Healthwatch Round Up - 12 September 2024
Welcome to this week's Healthwatch Stockport Information Round-up (IRU).
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Have Your Say: Hospital Appointments & GP Accessibility!
We'd like to gather your feedback so please get in touch to share your views. Your feedback will be confidential and will inform part of our upcoming Enter and View Programme and help us improve healthcare services for everyone in Stockport.
Hospital Appointment Systems: We want to hear your experiences with the hospital booking systems and how information about your appointments is provided to you.
GP Practices Accessibility: We'll be visiting GP practices to observe the signage and information available to patients. We aim 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. We're keen to hear your experiences.
You can share your feed back in the following ways:
Feedback centre (on our website)
0161 974 0753 or text 078710 89100 (text service only)
info@healthwatchstockport.co.uk
To learn more about our Enter and View Programme and how you can get involved.
Last Call: Two Exciting Job Opportunities With Us
If you or someone you know are interested in a new and exciting challenge, we're recruiting for two amazing job positions and the chance to join the Healthwatch Stockport team!
Communications & Volunteer Coordinator: 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: 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.
Healthwatch Articles You May Have Missed
Please see the latest news from us and Healthwatch England.
What's it like getting help with health costs?
The NHS offers support for people on low incomes to help with care costs. We look at how easy it is to access this help and how it can be improved.
Introducing Our Upcoming Event: Listening for Change!
Details from Healthwatch in Greater Manchester
Healthwatch in Greater Manchester are thrilled to announce their 'Listening for Change: Transforming Health and Social Care' Conference. This is a day dedicated to dynamic discussions, innovation, and collaboration aimed at improving health and social care across Greater Manchester.
Join us to hear inspiring keynotes, participate in interactive workshops, and engage in panel discussions that will shape the future of our community’s health and social care system.
Friday 29 November, 10am to 4pm
Friends Meeting House, M2 5NS.
Save the Date and stay tuned for more updates!
Partnership With Libraries to Support People With NHS App
Details from NHS England
The NHS has announced a new partnership with libraries across England to help more people access online health services and use the NHS App. The scheme, in partnership with The National Health Literacy Partnership, will launch in October – with NHS England contacting public libraries and NHS libraries in the coming weeks to provide toolkits and information.
Get To Know Where To Go: Primary Care Booklet
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
As part of NHS Greater Manchester's Get To Know Where To Go campaign, they've created a primary care booklet to help people find the care and support they need as quickly as possible.
Primary care services are often the first-place people go to when they need health advice or treatment. This includes general practice, community pharmacies, dentists and opticians.
The booklet breaks down each of these services, what illnesses or health problems they can help with and, how to access them. There's information on ordering repeat prescriptions, out-of-hour services and advice on managing pain.
Click here for the Primary Care Booklet
If you'd like the information in another format, or translated into a different language, please email gmhscp.gm-campaigns@nhs.net
Share Your Views: Making Our NHS Fit for the Future!
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
The NHS in 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. They're inviting people to share their views in a public engagement exercise, ‘An NHS Fit for the Future’, from now until the Autumn.
- Online event on Teams, Wednesday 25 September, 6pm - 7:30pm. Register online to attend.
NHS Reminder to Get Your RSV Vaccination
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
NHS Greater Manchester is urging every eligible person across the region, to get the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine. RSV is a major cause of respiratory illness and is particularly dangerous for infants and the elderly. Those eligible for the new RSV vaccine include:
- those turning 75 on or after 1 September 2024
- those aged 75 to 79 on 1 September 2024 as part of the catch-up campaign
- those who turn 80 in the first year of the programme until 31 August 2025
- pregnant women from week 28 of their pregnancy
For more information, visit the NHS Greater Manchester website.
NHS Publish New Learning Disability Register Leaflet
Details from NHS England
NHS England has published an information leaflet which has been made by family carers, people with a learning disability, people from charities and NHS staff, about the GP (doctor) Learning Disability Register.
The Learning Disability Register leaflet helps people think about whether their child or someone they care for, could be considered to have a learning disability. If so, they should be on their local GP practice’s Learning Disability Register, to get them the help they need. There are plain English, easy read and accessible versions of the leaflet in the link above.
This information can be used by staff in GP practices, health professionals, schools and colleges and charities, as well as parents and carers of children who have a learning disability.
