Health And Wellbeing

Aims

In 2015 the Thalidomide Trust invited all beneficiaries to take part in a survey to find out about their current health and wellbeing, any problems they are currently facing and any (other) challenges they expect in the future.  A massive three-quarters (75%) of beneficiaries replied to the survey. This means we can be confident the survey gives an accurate picture of their current situation and future anxieties. Overall, we now have a detailed picture of the challenges involved in growing older with thalidomide damage.

What was found

A survey of all 467 beneficiaries took place to find out about their current health and wellbeing, any problems currently faced and challenges expected in the future. 75% responded to the survey giving a detailed picture of the challenges involved in growing older with thalidomide damage.

The following issues were explored:

• Health problems
  • physical health
  • mental health
  • hearing, sight, dental and other health problems
• Health and social care services
  • Use of health services in the past ten years
  • Access to health services
  • Use of social care services
• Health related quality of life and mental wellbeing
• Homes and cars
• Work and pensions
• Concerns for the future

The evidence compiled was used to develop the Trusts' own services and identify topics that the Trust may need to investigate further. In addition it was sent to the Departments of Health in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. This will demonstrate to the Health Departments how beneficiaries continue to experience growing health problems and how important the Health Grant is in helping meet at least some of their extra needs for services, special housing and mobility.

View a summary of the survey results and the full published report here:

Health and Wellbeing Report Summary

Health and Wellbeing Full Report 2016

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