IRU Thursday 23rd November 2023
Welcome to this week's Information Round-up!
Here's the latest IRU, filled with news, information, events and more. We hope you enjoy this week's edition.
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Healthwatch News and Updates
This week we've published a number of articles, news and blogs from us and from Healthwatch England. Please visit our website for more Healthwatch updates.
Reminder: Last few days to apply for Co-Chair for the Stockport Mental Health and Wellbeing Partnership.
The newly established Stockport Mental Health and Wellbeing Partnership (MHWP) is seeking a Co-Chair to help drive the partnership. Are you passionate about improving mental health and wellbeing in Stockport? Do you have lived experience of mental health issues?
As Co-Chair you’ll work alongside the Director of Adult Social Care to improve the mental wellbeing of the Stockport community and the lives of people experiencing mental health challenges, whilst ensuring their voices are at the heart of all decision-making. Stockport’s MHWP reports directly to the One Stockport Health & Care Board
How to apply? The role is a voluntary vacancy. Visit the dedicated page on the Healthwatch Stockport website for full details and to apply.
For questions and to apply, email info@healthwatchstockport.co.uk by 1 December.
Healthwatch Stockport Supported Carers' Right's Day!
On 23 November we joined Signpost for Carers to help raise awareness, share what we do and how we can help carers get the best from their local health and social care services. The event showcased support around finances, counselling services, benefits and enabled attendees to share feedback on carers' assessments, the new strategy and hospital discharge. Thanks to Signpost for Carers for having us.
NHS Campaign: Vaccinations during pregnancy
Details from Ellie Unwin, Pure Innovations
An NHS campaign has been launched to remind mothers to be to have their vaccinations to help protect them and their baby. The campaign supports and aims to help ease any worries or concerns about vaccinations during pregnancy, the process and availability. Find out more.
Stockport Town of Culture grants for DigiFest
Message from Lizzie Austin, Pure Innovations
Stockport DigiFest is coming in February as part of Stockport's Town of Culture year, and community groups are invited to join the celebrations. Grants up to £2,000 are available to DigiKnow Alliance members to apply and run events to inspire more people to get online through digital makes, sounds, moves and tastes.
Closing date: 1 December. Find out more and apply.
Joining the Alliance at DigiKnow web pages or email digital@stockport.gov.uk
Reminder to feed back on the new Carers' Strategy
Details from Sarah Newsam, Strategy for Change
Stockport partners are developing a Carers Strategy. The strategy will become the focus of work to improve recognition of and support for carers in Stockport in the next 3-5 years, so it's an important plan that'll help guide services across the NHS and adult social care as well as charities, the education sector, employers and other services.
This is your chance to give your views on what the priorities for improvement should be. The confidential survey takes 15 minutes and will be open until 27 November.
Please note: you can complete this survey for a carer who doesn't have computer/online access.
Drugs and Alcohol: Working towards better recovery
Details from Lizzie Austin, Pure Innovations
Stockport Council is undertaking a Drug and Alcohol Needs Assessment to support the development of the treatment system, with a view to ensuring it meets the needs of the Stockport population. The vision is for a treatment system that delivers the best possible care and secures the best possible recovery outcomes for our residents.
They'll be consulting with service users and professionals and would like your views. Please complete the questionnaire by Friday 1 December and share with your networks.
For queries, email fallon.slater@stockport.gov.uk
Transport for Greater Manchester launch two health and well-being focused campaigns
Message from the Partnerships, Engagement and Inclusion Team, Transport for Greater Manchester
#IsThisOK? On 15 November TfGM, in partnership with GMCA, launched the latest phase of the #IsThisOK? campaign to help tackle gender-based violence on Greater Manchester’s public transport network.
The campaign is encouraging men traveling on public transport to consider their own behaviour and how it might be deemed unacceptable, while also providing support for how they can safely intervene and report incidents they witness.
We've commissioned a series of videos showing the types of unwanted behaviours that sometimes happen on board buses, trams and trains. The campaign videos will be reinforced by advertising which will appear across the public transport network, alongside digital and social media. The campaign also provides guidance to bystanders witnessing someone experiencing sexual harassment and how they could help stop things getting worse.
#GetOnBoard: We're highlighting the benefits of travelling sustainably over Christmas through our #GetOnBoard campaign. Choosing to walk, wheel or cycle, or to catch the bus or tram, has proven health benefits, and with their range of ticket offers can save you money too.