Over State Pension Age or Know Someone Who is?
Details from Stockport Council
Pensioners are being urged to apply for a benefit that could be worth on average £3,900 per year. Thee Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) launched a campaign to increase Pension Credit take-up earlier this month. The Pension Credit Week of Action aims to spread awareness and increase claims for Pension Credit, which from this year will automatically passport eligible pensioners to receive the Winter Fuel Payment.
Have Your Say: MS Society Hospital Admissions Survey
Details from the MS Society
The MS Society is running a survey to hear the experiences of people with MS when attending the hospital. The survey asks about planned or unplanned (emergency) attendance and the reasons for it so they can understand how and why MS patients are admitted to the hospital.
Findings will help the MS Society to identify where opportunities to reduce unnecessary hospital visits and improve healthcare experiences for people with MS. The survey is open until 18 October for adults with MS living in the UK.
Get Involved: Stockport Pop-Up Welcomes Two Charity Events
Details from One Stockport
The Pop-up shop in Stockport's Merseyway will be hosting two charity fundraisers over the next week:
Smart Works is a charity that empowers women back into work. The organisation provides clothes and interview coaching to ensure they have every possible chance of being offered a job. From 19 -21 September, their Pop-Up Shop will give Stockport fashionistas the chance to shop new and pre-loved designer and high street items and enjoy up to 70% off normal retail prices. All proceeds will go the Smart Works Greater Manchester so they can continue their work.
Together Trust: From 23 - 29 September, the Together Trust will be bringing the best of brand-new and pre-loved fashion to raise money. The charity supports children in care and people with disabilities, autism and complex needs. In the meantime you can visit their online shopping channels:
Depop https://www.depop.com/togethertrustcharity/
Vinted https://www.vinted.co.uk/.../98614827-togethertrustcharity
Service Overview: Stockport Support Hub
Details from Stockport Support Hub
As part of the Stockport Support Hub service, they deliver weekly support sessions for the Deaf Community where they can provide:
- Digital Help setting up Apps, accounts, etc.
- Financial Support with budgeting, benefits and more
- Home help with utilities, insurance, applying for housing and more
- Travel help and Blue Badge applications
- Help with health appointments
- Employment help and access to work
All our sessions are supported by a British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreter.
Find out more and watch their BSL videos on their website: Stockport Support Hub
Get Involved: Research Around Pregnancy Related Emergencies
Details from NIHR (National Institute of Health and Care Research)
Are you a women of ethnic minority who has recently been pregnant or given birth in the last 2 years? If so, the University of Liverpool are leading a partly NIHR-funded research project in the Greater Manchester region. The project focuses on improving how ambulance services respond to pregnancy-related emergencies. They are seeking individuals to join an advisory group:
- Are from an ethnic minority and live in Greater Manchester.
- Have recently been pregnant or had a baby in the last 2 years.
- Have used ambulance services for a pregnancy-related emergency.
The advisory group will meet regularly over the next 18 months, with a mix of in-person and online sessions. A voucher worth £25 per hour will be provided to thank participants for their time.
See the attachment and contact: Anam.Elahi@liverpool.ac.uk for further information.
Stockport NHS Foundation Trust Annual Members Meeting
Details from the Stockport NHS Foundation Trust
Book now to take part in the Stockport NHS Foundation Trust Annual Members’ Meeting on 25 September. They'll share a review of 2023/24 and showcase many service improvements. The Trust’s Annual Accounts 2023/24 and plans for the future will also be presented, alongside the outcome of governor elections and a live Q&A session. Find the agenda here.
Pinewood House Education Centre, Stepping Hill Hospital.
Wednesday 25 September, 4pm – 5.30pm. Doors open at 3.15pm for registration and refreshments, and the chance to meet your governors.
To book your place, email membership@stockport.nhs.uk
Submit questions for the Q&A in advance to membership@stockport.nhs.uk
Get Involved: Stockport Volunteer Fair
Details from Sector 3
Stockport's Volunteer Fair is taking place on 18 September at Merseyway Shopping Centre. Over 20 local community organisations, including us at Healthwatch Stockport, will be on hand to share the latest volunteering roles. Drop by and find out how you can get involved.
