IRU - Monday 11th October 2021

Hello and welcome to this weeks Stockport Information Round-up! 

Hope you have had a good weekend. This week is packed with information and newsletters. 

Remember if you want to receive the link weekly then you can sign up here and you will get an email every week with the link as soon as it is public. 

If you ever want to promote your work, event or you would like any information circulated please contact Liam at comms@healthwatchstockport.co.uk.

Please feel free to share far and wide! 

Have a good week!

NHS Stockport Foundation Trust Governor vacancies

Stockport NHS Foundation Trust (Stepping Hill Hospital)

Public Governor Elections.

The Trust is currently holding elections to the Council of Governors in the following constituencies, for a 3 year term of office:

• Public - Tame Valley & Werneth (4 seats)

 A by-election is also being held in the following constituency for a 2 year term of office:

• Public - Heatons & Victoria (1 seat)

(Nominations open on Monday 4 October 2021, and close at 5pm on Monday 1 November 2021.)

Members of the public, staff, patients and service users, their families and carers can join a foundation trust as its public membership. In fact, anyone who is interested in the NHS and wants to get more involved in their local health services is welcome to apply to become a member of the Trust and if they so wish seek election to the council of governors.

The governors represent the interests and views of both the public and staff members, alongside the general public. Governors play an important role in the governance of the Trust seeking assurance from the Board of Directors and helping to shape the Trust’s future priorities and plans. It is really important that there are governors representing all areas served by the Trust. Members elect people to represent them on the Council of Governors.

If you live in one of the above constituencies and you are a member of the Trust, we would encourage you to consider becoming a governor. (Completing a simple application form is all that is necessary if you are not currently a member).

All the information you require can be found by clicking here.

Last year Healthwatch accepted an invitation, from the Trust, to take up the role of an Appointed Governor on the Council of Governors. We have found this to be extremely helpful in our role representing the views of the public. Already our representative, along with other Governor colleagues, has participated in the appointment of the new Chairman.

Council of Governors meetings are currently being held virtually (zoom etc). You may find it helpful to watch a recording of the last Council of Governors meeting by clicking here. (Please note to watch the videos you will have to type in a password which is available next to the video link)

The Trust also records its board meetings and an example can be watched by clicking here. (Please note to watch the videos you will have to type in a password which is available on the right side of the video - next to viewing password)

Latest Statement from Director of Public Health

Message from Alison North (Stockport Council)

Hope you are all keeping well and are looking forward to the weekend.

The latest statement from Director of Public Health, Jen Connolly, is here.

Stockport still has one of the highest rates of any of the 152 Local Authorities in England and the second highest in Greater Manchester. Rates are almost at our highest ever level over the pandemic and are currently at *544.9 per 100,000, or 228.4 per day. The statement focuses this week on the importance of testing, the 12-15 vaccination offer and how to keep safe when out and about.

Generally on our social channels we will continue to be asking residents to get a vaccine when called – especially to get two vaccines, to continue lateral flow tests especially secondary school and college students, antibody testing along with the hands, face, space and ventilation messages.

If you can help share this messaging amongst your networks that would be helpful.

Greater Manchester Mental Wellbeing Grants

Message from Jan Hopkins (Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership)

Building on experience and learning from last year GMCVO have launched the second year of small mental wellbeing grants on behalf of GMHSCP.

Grants are up to £3000. Targeted at communities by identity or experience who may struggle to improve their mental wellbeing including;

• Carers
• People from BAME communities
• People living with long term physical or mental health conditions
• People who identify as LGBTQ+
• Disabled people
• Military veterans
• People who are unemployed
• ​Socially isolated older people

Deadline for applications is Wednesday 17th November 2021 at 17:00, decisions communicated on Friday 10th December 2021.

Micro grants up to £750 are available on a rolling basis. Micro grants round will close on Friday 29th October 2021 at 16:00

Information on both grants can be found via this link https://www.gmcvo.org.uk/gm-mental-wellbeing-grants

There is one week left to nominate your Star in your community for STAR Awards in Stockport! 

Message from Louise Evans (Stockport Homes)

Nominations can be made via Stockport Homes website or pick up a form in your local library, community centre or reception at Cornerstone.

