IRU - Wednesday 27th October 2021
Hello and welcome to this weeks Stockport Information Round-up!
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If you ever want to promote your work, event or you would like any information circulated please contact Liam at comms@healthwatchstockport.co.uk.
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CALL OUT: Volunteer Drivers Needed
Message from Jo (Handy Ladies)
I wonder if you can help. We have been providing free meals to the most vulnerable people in our community since 1st April 2020 but we are desperately seeking volunteer drivers to deliver the meals, we currently have over 200 meals a day to deliver to individual households.
As it stands at the moment we only have around 12 drivers a day next week and need closer to 20 drivers to make sure all meals can go out.
If you can help or please share our email with anyone you think may be able to help we would really appreciate it.
Latest Statement from the Director of Public Health
Message from Alison North (Stockport Council)
Coronavirus case rates are still high and are currently at *539.5 per 100,000 or 266.1 per day. You can see the latest published data online.
(* the latest figures for Stockport validated on 21.10.21)
You can take a look at the latest statement from Director of Public Health, Jen Connolly, here.
Next week is half term and with that may come more mixing, with wider family and friends. The statement focuses this week on the ways people can help stem the transmission of coronavirus and avoid other seasonal illnesses.
Generally on our social channels we will continue to be sharing the Covid’s still here messaging, asking residents to get a vaccine when called – especially to get two vaccines, to continue lateral flow tests along with the hands, face, space and ventilation messages.
From next week we will be launching the partner ‘Stockport safe and Well for Winter’ campaign and lots of this messaging will be tied into this campaign.
One Stockport Local Fund Pre-Launch
Message from Sector3
The One Stockport Local Fund launches - Monday 1 November!
Launched in 2018 the platform has since invested over £800,000 across 200 different community projects and activities.
Connecting people and communities
The One Stockport Local Fund will put investment and support into communities, driven by your ideas and where you tell us it’s most needed.
We are encouraging applications for funding for ideas and activities that increase connections across communities, build social and wellbeing support for people and enable digital inclusion and taking action on climate change.
Drop in dates
Do you have an idea for community activity in your area?
Whether you apply for £300 or £30,000, you’ll need to demonstrate the benefits of your great idea for the people of Stockport. Not sure how it could work, if it's eligible or how much funding you'll need? Pop by one of the One Stockport Local Fund drop-ins to discuss your idea and find out more about the fund:
Monday 25 October 1pm
First House, Brinnington Road, SK5 8EN
Tuesday 26 October 11.30am
Wycliffe Church Rooms, Wellington Road North, SK4 1AF
Thursday 28 October 11am
The Cherry Tree Project, 2 Cherry Tree Lane, SK6 4ER
Monday 1 November 11am
St Matthews Church House, Grenville Street, SK3 9EE
Friday 5 November 11am
Heaton Norris Pavillion, Love Lane, SK4 1JA
If you need any other support with regards to delivery of your idea please get in touch with Sector3.
Welfare and wellbeing
Message from Lizzie Austin (Pure Innovations)
Stockport are working hard to support the welfare and wellbeing of two cohorts of Afghan refugees/evacuees who have been accommodated in our area.
One of the hotels that is housing a large number of families have asked for our help;
There are many families within the hotel with children, with ages ranging from 2 months to teens. They are desperate for toys, picture books, clothes and shoes that are clean and useable.
The families are not familiar with their surroundings and many of the children & families are spending time in their hotel room or around the hotel without things to keep them occupied.
If you have any donations which may help the families, please contact Elaine O'Reilly; elaine.oreilly@stockport.gov.uk directly.
(donations will need to be dropped off with Elaine at the office in Bridgehall and need to be dropped by Friday 29th October.)
Our Happy Events
Message from Gary Loftus (Our Happiness Factor)
Here's a reminder of our upcoming events October and November
Click the link and go through to our events page.
For those of you who have experienced Laughter Hangouts in the past (or not) - we are hosting three sessions on 30th October with an added bonus. We will be running a hybrid session, so you can access one or more of the sessions online.
Check out Our Happy Events page for details and how to book your place(s)
Diabetes UK Update
Message from Lisa Holland (Diabetes UK)
Just a reminder that there are still places available on our programme of free to join online webinars from Diabetes UK.
Maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY)
Tuesday 9 November 2021
6:00-7:30 pm
Speaker: Dr Ali Chakera,University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust
To register: Maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY) Tickets, Tue 9 Nov 2021 at 18:00 | Eventbrite
Diabetes UK’s coronavirus advice web pages:
www.diabetes.org.uk/about_us/news/coronavirus
Diabetes UK’s Learning Zone:
Self-Help: Talking Therapies
Message from Nathan Bibbon (Self-Help)
We’ve just launched an instant access service, for online therapy, as part of our Talking Therapies Stockport service. More info at: https://www.selfhelpservices.org.uk/onlinetherapy/
Butterfly Princess SEND Initiative - Vlog opportunity
Message from Steph Marie (Butterfly Princess SEND Initiative)
Hi my name is Steph from Greater Manchester in Northern England. I have a physical disability Cerebral Palsy I’m a Wheelchair user.
I’m the founder of the Butterfly Princess send initiative
Here’s the link to the group below;
https://www.facebook.com/The-Butterfly-Princess-SEND-initiative-2218922341453457/
butterflyprincess93@outlook.com my email
I have my own motto
"We delight in the pure beauty of the Butterfly , but rarely do we admit or appreciate the knock backs and underestimation it has gone though to achieve its beauty"
This is me to a T. I’ve been though a lot of negative experiences in my life such us bullying , child abuse and being mistreated. But I’ve not let me Disability or the negative experiences get the better of me
I’m very passionate about giving people with physical disabilities such as myself a voice that should be heard as there Is nothing really out there that is doing what I’m doing
Too often society just sees the disability and not the actual person and they are put on the scrap heel. It’s really Annoying when you have a disability and you have professionals telling you what to do and how they think you should live your life. That’s all I’ve had all throughout my life. Also people underestimating me saying you can do that because you are disabled.
I don’t see myself as having a disability. To me I’m more than just a Wheelchair user
My ambition is to have my own chat-show when I’m talking to people from all sections of society about disability taboo subjects I understand this may make some people uncomfortable as they don’t want to think that people with disabilities think about these things but we do.
Topics I would cover in my chat show , interviews Facebook live sessions included;
- Sex and disability
- Sexual health
- Relationships
- Abuse
- Internet safety.
- Careers
- Travel
- LGBTQ+
- Parenthood
- Fantasy
- Disability friendly products.
- Cancer / Cancer Screening
- Health
- Training with professionals , parents , Careers and Young People.
- Many more
I would like to invite both members of the public and professionals on to my chat show but this chat will be different than on other chat has it would put the person in the Centre with the disability and the people who support them and the professionals would have to listen to what the person with the disability or health conditions wants and let’s them discuss what matters to them.
I’ve done a lot of vlog partnerships but I really want to grow and for it to become really successful. The one thing that I’m really looking forward to is presenting an online chat show in partnership with Disability Stockport and Seashell where w a panel of six people on each episode from the community and we chat about issues that we feel passionate about. The first episode is called A voice after Lockdown and you can get your free ticket on eventbrite. I really hope third episode will be the first of many episodes.
I’ve also done interviews with people about Breast Cancer Awareness month , Movember and equality and diversity. I am not afraid to talk about hard hitting sensitive topics as that Is hoe you educate and break down barriers
Hopefully in the new year I will be able to take my chat show all round Greater Manchester and and interview professionals and people from all over and beyond.
I want to take Centre stage and take the world be storm. I do what I do as a hobby and will work with anyone that comes knocking. Like ted talks and even working with the Greater Manchester Mayer and other influential individuals
Advocacy Week
Message from Mary Edwards (Stockport Advocacy)
Please see attached posters for forthcoming Advocacy Week.
The Sharon Fallows Corner
Message from Sharon Fallows
Links
Undefeatable campaign around LTC and getting people moving their way
https://weareundefeatable.co.uk/ways-to-move
Some great info on here around improving self esteem
Life Leisure holiday club activities
https://www.lifeleisure.net/life-leisure-kids/holiday-camps/
Dogs trust freedom project
https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/help-advice/hope-project-freedom-project/freedom-project
Cheadle News - Train Station proposal and Cheadle Post
Message from Amanda Fourie and Mel Page (Cheadle Post)
I was wondering if there are any people within your networks who would be interested in volunteering to help deliver Cheadle Post directly to homes in Cheadle and Gatley?
Although we now stock a good number of shops with Cheadle Post each month, we are finding that these don't always reach people (one shop this month decided to dump their stock by a car park rather than let us know they don't want to take them anymore).
In order to move past 4,000 copies and ensure residents are receiving a copy of their hyperlocal community newspaper, we ideally need to start directly reaching homes. As you can appreciate, as a not-for-profit, free publication that is reliant on small amounts of advertising, we do not have the funds to pay a distribution company to deliver to homes directly. Therefore, as in the Heatons & Reddish with Heatons Post, we are seeking volunteers who could possibly help.
