The devastating impact of lockdown

Social care is practical, professional support for people who need extra support with everyday life. This might be help with cooking, shopping, personal care or support with managing money or getting a job.

We surveyed 1,069 family carers of people with a learning disability to find out how they have been affected during the coronavirus lockdown by cuts to social care.

We found that:

  • 7 in 10 (69%) people with a learning disability had their social care cut or reduced
  • 4 in 5 (79%) family carers have been forced to take on more unpaid care for their family member
  • 72% of families are scared of more cuts to social care happening in future

Find out more in our easy read survey summary.

Sign our petition to support our call to the government to increase funding for social care.

See easy read report Sign the petition

Family carers pushed to the brink

“I am here alone giving 24 hour care to someone who cannot be left. Behavioural issues have been terrible. I had to choose to keep him safe rather than going for a wee, I had to wee on the floor.”
- Mother, 54, to 25 year old son with a learning disability

How you can help

The social care system is broken. People with a learning disability and their families are paying the price.

Please sign our petition and tell the Chancellor Rishi Sunak he must increase funding for social care now.

Sign the petition

Depressed and forgotten

“I am caring for a very challenging and strong individual for more than 100 hours per week and have had very little sleep. I am worn out and exhausted, my son is fully grown with the strength of ten men. It has left me feeling depressed and forgotten.”
- Mother, 53, to 26-year-old son with complex needs

Watch the video

Watch our video to hear Ismail's thoughts on the survey results and why things need to change.

Sign the petition

Terrified for the future

“She is reassessed every year. I am terrified they will say that I managed without support and withdraw services in the future.” 
- Foster parent, 61, to 36-year-old with complex needs

We need your help

Mencap will be calling on the government for more social care funding to help people with a learning disability and their families.

You can make sure our call is hear loud and clear by signing our petition.

Sign the petition

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