Healthwatch Round Up - 29 August 2024
Welcome to this week's Healthwatch Stockport Information Round-up (IRU).
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Healthwatch Stockport - Work With Us
We're recruiting for two amazing job opportunities and a chance to join the Healthwatch Stockport team!
Communications & Volunteer Coordinator: We're continuing our search for a dedicated Communications & Volunteer Coordinator for Healthwatch Stockport. In this role, you'll be responsible for leading our communications strategy, coordinating members and volunteers, and engaging our local communities. Your work will drive positive changes in Stockport's health and social care services.
Engagement Officer - Mental Health: We are looking for a dedicated Engagement Officer for Healthwatch Stockport. Could this be you? You will be working within the passionate team at Healthwatch Stockport to effectively engage with local people, communities who have a lived or living experience of serious mental illness and of using mental health services in Stockport.
How to Apply:
Both positions close 15 September 2024.
Join us in making a difference in Stockport's mental health services!
Reminder: Healthwatch Stockport Wants Your Feedback!
We're excited for our upcoming Enter and View Programme as we'll be focusing on two important areas of healthcare services in our community.
Hospital Appointment Systems: Our first focus will be the systems used by hospitals to book your appointments. We want to hear your experiences with the hospital booking systems and how information about your appointments is provided to you.
GP Practices Accessibility: The second focus will be on GP practices. We'll 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.
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, visit our website. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us improve healthcare services for everyone in Stockport.
Have our Say: Translation & Interpreting Services
Details from Healthwatch England
Do you have experience of working in translation and interpreting services in a healthcare organisation? The NHS England want to hear from you! They're trying to understand what's working well and what isn't to support improvements. If you have experience working in this area - have your say in their survey by Friday 6 September :
The survey is aimed towards organisational and professional stakeholders in translation and interpreting services working in healthcare (for example, in Trusts, Primary Care).
Have Your Say: Eye care and Eye health
Details from Healthwatch England
Healthwatch's #ShareForBetterCare campaign continues to learn about people's eye care experiences. Eye care is an area where we’re hearing that people are facing long waits and high costs for care. There’s also evidence that eye care and related health issues disproportionately affect specific communities, such as those on low incomes, as well as ethnic minority groups.
That’s why it’s important we understand the eye care challenges people are facing and how to make sure people get timely and affordable access to eye care when they need it.
We want to hear from everyone, but we especially want to reach:
- People from ethnic minority communities, including Black African, Black Caribbean and South Asian communities.
- People who may not have a large household income because of the barriers they may face.
- People waiting for secondary care to understand their experience.
Share Your Views: Making Our NHS fit for the Future!
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
Every day in Greater Manchester, thousands of people are seen by the health and care professionals that make up our NHS and receive great care. However, waiting lists have grown, some people struggle to access some services, or find it hard to know where to go for help and support.
The NHS in Greater Manchester, the body responsible for making decisions about health services across Greater Manchester, is keen to hear from people living and working in Greater Manchester about what they feel is working well and what could change to improve both their experience of getting care and their health.
NHS Greater Manchester is inviting people to share their views in a public engagement exercise, ‘An NHS Fit for the Future’, from now until the Autumn.
- The first face-to-face event will be in Manchester on Thursday 12 September between 1:30pm and 4:00pm. Register online to attend.
- An online event is being held on Microsoft Teams on Wednesday 25 September between 6:00pm and 7:30pm. Register online to attend.
This programme will give stakeholders and local communities the opportunity to understand issues faced by the NHS locally including its financial position; tackling waiting times; care and support for long-term conditions and improving the prevention of ill health; as well as giving their views on what matters most and how they think the NHS should shape services for the future.
Find out more about Fit for the Future and get involved, visit the NHS GM website.
Mental Health Crisis Support Via NHS 111
Details from NHS England
For the first time, anyone in a mental health crisis can now call 111 and receive support from trained mental health professionals. The change means the NHS in England is one of the first countries to offer access to a 24/7 full package of mental health crisis support through one single phone line.
People of all ages, including children, can call 111. NHS staff can guide callers with next steps such organising face-to-face community support or facilitating access to alternatives services, such as crisis cafés or safe havens which provide a place for people to stay as an alternative to A&E or a hospital admission.
For people who need support at A&E, if there is a risk to life, every emergency department in England now also has a liaison psychiatric team available to offer specialist care.
NHS Talking Therapy Services are available for people with other mental conditions such as anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and PTSD and anyone can refer themselves online via NHS.uk or by contacting their GP. You can also visit NHS Stockport Talking Therapies for local information.
Changing Places and Accessible Toilets Near You
Details from Healthwatch North Yorkshire
Changing Places are toilets designed to provide extra facilities for people with severe or multiple disabilities. Over 250,000 people in the UK need Changing Places toilets to help them get out and do everyday things that many of us take for granted.
