Information Round Up Thursday 1st February 2024
Welcome to this week's Healthwatch Stockport Information Round-up (IRU), filled with news, updates, events and more.
Our Round up brings together updates from us at Healthwatch, our health and social care services, community groups to name a few.
To promote your work, event or share any information, please fill in the form here.
Please share far and wide and encourage others to join our mailing list. To receive the link directly, sign up here.
You can find out more via our socials at Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin so don't forget to give us a follow.
Healthwatch Stockport's Event - Book Now!
Healthwatch Stockport's event will take place from 12 noon to 3.30pm on Wednesday 28 February at Stockport's Masonic Guildhall.
The focus for the coming event will be Healthwatch Stockport's plans for 2024/2025 and how we'll continue to champion the best possible care for our Stockport Community. We too will hear more about our Primary Care services.
Places are limited so book your place(s) confirming your full name, organisation (if applicable), dietary requirements (Vegan, Gluten Free) as soon as possible:
info@healthwatchstockport.co.uk
0161 974 0753
We'll look forward to seeing you on the day!
Healthwatch England Help Address Low Uptake in Cervical Screenings
Cervical cancer screenings save at least 2,000 lives a year in the UK. But 4.6 million people in England have never been screened for cervical cancer or have not taken up their last appointment.
Healthwatch's new campaign aims to help the NHS reach the goal of eliminating cervical cancer by 2040.
Discover how we're working to find out what stops people from taking up cervical screenings and what services can do to help fix the problem.
World Cancer Day: Support Event and Questionnaire
Details from Michelle Davies, Stockport NHS
In Stockport, we're proud to support World Cancer Day and will be hosting an event at Stepping Hill Hospital on Friday 2 February at the information stand outside the Canteen.
Staff, patients and the public will be able to talk to some of our cancer teams about cancer services at Stockport and importantly, we'll be encouraging everyone to contribute to the development of the first Cancer Strategy for the Stockport locality. We already provide many great services for patients at Stockport, but we want to strive to do better for each person within our locality affected by cancer.
We want to access the opinions of as many people as possible to contribute their views on what is important for a local cancer strategy. Our brief questionnaire can be accessed in several ways, via the following link https://forms.office.com/e/wHas5iqBS5 and by scanning the QR code - please see the attached
Cancer continues to be a significant health issue both in the UK and globally. Each year in the UK, around 393,000 people are diagnosed with Cancer, on average this equates to a new cancer diagnosis every 90 seconds. World Cancer Day held is every 4 February and is the global uniting initiative led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) with the aim of raising worldwide awareness, improving education and catalysing personal, collective and government action to reimagine a world where millions of preventable cancer deaths are saved and access to life-saving cancer treatment and care is equitable for all - no matter who you are or where you live.
Pharmacies Bring New Services to High StreetDetails from the NHS North West From 31 January, the NHS in the North West expanded pharmacy services, meaning you are able to receive care and treatment at your local community pharmacy for a range of common conditions without having to see a GP. Across England, 95% of pharmacies have signed up to offer the expanded service which includes treatment for: Get Involved: Talking Therapies ResearchDetails from GM Ethnic Communities Network & Greater Manchester BAME Network |
||||
Research has shown that black men are under-represented in NHS Talking Therapies. Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust want to hear your thoughts on how we can improve our service to provide greater inclusivity, support and care for people from Black ethnic backgrounds. They are holding a -hour virtual meeting and participants will be paid £50. For more information, email TalkingTherapiesResearch@gmmh.nhs.uk
|
Local Testing This National HIV Testing Week
Details from Megan Wiltshire, BHA for Equality (formally the Black Health Agency)
National HIV Testing Week is a campaign which runs from 5 - 11 February, to promote regular testing amongst the most affected population groups. This helps reduce the number of people living with undiagnosed HIV or diagnosed late.
The PaSH (Passionate about Sexual Health) partnership is a collaboration between BHA for Equality, George House Trust, and the LGBT Foundation. PaSH will be increasing HIV testing in different community venues across Greater Manchester. See the attached for details.
Receive Help From DWP Disability Support Advisors
Details sent by Charlee Fitzgerald, Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council
Do you know anyone who claims Universal Credit and has any vulnerabilities/additional needs? Do their needs affect them attending their appointments with the DWP/job centre? If this is the case, refer them to a DWP Disability Employment Support Advisor. See the attached for details
Are You Eligible For Short Breaks Activities Funding?
Details from Sector 3
Stockport Council is interested in hearing from organisations offering activities for children and young people, and wish to be fully inclusive for children with Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). They're also particularly interested in hearing from those delivering holiday activities for children with complex needs, often needing 1:1 support to engage in activities, especially groups for secondary-age children.
Grant funding is available for organisations that provide day, evening, weekend and school holiday activities for disabled children and young people. The aim is to enable participation in fun, interesting and safe activities and to provide a break from caring for the parents. Grant funding will be for activities running between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025.
Applications (plus cost schedule) should be sent to David.hulley@stockport.gov.uk by12 February at 5pm.
Could you Volunteer for MMU's Healthy Aging Research?
