COVID-19: Disabled people 'cut off from vital support' during pandemic, warns charity
The pandemic's effects have been especially severe for those who are shielding, who face more months of isolation and anxiety.
Friday 5 February 2021 07:42, UK
Disabled people are being "cut off" from the support they need to stay safe, according to the disability equality charity Scope.
New research published by the organisation showed many find it difficult to get support from government, councils, supermarkets and social care.
The charity warned that people are struggling with the impact of a year of shielding, and are facing many more months of isolation and anxiety.
It said that, for younger disabled people, this could be up to another year, as they will have to wait until later stages of the vaccine rollout, despite being more at risk.
Emma Vogelmann, 26, has been shielding since March last year, something she said continues to take a big toll on her mental health.
"As careful as everyone is, and as much as I trust them, they might be an asymptomatic carrier," she told Sky News. "They could bring the virus in unknowingly."
Ms Vogelmann received her first vaccine dose this week but said she will not feel confident to go out until she gets the second.
"Receiving the vaccination will mean an easing of the constant fear I've had for nearly a year," she said.
"I could count on one hand how many times I've left the house in the past year for non-medical reasons."
Ms Vogelmann was among the 75% of people surveyed by Opinium for the study who said they plan to continue shielding after their second vaccine dose.
Other key findings of the research include:
- 28% of disabled people think they have less support available this lockdown than in previous lockdowns
- 44% of disabled people have had difficulty getting deliveries from supermarkets, and more than half (53%) feel unsafe visiting a supermarket
- 57% of disabled people who live alone have not seen anyone outside their support bubble since the pandemic began, while 20% have not even seen their support bubble
"Many disabled people have been shielding for almost a year, cut off from loved ones, mental and physical health unravelling," said James Taylor, executive director of strategy, impact and social change at Scope.
"Almost two thirds of all those who've died from COVID-19 were disabled people. Despite these sacrifices, disabled people have been continuously ignored and forgotten by the government."
A separate survey carried out by Scope with 183 disabled people found 36% said their health had been impacted due to issues accessing food during the pandemic.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: "We understand this continues to be a hugely challenging period for disabled people, particularly those who are shielding, and we are committed to supporting them, their families and carers through this pandemic and beyond.
"The government continues to provide extensive advice and support to people identified as clinically extremely vulnerable, with shielding advice in place during the current lockdown. This includes access to food and medicines deliveries, as well as supporting people unable to work from home through statutory sick pay or Employment and Support Allowance.
"The NHS is working hard to vaccinate people who are most at risk, as quickly as possible. If anyone needs further advice around shielding, they should speak to their GP at the earliest opportunity."