Healthwatch Round Up Thursday 4 July 2024
Welcome to this week's Healthwatch Stockport Information Round-up (IRU).
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Share Your Feedback With Us: Let's Talk Continence
Do you use or need continence care? Or, do you look after someone who does? Share your experiences to help improve local care.
It’s estimated that 14 million people (all ages) are living with bladder problems, with another 6.5 million adults in the UK suffering with some form of bowel problem. However, continence isn’t something that always gets talked out.
Good continence care plays a vital role in keeping people independent and well in our communities. Over the next two weeks, we’re running a feedback campaign to better understand from you whether you’re receiving the continence care you need. This could be accessing services or the products you need or barriers when it comes to seeking treatment.
Share your feedback with us!
We believe that listening to people’s experiences is the best way to understand what works well and what doesn’t when it comes to receiving the right support. So that people to feel comfortable talking to us about this, we are offering a range of ways to get in touch to share your experiences.
Take part in our short, confidential survey
Talk to us on 0161 974 0753 (10am – 2.30pm, Monday to Friday - We are a small team so may not be able to answer straight away, but please leave a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible)
All information will be heard confidentially and recorded anonymously as a report later in the year.
The closing date is Sunday 14 July 2024.
Making it Real Conference: Limited Time to Book!
Together with Stockport Council, we’ll be hosting our ‘Making it Real’ Conference on 31 July. If you haven't yet reserved your seat, there is limited time to book.
Attendees will have the opportunity to hear the results of our research into people's experiences of adult social care in Stockport. There'll be a focus Making it Real Board and how our local community is working together to shape the future of social care.
Following on from our Healthwatch Network Event in February, we’ll share our work priorities for 2024-2025 (what we’ll be focusing on) in response to what you told us. You said, we’re doing!
Our event is open to all; the public and health and social care professionals and volunteers alike.
Book with the Healthwatch Stockport team:
31 July 12pm – 3:30pm
Stockport Masonic Guildhall, 169 Wellington Rd South, SK1 3UA
info@healthwatchstockport.co.uk (subject header: Making it Real Conference)
Please let us know your dietary and /or special access requirements when you book.
Please use the attached poster to print and/or share with your networks.
Community Diagnostics Centre
The Community Diagnostics centre is on course to open on 1 August. The centre is designed to offer our community access to diagnostic services outside of a hospital setting.
More details will be revealed as we get closer to the opening.
Get Involved: LGBTQ+ People With Dementia Study
Details from Amal Morsi, Dementia United & NHS Greater Manchester
Can you help the University College of London learn more about the experiences of LGBTQ+ people living with dementia?
Simran Kainth, who is studying for a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Sciences, is carrying out this study as part of their research. They'd like to speak to people caring for an LGBTQ+ older adult living with dementia, about their experiences using dementia services and organisations.
The aim of the research is to learn more about these experiences. This includes whether these services are meeting their needs, what support they'd like available and the barriers to receiving the help they need.
How it works:
- You will have an opportunity to discuss the study and ask questions
- You will take part in an online interview (approx. 45 minutes) to talk through the experiences of using dementia services for the person you care for
- You will receive a £20 Love2Shop voucher for your help
To register:
Email Simran Kainth at: Simran.Kainth.18@ucl.ac.uk
Become a Stockport Foundation Trust Govenor
Details from Stockport Foundation Trust
Stockport Foundation Trust (SFT) are looking for people from all walks of life and are keen that our Council of Governors reflects the diversity of our communities. As part of the Council of Governors, you'd play an important role in the Trust, seeking assurance from the Board of Directors and helping to shape the Trust’s future priorities and plans. Training and support to help you carry out your role is available.
SFT are holding elections in the following public constituencies for a 2 or 3-year term of office:
- Tame Valley & Werneth (4 seats)
- High Peak & Dales (3 seats)
- Outer Region (1 seat)
Nominations will open on 4 July and close at 5pm, 1 August.
How to apply:
To be a governor you must be a member of the Trust.
To find out more about the elections, the role of a Governor or to complete a nomination form online:
www.cesvotes.com/stockport2024
0161 419 5164/5166
If you'd like a hard copy nomination form, contact the Returning Officer, Abi Walcott-Daniel, as follows:
020 8889 9203
ftnominationenquiries@cesvotes.com
Civica Election Services, 33 Clarendon Road, London N8 0NW
The closing date or completed nominations is 5pm, 1 August
Teledermatology Service Standards: Public Consultation
Message from NHS Cancer Alliance
The British Association of Dermatologists' has produced NICE (National Institute for Health & Care Excellence) -accredited Teledermatology Service Standards, which are now out for public consultation.
The consultation will run for 6 weeks from the 28 June until 5pm, 9 August. They welcome feedback on the standards using the 'proforma' link below.
The Teledermatology Service Standards have been tailored to reflect the different types of services and adoption by departments, for example, Advice and Guidance (A&G), waiting list initiatives etc. It is important for those stakeholders who are intending to provide a teledermatology service to provide feedback on the usage of the standards. An assessment grid is provided within the standards and below, to guide stakeholders on the applicable criteria for their relevant service model.
Please note: they are unable to accept responses from stakeholders outside of the provided proforma or after the advised date and time. Thank you in advance for your support and feedback.
Please see the links for the consultation below:
DRAFT – Teledermatology Service Standards
Teledermatology Service Standards Proforma 2024
Teledermatology Service Standards Assessment Grid
Submission responses should be emailed to teledermatology@bad.org.uk
Immediate Opportunity: Lived Experience Advisory Group for Older Adults - University of Manchester
Details from GM Aging Hub
Would you like to join a project looking at primary mental health care for older adults? If so, the closing date to join is 5 July.
