As we mark the Covid‑19 Day of Reflection, Aspens pauses to honour the lives lost, acknowledge the profound impact of the pandemic and remember the extraordinary resilience shown by the people we support, their families and our teams.

Covid‑19 had a disproportionate and devastating effect on people with learning disabilities and autistic people across the UK. NHS England data showed that at least 451 people with a learning disability and/or autism died of Covid‑19 in acute hospitals during the first months of the pandemic. Findings from the LeDeR programme estimated that around 956 adults with learning disabilities died from Covid‑19 between February and June 2020. In care settings, the Care Quality Commission recorded 206 Covid‑19 related deaths between April and May 2020, and 486 deaths over the following year among people with learning disabilities and autistic people.*

These figures represent lives, families and communities forever changed. They also highlight the stark inequalities that existed long before the pandemic and were intensified by it.

Beyond the tragic loss of life nationally, the emotional and social impact was immense. According to the National Autistic Society’s Left Stranded report, 9 in 10 autistic people were worried about their mental health during lockdown, 85% said their anxiety worsened, and they were seven times more likely to be chronically lonely than the general population. These experiences were echoed across Aspens’ services, where disrupted routines created significant challenges for the people we care for. 

Throughout 2020 and beyond, our team worked tirelessly to adapt, protect and stay connected. From rethinking how we delivered essential support, to helping families navigate uncertainty, to finding creative ways to maintain relationships and routines, the dedication of our staff and the strength of those we support shone through.

Reflecting on this period, CEO Robert Shanahan said: “The pandemic tested every part of society, but it also revealed the strength, compassion and resilience within our Aspens community. We will always remember the challenges of that time, honour those who were lost nationally, and continue working to ensure the best outcomes for autistic people and those with learning disabilities.”

Today, we remember those we lost nationally, stand with those who continue to feel the long‑term effects and reaffirm our commitment to building a more inclusive, equitable and compassionate future for autistic people and those with learning disabilities.

To read more about the experiences of the people we support, our staff and community during the pandemic, you can explore our 2020 Impact Report.

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*Aspens was very fortunate not to lose anyone we support to Covid‑19 during this period; the statistics above reflect national data, not Aspens’ own experience.