Most young disabled adults ‘have felt hidden reality of loneliness in past year’

Most young disabled adults have felt lonely at some point in the past year, a survey has suggested.

The results expose what a disability charity has described as “the hidden reality of many disabled people’s lives”.

Three quarters of working age disabled people, and 85% of young disabled adults (aged between 18 and 34) admitted experiencing loneliness in the 12 months to July, Scope’s survey found.

The charity said a lack of funding in the social care system makes it difficult for those with disabilities to get the basic support they need, which can lead to a sense of isolation.

Mark Atkinson, chief executive at Scope, said: “Our new research has exposed the hidden reality of many disabled people’s lives.

He added: “We urge the Government to develop a cross-departmental disability strategy.

“They need to ensure that the investment we make in social care and benefits provides a decent standard of living for disabled people, rather than allowing loneliness and isolation to thrive.”

A Government spokeswoman said: “We are committed to empowering disabled people and supporting them in all aspects of their lives.

“We spend over £50 billion a year to support disabled people and those with health conditions, and have provided £2 billion for the social care sector.

“We will continue to work together to break down the barriers disabled people face, furthering rights and opportunities for all.”

Opinium conducted an online survey of 1,004 disabled UK adults.

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