You only have until Friday 15th October to nominate your Shining Star in 2021

• Covid Community Heroes (Group or Individual) – A group or individual who has dedicated to helping others throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, providing Stockport residents with health and wellbeing and/or practical support when it was needed the most.
• Personal Achievement Award (Individual) – An individual who has made a positive change in their live, either overcoming challenges, creating or starting something new, getting involved in an activity and letting their inner strength shine!
• Young Person Award (Individual under 25) – A young person who stands out as showing true ambition and dedication, putting real effort into their personal development, supporting another person or achieving something great.
• Community Group Award (Group) – This award is for a group that has united the community over the last year, creating a real sense of team and community spirit whilst delivering fantastic results!
• Community Project Award (Project) – A specific project which has made a real difference in the community, such as developing a greenspace, tackling isolation, improving health and wellbeing or challenging a local issue.
• Most Dedicated Volunteer Award (Individual) – A person who has shown genuine passion and put in significant effort to make a real difference in their local community.

National Menapause month

Message from Nadia Ali (Make a Difference)

Make a difference has launched a Menapause support group for women  to access 

The group meets monthly at local venues we have specialist speakers and interactive workshops  and  we also have a watts app support group for updates and information 

watch the video here

Please take a look at our video and I  would appreciate if my colleagues share this brilliant resource in Stockport on your organisation social media platforms too - we should and need to talk about this more openly - we are currently looking at Menapause policy’s in the workplace

Active workplace workshops

GreaterSport along with our trusted partners will be running a series of workshops to support workplace health and wellbeing. As well as events on being an Active Workplace you can expect sessions on the psychology of work and support for employers as the world starts to get back to normal after the Covid-19 Pandemic. Find out more and book on here. Please do also share these opportunities with any partner organisations you work with.

RVS Lunch Club update

Message from Laura McDonald (Viaduct Care)

RVS Lunch Club at Marple Senior Citizens Hall in Memorial Park is back open again on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s 12-1:30pm. Please contact Sally Connor on 07584 394892.

Updates from Stockport Council

Stockport Equality Month

This October is Stockport Equality Month, and Sector 3 have a whole host of activities planned to celebrate! Born due to the multiple equalities awareness days that are in the month, the aim of the month is to celebrate the wonderfully diverse communities we have here in Stockport and teach everyone how to be an ally against inequality.

There’s a programme of events taking place throughout the month. Come and join us for the Stockport Inclusion and Integration Fair on the 11th or try your hand at African arts and crafts and flag making! From culinary delights to thought-provoking discussion topics, there’s something for everyone.

For more information on what’s on for Stockport Equality Month, look out for a special edition of the Stockport Review Extra this week. If you’re not already subscribed, sign up to the SRE. 

Have Your Say – Children and Young People’s survey

Do you work with children and young people? So far, the council have heard from over 1200 Stockport adults in response to the consultation regarding the move of Central Library services to Stockroom. And now they want to hear from younger residents.

Nationally libraries usage has changed and we have seen this in Stockport too. Visitor numbers to Stockport Central library fell by 42% from April 2012 to March 2020. Book loans have fallen 35% among 10-14 year olds between April 2017 and March 2020, and 61% among 15-19 year olds in the same period.

Stockroom will be a place to learn, play and relax, providing a new café and meeting point. The experience of similar schemes elsewhere in the country shows that this sort of facility could attract more people to use the fantastic services our libraries provide and offer new opportunities to all. Stockroom will provide a space five times the size of the current Central Library building and will be fully accessible.

The council want to ensure children and young people can also have their say about the proposal to move library services into this space. The Children and Young People’s survey will be available until 15th October. They would really appreciate your support in helping gather the views of children and young people between the ages of 8yrs – 17yrs.

You also still have time to give your views – find out more information about the consultation and take part.

Funding to help faith groups support communities

Earlier this month, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities announced a new £1 million fund to help faith groups support communities. Faith groups will be able to apply for a share of the £1 million Faith New Deal Pilot Fund for projects providing innovative solutions to issues such as food poverty and poor mental health. Projects combating loneliness and isolation, providing debt advice and helping those who were unemployed during the COVID-19 outbreak get back to work are set to benefit from the new pilot.

