Healthwatch Round Up - 3 October 2024
Welcome to this week's Healthwatch Stockport Information Round-up (IRU).
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We're excited to say that it has been a busy and eventful time for the team with many meetings and chances to connect with our community. To name a few; we've supported the fantastic Stockport Volunteer's Fair, attended the valuable Disability Rights Group, successfully completed First aid training and so much more.
As we didn't send out a Round up last week, this edition is jam packed with extra news.
Have Your Say: Your Experience of Local Eye Care Services
As one of our new work programmes for 2024/2025 and following community feedback, 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 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?
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'll share how you can get involved in our future 'Round Ups’, our website and on our socials. If you’d like to share your experience before then, or get involved in our first task and finish group, get in touch.
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: 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. They want to hear from all, but especially:
- People of ethnic minority 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.
Have Your Read Our Hospital to Home Report?
In case you missed it..... 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. All findings and recommendations are in our report.
Healthwatch Articles & Reports You May Have Missed
Please see the latest news from us and Healthwatch England.
Healthwatch England: Temporary closures add to crisis in community pharmacies
Earlier this year, Healthwatch England submitted a Freedom of Information (FoI) request to Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) asking them about permanent and temporary pharmacy closures, following concerns raised by the public and local Healthwatch. The data obtained from all 42 ICBs revealed that 436 pharmacies closed permanently in England between 1 January and 31 December 2023.
Findings reveal a worrying picture of pharmacy closures across England, hitting older people and rural communities the hardest.
Read Healthwatch England's research
Donate to Stockport’s Big Food Collection!
Healthwatch Stockport and Stockport Advocacy have set up a food donation station to support the ‘Big Food Collection’ for Stockport Foodbank. Whatever you can afford to donate will help to provide emergency food parcels to residents over the Winter months. See the list here.
Donations can be dropped off on Wednesdays, 8.30am to 3.30pm (Please don't leave outside). Come to the ‘Land O Cakes’, 48 Middle Hillgate, SK1 3DL and press the buzzer. Booked a room/attending a meeting onsite and want to make a donation? Bring it along!
Help Shape Pennine Care's Five-year Strategy 2025-2030
Details from Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust
The Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust's current five-year strategy ends in March 2025 and, while they still have the same core principles, they want to review some aspects including their big ambitions.
They want to strengthen and simplify the ambitions, as well as develop their strategic plans to deliver them. To do this, they want all patients and carers, communities, staff, partner organisations and others – to feed in views so that their refreshed strategy reflects your thoughts and ideas.
For service users, carers and communities, they're running events, with the following date in Stockport:
Tuesday 29 October, 2pm -3.30pm
Stockport Masonic Guildhall, 169-171 Wellington Road South, SK1 3UA. Parking on site.
They'll announce details of online sessions for those unable to attend.
This includes links to their current strategy and a survey if you'd prefer to share your views that way.
Andy Burnham - new Co-Chair of Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, will join Sir Richard Leese as Co-Chair of the Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership. Please see the attached briefing for full details.
NHS Urges Parents to Help Protect Children With Flu Vaccine
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
NHS Greater Manchester are urging all parents and carers of 2–3 year olds to book their children in for a flu vaccine ahead of Winter. Invitations are being sent to parents. This follows the offer for pregnant women and school children, as part of the National Winter Vaccination Campaign.
The flu vaccine for children aged 2-3 years is a quick and painless spray up the nose, without the need for an injection (unless the child cannot have porcine gelatine in medical products, in which case an injected flu vaccine is available as an alternative).
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.
Vaccinations - Healthy Stockport
Support Video for Vulnerable Patients to Stay Warm and Well
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
Heating homes is pricey and contributes to carbon emissions, but living in cold conditions can be harmful to health. To help vulnerable patients feel the benefit of living in warmer homes, the GMCA Energy Company Obligation Scheme 4 Flex (ECO4 Flex) scheme offers fully funded energy efficiency measures to eligible Greater Manchester residents living in privately rented or owner-occupied energy inefficient housing.
The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) have created a short video Introducing the ECO4 Flex Scheme. Visit the GMCA NHS referrals guide for more information.
Get Involved: 'Sandwich Carers' Research Study
Details from Greater Manchester Community and Voluntary
GMCVO and Manchester Metropolitan University would like to better understand the experiences of ‘Sandwich Carers’ - those who care across different generations, for instance children and elderly parents or children and partners.
