Healthwatch Round Up - 8 August 2024
Welcome to this week's Healthwatch Stockport Information Round-up (IRU).
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We've Published Our Annual Report 2023/2024
Highlights include:
- How we’ve made a difference this year
- Your voice heard at a wider level
- Hearing from all communities
- Advice and information: being there for you when you need us
If you need this report in a different format, please contact the office:
Read our Annual Report 2023/2024
Work With Us at Healthwatch Stockport
Apply by 11 August! We're looking for a dedicated Communications & Volunteer Coordinator for Healthwatch Stockport. Could this be you?
You will lead our communications strategy, coordinate members and volunteers, and engage our local communities. Your work will drive positive changes in Stockport's health and social care services.
If you have a passion for communications, volunteer management, and making a positive impact in health and social care, we want to hear from you!
View the job profile and apply here
Upcoming Enter and View Programme: We Want Your Feedback!
At Healthwatch Stockport, we're excited to update you on our upcoming Enter and View Programme, where we'll be focusing on two important areas of healthcare services in our community.
Hospital Appointment Systems
Our first area of focus will be the systems used by hospitals to book your appointments. We want to hear about your experiences with the hospital booking systems and how information about your appointments is provided to you.
If you have any feedback, please share your thoughts with us. We will be creating a short survey that will be included in next week's 'Information Round Up' (IRU). However, if you’d like to share your experience before then, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
GP Practices Accessibility
The second focus area will be on GP practices. We will be visiting various GP practices to observe the signage and information available to patients. Our goal is to ensure that these practices are catering to the needs of people requiring additional support, including those with learning disabilities, sensory loss, neurodiverse conditions, dementia, and other disabilities.
If you have any feedback regarding the accessibility of your GP practice, we would love to hear from you. You can share your feed back in the following ways:
info@healthwatchstockport.co.uk
To learn more about our Enter and View Programme and how you can get involved, please visit our website. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us improve healthcare services for everyone in Stockport. Thank you for your support!
Are You Getting The Eye Care You Need?
Details from Healthwatch England
Healthy vision is something many of us take for granted – until there's a problem. An estimated 50% of sight loss is avoidable. That's why people must be able to have their eyesight tested regularly and, if there is a problem, get the help they need.
Healthwatch across England are trying to gather as many experiences as possible from people who’ve used NHS eye care services recently. We’re especially keen to hear from:
- People from South Asian, Black African and Black Caribbean backgrounds.
- People from lower-income households.
- People waiting for secondary care.
Every response we get will help shape eye care services and improve people’s care.
Get Involved: Healthwatch & NHS ADHD Workshop
Details from Healthwatch England
Healthwatch England are currently working with NHS England's Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) programme team to support their work.
To do this, they're inviting 15-30 people with ADHD to participate in an online workshop on:
17 September, from 10.30am to 1.30pm
Sign-up as a potential attendee
Participants will hear from NHS England about the challenges they're hoping to address. They'll also work in small groups to complete activities and feedback on plans for a new task force. This will include opportunities to share their own experiences living with ADHD.
People will be notified by 16 August and will receive a £100 gift card for completing the workshop.
Get Involved: NHS Community Pharmacy Focus Groups
Details from Healthwatch England
RAND Europe and NHS England are looking for people with recent experiences of clinical services from pharmacies to join an online focus group. Participants will receive £25 for their time.
Focus groups will take place in August and September and the feedback shared will help the NHS to shape services for the better.
Have you used any of the following services in the last six months?*
- Blood pressure checks
- Support taking medications after a hospital stay
- Support in using a new medication (including follow up)
- Referral from hospital to a stop smoking programme
- Free flu vaccine Birth control (‘the pill’)
*They'd also like to hear from you if you declined the service.
Reminder: Get involved in ‘An NHS Fit for the Future’
Details from Andy Callaghan, NHS Greater Manchester
NHS Greater Manchester (GM) is inviting GM residents to share their views in a public engagement exercise ‘An NHS Fit for the Future’, which will run until Autumn.
