Cerebral Palsy Scotland has undertaken three surveys of the cerebral palsy community to better understand the impact restrictions have had on people with CP and their families.

These surveys, carried out in May and September 2020 and February 2021, show that Covid restrictions have had – and are continuing to have – a negative impact on the physical and mental health of people with cerebral palsy.

Key findings from the February 2021 survey showed:

• 60% of respondents said restrictions had had a negative impact on their mental health
• 43% of people reported that their physical health had deteriorated
• Decline in wellbeing was not restricted to the person with CP – 44% felt that it had also impacted on other people in the family
• 53% felt that their family has become more isolated

We have used these survey findings to support the CP community in two ways:

• To highlight and raise awareness of the impact of Covid restrictions on the CP population with the Scottish Government, NHS, University studies and umbrella bodies such as Neurological Alliance of Scotland and the Health and Social Care Alliance
• At Cerebral Palsy Scotland we have used the findings to guide us on how to adapt our services to better support people with cerebral palsy and their families during the Covid outbreak, as well as to help us secure additional funding during this crisis.