Healthwatch Round Up - 19 September 2024
Welcome to this week's Healthwatch Stockport Information Round-up (IRU).
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Have Your Say: Your Experience of Local Eye Care Services
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 we are encouraging you to have your eyesight tested regularly and, if there is a problem, get the help you need.
To coincide with National Eye Week (23 – 29 September) we’re excited to announce the first of our new work programmes for 2024/2025. Following feedback from the local community over the last 12 months, we'll be focusing our attentions to the ‘variation in eye and hearing services and its impact on wellbeing, health and lifestyle’.
Firstly, we’re keen to hear your experiences of using local eye care services. Are you happy with the eye care you’re receiving – what's working well and what do you think could be improved?
Over the coming months, we’ll be reaching out to better understand your experiences through surveys, focus groups, our our Lived Experience Network, our Enter and View Programme and by working in partnership with community services. All feedback will be invaluable in helping us to make recommendations for improvements to commissioners and eye care providers and services for everyone in Stockport.
We will share how you can get involved in our 'Information Round Up’, our website and socials. However, if you’d like to share your experience before then, or get involved in our first task and finish group around this, do not hesitate to get in touch. You can 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
Have your say in helping to ensure you receive the quality of eye care you need, when you need it.
Have Your Say: Healthwatch National Eye Care Survey
Details from Healthwatch England
Healthwatch England is also keen to hear about people's eye care experiences at a national level. Feedback has told Healthwatch that eye care is an area where people are facing long waits and high costs for care. To understand the challenges people face, please complete their survey. They want to hear from everyone, but 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.
We’ve Published our Hospital to Home Report
We’ve published our Healthwatch Stockport “Hospital to Home” Research Report! Our report presents our findings from a study conducted between April and June 2024, focusing on the discharge processes and experiences of patients transitioning from Stepping Hill Hospital to their homes, particularly those requiring additional social care and support.
Our research revealed a mixed bag of experiences with the discharge process, which included preparing for discharge and communication, waiting to go home, the quality of assessments and their experiences following discharge. To address the issues identified, we’ve recommended actions around better communication and patient involvement, more advanced notice of discharge dates, better support systems such as champions and volunteers to assist patients and better patient centred care.
All findings and recommendations are detailed in our report.
A big thank you to the staff at Stepping Hill in helping us arrange our visits, the multi-disciplinary staff in the Transfer lounge and hub for welcoming our Enter and View Programme Representatives.
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.
Healthwatch Articles You May Have Missed
Please see the latest news from us and Healthwatch England.
Women in England want at home cervical screening tests on the NHS
Healthwatch's new research calls for a more personalised approach to cervical screening to help the NHS meet its ambition to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040. A poll of 2,444 women hesitant about cervical screening has shown that 73%, would use a home testing kit if available free on the NHS.
How to make cervical screening (a smear test) work for you
Cervical screening saves over 4,000 lives every year in the UK, but in 2023 nearly a third of eligible women did not come forward for their screening. Did you know that there are adjustments you can ask for if you are nervous about attending?
The end of strikes will be a relief to patients
Junior doctors in England have agreed on a deal to end NHS industrial action. Read Healthwatch England's response.
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!
We’re Supporting Stockport’s Big Food Collection!
From 23 September to World Food Day on 16 October, Healthwatch Stockport and Stockport Advocacy are teaming up to support the ‘Big Food Collection’ for Stockport Foodbank. By getting involved, we’ll help the foodbank to continue supporting those struggling to afford the essentials, especially into the Winter months.
We're setting up a food donation station at our offices at the ‘Land O Cakes’.
Even though we’re based at the ‘Land O Cakes’, we need donations of all food types including: tinned vegetables, long life milk, tinned meat, baked beans, pasta sauces, tinned soups and more. Whatever you can afford to donate will make a big difference and help to provide emergency food parcels to thousands of Stockport residents. See the list here.
Donations can be dropped off on Wednesdays between 8.30am and 3.30pm (Please do not leave any donations outside of the building). Simply come to the ‘Land O Cakes’, 48 Middle Hillgate, SK1 3DL and press the buzzer.
