A documentary set to expose the poor state of mental health services in Deal will air on BBC One tonight.

The Inside Out programme, filmed by journalist Sarah Brinicombe and presented by Natalie Graham, features interviews with former Deal mayoress Tracy Carr – the leader of mental health support group Talk It Out – and some of her group members.

It was filmed in the town in November and December.

Ms Brinicombe said: “I hear the personal and moving stories of those who attend Talk It Out, giving an insight into what it’s like to live with depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety.

“The piece also asks if NHS mental health services are adequate in Kent, in Deal in particular.”

Mrs Carr was approached by the show after she sent them details about a charity calendar aimed at raising money towards a wellbeing cafe in Deal and increasing general awareness of people with mental health issues.

She said: “There is a big missing link between the point of crisis and actually getting help.”

To strengthen her point, she added Ms Brinicombe to her group’s private social media page where members discuss their feelings.

Mrs Carr said: “I think this gave her a big insight into what is going on.

“I was just over the moon that we would get heard. We need to get our plight across.”

Marjorie Wallace from mental health charity SANE also features in the show.

She said: “The failure of the psychiatric services to look after people in crisis has become a scandal in Kent, as in other areas.”

The piece will be broadcast as part of the Inside Out series on Monday, January 16, at 7.30pm on BBC 1 in the South East, and will be available for 30 days after on BBC iPlayer.

To sign a petition to review, change and improve mental health services in Deal and the surrounding areas, click here.