Information Round Up Thursday 8th 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.
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Reminder: Healthwatch Stockport's Event - Book Now!
Our event, to be held at Stockport's Masonic Guildhall, will take place from 12pm to 3.30pm on Wednesday 28 February. Book your place before 19 February.
The focus for the coming event will be Healthwatch Stockport's plans for 2024/2025 and developments in Primary Care services.
But what does this mean to you? You will get to hear how Healthwatch Stockport are making a positive difference to local health and social care services. We'll also involve you in shaping what we look at next, and what matters most to you.
We're also welcoming special guest speaker, GP, Viren Mehta, who'll share key developments in Primary care, including GP, dentists and pharmacy services.
Places are being snapped up so book your place(s) at:
info@healthwatchstockport.co.uk by February 19 February.
This event is open to all; the public, community groups, volunteers and professionals like.
Pre-Event Feedback - What's Matters To You
Healthwatch Stockport is your local and independent health and care champion. To us, you come first, especially if you find it hard to be heard elsewhere, so we are currently taking stock of our priorities for 2024/2025. What matters most to our community when it comes to health and social care services?
We've continued to listen to feedback over the last 12 months - all of which will help inform our priorities, but are there other areas that we need to focus on?
Ahead of our Healthwatch Stockport Network Event on 28 February, we want to hear what is most important to you and tell us the top three things that we should focus on in our work programme.
Please see our quick survey to share your thoughts. Please also share this within your networks so that we can gather as many views as possible. (we welcome feedback whether you're attending our event or not).
Your Feedback Will Help Improve Cancer Services
Details from Cath Comley, NHS Greater Manchester
National Voices, on behalf of the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, are currently researching experiences and barriers when it comes to getting tested for suspected cancer in Greater Manchester, and are looking for people who live in the area to complete their 10-minute survey. Respondents do not need to have had a past diagnosis of cancer.
With the aim of improving services in the area, National Voices will analyse the responses to understand what barriers people are experiencing to getting tested for cancer, and why some people may be experiencing them.
Respondents will be entered into a prize draw to win a £150 Trafford Centre voucher.
Complete the survey by 23 February
Louis Horsley with any questions
Greater Manchester's Young People's Advisory Group
Details from the NHS Research for Future
The Young People’s Advisory Group are looking to expand and want to include more young voices in the group.
If you live in Greater Manchester and aged 16- 24 (or someone you know is), email arc-gm@nihr.ac.uk for more information.
The Young People's Advisory Group (YPAG) was established in 2022 by the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) Greater Manchester with the objectives of making research more interesting for young people, and helping to inform research priorities.
Members are from a variety of backgrounds, some students, some full-time workers, but all with a shared desire to break down the myths surrounding research and make research accessible.
A group member found that taking part in research had given them an opportunity to share their own experiences and opinions on things that directly affected them. "By taking part, me and others are able to influence decisions, policies and services that impact young people. We are given a platform and a voice….This can help people make informed decisions and engage in meaningful discussions about their own health and wellbeing.”
NIHR ARC Greater Manchester website
Breast Screening in Stockport
Details from Ellie Unwin on behalf of Alison Whitelegg, Stockport Council
The Cheshire and Stockport Breast Screening Service are encouraging females aged 50 to 70, for the breast screening appointments.
Letters have been sent to those registered with Caritas Medical Practice (Dial House and Ellesmere). Dial House practice covers Offerton SK2, Mile End SK2, Heaviley SK2 and the Ellesmere practice covers Cheadle SK8 and Cheadle Heath SK3
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in females so screening helps to spot it early, often when it’s too small to see or feel.
Your screening appointment will take place on the new mobile breast screening unit located at Shaw Heath. The all-female team will put you at your ease, respecting your privacy at all times. You can bring a friend/ family member if it makes you feel more comfortable
For those with accessibility needs, there is a lift. The team also hold specific clinics for wheelchair users, the appointment times will be longer. Find out how to book one of these in your appointment invitation letter.
Look out for your invitation letter in the post and don’t miss your appointment. If you haven’t received your letter, check the GP practice has your correct contact details.
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
Neurodivergent Expo Event
Street Wisdom In-Person Walkshop in Stockport
Details from Gary Loftus, Our Happiness Factor
This International Day of Happiness, Gary Loftus of Our Happiness Factor will be holding a 3 hour 'Street Wisdom Walkshop'.
The workshop takes place on 20 March, from 10am -1pm, outside the main entrance to Stockport Market.
Street Wisdom takes us on a physical journey that not only calms and clears the mind, but opens up the subconscious to new ideas. Not to mention the health benefits of walking outdoors.
Signpost For Carers are Recruiting
Details from Julia Hewer, Signpost for Carers
An exciting opportunity has come up as the team at Signpost for Carers are recruiting for two roles; a Young Carers Group Coordinator and a First Conversation and Office Assistant.
Signpost Stockport for Carers offer flexible working, opportunities for personal and professional development. As a busy local charity, our roles are diverse and every day is different.
Training Courses Coming Up
Details from Christopher Hughes, Stockport Homes
For more information about any of the 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.
Supporting English language teaching and learning
Stockport Council Recruitment Opportunity
Stockport Council have recently secured funding to recruit two autistic adults to co-design and deliver community training re autism in Stockport – see attached flyer for details.
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.
