Information Round Up Thursday 2 May 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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A Big Thank you and Keep Sharing!
Thank you to those who've shared feedback so far about their experiences of being discharged from hospital. We enjoyed meeting you at our recent Afternoon tea feedback event or speaking to you over the phone.
If you or a loved one has been recently discharged from hospital, we'd still like to hear your experiences; positive or negative. You can share your feedback in the following ways:
0161 074 0753
info@healthwatchstockport.co.uk
healthwatchstockport.co.uk feedback centre
The more feedback we receive, the better we understand your experiences, good, no so good or in-between.
Last chance to Apply for the Community Voice Partnership Co-chair Role – Closing Date, 3 May
The closing date to apply for the ONE Stockport Health and Care Community Voice Partnership Co-chair position is this Friday, 3 May. It’s a paid volunteer role and you will help drive and lead the Community Voice Partnership.
Working alongside system partners like Healthwatch, NHS GM, Stockport Council, Stockport Homes, Pennine Care, Stepping Hill Hospital, Viaduct Care and Sector3, 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.
Applications are sought 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 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
0161 974 0753
Pharmacy First Makes it Easier to Access Care: Healthwatch Research
Details from Healthwatch England
The end of this month will mark three months of Pharmacy First in England, the scheme to expand pharmacy services that NHS England hopes will save 10 million GP appointments a year.
Read about Healthwatch's research
Pharmacy First makes it more convenient for you to access care. Your local pharmacist can give you advice, offer treatment and prescription medicine for some conditions without the need for a GP appointment. Conditions treated as part of Pharmacy First:
- earache (aged 1 to 17 years)
- impetigo (aged 1 year and over)
- infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over)
- shingles (aged 18 years and over)
- sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)
- sore throat (aged 5 years and over)
- urinary tract infections or UTIs (women aged 16 to 64 years)
NHS Prescription Charges From 1 May 2024
Details from Healthwatch and Gov.uk
Department of Health and Social Care announced that charges for NHS prescriptions, wigs and fabric supports increased on 1 May 2024. Charges for prescriptions and prescription prepayment certificates (PPCs) increased by 2.59% (rounded to nearest 5 pence).
A prescription now costs £9.90 for each medicine or appliance dispensed, an increase of 25 pence. The 3-month PPC now costs £32.05 and the 12-month PPC at £114.50.
The hormone replacement therapy (HRT) PPC is £19.80, an increase of 50 pence. This is because the rate is set at twice the single prescription charge.
Reminder: Spring COVID-19 Vaccinations Open
Details from UKHSA
The NHS national booking system is open for bookings until 30 June. With COVID-19 still circulating, it’s important those at highest risk who are eligible get their vaccine to help top up their immunity:
- Adults aged 75 years and over.
- Residents in a care home for older adults.
- Individuals aged 6 months and over who have a weakened immune system.
NHS website (nhs.uk/get-vaccine)
119 for free (translation services available).
Parents or carers can book a vaccination for children under 16 on their behalf. Eligible people aged 16 and over can also use the NHS App to book an appointment.
World Asthma Day Launch of Asthma App
Latest news from the Greater Manchester & Eastern Cheshire Strategic Clinical Networks
The Network will be marking World Asthma Day 2024, on 7 May, with the launch of its asthma app across Greater Manchester.
The day raises awareness of asthma worldwide. This year, the theme is ‘Asthma Education Empowers' which aims to emphasise the need to empower people with asthma to manage it and when to seek medical help.
The asthma digital health passport app allows children and parents to better manage and monitor their asthma at home or at school. Previously, a pilot scheme had seen the app available to a smaller number of people in the Manchester area.
Look out for the social media posts from Greater Manchester Integrated Care.
Hearing & Vision Specialist Service
Details from Stockport Council SEND
In response to a survey feedback from SENDCos (special educational needs and disabilities coordinator or SEN Coordinator), parents and carers, Sensory Support Service are changing their name. The majority felt the current service name doesn't reflect the specialist hearing and vision provision they offer and can be confusing.
Although the service remains the same, they'll now be known as the Hearing and Vision Specialist Service. (Specialised provision for babies, children, young people 0-25yrs).
Access their new referral form (for new referrals) is linked to their current sensory support email address during the changeover.
Thanks to Chris Hughes (Stockport Homes), Lizzie Austin and Ellie Unwin (Pure Innovations), Charlee Fitzgerald (Stockport Council), Ellen Brookes (NHS Pennine Foundations Trust) and more, who continue to send 'what's happening' across Stockport.
Find out More About One Stockport Family Hubs
Details from Sarah Brown, Stockport Family Hubs, Stockport Council
One Stockport Family Hubs are help and support networks for children, young people, and families in local neighbourhoods. They combine existing services from all sectors to provide a 'one-stop shop' for early help, public health, and broader universal support services.
Family Hubs work with families with children from birth until the age of 19, or up to 25 for young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
To find out more, join One Stockport Family Hubs Programme Leads at an online Learning Circle on:
Wednesday, 22 May 2024 15.00 – 16.30.
Click here to join the meeting
Meeting ID: 335 845 816 698
Passcode: FsTvF8
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Age UK Stockport
Details from Age UK Stockport
Age UK Stockport is hosting the Stockport Age Friendly Network, a group of residents of all ages, with a shared interest in the community being truly Age Friendly. The aim is to encourage an age friendly community where people can live safe, healthy, and active lives.
They're looking for new members to get involved in activities, benefit from information sessions, talk to local service providers, raise the issues that really matter and work to make change happen. The Network is run on a bi monthly basis.
