Healthwatch Round Up - 24 October 2024
Welcome to this week's Healthwatch Stockport Information Round-up (IRU).
Please share and encourage others to sign up. To receive the link, sign up here.
Follow our social channels: Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, Twitter,
To promote your work, event or share any information, please fill in the form here.
Have Your Say: Local Health and Care Services
Here at Healthwatch Stockport, we listen to the issues that really matter to each and everyone across Stockport. So, if you use GPs, hospitals, dentists, pharmacies, community or care services, we want to hear your experiences - good, bad or in-between to help to improve the quality of care for us all. At the moment, we're particularly keen to gather your feedback around the following areas:
Your Experience of Local Eye Care Services: Tell us what you think 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 help us to recommend improvements to commissioners and eye care providers and services.
Hospital Appointment Systems: Tell us your experiences of 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 contact us by:
Feedback centre (on our website)
0161 974 0753 or text 078710 89100 (text service only)
info@healthwatchstockport.co.uk
Healthwatch CEO: Top 50 Most Influential Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic People in Health
Details from Healthwatch England
We're so proud that our Chief Executive, Louise Ansari, has been named in the top 50 most influential Black, Asian and minority ethnic people in health!
Louise has expressed the need for public input into shaping health and care services, and for the voices of the most disadvantaged to be heard. Louise Ansari took over the reins at Healthwatch England in 2022 and is also a non-executive director at Sussex Integrated Care Board, where she chairs the population outcomes committee.
She is vocal about the need for public input into shaping health and care services and for the voices of the most disadvantaged to be heard.
Congratulations to Louise on her achievements.
Read the article to find out more
Healthwatch Research into Cervical Screening Tests
Healthwatch England's 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. Their research also highlights that pain, fear, and misconceptions make people hesitant about taking up invitations for cervical screening.
Healthwatch calls on the NHS to adopt self-testing, sensitive handling of appointments by screening professionals, drop-in clinics, and increased awareness to boost uptake among all women.
Read Healthwatch England's Report here
Healthwatch Articles & Reports You May Have Missed
Please see the latest news from us and Healthwatch England.
If you're trans or non-binary, what's your experience of GP services?
We want to learn more about the experiences of trans, non-binary and other gender-diverse people (sometimes referred to as trans+) when they visit the GP
What help can you get to pay for your prescriptions?
The cost of living crisis has put many people under financial strain, and prescription costs are more than some can afford. Find out what help is out there to help you cover the cost of your medication.
Healthwatch GM: Listening for Change Event!
Details from Healthwatch in Greater Manchester
Healthwatch in Greater Manchester are hosting their 'Listening for Change: Transforming Health and Social Care' Conference next month. 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.
Change NHS: Build a Health Service Fit for the Future
Details from Healthwatch England and NHS
This week, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) launched 'Change NHS', a public consultation to help shape a 10-year plan for the NHS in England. Everyone in England is invited to share their views on how NHS services can be made better – so, Stockport, have your say!
This feedback campaign has been described as the “biggest ever conversation about the future of the NHS.” The Government says it wants to co-develop the plan with the public, patients, and staff so that everyone owns it and can feel the difference in their daily lives.
The Health and Social Care Secretary has released a video. Visit Change.nhs.uk for the video, including those with audio description and alternative languages.
Commenting on why people should get involved, Louise Ansari, Healthwatch England Chief Executive, said: "We know people appreciate the hard work of NHS staff, but they are all too aware that the NHS faces many challenges that need fixing. The 10-year plan provides the opportunity to do this.
We urge everyone to have their say on how the NHS should deliver better care to people where and when it is needed, more support to help people stay well, and a culture of listening to and acting on the views of patients.”
To share your experiences, views and ideas visit change.nhs.uk. The website will be live until early next year, and via the NHS App. If you’re sharing feedback as a representative of an organisation, the NHS has asked you to complete the organisation questionnaire.
Book Today: Stockport NHS Fit for the Future Event!
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
In addition to the national NHS consultation mentioned above, the NHS in Greater Manchester (GM) is running a GM-wide consultation. They'll be hosting a number of events, one of which is in Stockport.
Healthwatch Stockport is supporting NHS colleagues in Stockport to host a public listening event at the Masonic Guildhall on 19 November 2024, 1pm – 3.45pm. Book your place on our Eventbrite page asap to avoid disappointment.