Wednesday 18 September, 9am - 4pm
Merseyway Shopping Centre (outside Specsavers)
Visit www.stockportvolunteerhub.org.uk/ or follow Stockport Volunteer Hub on Instagram @stockportvolhub
Get Involved: National Fitness Day Event
Details from Stockport Council
Stockport Council and partners Life Leisure will be be holding a free event to celebrate National Fitness Day. Taking place on 18 September, the event will include a fun timetable of events, fitness assessments, kids scavenger hunt and accessible equipment to try out.
The theme for this year’s National Fitness Day is 'your health is for life', it's not just about exercising for short term goals, but taking small steps towards protecting and improving your health for years to come.
Why not pay a visit to this and the volunteering event (mentioned above)?!
Wednesday 18 September, 11am - 2pm
Stopford House Piazza, Stockport, SK1 3UR
Visit www.lifeleisure.net/blog/your-health-is-for-life/
Get Involved: Family Hubs Learning Circle Event
Details from Stockport Family Hubs
This learning circle is an online event to share why we have Family Hubs in Stockport, what they are and how they bring together services and community groups to provide a ‘one stop shop’ of information, help and support. This session is a great introduction to Family Hubs and asks you what your role could be in developing networks and services to drive better outcomes for Children and Families in Stockport.
Tuesday 24 September, 12 noon - 1pm
Online (details provided on sign up)
Visit our Family Hubs web pages to learn more.
Get Involved: Stockport County Accessible Football
Details from Stockport County Community Trust
Stockport County Community Trust will be holding their Junior and Adult Disability Football sessions on Wednesday 18 September. These fully inclusive sessions, run by qualified CCT coaches, enable people with all kinds of disability to have fun and keep active in a friendly, safe and supportive environment.
For those who enjoy competitive football, there are opportunities to play and represent Stockport County in friendly games as well as in Cheshire FA’s Ability Counts League.
COUNTY COMETS JUNIOR DISABILITY FOOTBALL (funded by FA)
Powerleague Stockport, Craig Road, SK4 2AP
Wednesdays, 4.30pm-5.30pm
Age Groups: 8-11 (U-12s) 12-16 (U-16s)
COUNTY ADULT DISABILITY FOOTBALL (Age group: 16+)
Powerleague Stockport, Craig Road, SK4 2AP
Wednesdays, 5.30pm-6.30pm
Both of the above are £3.50 per session (new participants get a free taster session).
Further Events & Community Activities across the Borough
Job Opportunity: PossAbilities Supported Living
Details from PossAbilities
PossAbilities are looking to recruit a Team Leader - Supported Living Stockport.
Their 'Supported Living' services help people to live as independently as possible. You will be responsible for managing a team to deliver support for people to live in a safe, excellent quality and happy environment.
💼 Salary: £32,191.22 per annum + benefits
Location: Stockport
Hours: 37 hours per week
Training: Menopause Awareness
Details from Stockport Mind
Did you know that #menopause costs the UK economy 14 million days per year?
As part of a wider collaborative project run with the four other Minds in Greater Manchester, Stockport Mind are committed to supporting small to medium sized enterprises (#SMEs) in supporting their staff and volunteers through this transitional life stage. New dates have been added for September and October.
Menopause Awareness for Employees:
Monday 16 September – 1pm-2.30pm
Thursday 17 October – 2pm-3.30pm
Supporting Employees through the Menopause a Managers Guide
Monday 7 October – 10am-12pm
To book and find out more, visit: https://www.gmmind.org.uk/menopause.../menopause-workplace/
Training: Answer Cancer Sessions Available
Details from Answer Cancer
Answer Cancer are running a number of training sessions, two of which around Cervical and Breast Cancer awareness. These online sessions will be interactive, fun, and full of facts, key messages and information to take away and share with others.
Cervical Cancer Awareness: This training will provide greater understanding of Cervical Cancer, risk factors & early signs & symptoms, the importance of Cervical Screening: what’s involved and HPV and more.
Wednesday 25 September, 10am-11.30am
Breast Cancer Awareness: October is breast cancer awareness month. By the end of the training session participants will have greater understanding of Breast Cancer, risk factors & early signs & symptoms, understand the importance of Breast Screening and more.
Tuesday 8 October, 10am-11.30am
Further Training Courses Coming Up
There are a variety of training courses including those from from Skills For Life (SFL) and others. Please see the attachments below:
For Men to Talk
LGBTQ Bulletin
Stockport Council Review
Sector 3
Starting Point
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.
