Things to Do in Kent to Promote Good Mental Health

It’s important to know that feeling low is common, and many people in their life will experience bumps in the road.

Every year, 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem of some kind in England.[1]

In Kent, roughly 10% of the population has depression.[2]

The good news is that there are many things you can do to feel better.

Kent holds a treasure trove of services and activities that can improve your mental wellbeing.

Whether you’re looking to spend time in nature, engage with your community, or focus on personal growth, there’s something here for everyone.

Get Out in Nature

A starling cloud over a pier in Kent

Spending time outdoors is one of the most effective ways to improve your mental wellbeing.

Studies have shown that exposure to green spaces, whether parks, forests, or coastlines, can improve your mood, enhance cognitive function, and lower levels of stress hormones.[3]

Kent’s rich variety of parks, coastal paths, and green spaces offer the perfect backdrop for these restorative activities.

Nature Walks in Kent’s Parks

Kent is home to several beautiful parks that provide the perfect environment for mental relaxation and recovery:

Mote Park, Maidstone is a large open space where you can stroll along tree-lined paths, enjoy views of the lake, and take a break from the pressures of daily life.
Shorne Woods Country Park, Gravesend is another tranquil spot where you can escape into nature. Its woodland trails are perfect for reflective walks, and the park is well-known for its biodiversity, giving visitors the chance to connect with nature and enjoy some peace and quiet
Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve provides a tranquil setting for mindful walking, with a network of lakes and pathways that offer a perfect space for quiet reflection

Coastal Walks

A woman walking by the seaside in Dover

The calming sound of waves and the wide-open horizon can do wonders for your mental health:

Herne Bay offers long stretches of beach and promenade, where you can take in the fresh sea air and let your thoughts drift. Walking along the coastline is known to help reduce anxiety and improve mood
Margate, with its golden sands and creative community, is another popular spot for those looking to unwind by the sea
Whitstable is known for its quiet beaches and charming seafront, making it an ideal place to take a calming stroll along the shore
Deal provides a lovely coastal walk with a picturesque pier and pebble beach
Kent Downs is an area of outstanding natural beauty where you can get some exercise in while enjoying the view
Blean Woods is an ancient woodland home to a variety of birds, butterflies, and other wildlife

Gardening as Therapy

Gardening is often referred to as a form of “green therapy,” and for good reason. Spending time in gardens and allotments can lower stress levels and improve mental clarity.[4]

Kent Community Oasis Garden offers a chance to meet others, learn gardening skills, and experience the therapeutic effects of working with plants
Kent Sheds is an inclusive, friendly place for men to socialise and undertake activities like DIY projects and gardening

Physical Activity for Mental Wellbeing

A woman standing on a yoga mat doing exercise for mental wellbeing

Regular physical activity can lower stress levels, reduce anxiety, and even improve symptoms of depression.

These activities in Kent can improve your mental and physical health:

Active Kent encourages residents to participate in local sports and fitness programs that improve overall wellbeing
Parkrun is a free, weekly 5K run held in various parks across Kent which can help you stay active, meet new people, and improve mental health through regular exercise

Cycling in Kent’s Countryside

Cycling is a great way to stay physically active while enjoying the beautiful Kent countryside:

Crab and Winkle Way connects Canterbury and Whitstable
Viking Coastal Trail offers coastal views and historical landmarks

Yoga and Meditation Classes in Kent

A woman meditating by the sea in Kent

Yoga and meditation are well-known for their ability to reduce anxiety, improve focus, improve mood and promote better sleep[5]:

Yoga in the Park is a popular event where participants can enjoy practicing yoga outdoors in local parks, surrounded by nature
Outdoor Yoga in Canterbury is another well-known event that encourages mindfulness and physical activity in a peaceful, natural setting.

Swimming in Kent’s Lidos and Leisure Centres

The rhythmic motion of swimming and the calming effect of being in water make this activity a great way to unwind:

Tonbridge Swimming Pool has free swim sessions, lessons and spa facilities
Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre is a luxury facility where you can go for a swim, and make use of the gym, café and even crèche, all in one building

Sports for Social Interaction

Participating in sports not only keeps you fit but also provides opportunities for social interaction, which is vital for mental health.

Kent offers plenty of sports options, including:

Cultural and Creative Activities in Kent

A collage made in art therapy in Kent

Cultural and creative activities stimulate the mind, encourage emotional expression, and provide a sense of fulfilment[6]:

Workshops at Turner Contemporary, Margate encourages visitors to explore their feelings through art therapy, pottery, craft, and painting classes
Craft fairs are a good way to support local artists, meet other makers and give yourself a little retail therapy
Music and sound healing events create calming effects through sound vibrations
Theatre for emotional expression allows for deep emotional expression, both for performers and audience members
Local libraries offering mindfulness workshops are a good way to access free art and community groups

Social and Community Engagement for Mental Wellbeing

Older men talking about things to do in Kent to promote mental health

Social connections can reduce feelings of isolation and provide emotional support during difficult times[7]

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteering can be a fulfilling way to give back to the community while boosting your own mental health:

The Good Neighbour Project is a voluntary community service providing supportive spaces for over 50s, community cafes, fruit and veg markets and dance lessons
Porchlight are a charity that help fight homelessness, poverty and inequality
We Are With You provides mental health and substance abuse support via fundraising and community events

Support Groups and Mental Health Meetups in Kent

Support groups provide a safe space where you can share their experiences and connect with others facing similar challenges:

Live Well Kent arranges a variety of mental health meetups and support groups that anyone can join
Mid Kent Mind matches you to mentors and others who need guidance, to help you feel more empowered in managing your mental health

Community Events and Festivals

From mindfulness festivals to local fairs, community events encourage social interaction and create a sense of belonging.

