Mental illness rife among families caring for disabled children, study reveals

The Contact a Family survey of 1,100 families with disabled children found that 72 per cent have experienced poor mental health.

Half of those surveyed have asked their GP for help with a mental health issue or have seen a counsellor.

Among the key factors are lack of support from councils, schools and health trusts. More than half (56 per cent) cited this as a cause of their mental health problems.

A similar proportion said not having as much time or money as other families made them feel isolated.

The charity is using the findings to urge councils to invest in early intervention services to identify and support parents that are feeling isolated and stressed.

Contact a Family chief executive Srabani Sen said: "Isolation is having a devastating impact on the health and wellbeing of some of society's most vulnerable families. We are extremely concerned that this is going to get worse in the current economic climate because of a lethal combination of cuts to statutory and voluntary services as well as a reduction in families’ income due to welfare reforms.

"Families are fearful about this situation, which will lead to further stress, isolation and poor mental health.

One of those surveyed Lorraine Hockey, whose 18-year-old daughter Kassie has Rett Syndrome, said: "It is difficult finding the time to be with family and friends because we are often tired and stressed due to having so many disturbed nights of sleep and suitable childcare is extremely difficult to find."

The charity is being supported by BBC Strictly Come Dancing judge Alesha Dixon, whose brother has cerebral palsy.

She said: "I understand how easy it can be for close family members of a disabled child to feel isolated and alone, not because there aren’t enough people around, but because no one you know can relate to your experience."