To get involved, why not join the next Age Friendly Network meeting on:
Tuesday 7 May, 10.30am – 12.00pm
The Hub, 2 Castle Street, Edgeley, Stockport, SK3 9AB
There will be a talk from Stockport Council about adult social care work and assessments
Book a place:
0161 480 1211
Get Lippy Campaign - Gynaelogical Cancer Awareness
Details from Lydia Brain, Eve Appeal
Abnormal vaginal bleeding is a ‘red-flag’ symptom of three of the five gynaecological cancers: womb, cervical and vaginal, which together affect around 13,150 women and people with gynae organs every year in the UK.
All through May, The Eve Appeal are calling for action on gynaecological cancer awareness so everyone knows the red flag symptoms of the five gynae cancers and when they should seek medical advice.
They've launched their #GetLippy campaign and published new survey findings (Yougov) to highlight the need for better awareness and to stop women sitting on symptoms.
Only one third of women also would go to the doctor if they experienced pain during sex (35%) and under half (47%) would call their doctor if they bled during or after sex- often one of the first tell-tale signs of cervical and vaginal cancer.
SPARC Hoarding/Decluttering Workshops
Working alongside Stockport Age UK, SPARC's Counselling Service are running continuous weekly workshops for people who hoard and clutter. People can now start these workshops at any time.
Every Monday, 1pm - 2pm.
SPARC, 35a Adswood Lane East, Cale Green, Stockport SK2 6RE
If you'd like to join or for more information, contact either:
David Richards on 07519 168 452
SPARC on 0161 429 9744
sparc4u.counselling@gmail.com or private message SPARC Therapy Facebook page.
Please see the flyer attached below
Dementia Awareness Event
Details from Elmira Khoshrouz, Visiting Angels
In collaboration with Pure Innovations, Visiting Angels are hosting a free Dementia Awareness Event for the community. This event aims to raise awareness about Dementia and provide valuable support and resources for caregivers and families.
As a homecare provider, Visiting Angels have witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by individuals living with dementia and their families. Please see the flyer attached below
13 May, 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM
Upper Room Cafe, Cheadle
National and Local Awareness
Deaf Awareness Week 6 - 12 May
Being deaf brings unique challenges that not everyone will experience. Part of these challenges can be to do with mental health and exclusion from others. That’s why it’s up to everyone to come together to create a more inclusive society that values every individual.
Mental Health Awareness Week 13 - 19 May
This year's theme is 'Movement: Moving more for our mental health'. We know there are many different reasons for this, so this Mental Health Awareness Week we want to help people to find moments for movement in their daily routines. Going for a walk in your neighbourhood, putting on music and dancing around the living room, chair exercises when you’re watching television – it all counts!
Dementia Action Week 20 - 26 May
Each year, Alzheimer's Society works with individuals and organisations across the UK to encourage people to act on dementia.
Greater Manchester Get Walking Festival - all of May
To coincide with May’s National Walking Month, The GM Walking Festival is a celebration of walking and wheeling and is an opportunity for everyone to join a programme of free, organised group walks across Greater Manchester.
Suicide Training with Papyrus
Details from Ellen Brookes, Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust
Papyrus, a charity for the prevention of young suicide (under 35) in the UK, are funding and offering training places for individuals across Greater Manchester on suicide prevention. These are one off sessions so book asap.
SPEAK: Suicide Prevention Explore Ask Keepsafe
A practical course designed to enable participants to consider how to respond to concerns, practice asking the question about suicide and considering how to help someone stay safe.
The aims are:
- To consider the attitudes, myths and stigma that surround suicide.
- To recognise and explore the ‘signs’ that may indicate someone is having thoughts of suicide.
- To encourage an open, safe and sensitive conversation about suicide with a person having thoughts of suicide.
- To support a safety plan with someone thinking of suicide
3.5 hours via Zoom
Thursday 9 May, 9.30am – 1pm
For further information contact:
01925 388428 | 07500 006966
Menopause Awareness from Mind
Details from Stockport Libraries and Louise Gresty, Stockport Mind
Are you mystified by the menopause? Mind in Greater Manchester are holding a 90 minute taster session to see how mindfulness and relaxation techniques can help.
This session will define what menopause is, touch on some of the most common symptoms, and understand how stress impacts on menopause symptoms. You’ll try out some calming techniques and short meditations that you can slot into even the busiest working day.
Sessions are free of charge but please ONLY book if you are intending to attend, as places are limited, and we are often over-subscribed.
Menopause training for the Workplace
Stockport & District Mind is also offering free Menopause Awareness sessions to small to medium-sized enterprises (SME) across Greater Manchester. New dates include:
Menopause Awareness for Managers:
Thursday 23 May: 2pm – 4pm
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/875283214657?aff=oddtdtcreator
Tuesday 4 June: 10am – 12noon
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/875196946627?aff=oddtdtcreator
Menopause Awareness for Employees:
Thursday 14 May: 2pm – 3.30pm
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/875280205657?aff=oddtdtcreator
Tuesday 11 June: 9.30am – 11am
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/874719057247?aff=oddtdtcreator
Vacancies: Three Roles At Disability Stockport
Details from David Humphrey, Disability Stockport
Disability Stockport are recruiting for three roles, please see the attached for full details:
- 2 x Part time Support Worker (Maternity cover with possible extension)
- 1 x Outreach Support Worker
Further Training Courses Coming Up
Details from Chris Hughes, Stockport Homes
Stockport Homes are running another free Skills for Life (SFL+) and there a variety of other training opportunities, please see the details and attachments below:
Age UK Stockport
Parkinson's UK
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.
