Survey on the impact of Covid-19 on the mental and emotional wellbeing and physical health of people in Bracknell Forest
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Healthwatch Bracknell Forest undertook a survey of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the mental and physical health of the local population. They undertook a survey from 27 April to 3 May to which 777 people responded and used conversations with people in their community response to Covid-19 to add to the findings.
Over 9 in 10 of the people responding to the survey were social distancing. Of the remainder, 1% were self-isolating and 6% were shielded. Over half of the people who responded to the survey noted that they had experienced a negative impact on their mental and emotional well being as a result of lockdown. Negative factors influencing their mental and emotional wellbeing included worries about money, home schooling, being confined to one household with little respite, and separation from friends and family. Positive factors included being able to work from home, awareness of local support and volunteering.
Two in five of respondents reported a negative impact on their physical health. Factors which influenced this included not wanting to exercise outside the home due to concerns about catching the virus and unhealthy eating habits.
The report includes 5 recommendations about consistent information, sharing insight, support and further research.