With Heatons Post, we have 30+ volunteers delivering door-to-door each month which means 8,000 copies of the newspaper are going directly to local homes. This has made a huge difference in terms of the impact the newspaper is having keeping residents informed and connected, as well as engaging with all that is happening locally; but has also proved to be a great way for those volunteers to connect with their neighbours and other local residents.
Some of these volunteers are residents who have come forward to deliver to their own street and maybe one or two neighbouring streets. Other volunteers come from local community organisations - we deliver a supply of newspapers to a group representative and members of that group who wish to help then collect from the representative to deliver to a dedicated area - again, this could be their own/surrounding streets.
Supplies of the newspaper are delivered to the volunteer/group representative each month. Volunteers can deliver as many or few as they are able and the newspapers can be delivered at any time within the month for that given publication. Just to give an idea - our newspapers are delivered to us in bundles of 150 papers (these can be split down for volunteers wishing to deliver less), and it takes approximately 1 hour to deliver a full bundle door-to-door.
I would be most grateful if you would be able to put a call out to your contacts/community organisations members to see if anyone would be able to help.
Epilepsy Coffee Group - Disability Stockport
Message from Rachel Smith (Disability Stockport)
A new epilepsy coffee group has started up here at Disability Stockport. Please feel free to circulate the poster around your contacts. Should anyone be interested, they can email me, or ring the office and ask to speak to me.
For more info please contact Rachel Smith; rachel.smith@disabilitystockport.org.uk or phone Disability Stockport on 0161 4807248.
Children's events at Stockport Libraries over October half term
Message from Lynda Byrne (Stockport Libraries)
Stockport Libraries will get two very special guests during half term as Poppy and Sam will be bringing to life the engaging story of “Room on the Broom” for children during the week.
Emerging from their special Wendy house in an interactive experience, with music and movement, children will be able to hear the classic Julia Donaldson read by the characters and join in with the fun.
Presented by NK Theatre Arts in association with Stockport Libraries, there will also be the chance for children to colour their favorite character after the performance in an hour-long session.
Stockport Libraries are delighted to host these fantastic sessions across the borough and bringing stories to life, and the best bit is it’s totally free to attend!
Darren Stannage from NK Theatre Arts said, “We are delighted to be visiting Libraries across Stockport to bring to life such a famous children’s story in a new and exciting way. Young children will be so immersed with the characters and get the chance to sing along with songs, act out some of the bits of the stories and it is great parent and child activity accessible to everyone in Stockport”
NHS Accelerated Step into Work: Healthcare Programme Aage 30+ starts on 8th November
Message from Chris Hughes (Stockport Homes)
The NHS have a new Step into Work course for unemployed people over 30 years old – see attached flyer for details.
Standguide Remote and Classroom Courses
Message from Chris Hughes (Stockport Homes)
New courses from Standguide – see attached flyers for details.
Stockport Council Suicide Awareness for Professionals training
Message from Stockport Council
We are offering new dates for the popular Stockport Council Suicide Awareness for Professionals training, which is free of charge for anyone working or volunteering in Stockport. All courses take place using Zoom.
Important: Please only book a place if you can be sure to attend as this is a very popular course which is always oversubscribed and we are unable to run the course without the majority of delegates attending.
Course Details:
Delivery Time: 2 hours
No prior experience required
The next sessions available are scheduled for:
November
Wednesday 3rd 9.30-11.30
Thursday 11th 09.30-11.30
Wednesday 17th 13.30-15.30
Thursday 25th 9.30-11.30
To book a place for any of the sessions, please CTRL & click on the following link:
SUICIDE AWARENESS FOR PROFESSIONALS BOOKING FORM
For anyone not able to attend but wanting to avail themselves of relevant online self-study options, please find attached a list of alternative training options.
If you require any further information please email;
info@wellbeing@stockport.gov.uk.
ALTERNATIVE (NON SMBC) FREE ONLINE TRAINING OPTIONS To support conversations about mental health and emotional wellbeing
- Develops understanding and compassion
- Tackles myths, stigma and barriers
- Introduces concept that suicide is not inevitable – people can be helped, and module includes the latest research and evidence
- Helps delegates understand how distress develops and how people can be best supported
- Develops common language between community, services and those in distress
- Gives delegates the confidence and the skills practice of talking to someone in distress
- Develops a compassionate approach for demanding and time-pressured environments
- Equips the delegate with the knowledge of how to use www.StayingSafe.net to make their own Safety Plan
Papyrus Debrief Service after suicide
Message from DR Judith Strobl (Stockport Council)
Please note this important support offer of a debrief service from Papyrus for any professionals or frontline workers having encountered suicide.
