearly two thirds (61 per cent) of disabled people now describing themselves as ‘chronically lonely’***.
The concern now is that, as the UK looks forward to life beyond lockdown, many disabled people will remain behind closed doors, isolated and cut off from their communities.
More than a thousand disabled people were surveyed**** for a new report by Sense: ‘Left out of life: Inclusion in local communities’, published for ‘Loneliness Awareness Week (W/c 14 June). One in two (50 per cent) said they have become isolated and lonely because they have been unable to access local activities and venues, and two out of five (41 per cent) said they felt unsupported by their local community.
More than half (56 per cent) of all disabled people said they were now fearful of going into public because of concerns about their health and not feeling safe. More than a third (39 per cent) said they were anxious because they’re not able to comply with safety measures, such as social distancing or wearing a mask.
Alongside the charity’s existing call for Government to increase mental health provision, and the reinstatement of community services, so disabled people can receive more support, Sense is also urging communities and business to think of the needs of disabled people as society reopens.
Richard Kramer, Sense Chief Executive, said:
“The severe impact of the pandemic has meant that many disabled people are now fearful and anxious about going out into public, and unless we support and prioritise them, isolation and loneliness will become a bigger problem.
“We must recognise that cuts to services and reduced support have contributed to the isolation that people are experiencing, and reinstate community services, while ensuring mental health support is available for those that need it.
“Our local communities also have an important role to play in ensuring that disabled people are not left behind as we move out of lockdown.
“The changes that we make to adapt to social distancing rules, such as increased outdoor dining, must be planned with the needs of disabled people in mind. Sadly, in recent weeks we have heard too many reports of people not being able to navigate the high street because pavements are blocked.
“Let’s show patience and understanding if someone is unable to wear a face covering, and provide that extra space to someone we pass on the pavement – it may really help to put them at ease.”