They're looking for people to share your experiences about caring across different generations. You can take part in a group discussion, an individual interview (in-person or online), or both and will receive a voucher for your time.
Learning more about the challenges that 'Sandwich Carers' face is important to address their present and future health and well-being needs.
For questions, Dr Susanne Martikke, susanne.martikke@gmcvo.org.uk or Dr Susanne Langer, s.langer@mmu.ac.uk
Roll-out of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) for People with Diabetes
Details from NHS England
From this month, NHS England will be rolling out OCT into the NHS Diabetic Eye Screening Programme. The aim is that by October 2025 all services will offer OCT.
OCT gives more accurate results so fewer patients will need a referral to hospital eye services. Patients at low risk of developing eye problems can instead be seen by their local screening provider. Each provider will identify the small number of people who might need hospital treatment, making the referral process more efficient and freeing up hospital capacity.
NHS Announce Hybrid Closed Loop for People With Diabetes Type 1
Details from Diabetes UK
NHS England has been planning a national rollout of hybrid closed-loop systems, also called an artificial pancreas, since April 2024. Tens of thousands of children and adults living with type 1 Diabetes across England will receive an artificial pancreas, and NHS England says that by securing cost-effective prices for these systems, more people will get access to them this year.
An artificial pancreas – also known as a hybrid closed-loop system - continually monitors a person’s blood glucose, then automatically adjusts the amount of insulin given to them through a pump.
Over the next five years, local NHS systems will start identifying eligible people living with type 1 diabetes who health chiefs believe could benefit from the hybrid-closed loop system today.
Have Your Say: Domestic Abuse Research
Details from Sector 3
Stockport Council is working with Linxs Consultancy to carry out an assessment in relation to domestic abuse services in Stockport, examining any gaps or barriers to support and to consider potential areas for improved service provision. To do this, they're running two surveys, all responses will be confidential:
- first for those who've experienced domestic abuse, either as a victim/survivor or a family member
- The second is for representatives of community groups and local organisations.
If you are in a position to complete both surveys, please revisit the online form at any time.
Get Involved: Cancer Screening Research
Details from Thiscovery
The University of Cambridge and Thiscovery are inviting you to take part in a research study to improve cancer screening programmes. Your feedback will help them better understand more about how people feel about cancer screening programmes and how they'd choose between different cancer screening options.
Detecting cancer early through a screening programme could save your life. But a false result could lead to further tests and potentially even unnecessary treatment.
Thiscovery want to hear from people over 18 years of age with lived, learned and professional experience. The insights shared will, in turn, provide the health and care system with better understanding to be able to build more credible solutions for positive change.
Reminder: Urgent Blood Donor Appeal
Details from NHS
Every minute, the NHS needs 3 lifesaving blood donations. That’s a lot of blood! Whatever your blood type, YOU can make a difference for many. You could be helping a daughter fight sickle cell, a neighbour combat cancer or providing life-saving medicines to a newborn.
The NHS needs your help urgently to keep providing lifesaving blood. They're calling for people who are O negative to give blood. O negative can be given to anyone hence the urgent call.
O negative: 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.
Greater Manchester Walking and Wheeling Fund
Details from Greater Manchester Aging Hub
The GM Walking and Wheeling Fund (GMWWF) Grants Programme is offering grants of up to £5,000 to VCSE organisations to deliver projects to get more people walking and wheeling this Autumn/Winter.
The fund aims to improve the health and wellbeing by encouraging people who are less active or inactive to walk or wheel regularly (using a wheelchair, mobility aid or pushing a pram. Sorry, cycling is not included).
The GMWWF also hopes to raise awareness of, GM Walking: a hub of information and resources that recognises the important role walking and wheeling can play in increasing physical activity levels.
Find out how more about the grant
Alert: Dental Website Scam
Details from the GM Dental Commissioning Team, NHS Greater Manchester
The Greater Manchester Dental Commissioning team have been made aware about a website, which promises patients a one hour slot once they’ve paid a fee on the website. Although we are providing the link to the website for your reference, please note that this is a scam and patients should not proceed.
Service: African Caribbean Care Group (Dementia Support)
Details from Dementia United
The ACCG (African Caribbean Care Group) is now providing Dementia support services for people with Dementia and their carers. These services are designed to meet a wide range of needs within the community and include:
- Day Care Services
- Dementia Care
- Carers Support
- Welfare Advice
- Lunch Club & Delivered Meals
- Health & Wellbeing Activities
- Transport
- Holistic Therapy
- Community Grocer
- Facility Hire
These services are available to all, and we aim to ensure that people from different ethnic backgrounds, as well as their carers, are aware of and can access this support.
