New study from Observatory sheds light on disability

A new study, undertaken by the Enfield Observatory, has released some interesting findings about disabled people in Enfield. It also sheds light on the number of people in the borough living with certain conditions.

The study found:

• The number of residents in Enfield living with a limiting long term illness was 44,800 in 2006, which was 15.7% of the total local population;

• At 2001 the unemployment rate amongst the long term ill was double the average for the whole population, and 28.1% of the long term ill aged 16-74 classed themselves as permanently sick or disabled; (see table below);

• The number claiming the main state benefits at August 2006 was 24,190, which was 8.5% of the Borough’s population;

• About 20% of all children are thought to have some kind of mental health issue, and 23% of all Enfield state school pupils have some form of provision for special needs;

• About 3.4% of older people aged 50+ suffer from dementia.

2001 Census data on economic status by long term illness:

Other notable findings were that those who claim Disability Living Allowance and Incapacity Benefit are heavily concentrated in the most deprived areas of the borough.

The different kinds of disabilities amongst the Council’s Social Services clients were also examined; the categorisation at 2005/06 being:

• Physical disability – 6,058 (73.5%)

• Mental health – 1,517 (18.4%)

• Learning difficulties – 668 (8.1%)

• Those with physical disabilities have increased the fastest, 36% in four years.

Areas which have the greatest need for mental health services are the Eastern part of Enfield, with particular emphasis on the South Eastern corner.

Cllr Alan Barker, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Services said “This interesting report highlights many facts about disability which we do need to know if we are to improve services.

“The main finding for me is the amount of economic inactivity people suffer when they are disabled or suffering from long term illness. The inability to be able to earn has a huge impact on their quality of life and mental health. That physical disability is also the fastest growing problem was new information to me, and I am sure would be to many others.

“Thanks to the Enfield Observatory we now have a number of reports which shed light on all kinds of information relating to Enfield, and those who live in the Borough. Anyone interested in facts such as these should go online and see the Enfield Observatory for themselves.”

To access the Disability Report go to: http://www.enfield-observatory.org.uk/Downloads/Social%20care/Disability_Report.pdf

The Enfield Observatory has been going from strength to strength, with a new team, the site, which can be accessed at www.enfield-observatory.org.uk is your first stop shop for all kinds of facts and stats about the Borough. With a special area for young people, and a friendly team to contact if you have difficulties, it is a vital resource for anyone interested in finding out more about Enfield.

This document was last updated on 2008-01-22 15:41:40 published by the Communications team. Document Reference:LBE_132237