Mental health engagement July - September 2025

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Summary of report content

Healthwatch Lewisham analysed their feedback about mental health services to share insights to improve services.  Between July and September 2025 they heard from 46 people.

  • Approximately half of the patients reported not receiving sufficient information about their mental health rights, advocacy services, talking therapies, and support options to help them stay well in the community 
  • Many patients noted that staff could further improve open and timely communication regarding requests, complaints, and emotional support. 
  • More than half of the patients felt they were not fully involved in their care planning. They also reported challenges accessing GP and hospital services, often feeling that these services did not fully understand their mental health needs
  •  Patients continue to face wider social challenges, including limited empathy from their social networks, lacked adequate support with daily living, difficulties securing employment, managing finances, and issues related to addiction.

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General details

Local Healthwatch
Healthwatch Lewisham
Publication date
Date evidence capture began
Date evidence capture finished
Key themes
Access to services
Caring, kindness, respect and dignity
Communication with patients; treatment explanation; verbal advice
Consent, choice, user involvement and being listened to
Lifestyle and wellbeing; wider determinants of health

Methodology and approach

Was the work undertaken in partnership with another organisation?
No
Primary research method used
General feedback
If an Enter and View methodology was applied, was the visit announced or unannounced?
N/A

Details of health and care services included in the report

Details of health and care services included in the report
Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) and specialist MH services
Counselling/Psychotherapy/ Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT)
Hospital-based psychiatric care

Details of people who shared their views

Number of people who shared their views
46
Types of long term conditions
Mental health condition
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