The number of people waiting more than 38 weeks for community mental health support in Kent and Medway has fallen by 47% since the start of 2026, according to the latest figures from Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust.
Data published by the trust shows that the number of people facing the longest waits for care dropped from 305 in January 2026 to 161 in July 2026, meaning 144 fewer people are now waiting longer than 38 weeks for support.
The reduction follows a targeted improvement programme designed to shorten waiting times and strengthen access to community mental health services across Kent and Medway.
Julie Kirby, Acting Chief Nurse at Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust, said:
"We know waiting for mental health support can have a significant impact on people and their families. People have told us they want quicker access to care and a simpler experience when moving between services, which is why reducing our longest waits has been a major focus for us.
"While we know there is more to do, we are pleased that 144 fewer people are now waiting more than 38 weeks for support than at the start of the year.
"We've achieved this by actively reviewing waiting lists, improving how people move through services and making sure people are directed to the right support as quickly as possible. Our focus now is on going further, making community mental health care easier to access, more joined up around people's needs and available closer to home."
Trust leaders say the improvement is the result of sustained work across community mental health services. Measures have included more frequent waiting list reviews, streamlined care pathways and stronger oversight of service access to ensure people receive support more quickly.
The trust has also enhanced its waiting list management processes, enabling teams to regularly identify and review those who have been waiting the longest. This approach aims to ensure people are connected with the most appropriate support at the earliest opportunity.
Alongside efforts to reduce waiting times, Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust is working closely with NHS organisations, local authorities and voluntary sector partners to create a more joined-up mental health system that is easier for residents to navigate.
Despite the significant progress, reducing waits further remains a priority. The trust is continuing to work with staff, service users and system partners to identify further opportunities to improve access, enhance patient experience and deliver more timely care.
The initiative supports the ambitions outlined in the trust's five-year strategy, Doing Well Together, which focuses on making mental health services easier to access, simpler to navigate and more consistent for communities across Kent and Medway.
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