COVID feedback from Kent June 2020
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Healthwatch Kent gathered information from 167 people during June 2020 through a survey asking about their experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic and life under social distancing.
They found that many people had financial concerns, were confused about government guidelines, shielding and accessing food and coping with bereavement. People reported issues at home, such as work life balance and dealing with children's challenging behaviour. They heard stories where people expressed suicidal thoughts and were actively self harming. Healthwatch Kent reported that key worker's mental health and wellbeing was being impacted by the pandemic and juggling children. Difficulties obtaining medication and booking dentistry appointments were also highlighted. Many people were asking when community services would restart to help them with their personal care. By the end of June, they were noticing a slow improvement in discharges from hospital. Although some services had altered their service and were able to offer virtual support, not everyone in their client group were able to access these services though, and it highlighted how many people were unable to have access to help. There were reports about a lack of testing available for people and care homes.
The report details what actiona have been taken with these findings throughout.