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Between January and March 2026, people in East Kent shared 55 pieces of feedback about their experiences of mental health care. Gathered through local mental health network meetings, these insights highlight what is working well, alongside areas where improvements are needed to better support people across the region.
Positive experiences of support and care
Many people described positive interactions with mental health services, particularly when care was consistent, responsive, and delivered with compassion. Services such as Mental Health Together and crisis teams were highlighted for providing timely support during difficult periods.
People spoke about feeling listened to and reassured during appointments, with some noting steady progress in their mental health as a result of ongoing support. These experiences underline the value of person-centred care, where individuals feel understood and actively involved in their treatment.
Concerns about communication
A key issue raised this quarter was communication between staff and patients. Negative feedback in this area was higher in East Kent than in other parts of Kent and Medway, suggesting a need for closer attention.
People reported not being kept informed about their care or next steps, and in some cases, feeling unsure about their treatment pathway. Breakdowns in communication could leave individuals feeling overlooked or disconnected from services, particularly when they were expecting follow-up support or referrals.
Clear, consistent communication is essential to help people feel safe, supported, and confident in their care, and this remains an important area for improvement.
Discharge from services
Discharge also emerged as a significant concern. Negative feedback on this topic increased compared to 2025, with many people describing experiences where they were discharged without enough notice, support, or planning.
Some individuals reported being discharged while still experiencing significant mental health challenges, including periods of crisis. Others highlighted a lack of coordination between services, meaning support was not always in place once care ended.
These experiences demonstrate how closely discharge and communication are linked. When information is unclear or not shared effectively, it can lead to gaps in care and leave people feeling unsupported during a crucial stage of their recovery.
Emerging themes
Accessibility and reasonable adjustments also emerged as new areas of discussion this quarter, indicating ongoing work is needed to ensure services are inclusive and responsive to different needs.
Moving forward
The feedback from East Kent highlights both the strengths and challenges within local mental health services. While many people benefit from compassionate and effective support, there are clear opportunities to improve communication, coordination, and discharge processes.
By learning from these experiences and working collaboratively, organisations can strengthen services and ensure people receive consistent, joined-up care. Listening to lived experience remains essential in shaping services that are not only effective, but also responsive to the needs of the communities they serve.