Tunbridge Wells Social Events regularly host gatherings where locals can meet, socialise, and enjoy activities ranging from arts and crafts to social dinners
Folkestone Coastal Park Meetups arrange outdoor social activities like picnics and walking groups

Mindfulness and Meditation Retreats in Kent

A man meditating in a robe at a retreat

According to the NHS Five Steps to Wellbeing, practicing mindfulness can lower stress, improve emotional awareness, and promote better mental clarity[8]:

Mindfulness Retreats at Green Farm Kent offers weekend retreats that combine yoga, mindfulness meditation, and nature walks
Meditation groups offer weekly mindfulness and meditation classes that guide participants through breathing techniques and mindfulness exercises
Breathwork and mindfulness walks combine deep breathing exercises with mindful walking, encouraging walkers to connect with nature while calming the mind

Healthy Eating and Nutritional Wellbeing in Kent

A man and woman in a cooking class in Margate

According to the Mental Health Foundation, a healthy, balanced diet provides the brain with the nutrients it needs to function optimally, helping to regulate mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.[9]

Eating regularly can stop your blood sugar from dropping, which can lead to better moods
Eating foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids can boost mental wellbeing, while avoiding processed and sugary foods can help prevent energy crashes and mood swings
Consuming antioxidants can support brain health and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety
Staying hydrated can improve your thoughts and feelings
Cutting down on caffeine can reduce anxiety and help you sleep better
Eating an adequate protein intake can help to regulate your mood
Cutting down on alcohol can reduce emotional imbalance and regulate your moods and thoughts[10]

Where Can I Eat Healthily in Kent?

The Tunbridge Wells Farmers’ Market offers a wide variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other wholesome foods that promote good mental health
Healthy Eating Kent provides workshops where participants can learn how to prepare nutritious meals that benefit both the body and mind
Farm-to-table cafes in Tunbridge Wells and Ashford are a great way to enjoy fresh, locally-sourced ingredients that are both nutritious and delicious
Local farmers’ markets in Hythe and Faversham sell locally grown fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious foods
Workshops on cooking for wellbeing teach you how to prepare healthy, balanced meals that nourish both your body and mind

Where Can I Find Local Free & NHS Mental Health Resources in Kent?

A woman talking on the phone about support for mental health in Kent

Kent offers a range of services aimed at improving mental health:

Live Well Kent and ActiveKent are free services that help people manage their mental health by offering support through local charities like Porchlight. Find counselling, wellbeing workshops, and peer support groups
Every Mind Matters by Kent County Council offers personalised mental health plans, advice on sleep and stress, and tips for managing feelings of loneliness or anxiety.
One You Kent focuses on improving mental wellbeing through practical advice, stress management, and lifestyle support
Release the Pressure Helpline is a 24/7 text and helpline service offers immediate, confidential support for anyone feeling overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, or depression
Kent and Medway Mental Wellbeing hub offer online resources, safe havens, support and services for people of all ages, parents, families and carers, adults with memory problems and employees

Free Counselling and Therapy Services

Kent is committed to supporting the mental wellbeing of its residents:

We Listen NHS talking therapies can offer free therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), behavioural couples therapy (BCT), eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR), counselling, and guided self-help

Can I Get Help if Debt is Affecting My Mental Health?

A man holding a bank card in front of his laptop looking for financial help in Kent

The Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space (MHCBS) service can help you if you’re suffering a mental health crisis because of debt.

This can help you with:

Preventing enforcement and collection
Freezing interest and payment charges
Stopping contact from creditors

Where Can I Access Crisis Support?

Samaritans provides 24/7 emotional support to anyone in distress. Their helpline is available for people who need someone to listen without judgment
Kent and Medway Safe Havens offer non-emergency crisis support

For urgent medical care, get to your nearest A&E, or dial 999.

Is There Mental Health Support for Young People in Kent?

A woman talking on the phone about urgent mental health help for young people in Kent

Mental health support for young people in Kent is vital, because it has the power to change your story as you enter into adulthood.

The Kent Public Health Observatory reports that 75% of mental health conditions emerge under the age of 24, and 50% under the age of 14.

Without prevention, treatment, recovery and management, this can lead to an increase in mental health conditions in adulthood.[11]

Yes, there is specific mental health support for young people in Kent. Kent County Council offers programs through services like HeadStart Kent and Live Well Kent that provide counselling, workshops, and peer support for children and teenagers.

The Mix is a support phone, email, text and webchat service for people under 25 that can help you with abuse, citizenship, addictions, sexuality, pregnancy, and many other issues
Kooth offers anonymous support courses, counselling and self-help content for 10-25 year olds
i-THRIVE can help you get wellbeing support in difficult situations. You can read through helpful guides, enrol in participation opportunities, or access the programme via their wellbeing for schools service
MoodSpark offers 10-16-year-olds emotional and mental health, to help you get back on your feet
Young Minds can help you find more information and resources about the support available for young people
ChatHealthis texting system for 11-19 year olds that can support you with physical or emotional health concerns
Kent Resilience Hub supports young people to cope with the pressures of everyday life