IRU - Friday, 4th August 2023
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Welcome to this week's Information Round-up!
What have we been up too this week!
This week we have been supporting OneStockport with their One Health and Care Plan engaging with communities across Stockport. The aim of the engagement pop-ups was to collect thoughts and feelings from people in Stockport about what priorities should be looked at and also feedback on the proposed priorities.
You may have seen us at Stepping Hill this week too! We were there dropping off some feedback forms in the discharge lounges to help correlate some work around the discharge procedures.
If you want to receive the link weekly then you can sign up here and you will receive 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 fill in the form here to have your information promoted.
Please feel free to share far and wide!
You can follow us on social media at Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin and YouTube.
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Stockport Psychological Wellbeing Service
Message regarding Self help services
We are excited to announce our brand new, SFL+ Wellbeing Workshops
These three sessions are being delivered by NHS Talking Therapies and are a FREE Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) course for adults experiencing symptoms of low mood or anxiety.
How could the Workshops help?
The Workshops help you learn new skills and techniques for managing anxiety and low mood.
Some of the topics/ techniques you will learn on the course include:
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Understanding the vicious cycle of low mood & anxiety.
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How small changes to our lifestyle can have a big impact on our wellbeing.
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How to improve your sleep.
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Relaxation and Mindfulness
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How to improve your activity levels and in turn improve motivation.
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How to challenge negative thoughts and reduce worry.
Anyone wanting more information or to book a place should contact:
Tel: 0161 474 2862
Email: customer.training@stockporthomes.org
Visit: Skills for Life Plus (sk-y-light.org)
A Message from Smartworks:
Are you (or is someone you know) supporting unemployed women in Greater Manchester who are looking for work?
Join online Smartworks Greater Manchester on Friday 11th August to find out more about how they can support your customers, have a virtual tour of their centre, and enjoy networking with other organisations on the call!
Supporting vulnerable residents with council tax and other household bills
A message from Stockport Council
The council's cost of living hub is helping residents combat the current cost-of-living pressures. It is a one-stop hub which rounds up all of the support available.
In addition, a Resident Advice and Support scheme has been created specifically to offer help and advice over the phone, with residents being encouraged to contact them if they are worried about any financial pressures.
The hub and advice line is there for anyone and offers support on things such as getting food, support for those at risk of losing their home and if you are struggling to pay your council tax.
The cost-of-living hub is live on the council website, and the Resident Advice and Support scheme can be reached on
0161 474 2140.
Click Here for more information
Summer Support for Families
Message regarding help for families
With the school holidays here, we know that this time can be financially challenging for many families, particularly against the backdrop of the current cost-of-living crisis. There are lots of avenues of support available for Stockport residents, through local, regional and national schemes.
We’ve rounded up the support options available this summer for people living in the borough.
You can read more here:
No parent should have to struggle to keep their kids online this summer
A message about support
New research from Virgin Media O2 shows that seven in 10 parents say they’ll struggle to afford to keep their kids online this summer. This doesn’t need to be the case. We provide free public WiFi in all Stockport libraries, see our library opening hours or learn more about Open+ to use libraries outside staffed hours. Free WiFi is also available in some retail locations. See the Free WiFi in Stockport map.
If you receive benefits, you could be eligible for a cheaper broadband and phone package, which could save you £180 a year. Find out more about Social tariffs on Ofcom's website.
Starting Point run the DigiKnow Lending Library and a Good Things Databank. They support over 50 people every week to access free data from Virgin Media O2, Vodaphone and Three.
Call or text the DigiKnow Helpline on 07724 217888
A message about health and wellbeing services
START is the main point of contact for anyone who wants to improve their health and wellbeing by making lifestyle changes.
It is a free and confidential service for anyone who lives in Stockport and can support residents to stop smoking, eat more healthily, be more active, drink less alcohol and reduce/stop their drug use.
You can refer to START on:
0161 474 3141
www.healthystockport.co.uk
A Message from MSA Stockport
I run a full time, professional, Thai Boxing gym in Offerton, Stockport (SK1 4AR).
I have recently been commissioned by Children in need charity to offer FREE classes to local children (boys & girls) from 11 to 16 years old.
The classes will run during that day in the school holidays.
The aim is to increase mental and physical health in the community.
The benefits of Muay Thai training are many, but include;
By engaging in these sessions, we want to see the following impact/outcomes for young people:
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Increased physical fitness
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Increased physical and mental wellbeing
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Increased mental strength
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Increased mental agility
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Increased confidence
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Increased discipline
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Increased respectfulness
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Increased in teamworking and social skills
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Increased focus on self development
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Increased balance, coordination, flexibility & core strength
Would you kindly get this message out to all 11 to 16-year-olds please as this is a great opportunity to take part in these FREE classes. We are not trying to ‘steal’ your customers or students, merely offering them something that is 100% free – pretty rare these days!
Please see attached a leaflet
Happy to discuss if you would like any further information.
Kru Yai Mike
MSA Stockport
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Mental Health Engagement Officer for Healthwatch Stockport!