Details from Jhama Malla, Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU)
Manchester Metropolitan University are currently conducting a healthy ageing research study in healthy older adults and are looking for participants to volunteer.
The goal is to look at the beneficial effect of pomegranate extract on inflammation, blood pressure, cholesterol as well as muscle and brain function in people who are 55 years and above. Participants will receive £50 Amazon voucher after completing the study.
Eligibility Criteria:
- All genders between 55-70 years old
- BMI between 18.5 – 29.9kg/m2
- No diagnosed metabolic diseases
People living with the following; diabetes, heart disease, renal, liver disease or taking medications that could modulate inflammation or on blood pressure or/and cholesterol medications, cannot be part of this study.
Email: J.Malla@mmu.ac.uk
Measles and the Importance of Vaccinations
Details from Thad Barker, Stockport Council Communities
Please see the attached information regarding the Measles vaccinations from Thad. We have also included a link to the NHS website: MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Stockport DigiFest This February!Details from Starting Point Community Partnership DigiFest is a month-long festival of digital culture that runs as part of Stockport's year as Town of Culture. It features a variety of events and activities based on the themes of Makes, Sounds, Moves, and Tastes, all designed to inspire people to get online and boost their digital skills. Keep an eye out for more events and activities being added as the month goes on. Starting Point are running 38 different activities – find out more HERE |
“Make Stuff” - A Month of Digital Events From MadLabDetails from Starting Point Community Partnership Throughout February, MadLab are bringing “Make Stuff” to Stockport. Madlab will help our community delve into game creation, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, digital marketing, and more. There will be hands-on workshops, family days, and tech-powered experiences at a host of venues across the borough. There is also opportunity to get ‘Job ready’ every Thursday in February, join a family Digital exploration day in Stockport Library, learn about GitHub or join “coding Golf”. All events are featured here
|
Connecting Communities Event
Details from Lizzie Austin, Pure Innovations
Pure Innovations are hosting their Connecting Communities event on 20 February, for you to learn about local community groups, activities and support services available for all Stockport residents.
If you're a member of the public, feel free to just drop by on the day, no booking required.
If you're a professional, you can register as a stall holder. Pure Innovations are calling for any professionals/community groups/volunteers to book tickets.
- Tuesday 20 February, 10am - 2pm
- Stockport Baptist Church, 60 Thomson Street, SK3 9DR
Various Stockport Community Activities
There are a number of community groups, events and activities happening across the borough. Many thanks to Charlee Fitzgerald (Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council), Lizzie Austin and Ellie Unwin (Pure Innovations), Ellen Brookes (Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust), Delphine Evans, Sector 3 and Stockport Allergy & Asthma who've shared what's happening locally with us.
Monthly Dementia Cinema Screenings
The Light Cinema is hosting monthly Dementia Friendly screenings. They are open to all and curated for those living with Dementia.
Tickets are on sale for the next six months of Dementia Friendly shows
🎟️ Tickets: £5 | Carers attend for free
🎞️ A classic film
🚫 No adverts or trailers
💡 Slightly raised lighting throughout the film
☕ Refreshments served before the film to give guests the opportunity to socialise.
Creative Health Literacy English CourseDetails from Sector3 CAHN is running a creative health literacy English (ESOL) programme for speakers of other languages. They are looking for people from Black or Asian Ethnic Minority backgrounds, residing in Stockport and surrounding areas, aged 18 and over. Those interested may also have little or no English language skills (Pre-entry - Entry 1 ESOL), may be isolated due to lack of English, and/or struggle to communicate their health needs to health professionals. Please contact Peace@cahn.org.uk to find out more. |
|
Free Supporting Connections WorkshopsDetails from Ellen Brookes, Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust Do you support people who may be lonely? Supporting Connections is a free workshop delivered by the British Red Cross. It’s aimed at organisations, professionals and volunteers who work with people who might be experiencing loneliness. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to better support people in your community, enabling them to build positive connections to help ease feelings of loneliness.
National Heart Month: Local training and SupportDetails from Lizzie Austin, Purre Innovations and Starting Point
|
Stockport Homes Courses Coming Up
Details from Christopher Hughes, Stockport Homes
Stockport Homes are running a number of Skills for Life (SFL+) courses, please see the attached for details. Huge thanks to Chris who continues to share what's on!
For more information about any of the above courses or to book a place, contact:
0161 474 2862
customer.training@stockporthomes.org
Skills for Life Plus (sk-y-light.org)
Priority given to Stockport Homes’ customers.
Starting Point and Get into the DigiKnow!
Details from Lizzie Austin, Pure Innovations
If someone you know needs help to get online, DigiKnow Friends is a free one-hour online training session to learn how digital exclusion impacts people, what's happening in Stockport to tackle it and where to send people who need support. The training is ideal for anyone who supports residents who are not online or who have poor digital skills.
The training is on Microsoft Teams. Please use Starting Point's form to book onto a session or call Mike Howard (Starting Point Community Learning Partnership) on 0161 494 9947.
Find out more about digital learning and support available.
https://startpoint.org.uk/digital-learning/about-digital-inclusion/
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
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.