Whether travelling for leisure or the commute this festive season, TfGM is here to help with the cost-of-living crisis and the impact of car journeys on the environment, by encouraging residents, visitors and commuters to take advantage of lower bus fares, Metrolink’s flexible travel options such as the new Bee AnyBus + Tram ticket range, and the city-region’s expanding active travel network.
Feed back on the Mental Health Strategy
Message from Charlee Fitzgerald, Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council
As part of the mental health strategy, we are working to improve support for people experiencing loneliness. We are reviewing this toolkit which was developed a few years ago and want to get your thoughts on using it. Please see the Loneliness toolkit.
If you could spare 5 minutes to complete this survey it would be much appreciated.
Introducing SilverCloud Mental Health Support
Message from Lizzie Austin, Pure Innovations on behalf of NHS Stockport Talking Therapies
Please see details about the Supported SilverCloud pathway offered by NHS Stockport Talking Therapies, for Stockport residents.
SilverCloud provides convenient secure access anywhere, anytime to evidence-based online treatments to help you manage depression and/or stress and anxiety. This course is designed to be completed in your own time at your own pace.
Based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness and positive psychology, SilverCloud is both interactive and flexible.
SilverCloud has shown positive outcomes and recovery rates. There are shorter waiting times to receive this therapeutic approach and we'd like to encourage professionals to promote SilverCloud to individuals within your services.
Please note: SilverCloud is not appropriate for individuals presenting with high risk, safeguarding concerns or dependant on drugs or alcohol.
The referral link for direct access to SilverCloud is:
Please see a short video explaining more: Watch this SilverCloud video
Stockport Community Events and Activities over the coming weeks
Details sent by Charlee Fitzgerald, Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council
There are a number of community groups, events and activities happening across the borough. Please see the details and/or attachments and continue to share with others.
Mental health and well-being eLearning
The eLearning encourages you to take a proactive approach to caring for your mental health and well-being. Find out more
White Ribbon Campaign
This campaign is focused on ending violence against women and girls. Find out more.
Toiletries Gifts for Care Homes
Mark Emery is collecting mens or ladies toiletries to be passed onto care homes as Christmas gifts. Unfortunately some residents do not have families so it would mean a great deal to offer a little gift this Christmas. Mark is happy to collect within Stockport.
Please email mark.emery1@nhs.net
CHAT CANCER at your Local Library
Message from Heather Cooke, Stockport Libraries
Drop in for an informal chat about cancer prevention, early detection and cancer screening at the following libraries:
Cheadle: Fri 1 December 10.30-12.30
Bredbury: Fri 1 December 2pm-4pm
Heald Green: Mon 4 December 2pm-4pm
Offerton: Tues 5 December 1pm-3pm
Bridgehall: Thurs 7 December 10am-12pm
High Lane: Thurs 7 December 2:30-4:30pm
Heatons: Fri 8 December 10.30-12.30
Stockport Central: Fri 8 December 2pm-4pm
Cancer affects us all. Let’s chat about what we can all do to reduce our chance of cancer and how we can spot it early.
Making Better Choices course now available
Message from Christopher Hughes, Stockport Homes Group
We’re running another Multiply: Making Better Choices course. This course looks at how we make choices, and how we can improve our decision-making and problem solving with some critical thinking skills. For more information or to book a place:
0161 474 2862
Stockport Homes' December Workshops and Courses
Stockport Homes Group have lots of new courses coming up in December, including more Christmas courses than we’ve ever done before. Courses are always very popular so book now to avoid disappointment. For more information or to book a place:
0161 474 2862
customer.training@stockporthomes.org
Skills for Life Plus (sk-y-light.org)
Priority will be given to Stockport Homes’ customers.
Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue training available
GM Fire & Rescue are running a Team Programme for young people with the Prince’s Trust. Please see the attachment to join.
Two Job Opportunities at Disability Stockport
Details from Barbara Bowden, Disability Stockport
Disability Stockport are recruiting for two roles; Autism Navigator and a Supported Living Team Leader. Please apply by Friday 1 December. Interviews are due to take place week commencing 11 December.
Contact
078710 89100 (This is a text service)
info@healthwatchstockport.co.uk
Healthwatch Stockport, Land O' Cakes, 48 Middle Hillgate, Stockport SK1 3DL (You can write to us at this address)