More signatures of support were added to a petition to review, change and improve mental health services in the district.

Following a successful day of campaigning in Deal last month - where more than 1,000 people put their name to the document - activist Tracy Carr and her team took to the streets of Sandwich on Saturday.

Another 500 names were signed and the volunteers listened to people’s mental illness stories.

Mrs Carr, who runs support group Talk It Out in Deal, said: “It was very emotional as so many people had heart wrenching stories.

“Nearly everyone I spoke to had experience of, or knows someone who is struggling with mental illness, especially young adults.

“We also had lots of younger people signing it who said they had friends who suffered and some had even lost friends to mental health issues.

“Mental illness is at epidemic proportions and the powers that be need to realise this.

“So many people have been let down.”

Joining her was Cllr Dan Friend who has teamed up Mrs Carr to launch a second Talk It Out group in Sandwich.

The launch will be at The Phoenix Centre in Jubilee Road at 6pm on Wednesday, March 8. The two-hour meeting will run every other Wednesday from then on.

Cllr Friend said: “Considering the weather, the turnout was amazing.

“The general consensus was that people thought the support group will be fantastic.”

Making up the numbers was also the Mayor of Sandwich Cllr Paul Graeme, his wife Sue and town crier Kevin Cook.

Mrs Carr added: “So many people are pleased we are fighting for them.

“People also asked about a day session group in Sandwich which I will look into in time.”

Petition sheets have been left in The Sandwich Shop, Costa and the Fruit Bowl in Sandwich.

It can also be signed at the Mercury office in Queen Street, or online at https://tinyurl.com/gv5lqy3