For further information, see the following attachments and contact ACCG on dementia@accg.org.uk
Awareness Days and Events
Black History Month - October. Stockport’s Race & Equality Partnership (S-REP) has announced the official launch of Black History Month (BHM) events programme for Stockport. This year’s theme focuses on “African Americans and the Arts”. A diverse programme of events will ensure there's something for everyone. You can also download the BHM in Stockport brochure for more details.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month - October. Stockport Music Story is having a celebration in honour of Sarah Harding, of Girls Aloud on 6 October. There'll be a Sarah Harding Plaque Unveiling and Music Walking Tour followed by a Pink Party at Thread, Stockport. Proceeds from ticket sales go to The Sarah Harding Breast Cancer Appeal. Everyone - please use this month as a reminder to always check your chests. For advice and cancer support visit: NHS, our website for a growing list of local support and charities Breast Cancer Now and CoppaFeel
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Domestic Violence Awareness - October. A month-long campaign to raise awareness and end stigma about domestic violence, and most importantly speak up and offer resources to anyone you think may be in an abusive relationship. Support is available locally, see our growing list of local services, Stockport Without Abuse is the largest domestic abuse organisation in Stockport - who offer a range of services to help and support women, men and children affected by domestic abuse.
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World Mental Health Day - 10 October. Stockport has been part in the Greater Manchester Month of Hope, a month focussed on encouraging open conversations about suicide prevention, mental health and instilling hope. Now for World Mental Health Day, we're continuing to raise awareness of mental health services and support (see events below and follow our socials for updates). For support see the NHS website, our growing list of local services as well as this useful leaflet of helpline numbers. Anyone concerned about suicide can find advice and support on the Shining a Light on Suicide website.
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Stoptober - October. Did you know if you quit smoking for 28 days you’re 5 times more likely to quit for good? You’re far more likely to quit successfully with the right support. To help you find a combination of support and treatment that will work for you, contact Stockport's START team on 01614743141, email start@stockport.gov.uk or complete the online form. Online support is available on the NHS website
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Digitober - October. A month-long festival that celebrates the amazing work of the digital sector across Greater Manchester, including here in Stockport. During Digitober, there'll be many events and activities to help you learn how to use the internet or improve your digital skills. See the DigiKnow Network. We also support Get Online Week (14 – 20 October), a national initiative that helps people get online and supports those who aren’t as confident in using technology.
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Modern day slavery week of action: From 14 October, across Greater Manchester there will be a programme of events in the lead up to Anti-Slavery Day on 18 October. Anti-Slavery Day is an opportunity to raise awareness of the 49.6 million people in the world today, and an estimated 136,000 people in the UK, trapped in conditions of modern slavery. It was created by the Anti-Slavery Day Act.
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Start Well Week of Action - 14 - 18 October. A week of activities and online sessions for parents, carers and professionals with a focus on supporting the social and emotional development and wellbeing of babies and young children. It's a chance for parents and carers to try a free tots session at Life Leisure, join a health professional online on how newborns sleep, join a wellbeing walk for dads; story-time sessions and more. Follow Start Well on Facebook for the latest updates.
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
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
Stockport Youth Arts and Mental Health Services
Arc is also hosting a free showcase event, for people to find out more about local creative groups offering youth focused opportunities as well as support services for young people (11+) and / or their adults.
Drop in with or without your young person, meet local groups and find out about the services they run, such as: Arc, Beacon, Signpost for Young Carers, Proud Trust, NK Theatre, Marbury Road Edible Garden, SPACE (ADHD), Rising Stars. There will be free creative activities and music demos as part of the event.
This project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Get Involved: Wellbeing Workshops
Details from the Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust
NHS Stockport Talking Therapies are running workshops over the coming weeks as follows:
Improving your Wellbeing Workshops
Mondays 7 & 14 October 1-3pm
At the Hub, 2 Castle Street, Edgeley, SK3 9AB
This Workshop is a FREE Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) course for adults experiencing symptoms of low mood or anxiety. The Workshop helps you learn new skills to enable you to tackle challenges associated with experiencing these symptoms, as well as techniques and ways of managing anxiety and low mood.
Some of the topics/ techniques you will learn on the course include:
- Understanding the vicious cycle of low mood & anxiety
- How small changes to our lifestyle can have a big impact on our wellbeing.
- Relaxation & Mindfulness.
