Carers of West Lothian's Concerning Findings in its Surveys

That the Parliament notes with alarm the results of two surveys carried out by Carers of West Lothian on 127 carers and 24 people living with disabilities in West Lothian; understands that 65% of unpaid carers are providing more care now when compared with that prior to lockdown, 59% said their own mental wellbeing has been affected with 29% feeling overwhelmed, 71% are worried about what will happen if they get ill and that 53% are worried about going to public places; further understands that, for those living with disabilities, 75% feel lonely and cut off from friends, 38% feel less independent now, 46% of people feel that the needs of disabled people have not been properly considered, with only 17% feeling they had, 63% are worried about what will happen if they get ill, and 54% are worried about their mental and physical wellbeing; believes that carers and disabled people should be given more support during the lockdown, and commends Carers of West Lothian for providing its support during this pandemic.