We want to create an NHS that is fit for the future for all GM residents, families and communities and focuses on improving people’s health and wellbeing. This programme will take the public on the journey with NHS GM towards achieving their population health, performance and financial goals; to give stakeholders and communities the opportunity to tell them what is important to you and what they should prioritise, and to increase awareness and understanding of the challenges they face. Watch this space!
Find out more about Fit for the Future and get involved, visit the NHS GM website.
Support for Results Day
Details from Alison Whitelegg, Stockport Council
Over the next two weeks both GCSE and A Level students will be receiving their results. Find out how you can help support a young person through this difficult time and know that there’s always someone to talk to in Stockport.
Find out more on Healthy Stockport
(A level results are out on Thursday 15 August and GCSEs on Thursday 22 August).
Reminder: Urgent Blood Donor Appeal
Details from NHS
The NHS needs your help urgently to keep providing lifesaving blood. They've issued an amber alert to hospitals restricting the use of O positive and O negative blood, as those blood groups are currently under the most pressure.
O negative and O positive: Stocks of your blood type are critically low. Please book and keep your appointment to donate as soon as possible.
All other blood types: Please book and keep your appointment, even if it's a few weeks away - your donation will be just as valuable then.
Log in to book an appointment and find the best availability. Stockport Guildhall will also be hosting the Blood Donation team on 25 August. Book using the above link.
Find other local donation centres (you may enter a queue to visit the page)
Help to Buy Food and Milk: Healthy Start Scheme
Details from Stockport Council
If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you may be entitled to get help to buy healthy food, vitamins and milk. If you’re eligible, you’ll be sent a Healthy Start card with money on it that you can use in some UK shops.
Get Ready for a Hot Summer Campaign
HIV Prevention England’s summer campaign to raise awareness on preventing sexually transmitted infections and HIV. Details of our local sexual health services are on the Healthy Stockport website. Click the link below for top tips on looking after your sexual health this summer.
Have Your Say: Cervical Screening in Ethnically Diverse Groups
Details from Anya Webber, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust
Are you eligible for cervical screening (now or in the future), identify as Asian, Black or another ethnically diverse group and are 18 years old or over? The University of Manchester researchers are conducting a survey on different ways to perform cervical screening.
Get set for school: Are your child's vaccinations up to date?
Details from Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership
If you're a parents or carer, you'll have a lot to think about ahead of a new school term - but it’s important to check your child’s vaccinations are up to date. Not being protected puts children at risk of being seriously unwell and sometimes results in children needing to go to hospital.
Find out what vaccinations your child needs before going back to school.
More information on free NHS childhood vaccinations can be found on the NHS website.
Get Involved: Mental Health Lived Experience Panel
Details from Ellie Unwin, Pure Innovations
Do you know anyone who has used mental health services in Stockport and would like to support the development of services moving forward? Pure Innovations are running a series of 'Your Voice Matters' mental health panel meetings.
You'll work with services to meet the needs of those living in Stockport, shared lived experiences and more. You'll be able to talk openly in a safe and supportive environment.
Meetings every six weeks (8 August, tbc September)
St Matthew's Church House, Edgeley
If you have any questions:
yourvoicematters@pureinnovations.co.uk
Important Helplines: Support For Our Communities
In light of recent anti-racial and hate events, we've included important helplines (provided by Sector 3), to help you and our local community to stay safe.
Emergency Support & Tension management
- In an emergency call 999 or report a crime via 101/ Report a crime | Greater Manchester Police
- Crimestoppers (anonymous reporting)
- Report a Hate Crime in Stockport via Stop Hate
- Report Anti-Muslim Hate or Islamophobia via Tell Mama
- Report Antisemitism via CST
- Navigators take referrals from the community if a young person has been involved in a violent incident with a weapon, a violent Incident without a weapon, risk taking behaviour that means they are involved or impacted by violence in the community and harmful behaviour to themselves due to the impact of violence
- Stockport Council Tension Monitoring Form (form monitoring tensions not reporting crime)
- Greater Manchester Police updates & latest information newsletter
Victim Support
- Victim Support Greater Manchester
- Adapt & Recover from Adversity - free workshop for your community group from British Red Cross Greater Manchester. Contact amymeadows@redcross.org.uk or via phone call on 07709400783 for more information
Working with Young People
- Working with young people impacted after a traumatic event: YIF support one pager
- How to spot fake news – an expert’s guide for young people
Have Your Say: Help Shape Domestic Abuse Services
Details from Stockport Domestic Abuse Partnership
Have you been affected by Domestic Abuse? Stockport Domestic Abuse Partnership would like to gather feedback and views to help shape services in the borough. All feedback will be kept completely confidential so responses will not be traced back to you. See the attached flyer.