Changing Places toilets are crucial for people with learning or physical disabilities, such as spinal injuries, muscular dystrophy, or multiple sclerosis. These individuals may have limited mobility and need special equipment or assistance from caregivers to use the toilet or change continence pads.
Stockport Local Online Directory
Details from Stockport Family Hubs
Stockport Local have created an online directory, which provides details of statutory services, local and national organisations and community groups in Stockport. They are now encouraging groups and organisations to sign-up to the directory.
While You Wait Support
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
Are you currently waiting for a hospital appointment or treatment? Visit While You Wait for support and advice on how best to manage your physical and mental wellbeing while you wait.
You will also find answers to frequently asked questions which may help address any concerns, including where you can look up an average waiting time.
Get Involved: Stockport's Big Food Collection
Details from Stockport FoodBank
From 23 September to World Food Day on 16 October, Stockport Food Bank is calling on people to support them by organising collections of food and toiletries.
Whether it’s a collection with your neighbours, setting up a donation station at work or organising a donation week at school or church, you could play a crucial part in helping them to have enough stock to continue to help people across Stockport who are struggling to afford the essentials.
Food donations from the community provide emergency food parcels to thousands of Stockport residents every year.
You can take donations to their warehouse at Hazel Grove Baptist Church, SK7 4EX.
Get to Know Your Numbers
Details from NHS England
Know Your Numbers Week is next week (2 - 8 September) and is a global campaign to raise awareness about the importance of checking your blood pressure, especially for those who are aged 40 or over. Around a third of adults in the UK have high blood pressure which rarely has noticeable symptoms but if untreated, it increases your risk of stroke and heart attack.
Childhood Vaccinations
Details from UKHSA and Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership
Childhood infections like measles and whooping cough are rising, with outbreaks across the country. Such infections can have a huge impact on your child’s life. It's important for parents to take up the NHS’ free childhood immunisation programme as soon as offered.
However, if you or your child have missed a vaccine, it's not too late to check if you can catch up. Check your child’s Red Book for MMR and Whooping Cough vaccines or check with your GP.
See the Greater Manchester Integrated Care's article about Whooping Cough here
Also, find out what vaccinations your child needs before going back to school.
More information on free NHS childhood vaccinations are on the NHS website.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccinations
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
From 1 September, pregnant women and elderly adults in Greater Manchester will be able to get the new free Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine. RSV is a major cause of respiratory illness, particularly dangerous for young babies and the elderly. This new RSV vaccine offers huge opportunities to prevent severe illness in those most vulnerable to RSV, helping to protect lives.
Reminder: Medical Examiner Service to Give Bereaved People A Voice
Details from NHS Greater Manchester (GM)
A new statutory medical examiner service is being rolled out across England and Wales to provide independent scrutiny of deaths, and to give bereaved people a voice.
From 9 September, it becomes law that all deaths that are not investigated by a Coroner will be reviewed by NHS medical examiners before a death can be registered.
Attached is a NHS GM stakeholder briefing that outlines the role of the medical examiner, what's changing and how it impacts the process when someone dies.
Read the full statement attached
Service Overview: Chatty Cafe
The Chatty Café Scheme is the UK’s leading non-profit organisation tackling loneliness. They offer three services, all designed to reduce loneliness and/or social isolation. They include;
- Face to face meet ups where venues offer ‘Chatter & Natter’ tables
- Online Chatty Cafe Sessions every Tuesday and Thursday, 1pm-1:30pm.
- Telephone Friendship Service for anyone over 18, experiencing loneliness and could benefit from a weekly chat on the phone.
Service Overview: Deaf First Responder, Walthew House
Details from Walthew House
Walthew House has a service for sign language users in Stockport and the surrounding areas – 'Deaf First Responder'. See the attached posters
The service supports the deaf community to receive the best care and effective treatment in situations such as an emergency health issue, needing an emergency doctor, an accident or requiring A&E. The service is for:
- Sign language users (British Sign Language and Sign Supported English)
- Frontline healthcare providers - paramedics, A&E staff, anyone supporting a Deaf person in an emergency
For more information:
0161 480 2612
Get Involved: Wellspring Sleepout 2024
Details from the Wellspring
The Wellspring, a vital lifeline for homeless and vulnerable individuals in Stockport, is calling on the community to take part in the Wellspring Sponsored Sleepout 2024 in Stockport town centre.
Homelessness in Stockport and Greater Manchester has reached alarming levels, with *7,407 people (or 1 in every 74) experiencing homelessness across the county. In 2023, The Wellspring served over 63,000 meals and delivered 6,000 1:1 support sessions, as well as providing other essential services like clothing, assistance with mental health, housing, and employment.
