BDDF Impact of Lockdown Survey 2020
The Survey
BDDF Survey - Impact of lockdown (1.0) on disabled people in Basingstoke.
Survey ran 21st Sept to 13th Nov 2020 and was available online, via post and via call.
162 responses (87% consider themselves disabled)
Most Basingstoke & Deane boroughs were represented. Popley had highest response rate 31%.
Top 3 challenges faced by our disabled community during lockdown 1.0 were:
1. Psychological distress / mental health (50%)
2. Social isolation and loneliness (45%)
3. Difficulties accessing NHS healthcare and treatment (35%)
BDDF - Initial response
•Heart-warming, 35% of responders had received additional help and support from neighbours and friends.
•Heart-breaking, 84% of the respondents felt lonely and a large proportion felt this some/all of the time.
Technology and Digitalisation
Face to face sessions were the traditional format for BDDF services. Quickly adapted by switching all sessions where possible to digital.
50% of respondents lack confidence, and/or don’t have access to internet / technology.
Supporting our concerns that confidence and access to digital equipment is leading to increased feelings of isolation and mental health issues.
With most classes and activities having to be online in 2020 and 62% not wanting to return to face to face activities even post lockdown – digital confidence and access is a key area of focus.
BDDF are responding by-
Offering 12 free hours of IT device tuition over December 2020
Provided written and visual (via recorded videos) guidance of how to join zoom.
Other findings
• Local Authority - 53% of responders felt the support they received from the local authority had remained the same, 15% felt they had received more. 32% felt they received less support due to COVID.
• NHS - 57% advised hospital treatment had been delayed due to Covid.
Conclusion
• For those items not within BDDFs control, we will share the insights, as set out within our ‘further findings’ section and as highlighted in challenge 3 ‘difficulties accessing the NHS’ with our wider community contacts - as a voice for our members.
• It was encouraging to see our members positively responded to BDDF continuing the support groups, walking groups and mobility improving seated yoga.
• The results re-emphasise the vital work BDDF is undertaking for our current service users. We must also further tackle access by removing digital barriers and endeavour to increase our reach encouraging more members of our community living with a disability to join us.