We are looking for a dedicated Engagement Officer for Healthwatch Stockport. Could this be you?
You will be working within the passionate team at Healthwatch Stockport to effectively engage with local people, communities who have a lived or living experience of serious mental illness and of using mental health services in Stockport.
You will be a point of contact for individuals and voluntary and community groups, to share experience, to develop meaningful communication methods and feedback the impact of their voice and involvement. You will facilitate coproduction and develop approaches to support individuals and groups to be involved and engaged as partners in the development and codesign of mental health support and living well across Stockport.
Please contact Healthwatch Stockport for the recruitment pack and application form:
0161 974 0753
Info@healthwatchstockport.co.uk
Get your recruitment pack here
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Brand new SFL+ Henna Art Workshop – Starting in September
During the workshop, participants will have the opportunity to learn about the history and cultural significance of henna art. Expert instructor Tahera Miah, who is an, will guide them through the techniques and tools used to create beautiful designs. Participants will also have the chance to practice creating their own designs on paper before moving on to apply the henna on their skin.
Anyone wanting more information or to book a place should contact us:
Tel: 0161 474 2862
Email: customer.training@stockporthomes.org
Visit: Skills for Life Plus (sk-y-light.org)
Unlock the world of woodworking with a captivating Beginners SFL+ Woodworking Course!
“If you've ever dreamt of crafting stunning wooden creations with your own two hands, this course is your gateway to turning that dream into reality. Designed for absolute beginners, our expert-led program will guide you step-by-step through the fundamentals of woodworking. From understanding the different types of wood and mastering essential tools, to learning essential joinery techniques and creating your own handcrafted masterpieces, we've got you covered. Our interactive and hands-on approach ensures that you gain practical skills and confidence with each project. Let your creativity take shape.”
This is a very popular course and places are limited, so if you know someone who would benefit from it, please ask them to contact us soon to avoid disappointment.
Anyone wanting more information or to book a place should contact us:
Tel: 0161 474 2862
Email: customer.training@stockporthomes.org
Visit: Skills for Life Plus (sk-y-light.org)
An event by Disability Stockport
Details of an Attendance Allowance drop-in (support for residents to complete an application, either for themselves or on behalf of someone else).
Where: Disability Stockport, High Street, Stockport
When: 18 August 2023
Attendance Allowance Drop-In Event Tickets, Fri 18 Aug 2023 at 10:30 | Eventbrite
Greater Manchester’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU)
Have your say here: https://www.gmconsult.org/police-and-crime-team/greater-manchester-violence-reduction-strategy
A.C.E. have September starts available on their Short Breaks programme!
If your child is diagnosed or on the pathway to diagnosis Brooke & Jodie want to chat to you, they provide an affordable respite service for parents/carers in Stockport.
Provision is based at Bridgehall Primary School
10am - 12:30am and for ages 6 -11 yrs old.
Note there are very limited spaces available.
Please email brooke@activece.co.uk or jodie@activece.co.uk
A Message from the Together Centre
Please download this summer's event guide.
Fun in the Park
Alexandra Park, Edgeley,
29th – 31st August, 11am – 2pm.
Face painting, crafts, games, free refreshments.
Wellbeing Workshops
three sessions being delivered by NHS Talking Therapies and are a FREE Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) course for adults experiencing symptoms of
low mood or anxiety.
In September at Cornerstones, 2 Edward Street, SK1 3NQ.
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Stand Guide have the following courses.
Stand guide are running their Level 2 & 3 Supporting Teaching and Learning courses.
See full details below.
A message from Job Gym
3- day L1 Mental Health Awareness Course that we will be running in both August and September 2023.
Dates are:
9th-11th August
4th-6th September These are both online, (so need to worry about getting to our site, In Middleton!) and take place from 9.30am-2.30pm.
Therefore, commitment to those times and dates are a necessary requirement.
To register please go to https://www.thejobgym.co.uk/
5-week Security SWAP with G4S with guaranteed interviews ( and therefore REAL job opportunities)
This is delivered both online for some parts and onsite, in Middleton, for other parts- see attached for details.
As a quick reminder to the eligibility criteria to access the funds available for either programme.
Live in a Greater Manchester Postcode area
Be aged 19+ yrs from 31st August the previous academic year ( NB- for the August course, this means 31st August 2022, for the September course this means 31st August 2023)
Have lived in UK/EU for at least the last 3 years
Be in receipt of benefits/earning less than £20,800 ( NB if a learner is earning over this threshold, then the courses are part-funded)
To register please go to https://www.thejobgym.co.uk/
Stockport Mind offers Free Menopause training
As part of a collaborative project with the four other Minds in Greater Manchester Stockport Mind are running FREE Menopause Awareness Training to support employees, volunteers and managers of small to medium-sized organisations across Stockport and the rest of Greater Manchester. Please continue to share this amazing training.
The online training offers all attendees the opportunity to better under the menopause, whether it's for you, or to support a colleague/team, or even a loved one.
