How people feel about living in Chatham

Healthwatch Medway engaged with 48 residents living in Chatham in June 2025 to understand the impact of the wider determinants of health on them.

Positive aspects of living in Chatham

Residents most frequently praised Chatham’s green spaces, local amenities, and sense of community. Many valued having parks, countryside access, shops, libraries, and community hubs close to home. Some residents appreciated the friendliness of local people, feeling safe in their neighbourhoods, and the presence of community groups, support services, and cultural activities. Transport links and the general convenience of living near key services were also highlighted. A smaller number mentioned the area’s history, quietness, cleanliness, and local entertainment as positive features.

How these positives affect residents

Two-thirds of residents said the area has a positive impact on them. People reported that convenience reduces stress, good community connections improve social life, and green spaces provide emotional and mental benefits. Some felt safer, happier, and more connected because of their surroundings.

Negative aspects of living in Chatham

Anti-social behaviour was the most common concern, including violence, public drunkenness, drug use, and intimidating behaviour. Residents also criticised a lack of amenities, a weakening sense of community, environmental neglect, litter, and unreliable public transport. Some expressed concerns about visible homelessness, safety, housing conditions, parking, cost of living, noise, and overcrowded roads. A minority raised issues related to access to health services, accessibility challenges, and new building developments without supporting infrastructure.

How these negatives impact residents

Over 80% of residents said the negatives in their area affect them personally. People reported feeling unsafe, stressed, isolated, frustrated, or emotionally drained by local conditions. Some said living in the area affected their mental health or their ability to access work. Others felt community disconnection or inconvenience due to pollution or unsuitable local spaces.

What health and wellbeing mean to residents

When asked what they associate with health and wellbeing, residents most often mentioned physical health, access to health services, and mental health. Other themes included diet, socialising, safe spaces, and green spaces.

What would help residents improve their wellbeing

Residents said that better access to health services—including cheaper prescriptions and quicker GP appointments—would support their wellbeing. They also identified exercise opportunities, more amenities, improved safety, better diets, more social opportunities, greater affordability, and improved housing conditions as beneficial.

Where residents get local information

Most residents look online for information, including community Facebook pages. Others rely on word of mouth, local services such as libraries, newsletters, and community noticeboards.

What could promote health and wellbeing in the community

Residents recommended making healthier living more affordable, improving community spaces and clubs, enhancing health services, keeping the area cleaner, and reducing anti-social behaviour. Some also called for improved education, better public transport, more support for homeless individuals, greater accessibility, and community-building efforts to reduce division and discrimination.

Demographic profile

Respondents were diverse in age, gender, ethnicity, income, employment status, and health conditions. Nearly a third reported long‑term conditions, and one in five reported mental health issues. Over half said they never struggle to pay for basic necessities, though a minority reported frequent difficulties.