- How to improve your activity levels and in turn improve motivation.
- How to improve your sleep.
If you would like to book a place, please call 0161 480 1211 or email info@ageukstockport.org.uk
Worry Management Workshops
Mondays 11 & 18 November
At the Hub, 2 Castle Street, Edgeley, SK3 9AB
The Workshop helps you learn new skills to enable you to tackle the many challenges associated with experiencing these symptoms, you will be taught techniques to manage these symptoms.
Some of the topics/ techniques you will learn on the course include:
- Understanding Stress and Anxiety
- Noticing & challenging unhelpful thoughts.
- Worry Management
- Problem Solving
Get Involved: Stockport County Community Trust Health and Wellbeing Plans
Details from Stockport County Community Trust
Stockport County Community Trust has announced exciting plans to develop its future Health and Wellbeing offering. As the organisation continues to grow, they've devised a three-year strategy to help promote positive mental and physical health, the aim being to support our Stockport residents and tackle health challenges across the borough.
To demonstrate this commitment, the Trust is organising a Health & Wellbeing Strategy Launch Event:
Wednesday 23rd October (10am-12pm)
Edgeley Park
Guest speakers will include:
- Jilla Burgess-Allen (Director of Public Health, Stockport Council)
- Johnnie Garside (National Live Well Programme Manager, English Football League/EFL in the Community)
- Andy Bailey (Deputy Director of Strategy & Partnerships, Stockport NHS Foundation Trust)
If you work within health and wellbeing in Greater Manchester and would like to attend, please contact Eddie Owen via e.owen@stockportcounty.com
Places are limited, so invitations will be distributed on first come, first served basis. See the flyer attached below.
Further Events & Community Activities across the Borough
Job Opportunity: Arc are Recruiting!
Arc is one of the UK’s leading arts and mental health charities. From their base in the Hat Works in Stockport, Arc’s creative programmes provide life-changing opportunities for people experiencing mental health challenges and inclusive, welcoming spaces where they can develop a sense of belonging, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness.
This is an exciting opportunity to join our small, dedicated team and make a real difference to people’s lives. They're seeking a highly motivated Volunteer and Engagement Coordinator, to develop meaningful roles for volunteers across our delivery, and increase the profile and reach of Arc. If you're a ‘can do’ person with great people skills and experience of inspiring, training or developing volunteers, this is the role for you.
Click here for details and job description
Closing date for applications – Sunday 27 October
Training: Mini First Aid Classes Stockport
Details from Mini First Aid - Manchester South
Would you know what do do in an emergency to save a baby or child? Mini First Aid Manchester South offers short informal first aid awareness courses, baby and child first aid classes for parents & carers, first aid classes for children from age 3-16, and first aid qualification courses.
Classes are £25. They are offering two-hour evening classes and have places available at their upcoming course:
7pm - 9pm, 9 October
The Heatons Centre, Heaton Moor
Mini First Aid work hard to ensure our baby and child first aid classes are scheduled at times when most people are able to attend around typical working hours.
www.manchestersouth.minifirstaid.co.uk for more dates and information.
Training: Talk Cancer Train the Presenter Session
Details from Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance
GM Cancer Alliance have commissioned Talk Cancer and Train the Presenter sessions from Cancer Research UK to train and give confidence to people in their ability to talk about cancer in their communities. They're running a workshop on 15 October for anyone who'd like to join.
The workshop will help you to:
- Increase your knowledge of key messages around reducing your risk of cancer, the national cancer screening programmes, and spotting cancer early.
- Build your confidence to talk to the public about cancer.
- Help you to encourage people to make healthy changes, access local services and visit their GP promptly with any concerns.
- Upskill you to present a Cancer Research UK scripted cancer awareness presentation and manage related questions and discussion.
Thursday 15 October
Mercure Bolton Georgian House Hotel, Manchester Rd, Bolton, BL6 5RU .
For more information and to sign up, visit the GM Cancer Academy website.
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
‘For Men To Talk’ October 2024 Meetings
GMCVO
GMCVO eBulletin (October 2024)
GMECN
GM Ethnic Communities Network Newsletter, September 2024 (gmcvo.org.uk)
NHS England
North West Ambulance Service
Your Call - Issue 22 by NWAmbulance - Issuu
Prince's Trust
Upcoming courses from The Prince's Trust (princes-trust-digital.co.uk)
Starting Point
Stockport Digital Champion Update - 30th September 2024 - Digitober Special
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.