Complete the survey
Should you need support we've also attached some Domestic Abuse Helplines - See the attached flyer below
Starting Point: Library Events
Details from Starting Point
Throughout September and October, the Starting Point team will be helping Stockport Council at a number of libraries, helping people to have their say on the Stockport Local Plan. It will involve helping people to complete an online form. The dates are below and you will be supported by a Starting Point team member.
4 September, Central Library 10-4pm
16 September, Bredbury Library 10-4pm
20 September, Bramhall Library 12-4pm
24 September, Heald Green Library 10-4pm
26 September, Heatons Library 10-4pm
2 October, Edgeley Library 10-2pm
8 October, Hazel Grove Library 10-4pm
16 October, Central Library 10-4pm
To assist with this, the team are also looking for a Digital Champion to assist at events, If you are interested in one or a few dates please email nicola@startpoint.org.uk
Month of Hope Walk
Details from Ellie Unwin, Pure Innovations
For the Month of Hope in September, the Mental Health Network are hosting a Wellbeing Walk of Hope at Vernon Park. The one - hour walk will be accessible. Free refreshments are available at the café at 11am after the walk.
Friday 20 September, 10am - 12 noon
Forward CIC Events
Forward CIC are a local, inclusive hub for Stockport’s LGBT+ community, family and friends. See even more of their planned events attached.
Spill The T
Forward CIC are running a series of 'Spill the T' sessions over the next few weeks. Tina from Forward CIC SAYS "Members will be sharing their own stories, insights into their lives, and how although we are queer, it's not all we are". Hear from the wonderful Gracie, talking about her own life and intersectional identity.
Saturday 10 August, 10.30am
The Coffee House, Merseyway
Future 'Spill the T' sessions take place every Saturday, from10.30am at The Coffee House. No need to book, just turn up!
Walks
Join the Forward CIC team for a walk, talk and litter pick and connect with your community and nature.
13 August, from 6.30pm - Alexandra Park, Edgeley
20 August, from 6.30pm - Woodbank Park, Offerton
27 August, from 6.30pm - Bruntwood Park, Cheadle
Follow their socials for further details.
Further Events & Community Activities across the Borough
Job Vacancies: Supportability
Details from Supportability socials
Since 1953, Supportability have been supporting children, young people and adults with a wide range of complex physical and learning disabilities. Their aim is to enable those with disability to live a fulfilled and independent life.
Supportability are recruiting for a number of roles including Support Workers, an Assistant Manager and Operations Manager.
Further Training Courses Coming Up
Details from Chris Hughes, Stockport Homes
There are a variety of training course available from Skills For Life (SFL) and others. Please see the attachments below:
Starting Point Bulletin
Digital Champion Update - 5th August 2024 (mailchi.mp)
Stockport Council Review
Review Extra 02.08.24 (stockport-council.co.uk)
GMCVO Bulletin (Greater Manchester Centre for Voluntary Organisation)
GMCVO monthly eBulletin - August 2024
Sector 3 Bulletin
Stockport Race Equality Partnership
Stockport Race and Equality Partnership Newsletter (wix.com)
The Princes' Trust Update
Upcoming courses from The Prince's Trust (princes-trust-digital.co.uk)
Greater Manchester Ethnic Communities Newsletter
GM Ethnic Communities Network Newsletter, July 2024 (gmcvo.org.uk)
Prince's Trust Update
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.