Get Involved:
- Anybody over the age of 14 years old is welcome to register. For those under 18 you must be accompanied by an adult. One adult can be responsible for a maximum of two children.
- Participants will spend the night in Stockport, experiencing just a fraction of what it’s like to be without a home. The event begins at 6:30pm and finishes at 8:00am the next morning.
Please ensure that you register for numbers and logistics.
Greater Manchester (GM) Live Well Event
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
Greater Manchester Integrated Care are hosting a 'Live Well - Growing community power to tackle health and wellbeing inequalities' event this October. This event is being planned in partnership with GM Networks Connect and brings together a range of digital, food poverty, climate, and homelessness social justice and action networks across Greater Manchester.
They're inviting communities to help shape the places they live and the support available to tackle health and wellbeing inequalities.
3 October, from 10am - 4pm
Methodist Central Hall, Manchester, M1 1JQ
Group 48 (Autism Social Group) is Back!
Details from Disability Stockport
Restarting on Thursday 26, September, Group 48 is a social group for adults with Autism and living in the Stockport area. The group is run by Disability Stockport and Stockport Council and offers the group the chance to meet, socialise and join the fun activities.
In the first September meeting, there will be be an opportunity for the group and their carers to have a say about what the group offers and volunteer for the different roles available.
If you have any questions:
david.humphrey@disabilitystockport.org.uk or natasha.malik@disabilitystockport.org.uk
0161 480 7248
Further Events & Community Activities across the Borough
Volunteer Opportunity: Become a Music Champion!
Details from Stockport Mind
Stockport Mind are proud to be working with Manchester Camerata for a Music in Mind programme to support people living with Dementia and their carers. This project has been underpinned by over ten years of research and evidence by The University of Manchester.
To become a Music Champion, you will train with staff and musicians in a community group setting as well as on line support and training. At the end of the training you will have the skills and confidence to help facilitate music sessions in your own community groups such as Care homes, day centres etc.
If you think you can make a difference, can spare half a day each week, and you are passionate about music, apply before 1 October.
Job Opportunity: Women’s Health Worker
Details from Greater Manchester Women’s Support Alliance
The Greater Manchester Women’s Support Alliance (GMWSA) was established in 2016 by seven organisations who provide support services to women across all ten boroughs in Greater Manchester (GM) who may be vulnerable or have unmet support needs. The GMWSA team are recruiting for a Women's Health Worker to join their team.
19 hours a week and based in Stockport.
Apply:
Apply by 15 September. Interviews week commencing: 23 September
To discuss the role, email admin@gmwsa.org.uk
Download an application form: https://www.gmwsa.org/jobs
Please note: this post is open to women only, exempt under the Sex Discrimination Act (1975) Section 7(2) and in accordance with our safeguarding procedures and will require a DBS check.
Volunteer Opportunity: Pure Insight
Details from Pure Insight
Do you have time to support a young person leaving the care system (foster placements and children's homes)? Pure Insight are looking for local people to volunteer mentor alongside a young person for a minimum of two years.
The Pure Insight team will support you every step of the way and provide volunteer mentors with training and development opportunities.
If you can give two-three hours per week, join a virtual Information evening to find out more. Get in touch at:
Job Opportunity: Social Prescriber at Viaduct Care CIC
Details from Viaduct Care CIC
Viaduct Care CIC are looking for someone to join their Social Prescribing Team. In this role, you'll have responsibility for proactively reaching out to, monitoring and coordinating care and well-being for patients in primary care.
You'll support patients with advice and guidance to improve their mental wellbeing addressing issues such as financial issues, loneliness or social isolation, anxiety, maintaining tenancy etc. You'll enable people to improve/maintain their mental wellbeing and more.
The role is part time role - 20 hours per week (over 3 days)
£25,147 to £27,596 a year Pro rata
Apply:
Apply by 8 September
Training: The Proud Trust
Details from The Proud Trust
The Proud Trust are delivering eight sessions for LGBT+ young people and those questioning their gender or sexuality aged 18-25 in Stockport.
The course will equip them with the 'life skills' they need to take their next steps, to earn a Level 2 certificate in an area that they are interested in, and connect with other local LGBT+ young people.
3 September – 22 October. Each session will run on Tuesdays weekly from 4pm-6pm.
The first and last sessions will be in person in Stockport, the rest will take place online.
Further Training Courses Coming Up
There are a variety of training course available from Skills For Life (SFL) and others. Please see the attachments below:
Stockport Council Review
Prince's Trust
Upcoming courses from The Prince's Trust (princes-trust-digital.co.uk)
GM Ethnic Communities
GM Ethnic Communities Network Newsletter (August 2024) (gmcvo.org.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.