If you’ve booked a room/ you’re attending a meeting at the ‘Land O Cakes’, and would like to make a donation, feel free to bring this with you when you come.
To find out more or to organise your own collection, visit: The Big Food Collection | Stockport Foodbank
Advice & Support For Those With Diabetes
Details from Greater Manchester Integrated Care
Diabetes UK Community for People Aged 11-25 Living With type 1 Diabetes: Living with type 1 Diabetes can be isolating especially for young people and those newly diagnosed. 'Together Type 1' provides people with the opportunity to meet and bond with other people, share their experiences and provide each other with support. For more information on 'Together Type 1', visit the Diabetes.org website.
Support for people at risk of developing Diabetes type 2. TREND Diabetes have released a new leaflet to support people at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. It contains key information on the risk factors, advice on how people can be tested as well as what people can do to delay the onset of type 2 diabetes by making lifestyle changes.
New leaflet to support those planning to have a baby: TREND Diabetes have also launched a new leaflet for people living with diabetes and are planning to have a baby. It aims to help you understand why taking steps to plan for pregnancy is important and why good planning can reduce the risk of complications in babies and their mothers.
Right Care, Right Person
Details from NHS Greater Manchester & Greater Manchester Police
Launching on Monday 30 September, 'Right Care, Right Person' (RCRP) will see Greater Manchester Police working alongside NHS Greater Manchester mental health services to ensure people get the right support. It will include changes to how mental health incidents are handled.
When people are in mental health crisis, they need timely access to support that's compassionate and meets their needs. While there will always be situations where the police need to be involved (threat to life or a serious risk of harm to adults or a significant risk of harm to a child or young person), there are times they don’t, and are not able to handover care to a more appropriate professional quickly enough.
Find out more by reading the following documents from Greater Manchester Police (GMP):
More information can be found on the GMP website.
Childhood Immunisation Campaign Continues
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
The second phase of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and NHS national childhood immunisation campaign will run until 4 October. The campaign raises awareness of the importance and benefits of routine 0-5 immunisations and encourage uptake.
Childhood infections like measles and whooping cough are still very much present. Such infections can have a huge impact on your child’s life. They can miss out on school, be hospitalised, and even experience life-long complications and disability. It's important for parents to take up the NHS’ free childhood immunisation programme as soon as they're offered. If you or a child has missed vaccination, it's not too late. Check your child’s Red Book or with a GP.
Visit www.nhs.uk/childhoodvaccinations
Flu Vaccine Programme Stockport
Details from Stockport Council
In the run up to colder months, Stockport Council have shared a reminder of Flu Vaccination Programme across Stockport and where to find information and advice. This is an opportunity for each of us to protect ourselves and those around us.
Vaccinations - Healthy Stockport
Falls Week - Advice Poster to Help Our Community
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
To support Falls Week, which runs from 23 September, please see the ‘Stay Steady and Independent’ poster. You may wish to display this to support local residents.
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.
Access Additional Support With Cost-of-Living Hub
Details from Stockport Council
If you're facing cost-of-living challenges or need help navigating essential support services, Stockport Council's Resident Advice and Support team can provide expert guidance and support. They're on hand Monday to Friday, 9.30 am to 4 pm.
0161 474 2140
Cost of living support - Stockport Council
The Cost-Of-Living Hub includes advice on benefits and debt, to support with food and energy bills, council tax payment assistance, pension credit information, and more.
Donate Old Devices to Help Stockport Community
Details from Stockport Council
When you change your computer or phone, what do you do with your old one? Why not donate it to a local recycling scheme? Community Computers refurbish donated IT equipment, providing low-cost computers to the community whilst reducing the amount of e-waste going to landfill. They safely wipe your data and upgrade each computer with licensed software.
Drop off your device at any Stockport library. Community Computers are part of Stockport’s DigiKnow alliance, helping everyone to get online.
Nominate Your Community Hero – Win £250 Donation!
