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 | Yorkshire Times A Voice of the Free Press |
2:02 PM 6th October 2020
family
94% Of Leeds Mencap Families Said That They Have Felt More Isolated During Covid-19
The recent survey was of parents and carers that use Leeds Mencap’s services and they were asked about their recent experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cath Lee, CEO of Leeds Mencap, explains:
"We know that COVID 19 has been challenging for many families across the country. Our recent survey has confirmed what we have been told anecdotally over the past 6 months by the families that use Leeds Mencap. The current pandemic has put them under incredible strain with many feeling overwhelmed, isolated and alone as much of the usual support around them has disappeared overnight. We are now looking at how we can adapt what we do to help more families."
The survey launches Leeds Mencap’s new Imagine if campaign which aims to highlight what it is like to have a learning disability and show what’s important to young people with learning disabilities and their families.
15,000 people in Leeds have a learning disability in Leeds: with this number growing Leeds Mencap are determined to get people in the city talking about the issues that families and people with learning disabilities face.
The Imagine if campaign features families and children as well as staff, volunteers and supporters talking about having a learning disability.
Cath Lee says:
“What our survey revealed was that families valued the services and support Leeds Mencap offers, and how important our activities have been during COVID-19. With our Imagine If campaign we want to highlight some of the issues that have affected children with learning disabilities during this time, such as them not being able to see friends or family and not understanding why they are unable to take part in their usual activities – like our youth clubs."