Information Round Up Thursday 4th April 2024
Welcome to this week's Healthwatch Stockport Information Round-up (IRU). Our Round up brings together news, updates, training and events from us at Healthwatch, local health and social care services, community groups and more.
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Healthwatch Stockport Phone Lines Down
Due to technical issues, our Healthwatch phoneline (0161 974 0753) is still down. We are trying to resolve this problem.
If you need to contact us please email info@healthwatchstockport.co.uk where possible. Our temporary number is 07871 089 100 (Monday - Thursday)
We apologise for any inconvenience. Thanks for your support.
Healthwatch Afternoon Tea - Feedback Events
Have you or a loved one been recently discharged from hospital? If so, did you receive a package of care? We’d like to hear your experiences; positive or negative at one of our afternoon teas later this month.
Our afternoon tea feedback events will be taking place on:
23 April, 1pm - 3pm at Ladybridge Connect, Cheadle Hulme, SK8 5NZ
29 April, 1pm - 3pm at Marple Methodist Church, Church Lane, SK6 7AY
Places are limited for our afternoon teas, so please ensure you book your place at info@healthwatchstockport.co.uk
If you are unable to come to one of our Afternoon Tea feedback events, you can still share your experiences in the following ways:
07871 089 100
Help Strengthen Our Community Voice in Stockport!
Details from Andy Callaghan, NHS Greater Manchester
Do you or your family use health and care services in Stockport? Do you want to help shape the future of health and care services in Stockport?
ONE Stockport is seeking a Community Voice Partnership Co-chair to help drive and lead the Partnership. You'll ensure the voices of residents and communities are captured and included in the plans and decisions of Stockport’s health and care system.
As a Co-chair, you'll work side-by-side with the Chief Officer of Healthwatch Stockport and other local organisations, including Stockport Council, NHS Greater Manchester and local voluntary organisations.
How to apply?
The Community Voice Partnership Co-chair role is a paid vacancy, and we welcome applications from anyone who has experience of the Stockport health and care system, whether this is as a service user, family member or a carer of someone using local health and care services.
Role description and application form
Send your completed application to info@healthwatchstockport.co.uk by Friday, 3 May,
Interview date: Monday, 13 May, 2024
For any questions, please get in touch with us at:
info@healthwatchstockport.co.uk
07871 089 100
Cost of Living Remains Barrier to Health for Most Vulnerable
Details from Healthwatch England
Last year, the polling highlighted the impact of the cost of living crisis on people’s access to health and care.
Healthwatch's new poll, conducted with 2008 adults living in England in January this year, shows modest improvements in some areas. However, the cost of living remains a barrier to health, particularly for those under the most financial pressure and those requiring dental care. Findings include avoiding appointments, cost of travel and prescriptions.
Read the full article for key findings
Are You Up to Date?: MMR Vaccination Reminder
Details from NHS England
More than 900,000 adults aged 19 to 25 in England are being invited to book an appointment for their missed measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, as the NHS catch-up campaign continues.
Measles is one of the world’s most infectious diseases with estimates showing that one infected adult or child can pass the disease onto around 15 other unvaccinated people.
There is currently no medical treatment for measles, however, two doses of the MMR vaccine can give someone effective lifelong protection against becoming seriously unwell with the disease.
Disability Living Allowance ( DLA) for Children
Details from Contact - for familes with disabled children
Did you know that some children with learning disabilities or autism can qualify for the DLA higher rate mobility component even if they don’t physically struggle to walk?
But the rules to claim are complex — so Contact have created a detailed webpage packed with in-depth advice and tips to help parent carers.
You’ll find guidance on eligibility rules, describing your child’s difficulties, providing evidence, challenging decisions, and lots of answers to common questions from parent carers.
Stockport Volunteer Hub
Details from Sector 3
The launch of the new Stockport Volunteer Hub website will be launched imminently.
The website and branding have been revamped, following feedback from you, to be more user-friendly with a search function to allow people to search for different types of volunteer roles as well as the ability to create an account, post a role and amend / remove the role.
The mission of Stockport Volunteer Hub is to connect community organisations to volunteers and raise the profile of volunteering in Stockport as an empowering experience that enriches our communities.
Sector 3 are calling for feedback once the site goes live on Monday 15 April:
Get Online Greater Manchester: for Disabled People
Details from Sector 3
We know that a lack of digital access and skills can have negative impact on a person’s life. Whatever stage you are at on your digital journey, Get Online GM has been designed to help you find the support you need. This can be anything from digital skills support to getting more confident with using online services.
The site also includes a comprehensive guide that signposts people with disabilities, and those supporting them, to organisations that can help overcome digital barriers and help people benefit from opportunities in the digital world.
The booklet, which is available in various accessible formats, brings together information on assistive technology; digital skills and skills courses; broadband and mobile connectivity; and advice about staying safe online.
Brookfield Park Shiers Family Trust for Local Communities
Details from Lizzie Austin, Pure Innovations
The Brookfield Park Shiers Family Trust was formed from a Deed of Gift of Brookfield House to the former Cheadle and Gatley Urban District Council in 1945 by Percy Hesketh Shiers.
Money from the sale of Brookfield House has been used to set up an award scheme for the benefit of local community and voluntary groups in the former Cheadle and Gatley Urban District Council area.
It invites applications for projects by voluntary and community groups in the area, the funds primarily covers the Cheadle and Gatley, Cheadle Hulme North, Cheadle Hulme South and Heald Green Wards.
Thank you to Lizzie Austin and Ellie Unwin (Pure Innovations), Sector 3 and more who continue to send 'what's happening' across Stockport each week..
There are a number of community groups, events and activities taking place across the borough. Please see the details and/or attachments and continue to share with others.
Money Maximising Roadshow
Details from Inge Challinor, Spend Well, Live Well
£19billion are going unclaimed every year. Are you missing out on benefits, top ups and reductions? The Citizen's Advice and DWP (Department of Work & Pensions) can help you find out.
Join the team 25 April (10am - 2pm) at All Hallows Church Cheadle for a hot drink, food and advice.
Vacancy: Stockport Volunteer Hub Apprentice (Level 2)
Details from Sector 3
Salary: £16,550* per year *£8.60ph (living wage for 18-20 year olds, but all welcome to apply)
The successful candidate will provide support to Stockport’s Volunteer Hub, matching Stockport residents with volunteer opportunities for a wide range of community groups, charities and events.
Walthew House BSL Sessions
Walthew House are running more 8-week British Sign Language courses. The course is an introduction and covers topics such as the alphabet, numbers, emotions and more.
Places are limited so if you would like to book a place, or would like more information, please contact Walthew House:
0161 480 2612
Answer Cancer
Answer Cancer March Update! (answercancergm.org.uk)
Sector 3
GM Metro Mayor Hustings, ASDA Grants, Meet the Funder and more (mailchi.mp)
Stockport Council
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.
