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Mental Health Voice brings together the experiences of people using mental health services across Kent and Medway, ensuring that lived experience helps shape local decision making. This latest report focuses on feedback gathered from people living in East Kent between April and June 2026, highlighting key themes emerging from people's experiences of mental health support and services.
During the quarter, 84 pieces of feedback were collected, including 55 experiences directly relating to mental health care and support. Most feedback came from residents in Ashford (86%), with additional responses from Dover (12%) and Canterbury (2%). Women accounted for 78% of respondents, while people aged 25 to 34 represented the largest age group.
Key findings
Increasing feedback about mental health support within GP services
Feedback relating to mental health support provided through GP services increased during the quarter, representing 25% of all mental health experiences compared with 13% in the previous quarter. Many respondents shared experiences linked to accessing ADHD assessments, referrals and medication through primary care services.
Several people described difficulties accessing support through the Right to Choose pathway, including delays in referrals, long waits for responses and uncertainty around the assessment process. Feedback suggests that some individuals continue to face challenges accessing timely assessment and treatment for ADHD.
Growing concerns around autism and ADHD pathways
Feedback relating to autism and ADHD pathways increased significantly, accounting for 17% of all mental health experiences this quarter compared with 5% in the previous quarter. Many of the experiences shared came from neurodivergent people navigating healthcare systems alongside ongoing mental health needs.
Respondents highlighted challenges relating to waiting times, coordination of care and access to medication. Some described feeling caught between services, with delays to assessments and diagnoses affecting their ability to access appropriate treatment and support. Others reported difficulties obtaining medication or concerns about communication around prescribed treatments.
Long waiting lists emerged as a particular concern, with nearly a quarter of all feedback relating to delays in accessing treatment, assessments and support. People described frustration at lengthy processes and the impact these delays had on their wellbeing and ability to manage their conditions.
Community mental health services remain the most discussed area
Community mental health services accounted for the largest proportion of feedback, representing 27% of all experiences shared during the quarter. This remained broadly consistent with previous reporting periods, demonstrating the important role these services play in supporting people across East Kent.
Supporting improvement through lived experience
Mental Health Voice continues to provide a platform for people to share their experiences of mental health services and support. By bringing together feedback from local communities, these insights help health and care organisations better understand people's needs, identify emerging issues and drive improvements across the mental health system.
Read the full report to explore the findings in more detail and learn how lived experience is helping shape mental health services across East Kent.