Manchester University's Lived Experience Advisory Group are looking for adults (aged 50+) and family carers, who live in Greater Manchester, who've experienced mental health difficulties and received help from their GP or NHS Talking Therapies.
Join their Lived Experience Advisory Group from July 2024 to March 2026. They will invite you to:
• Meet with other people interested in this project
• Share your views on living with, or caring for people with, mental health difficulties
• Talk about getting help for mental health difficulties
• Put the voices of patients and carers at the heart of the project
• Find out more about research and data (no prior knowledge required)
The meetings will be held in-person or online. Manchester University can offer reimbursement of £25 per meeting (up to 1 hour) plus travel expenses for 6 meetings over 18 months.
If you're interested, contact Jahanara at Jahanara.miah@manchester.ac.uk by 5 July.
Free Safer Driving Course for Over 55s
Details from GM Aging Hub
Safer Roads Greater Manchester Partnership are encouraging drivers to join the FREE Safer Driving for Longer course. The course helps drivers to reflect on their own driving, increase confidence, get the best performance and efficiency from your car, save on running costs and more. Each session is built around your needs.
The course:
- Is available to Greater Manchester residents aged 55+
- Will take place in Trafford (location details shared at the time of booking).
To book a place:
Call 0300 123 1518 (option 3)
More information about the courses and how to book is available online at beenetwork.com/safer-driving-course. Dates will continue to be added.
Reminder to Get Involved: Study for Young People of South Asian Heritage
Details from Ash Minchin, National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)
Researchers from Birmingham University are running a study for young people from a South Asian heritage with mental health difficulties.
How it works:
The study will look to develop psychological interventions that can strengthen a sense of belonging and improve mental health for young people from a South Asian heritage.
They are looking for people;
- Aged 16 to 25 and from a South Asian heritage
- English speaking and living in the UK
- Must be living with family and have sought help for mental health difficulties (e.g. via a GP or psychological therapy service).
What do I have to do?
You will have a 1 hour 1-2-1 interview/discussion with a researcher about how you experience a sense of belonging and what factors impact your sense of belonging.
Incentive for your time:
The study team will give participants a £15 Amazon voucher for their time
For questions or to express your interest, email Monawara Ali, mxa1369@student.bham.ac.uk .
Service Overview: Strut Safe
Details from Strut Safe
Strut Safe is a UK-wide phone line operated by volunteers. They will stay on the phone with you until you arrive safely at your destination, no matter where you are going or where you have come from.
- Calls to Strut Safe can be made from anywhere in the UK
- Calls are always free, as they are included in phone packages with free minutes. If you do not have inclusive minutes, calls will be at the standard 03 rate for your mobile contract.
- A volunteer will ask your name and location, then chat to you until you are safely through the door.
- All volunteers go through an interview and training process and hold valid Disclosure and Barring Service certificates.
Contact:
0333 335 0026
Fridays & Saturdays: 7pm - 3am, Sundays: 7pm - 1:am
Stockport Family Hubs Events
Details from Fiona Berry, Stockport Family Hubs and Ellie Unwin, Pure Innovations
Family Hubs Briefing Event
Join the Stockport Family Hubs team for the Cheadle and Bramhall Family Hubs briefing event. Meet the team and find out about support available for families you support in the Cheadle and Bramhall area
Monday 8 July
The Upper Room Cafe, 11 Wilmslow Road Cheadle SK8 1DW
This event is for anyone who works with children, young people and families in the Cheadle and Bramhall areas (e.g. the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector, education colleagues, children’s and adults social care, police, fire service and childcare colleagues). You are welcome to learn how Family Hubs can benefit your own families also.
Save the Date: Family Hubs Marketplace Event
The team will also be holding a marketplace event which will be far more focused towards parents/families.
Thursday 8 August, 10am – 12pm
Life Leisure Cheadle:
The launch will be about promoting the Family Hubs and other services available and link families into the support they need. There will also be some fun activities planned. More details will follow.
Further Events & Community Activities across the Borough
Job Opportunities: Signpost for Carers
Details from Signpost for Carers
Signpost Stockport for Carers works to ensure that our borough’s unpaid carers are seen, heard, recognised and valued. They are pleased to be recruiting for a two positions as follows.
Volunteer Development Manager (maternity cover to 31/3/25)
- 21 hours/Week, £27,344 pro rata
They're looking for someone who is passionate about offering the best volunteering experience. You will be create new opportunities, recruit and train new volunteers and support those who already give their time to Signpost. The role is varied and interesting, and requires someone who has who loves to work with people and has a great eye for detail.
Carer Support Officer (Moneywise)
- 21 hours/Week, £26,421 pro rata
- Based at Heatons Centre, regular local travel and home visits also required
Our Moneywise service is key in ensuring that carers are financially resilient and are accessing the financial support and information they're entitled to.
The team are looking for someone with experience of supporting people to navigate the welfare system, with up to date knowledge about statutory financial assessments, and can work with carers to complete benefit forms.
For more information, email julia@signpostforcarers.org.uk, stating which role you are interested in.
Cancer Awareness Training
Details from Answer Cancer
Difficult Conversations- Talking about Cancer: The Why and How to do it
To beat cancer, we need to talk about it. For many people it’s still a challenging topic to bring up in conversation and it’s common to avoid what we may see as difficult conversations because we don’t know how to approach them. This session is to help you feel more confident talking about cancer and other health conditions, so you can have more conversations that help save lives.
Wednesday 14 August 1pm-3pm Click Link
Tuesday 3 September 1pm-3pm Click Link
You can see further cancer awareness sessions in their newsletter, attached further down this Round Up.
Further Training Courses Coming Up
Details from Chris Hughes, Stockport Homes and Walthew House
There are a variety of training course available from Skills For Life (SFL) and Standguide . Please see the attachments below:
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.