The next dates for our Menopause Awareness courses are as follows:
Menopause Awareness for Employees:
Thursday 24th August - 9.30am - 11.00am
Friday 22nd September - 1.30pm – 3.00pm
A 90-minute workshop that's interactive and practical. The course offers ideas and tools to build confidence to support people in this important transitional life stage.
: https://app.melearning.co.uk/auth/validate-key?registerKey=FJSZCDPW
Supporting Employees through the Menopause (managers session)
Thursday 10th August - 1.30pm - 3.30pm
Monday 21st August - 9.30am - 11.30am
Tuesday 29th August - 9.30am - 11.30am
A more in-depth course that offers the tools for Managers to support employees through the Menopause.
To find out more, or book on please visit the link: https://app.melearning.co.uk/auth/validate-key?registerKey=FJSZCDPW
Signpost are recruiting!
I’m excited to announce that, thanks to some additional funding and restructuring, we are currently recruiting six (!) new positions at Signpost!!!
Data input worker
Carer registration and support officer
Carer support officer (carers assessments)
Carer assessment review officer
Sessional counsellor (2x 10 hour positions)
This is a brilliant opportunity to join an amazing local charity, supporting Stockport’s unpaid carers. We’re a lovely team working from a great space.
If you can share the news that would be appreciated – www.signpostforcarers.org.uk/vacancies .
Please note, the page currently only displays 3 vacancies at a time, to see information about all vacancies, please open one and the rest are displayed on the right hand side.
Applications for all posts are with CV and Covering Letter sent to julia@signpostforcarers.org.uk
Book your place: Free Connect 5 mental wellbeing training
Training with Stockport Mind
More dates for the Connect 5 mental well-being training have been shared by Stockport Mind. Colleagues at Stockport Council are invited to book their place using the links provided below.
Hailed as a "must do" Connect 5 training enables us to provide better mental health support, break down barriers, raise awareness and understanding and ultimately improve wellbeing and conversation across Stockport. The training is underpinned by the 'five ways to mental wellbeing' and evidence-based theory so not only will the modules offer you the skills and techniques to help others and you will gain the knowledge to better look after your own.
Connect 5 is for people who work or volunteer with the public in Stockport.
Visit the Stockport MIND website to find out more about the Connect 5 programme
Dates available (correct at time of message) are:
Module One
Module Two
Module Three
Contact info@stockportmind.org.uk with the title 'waiting list'. We can contact you nearer the time should a place come available.
CSCS Exam opportunity
For those who missed the last assessment we have an opportunity to run another course this month.
Please note the course duration is 12 days (excluding the Bank Holiday on 28th August ), covering 3 certifications and preparation for the CSCS exam.
We have attached to this course a Meet The Employer event where they will have access to be interviewed by employers and other training providers around the GM areas with real time vacancies.
Venue : The Works Construction Academy, Salvation Army Building, 71 Grosvenor St, Manchester, M13 9UB.
Assessment Date : Thursday 10th August
Start Date : Monday 14th August
End Date : Wednesday 30th August
(excluding Bank Hols)
Eligibility :
- 19yrs + (as of 31st August 2022)
- Right to Work
- Right to Remain
- Right to access public funds
- Basic English skills (Entry 3 and above)
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A message from BHA Equality
BHA for Equality have been funded to create a resource on menopause for diverse ethnic communities in Greater Manchester.
We want to understand the lived experiences, attitudes, and knowledge around menopause from both men and women of all ages, so we can create resources that support everyone, not just women.
As part of the research stage of our project we have created two surveys, one for menopausal or post-menopausal women and one for everyone else (men and pre-menopausal women). We will also be hosting two focus groups in October and will be offering participants vouchers as a thank you. Please could you support BHA by promoting these surveys across your networks and with service users?
We’d like to get as many responses as possible to help us build an inclusive resource that will support all residents of Greater Manchester.
Please see the download for more information.
A survey from Dementia Carers
The first ever nationwide survey of family dementia carers last year found that: over 80% of carers for people with dementia feel that they have no choice but to provide the care needed for a family member; over half receive no support; most have never had a carer’s assessment, and many don’t know how to access any help. This is leading to dementia carers reaching crisis points, one in five on a regular basis.
This year we're asking carers to tell us what it's like to care for someone with dementia. We’re keen to hear about which aspects of care they find challenging, whether they receive any external support and what they would like help with in order to maintain their own physical and mental health.
The findings will enable us to inform health and social care policy makers and commissioners of health and social care services about what support is most urgently needed by family carers and to prompt decision makers to prioritise social care.
The survey closes on Friday 15 September, and we will be sharing our findings later on this year.
If you have any questions about this survey or need any help filling it out,
please contact campaigns@dementiacarers.org.uk.
If you would like any further information about anything mentioned in the survey (for example how to sign up to a session offered at Dementia Carers Count) please contact info@dementiacarers.org.uk
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Information and Signposting
For up to date health and social care information, signposting and guidance call Healthwatch Stockport on
0161 974 0753 (10am - 2pm)
info@healthwatchstockport.co.uk
Visit our Information and Signposting directory
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 happy or frustrated 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.