News and reports

Healthwatch Recognition Awards – Back for Our 5th Year!
We’re thrilled to announce that the Healthwatch Recognition Awards are back for their fifth year! This special event celebrates the incredible work happening across Kent and Medway to make health and social care better for everyone. Join us as we recognise those who go above and beyond to put people at the heart of services.

Poor sleep affects our health, wellbeing, and productivity. Between July and August 2025, Healthwatch Medway spoke to 97 residents to understand their sleep patterns, challenges, and what could help. This report explores how sleep inequalities, lifestyle factors, and lack of awareness impact Medway communities.

This spotlight report explores what life is like for people living in Gillingham and how their environment impacts health and wellbeing. We spoke to 44 residents to understand what they love, what they struggle with, and what changes they’d like to see.

Between August and October 2025, Healthwatch Medway spoke to 14 GP practices across Medway to understand how Patient Participation Groups (PPGs) are working.

In early 2025, Healthwatch Medway spoke to 28 residents across Chattenden, Hoo, Upnor and Wainscott to understand how their local environment affects their health and wellbeing. This report is part of a wider series exploring life in different areas of Medway. Residents shared what they love about their communities, what challenges they face, and what changes they believe would make a real difference.

What’s life like on the Medway Peninsula?
We spoke to residents in Allhallows, Cliffe, Cliffe Woods, High Halstow, Isle of Grain and Stoke to find out. People told us they love the peace, nature and community spirit—but also shared concerns about poor transport, limited amenities and access to health services. This report shines a light on what’s working, what’s missing, and what could help improve wellbeing across these rural villages. This report is part of a year-long project, looking at all areas of Medway. Reports on different areas will be posted across the year.

Between January and November 2024, Healthwatch Medway spoke to 455 residents across the region to understand how wider social issues affect health and wellbeing. This latest report focuses on the 170 individuals who, unprompted, raised concerns about crime, anti-social behaviour (ASB), and personal safety—making it the most frequently mentioned issue in our year-long engagement.

Healthwatch Medway worked with Healthwatch Kent, Medway and Swale HaCP, Medway Council and Involving Medway and Swale to seek the views of young people and professionals that work with young people. In this spotlight report we have gathered data around the rising issue of self-harm.

We have published our report on Kent and Medway veteran's experience of health and social care since their discharge from the Armed Forces.

Healthwatch Medway is proud to share our annual report for the year 2024-2025.

If you are looking for information and support for carers, look no further!

On this page you will find information about diabetes, what it is and what the symptoms are. You will also find information and support for type 1 and type 2 diabetes, along with local and national support.