Christmas Card SALE
Message from Heather Thorpe
Saturday November 6th. Lovely little event in collaboration with St Paul's, Heaton Moor , in St Paul's Church, St Paul's Rd, SK4 4RY. Some of the charities being represented are: N-Gage, Amnesty Int, Oxfam, Traidcraft, Francis House, Walthew House, Signpost for Carers, Red Cross, Lamplighter & Friends of the Whitworth. Plus dancing from Dementia Disco.
Fully funded training - Women and Gambling Related Harms
Message from Rachel Simm (GamCare)
GamCare is a national provider of free information, advice and support for anyone affected by problem gambling, and we have received additional funding to deliver a two-year, nationwide Women’s Programme.
Research suggests that only a tiny proportion of women affected by gambling-related harm are currently reaching out for support. We are concerned that many people still think of gambling as a ‘male issue’, and that stigma and shame prevent women from coming forward.
We provide FREE training, resources and ongoing support to staff, volunteers and professionals in organisations across the North West to help them recognise and respond to signs of gambling-related harm so that more women are empowered to access treatment and support services.
Currently we offer a two-hour online interactive workshop or a half day face to face session, which explores harms to women, caused by problem gambling and routes into support and treatment. This workshop aims to help make problem gambling more identifiable for practitioners working with women in both generic and gender specific services.
These can be booked on Eventbrite for individuals: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/rachel-simm-33356849825 or we can organise something more specific for your organisation at a time and venue (or online) to suit you.
Updates from Stockport Council
Updates from Sarah Burke (Stockport Council)
Covid updates
As winter approaches, we must all be extra careful to follow safer behaviours advice to tackle COVID-19, such as keeping inside areas ventilated.
We must all prepare for the flu season as well. So, getting a flu vaccine is very important this winter especially as having COVID-19 and flu at the same time doubles the risk of death. Those eligible for the free flu vaccine should book their appointments as soon as possible.
This week, Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi and Health Secretary Sajid Javid have written a joint letter to parents of secondary school and college students to talk about the importance of vaccinations and regular testing.
Covid’s still here
Over the last year and a half of restrictions, we have all done our bit to keep each other safe. Many of the restrictions to our lives have been eased but COVID-19 has not gone away.
The numbers of people catching coronavirus remain much higher than when lockdown measures were first introduced. Many residents, businesses and public services are still dealing with difficulties caused by the virus and living with the risks that harder times could return.
So GMCA are urging people across Greater Manchester to keep doing the right thing by each other by keeping up safe behaviours and adopting new habits even if fully vaccinated. More information at: https://greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/covid-still-here#FaceCovering
Everything Covid
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/
You’re invited to our very first virtual Climate Action Now Summit
We’re hosting our first virtual CAN (Climate Action Now) Summit to celebrate, connect and inspire climate action across the borough.
The event is free to attend and will take place on Tuesday 9th November, during COP26, demonstrating our commitment to tackle climate change and to be a carbon neutral region by 2038. The virtual event will run from 10am-4:30pm and will be split into four bookable sections: Stockport CAN, Businesses, Young People, and Communities.
Tickets and further details can be found on Eventbrite. Download the poster.
Recruiting two new roles to tackle inequality and promote inclusion
The One Stockport Borough Plan sets out our ambition to be a fair and inclusive borough in which everyone has equity of opportunity. Currently, we are the eighth most polarised borough in England, leading to significant inequalities which needs addressing. This is one of the biggest challenges facing the borough now and for the future. Through working together and supporting each other we can create a Borough which gives everyone a voice and an opportunity to celebrate its differences and where unique experiences can be shared.
We are currently recruiting to two posts to help drive our ambition and achieve our goals. We are looking for two passionate and experienced individuals to lead the council’s work to tackle inequality and promote inclusion over the next two years.
Head of Service for Fair and Inclusive Stockport – MB1 (2 year fixed-term/secondment)
Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion Manager – MB3 (2-year fixed term/secondment reporting to the Head of Service for Fair and Inclusive Stockport)
If you think you have what it takes to help lead this important and ambitious agenda, please contact Kirsteen Roe (Kirsteen.roe@stockport.gov.uk) or Jennifer Connolly (Jennifer.Connolly@stockport.gov.uk) to arrange an informal and confidential chat about either role to find out more.