The deadline for the application window of this scheme has been extended until 14 October. Guidance on how to apply for the £1 million Faith New Deal Pilot Fund.

Green Homes Grant

With winter coming we know that some people struggle to heat their homes and keep their energy costs low. This can lead to wider health implications. The Green Homes Grant is a scheme to help homeowners who earn less than £30,000 pay for energy saving improvements for their homes, by installing measures such as wall insulation, replacement windows and doors and air source heat pumps. The private rented sector can apply, however the landlord must provide a third match to obtain a total grant of £5,000. Please do share the application form with anyone you feel could benefit.   

Stockport Local Fund Annual Report

Stockport Local Fund has been supporting the tremendous work of our VCFSE sector for three years. The latest Annual Report highlights the key outcomes of the projects funded and the progress that has been made since its launch. It focusses primarily on projects funded in 2019, but also reflects on ambitions for the future. Read the SLF Annual Report.

Free Mental Wellbeing Literature

Living Life to the Full is one of the most used resources for improving feelings, beating stress and boosting ability to live well. It is a resource based on the cognitive behavioural therapy approach and is easily available, free of charge, for all residents in Greater Manchester. Just register on the GM Health Hub.

Stockport Council currently stock printed copies of a large selection of booklets that accompany this resource. They are also available in other languages including; Portuguese, Bengali, Kurdish, Romanian, Chinese, Arabic, French, Hungarian, Lithuanian and Gujarati. If you wish to order any printed copies of these, please complete the SMBC Wellbeing Publication order form. There is no charge for the books or delivery.

If you are could find them useful to help residents, now or in the future, please order by the 15th October as the council are having an office clearance to enable staff to be accommodated safely on their return to the office. After this date, there will be no guarantee that large volumes of the booklets can be stored there.

Local digital lending library up for national award

We’re delighted that the Starting Point Digital Lending Library has been shortlisted in the Digital Leaders 100 awards and we’d love it if you would vote for them. The digital device lending library has supported more than 350 households since July 2020, particularly those affected by poverty and the digital divide, and has become an innovative, sustainable solution for those needing support with digital devices or internet connectivity. Find out more and vote.

Post-16 Careers Week 2021

Message from Nick Hill (Stockport Council)

Stockport Council and Stockport Jobs Match will be holding a week-long Virtual Careers Fair from Monday 11 – Friday 15 October to help those aged 16+ understand their choices. Whether considering A-Levels or Apprenticeships, University or employment, or still undecided, our 5-day event provides the opportunity to learn about different career, education and training pathways, and meet with local providers.

Attendees can choose from  pre-recorded, live and interactive sessions to help them understand the choices available after leaving school, college or sixth form. All sessions are free to attend and aimed at Years 10-13 students, parents and caregivers, teachers and careers advisors.

The links below are to the information page on Stockport Jobs Match, and also to the Digital Prospectus:

https://stockport-jobsmatch.co.uk/post-16-careers-week

Digital Event Prospectus

The event has been well promoted among the local schools, colleges and training providers, but any additional sharing of the information you can support, among your organisations, and the young people you are working with will be much welcomed.

Playlist for Life

Message from Marion (Playlist for Life)

I am sending some general information about the charity and the work we are doing here. There you will find information about Play list for Life, our free resources and webinars and other training along with some powerful case studies and videos that can be used to share with colleagues and other stakeholders.

I mentioned at the meeting that this month is World Alzheimer’s month and to coincide with this the charity have a launched a new campaign called Songs for Dementia.

It’s a big ask, as everyone is very busy, but it would be great if everyone could spare a few minutes and help raise awareness about music and dementia by sharing our Songs for Dementia campaign including our powerful new video here.

Other ways you can you help spread the word  is by downloading our social media assets, Facebook, Instagram, twitter from our Google Drive or by ordering and displaying our  free posters via our poster request form.

Everything Covid - New website

The Everything Covid website has been designed by young people, for young people to answer questions on the vaccine and testing https://www.everythingcovid.info/