NHS Greater Manchester (Stockport Locality) is keen to hear from people living and working in the borough. They want to know what you feel is working well and what could change to improve both your experience of receiving care and improving your health, whilst increasing awareness and understanding of the challenges faced by the Stockport health and care system.
At this event you will:
- Hear from system leaders
- Have an opportunity to share your views
- Ask questions
Book your place:
To attend the event and to find out more, visit this Eventbrite page and see the attached poster.
Reminder: 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 views that way.
Have Your Say: Children & Young People's ADHD Services
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
NHS Greater Manchester is continuing its public engagement exercise to gather views on children and young people’s attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) services in Greater Manchester.
This aims to address some issues including long wait times, levels of ongoing support for patients, the referral and assessment process, and how services vary across Greater Manchester. Their biggest priority is to improve how cases are prioritised, and making sure that children and young people most in need, get help quickly.
How you can help
Firstly, they'd like to find out what matters most to people who use these services, their carers and/or families; and to help shape future services. They're also keen to hear from colleagues working in services that support children with ADHD.
You can give your views; via an online survey, by email or attending a focus group. To find out more and get involved, visit their website.
Reminder to ‘Get Winter Strong’
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
NHS Greater Manchester's 'Get Winter Strong' campaign urges people to protect themselves against viruses like Flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Viruses common in Winter can make some very unwell and result in serious problems that may need hospital care.
The campaign is, ‘Get Winter Strong’, which links into ideas of staying strong, healthy, well and being ready for Winter. This is teamed with a clear call to action: ‘Get Vaccinated.’ The NHS offers free vaccines to those at greatest risk, so they can get the protection they need.
Have Your Say: Diabetic Eye Screening
Details from NHS England
People with Diabetes are invited to have specialist eye tests as they're at risk of developing a condition called diabetic retinopathy. Specialist eye tests can detect changes before symptoms begin and early treatment can be provided at an appropriate stage. This can reduce the risk of people with diabetes losing their sight.
NHS England wants to know how this Diabetic eye screening programme is working in the Greater Manchester area.
- If you have diabetes and went for an eye test – please share how it went and what you thought about it.
- If you were invited but did not go for an eye test – please share why and what could encourage you to attend in future.
Sharing your experience may help to improve this service for everyone.
If you have any queries about taking part, email: csu.involvement@nhs.net
Maggie's Launch Muslim Cancer Support Group
Details from Answer Cancer
Maggie’s, a cancer care charity, are launching a new Muslim Cancer Support Group in collaboration with The Christie. The group is for anybody from Greater Manchester and the surrounding area who is Muslim and living with cancer, as well as their family and friends.
Meet ups will take place at Maggie’s, located opposite The Christie, on Kinnaird Road, Withington:
- a sister’s group for women – Thursday 7 November, 2:30pm - 4pm
- a brother’s group for men - Thursday 21 November, 2:30pm - 4pm
Members of the groups will have the opportunity to speak to experts and receive support and information, find out more about the services on offer at Maggie’s as well as meet staff from The Christie to find out about potential research opportunities.
Get Involved: Influenza (flu) Vaccine Trial
Details from Research for the Future
The Fluent Trial is being carried out in Greater Manchester by a team of researchers at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust on behalf of ModernaTX. This study is testing the effectiveness of a new vaccine for seasonal flu. Taking part will involve:
- Attending up to six appointments (two clinic visits at Manchester Royal Infirmary and four phone appointments) over a 6-months. You will receive a vaccination at the first clinic visit*
- Clinic visits will include a range of tests (e.g. blood samples, heart and blood pressure checks, nasal swab, blood test) as well as questions about lifestyle and medical history
- Completing an electronic diary 2-days each week following the injection.
Eligibility:
- Aged 50+
- In good health/stable health conditions
- No allergies
- Not had a flu vaccine in the past six months
Participants will be reimbursed for travel expenses for clinic appointments in addition to inconvenience payments for appointments.
Missed Your Breast Screening?
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
NHS Greater Manchester have revealed that one in two of people invited to breast screening chose not to come forward for their first appointment. Breast screening can find breast cancer before any signs or symptoms. Anyone registered with a GP as female will be invited for NHS breast screening every three years between the ages of 50 and 71.
