How people feel about living in Medway: Rainham

Healthwatch Medway spoke to 40 Rainham residents to understand how their local environment affects their health and wellbeing. Residents highlighted both positive and negative aspects of living in Rainham, as well as the impact these have on their daily lives.

What people like about Rainham

Residents most often praised local shops, cafés and other amenities, saying these were convenient and within easy reach. Many also valued the friendly community atmosphere, the area’s quietness, and the availability of green spaces such as parks and the riverside walk. Good transport links, especially access to the train station, were seen as helpful. Some people also noted that Rainham feels clean, safe, and familiar.

How these positives affect people

Most participants said the area positively impacts their wellbeing. They described benefits such as feeling part of a community, having easy access to services, enjoying nature, and experiencing reduced stress. Several felt the area improved their mental health, and a few mentioned that it supports their physical health.

What people dislike about Rainham

Residents most frequently criticised local health services, particularly the difficulty of getting GP appointments and the lack of a local pharmacy. They also raised concerns about anti‑social behaviour, shop closures, and a decline in local amenities. Parking problems, heavy traffic, and frequent roadworks were common frustrations. Other issues included building overdevelopment, poor public transport, environmental neglect, cost of living pressures, racism, noise and litter, and a lack of visible police presence.

How these negatives affect people

Most respondents said these issues negatively affect them, most commonly through inconvenience—such as having to travel further for services or facing traffic delays. Some described emotional impacts like frustration and stress, and others noted effects on their mental health or feelings of safety. A few reported that worsening social cohesion and anti‑social behaviour made them feel anxious or reluctant to go out.

What people associate with health and wellbeing

Nearly half of participants said “health services” came to mind first, and many mentioned physical or mental health, healthy eating, and exercise. Others referred to being outdoors, green spaces, social support, or affordability of activities.

What would help people improve their own wellbeing

Residents said improvements to health services—especially better GP access and a local pharmacy—would help them most. People also wanted more affordable gyms and leisure activities, better education and awareness around health conditions and neurodiversity, more amenities, improved public transport, and opportunities for exercise and social contact.

Where people get local information

Most residents look for information online, including on Facebook. Others rely on local newsletters, services such as the library or contact points, word of mouth, or posters in local shops.

What would improve community wellbeing

Residents felt the community would benefit from better‑resourced health services, including more GPs, pharmacies, and wellness clinics. They also suggested more community spaces and clubs, activities for young people, improved local amenities, affordable leisure options, better transport, safer streets, cleaner public spaces, and more inclusive education and understanding across the community.