#SpeakUp - Sheffield Voices
Download (PDF 753.23 KB)Summary of report content
Sheffield voices is a self-advocacy service for adults in Sheffield and the surrounding areas whose voices are seldom heard. It is made up primarily of adults with a learning disability and autistic adults.
Healthwatch Sheffield and Sheffield Voices ran several Zoom sessions online where the group could talk about their issues together, work off each other, and prompt other members to make sure their voices were also being heard.
19 people took the time to share their views in this piece of engagement. They discussed the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on their wellbeing and health, support they have had through the pandemic, and the issues affecting the disabled community throughout lockdown.
Key findings:
- How confusing lockdown was, particularly around conflicting messaging, lack of Easy Read information, and constantly changing rules
- Feeling that both their physical and mental health deteriorated and that some things have not ‘returned to normal’
- The range of support offered varied and often people felt it wasn’t enough
- Feeling like there was a lot of conflicting information in the media
- People with learning disabilities were not being respected and cared for properly at best, and at worst there have been cases of abuse
A number of recommendations were made in this report.