Details from Stockport Volunteer Hub
Is there someone in your organisation who’s a real champion? easyfundraising is on the search for the people who go above and beyond or make everyone’s day a little brighter. Three people will be chosen to be easyfundraising’s Community Champions and will win a £250 donation for their organisation, as well as £250 to treat themselves to something special.
To nominate your champion, fill in the short online form by 30 September and tell easyfundraising why this person is so amazing. Whether they’re inspiring the next generation, going above and beyond their duties, fighting for change, or just showing up and doing a fantastic job – easyfundraising wants to know!
Service: Stockport Homes Safer Neighbourhoods Team
Details from Stockport Homes
Whether it’s aggressive behaviour or even illegal activity, anti-social behaviour can seriously affect the quality of your lives. If you or someone you know is experiencing issues of Anti-Social Behaviour, the Safer Neighbourhood team at Stockport Homes can provide support and information to help you. You can get in touch in the following ways:
0161 217 6016
Complete the form online
Download the ReMOTE app (App Store or Android App Store).
Reminder to Have Your Say: MS Society Hospital Admissions
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.
Start Well Stockport Virtual Sleep Seminar
Details from Start Well Stockport
Do you struggle with your child's disrupted sleep? Is your child aged 2-10 years old? If yes, the Parenting Team at Start Well Stockport are holding a virtual Sleep Seminar.
The session will include useful information about understanding sleep cycles, establishing bedtime routines and how to support children’s sleep patterns; and some helpful handouts to support the session.
Thursday 10 October, 9.30am - 12.00pm, online
Bereavement Service Pop Ups
Details from the Greater Manchester Bereavement Service
The Greater Manchester Bereavement Service have launched a pop-up series of free Bereavement events. The next one will be on Thursday 3 October, 10am – 12pm at the House of Books & Friends, on Manchester's King Street.
They are raising awareness of World Mental Health Day which falls in October, by highlighting the impact loss and grief can have on our well-being and inviting people to learn more about bereavement, find support and connect with others.
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.
St Matthew's Community Open Day
Details from St Matthew's Church
St Matthew's ill be holding their annual Community day on 28 September. The free event is an opportunity to bring together the church, local residents and community support in one place! A taster of what to expect:
Prayer space, local churches, mental health support, cancer awareness support, education and learning support, arts and crafts and so much more.
28 September, 12pm - 2pm
St Matthew's church, Grenville Street, Edgeley
Stockport Arts and Health Week
Details from ARC
Would you like to improve your wellbeing through creativity? As part of Stockport Arts and Health Week, Arc is hosting a free showcase event, for people to come along and find out more about local community groups and organisations who offer opportunities to improve wellbeing through creativity.
Groups attending on the day include: Talking Therapies, NK Theatre Arts, Heaton Norris Community Centre, Pure Innovations, Stockport MIND, Positive Arts Adswood, Life Leisure Walkaday, Stockport MBC, Marbury Road Edible Garden, plus more. There will be light refreshments and creative activities.
Arc at Hat Works, Stockport
Monday 14 October from 11am - 2.30pm
Further Events & Community Activities across the Borough
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:
Explore Programme
Details from the Prince's Trust
Our next Explore programme will start in on 1 October at their Manchester Centre in Ancoats. The course is for young people aged 16-25 who are currently NEET.
This a great opportunity for any young people who'd like to build confidence and learn new skills in a supportive environment. There are opportunities to get involved in a range of activities including outdoor learning, practical skills, employability, arts, and independent living skills and even gain a Prince's Trust Qualification in Employability!
Access Week: 1 - 4 October
Follow on: 8 October (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for three weeks)
The Prince's Trust, Beehive Mill, Jersey Street, Ancoats, M4 6JG
See the attached flyers
For Men to Talk
‘For Men To Talk’ w/c 16 September 2024 Meetings
GMCVO
Social Enterprise eBulletin (September 2024) (gmcvo.org.uk)
Kidz to Adultz
National Autistic Society
Inclusion tips | SEND system | Impact report
North West Ambulance Service
Your Call - Issue 22 by NWAmbulance - Issuu
Prince's Trust
Upcoming courses from The Prince's Trust
Stockport Women And Girls Network
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.