SHG Pantry leaflet
Download the leaflet for the Stockport pantries. There are five pantries in Stockport that the
community can sign up for. Each charge £3.50 a week for membership, which enables members access to 10 items of shopping each week, often worth up to £20 or more!
The pantries are: Mottram Street Pantry, Penny Lane Pantry, Woodley Pantry, Brinnington Pantry and Pantry at number 5. Please share with anyone who could benefit from this!
Small mental wellbeing grants
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
Micro grants up to £750 will close on Friday 29th October 2021 at 16:00. Deadline for applications for small grants of £750 - £3,000 is Wednesday 17th November 2021 at 17:00. Information on both grants can be found via this link https://www.gmcvo.org.uk/gm-mental-wellbeing-grants
New programmes from ABL Health
ABL Health deliver the Tier 2 Weight Management Service across Stockport. This is a FREE service that anybody over 18+ can join with a BMI ranging between 25 – 35. The 12-week programme promotes life-long healthy behaviour change and weight loss with weekly sessions that focus on food, nutrition, exercise, sleep, water intake and so much more.
ABL have launched two new programmes:
• DSU (Trim Down Shape Up) supporting men with their health and fitness goals.
• Age well with ABL supporting anybody 65+ with strength, balance and low level activity levels.
To find out more about ABL Health and how they can support you, call 0161 870 6492.
Autism Awareness Workshops
Message from Amelia Harrington (Pure Innovations)
I have attached a couple of flyers for workshops that you may be interested in.
An introduction to autism spectrum conditions runs online over two half day sessions on 8th and 15th November. You must attend both sessions to complete the course. Cost £10 plus VAT. This workshop is co delivered by a subject expert alongside experts with lived experience.
We also have some short free online workshops called My right to be safe which were developed by the NW self-Advocates Training Partnership. There is a session for staff and family members and also one for people with learning disabilities. Please share with clients or anyone who you think would benefit from these courses. Support staff are welcome to attend the self-advocates session if you are supporting someone with learning disabilities to attend.
Commissioners in Greater Manchester Health and Social Care will also be running a GM LD and Autism Workforce Strategy engagement event online on 4th November from 10am till 12pm and they would like to get some good provider representation. If you would like to attend please let me know and I will forward you the invitation and contact details.
Woodbank Ramblers (Now meeting ever Thursday)
Message from Steven Delahunt (The Prevention Alliance)
New date and time for The Woodbank Ramblers Group.
Free places on gardening course
Message from Chris Hughes (Stockport Homes)
We still have a few free places left on our Greenfingers: Saving Seeds and Dividing Plants course – see attached flyer for details.
This three hour session is being run at Woodbank Nurseries in Offerton and is open to absolute beginners as well as experienced gardeners. It’s being offered as part of our ongoing health and wellbeing programme as it’s fun, interesting, practical and a great way to meet other people.
The course runs on the 30 October (10am – 1pm).
Anyone wanting more information or to book a place should contact us:
Tel: 0161 474 2862
Email: customer.training@stockporthomes.org
Visit: www.stockporthomes.org/skills-for-life-plus
Priority will be given to Stockport Homes’ customers.
GMCVO
GMCVO are supporting the launch of the new Recovery Loan Fund (Social Investment Business)
GMCVO - Social Enterprise - Tell us about your marketing needs
Ambition for Ageing
Stockport Council
Stockport Review EXTRA - 22 October 2021
Sector3
Your VCFSE bulletin - 20th October 2021
Department of Health and Social Care
Adult Social Care Update: 21.10.21
Manchester Evening News
Community Champions
Community Champions Newsletter Issue 2
National Autistic Society
Our new Autism Inclusion Award
Greater Manchester and Eastern Cheshire Strategic Clinical Networks
Palliative and End of Life Care Newsletter - 21 October 2021
Care Quality Commission
Now available: State of Care - CQC's annual assessment of health care and social care in England
Media Trust
Media Trust CONNECT: Conquering Climate Comms
WHO
WHO Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Situational Report – 22th October 2021
Information and Signposting
For up to date health and social care information, signposting and guidance call Healthwatch Stockport on
0161 974 0753 10am - 2pm or email info@healthwatchstockport.co.uk.
Or do you have a health or social care experience you want to share – how did your last appointment with your GP or dentist go? Are you frustrated or thrilled with the service you received – let us know so we can work with local services to influence better commissioners and better outcomes for you and your family. Contact the Healthwatch Stockport office above or submit feedback here at www.healthwatchstockport.co.uk/share-your-views
If you have any information you would like to share on the Stockport Information Round up please send any details to comms@healthwatchstockport.co.uk