If you or someone you know has missed their screening, or if you've been ignoring that letter, please contact your local service to book your appointment. #BreastCancerAwareness
Find out more about Breast Screening
Free Eye, Hearing & Dental Checks For Children With Special Needs & Disabilities
Details from NHS England
From next year, children and young people with special education needs and disabilities in residential special schools and colleges will be offered free NHS eyesight, hearing and dental checks.
The NHS sensory checks have been piloted in schools during 2022 and 2023, and will be offered across England – reaching around 18,000 children and young people. They will help ensure issues are identified promptly, and that children and young people can get the right care.
This is a good step for improving access for autistic and learning disabled children and young people. They are more likely to experience eyesight, hearing and dental problems than their peers, may find it much harder to tell people if they are having any problems, or find that NHS services they visit don't properly adjust for their needs.
- The checks will be up to local areas to decide if ear checks are led by audiology staff, community nurses, or trained school staff. More details are in this ear check service spec.
- At least one annual face to face dental check will be offered, with termly in person oral health advice and prevention visits to check for any concerns and undertake activities such as applying fluoride varnish or demonstrating effective toothbrushing.
- Eyesight checks will be carried out in all day or residential special education needs schools.
Stockport Council Support For Financial Difficulties
Details from Stockport Council
Stockport Council is contributing £250,000 to support residents facing the greatest financial difficulties this Winter, including enhanced support for pensioners. Alongside the £250,000 Council funding, the Council has also received over £2 million in national Household support Funding from the UK Government. This means Stockport residents have a range of support, including:
Family Support Vouchers: If your child is in receipt of income-based free school meals, or early years equivalent, or your family receives Council Tax Support or Housing Benefit, you should've received a Family Support Voucher (worth £90 per eligible child), which can be exchanged for cash to support household bills. In addition, vouchers will be provided to care leavers and households with Special Guardianship Orders.
Crisis Support: The Cost of Living Adviceline is for residents in financial crisis, including crisis payments, food bank referrals, benefits advice. Call Monday to Friday, 9am - 4pm, 0161 474 2140.
One Stockport: The One Stockport initiative was launched to connect, unite and support Stockport’s communities. They'll work with Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) partner organisations to deliver the Household Support Fund to those most in need. This will be done through:
Working with our trusted partners like Age UK Stockport, Disability Stockport and Signpost for Carers to target support to individuals including:
- Disabled people.
- Pensioners.
- Unpaid carers.
- Those with mental ill health or complex needs.
- Women who have experienced physical, emotional, and financial abuse.
- Black and Minority Ethnic communities.
- Families with children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
- Those in receipt of out of work benefits.
Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme: The council will again use the fund to extend the HAF programme. The programme runs nationally during Christmas, Easter and Summer holidays, but in Stockport this is extended to cover October and February half terms. This allows community groups and businesses to provide food and activities for children in receipt of free school meals, offering free childcare and nutritious meals. Find out more about the HAF programme.
Food Banks: The fund will help keep food banks stocked to meet demand. It will also support initiatives offering long-term help, such as essential items for vulnerable children, beds, and school uniform assistance. For more information, visit cost of living online hub
Pensioner support: The council is establishing a Pensioner Assist Network with assistance from partner organisations, helping pensioners access the support they're entitled to, such as Pension Credit. Further details will be published in the coming weeks.
Strengthening support for families: Following feedback from local residents during Challenge Poverty Week, Stockport Council has reinforced their commitment to addressing inequality ensuring all policy decisions consider their impact on low-income residents. Further details will be announced soon.
One Stockport Family Hubs: With 7 networks, 3 dedicated buildings, and 24 bridge sites including libraries and leisure hubs, Family Hubs are creating a lifeline for parents and young people. From early years to school leavers, the hubs address needs ranging from mental health to cost-of-living challenges, making a significant impact in the community. For more information, visit the dedicated One Stockport Family Hubs Website.
Warm Spaces Open This Winter
Details from One Stockport
It’s important that people from across the borough are able to stay healthy and warm during the colder and darker months of the year. One Stockport and partners are once again joining together to support the 'One Stockport Warm and Well' initiative, which looks to keep everyone in Stockport safe, happy and healthy over the winter months.
Against the backdrop of a tough economic climate, the Warm and Well campaign aims to support residents with the cost-of-living, as well as providing tips for staying happy and healthy during the colder months. More details will follow.
