Coronavirus and people with learning disabilities: the study
In August 2020 group of researchers and organisations who work with people with a learning disability and their families and carers across the UK started the Coronavirus and People with a Learning Disability study. This research was funded by UK Research & Innovation. The study was conducted across the UK to collect a holistic view of how coronavirus has affected people with learning disabilities and their families.
We worked with Cardiff University and the University of South Wales who led the study in Wales, and in collaboration with All Wales People First and Learning Disability Wales.
You can find all the results for the UK-wide study here.
As part of our work, we set up a group of carers who would through feedback shape the surveys and other parts of the research, together with the other involvement groups across the UK. We wanted to thank our group for all their time and honesty in our meetings. The experience and generosity of the group members not only helped develop the research but also informed us of hardships carers face around Wales, spurring us forward on our journey towards change.
We also want to recognise and thank all carers who participated in the research and ensured their loved ones had their experience counted in the research.
The Welsh team of the study have recently gathered all the Welsh data in the research and drafted a report which you can find below. Please click on the links to see the document.
Welsh findings summary (English)
Welsh findings summary (Cymraeg)
Moving on…
‘What would have helped you and your family over the last 2 years?’
The focus of this research was individuals with a learning disability, but we recognise that family carers own voices and experiences are vital.
During the pandemic, some family carers of people with profound and multiple learning disabilities have faced incredibly difficult situations, with support services and staff being redeployed to deal with the issues brought about by the pandemic.
We are currently working with Queens University Belfast to connect carers to research highlight some of the key issues carers faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. In partnership with QUB, we are connecting carers to research that will create support and resources that will help families in the future.
To express your interest in taking part in this research, please contact us at caringcommunities@allwalesforum.org.uk or contact Trisha Forbes from the Queen’s University, Belfast directly, Trisha.Forbes@qub.ac.uk
If you have any doubts or questions, please don’t hesitate to get in contact. caringcommunities@allwalesforum.org.uk