Service Overview: Take a Break
Did you know about Signpost For Carers Take A Break service? This service can provide Stockport's unpaid carers with up to 6 hours of respite care to allow them to attend appointments or activities that will boost their health and well-being.
Remembrance Service With Beechwood Cancer Care
Details from Beechwood Cancer Care
The festive season can be a time of joy, but it can also bring challenges for those facing ill health, caring for someone, or grieving the loss of a loved one. With this in mind, Beechwood Cancer Care are holding a special remembrance carol service this December.
Thursday 12 December, 7pm
St. Mary’s in the Marketplace, Stockport
Join Beechwood for carols, readings, and a moment to honour the memory of those dear to us. You’ll also have the chance to light a candle in their name, include their name in their 'Scroll of Remembrance', which will be read during the service. Refreshments and mince pies will follow the service.
To commemorate your loved ones, they ask for a minimum donation of £5 per name, which will help support their ongoing services for those affected by cancer, grief, and bereavement.
Email fundraising@beechwoodcancercare.co.uk for more information or to make your entry.
Parkinson's UK & Stockport Country Community Trust Team Up to Offer Activity Sessions
Details from Stockport County Community Trust
Stockport County Community Trust is working with Parkinson's UK to provide support for local people living with Parkinsons. Being active for 2.5 hours a week can help manage Parkinson’s symptoms and has a positive impact both physically and mentally. Physical activity can be as important as getting the right dose of medication.
The Parkinson’s Wellbeing Project, supported by the charity's physical activity grants programme, has two offers:
- monthly indoor walking football session (starting Tuesday 5 November, 3pm-4pm)
- weekly physical activity session (starting Friday 15 November, 10am-11am).
Both sessions are open to all ages and abilities and for all stages of Parkinson’s diagnosis.
e.owen@stockportcounty.com to register.
Get Involved: Wellbeing Workshops
Details from the Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust
NHS Stockport Talking Therapies are running Worry Management Workshops in November.
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
Further Events & Community Activities across the Borough
Free Menopause Training for Small to Medium Sized Enterprises
Details from Stockport Mind
Stockport and District Mind have partnered with four neighbouring local minds to support Mind in Greater Manchester’s Menopause Project, which raises awareness of menopause and provides support through workplace training, mindfulness courses, and culturally appropriate awareness sessions.
As part of this project Stockport & District Mind is providing free online training to Small to Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Greater Manchester with less than 250 employees and a turnover of £50m or less, who may struggle to have the funding or resources to access this training.
They have two training sessions available, one for managers and one for employees:
Employee sessions are accessible to all employees, and helps to develop a deeper understanding of how menopause may affect us and include discussions around possible adjustments that can support employers and colleagues to help individuals manage symptoms at work.
The managers session helps to guide managers of SMEs to create safe working environments to have open conversations about menopause, to help all employees feel better informed about menopausal symptoms and to ensure there's support provided at work for employees throughout this transition period.
The next sessions will take place:
Employees:
- Tuesday 5 November: 9.30am – 11am
Managers:
- Monday 11 November: 1.30pm – 3.30pm
- Thursday 28 November: 9.30am – 11.30am
For more information and to book a place, visit: https://www.gmmind.org.uk/menopause-project/menopause-workplace/
Free Gambling Training
As part of Talk Money Week, free gambling training will be available on Monday 4 November 10am-12pm via teams. The training aims to prevent gaming and gambling harms in young people.
It's a great opportunity as it is also accredited, and people will have access to free resources after taking part. It is a fully funded City & Guilds assured training for teachers, youth workers and community professionals.
Training: Mouthcare Matters
Details from Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership
Do you care for someone at home or at work? If so, you can access a free, six week training course to help you care for someone else’s mouth. There is free access until 28 November.
Learn from experts how to provide someone with good mouthcare, whether in the health and social sectors or in a domestic setting.
Last call - Job Opportunity: Arc are Recruiting!
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. They're seeking a highly motivated Volunteer and Engagement Coordinator.
Click here for details and job description
Closing date for applications – Sunday 27 October
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:
Answer Cancer
For Men to Talk
‘For Men To Talk’ October 2024 Meetings
GMCVO
GMCVO eBulletin (October 2024)
Sector 3
Your fortnightly VCFSE Bulletin
Starting Point
Stockport Council
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.
