Healthwatch Round Up - 31 October 2024
Welcome to this week's Healthwatch Stockport Information Round-up (IRU).
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Healthwatch Stockport Team News
It has been an eventful time for the team with many opportunities to meet and connect with our community with some extra exciting news to share. We've attended the Stockport County Community Trust Health & Wellbeing Strategy event, been welcomed by the fantastic team at Stockport Car Scheme for their AGM and more.
The extra big news is that we've welcomed two new members; Maya (Mental Health Engagement Officer) and Suzi (Communications & Volunteer Coordinator)! We're looking forward to working with them and sharing what we've all been involved in, in the near future. #Teamhealthwatch
Continuing Our Feedback Campaign
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: 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.
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 Articles & Reports You May Have Missed
Please see the latest news from us and Healthwatch England.
A new blog from Louise on Community Diagnostic Centres (CDCs)
Healthcare Leader published a blog by Louise on what lessons the CDC experience holds for any expansion of community-based care. This article, which highlights several examples of good practice (and areas for improvement!) observed by local Healthwatch teams, follows on from our report published in August on people’s experiences of using CDCs.
Our response to the State of Care report
Read Healthwatch England's response to the Care Quality Commission's assessment of the state of health and social care in England.
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 on 29 November. This is a day dedicated to dynamic discussions, innovation, and collaboration aimed at improving health and social care across Greater Manchester.
Book on to hear inspiring keynotes, participate in interactive workshops, and engage in panel discussions to help 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: Have You Shared Your Feedback?
Details from Healthwatch England and NHS
Last 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.
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.
Last Places: Stockport NHS Fit for the Future Event!
Details from NHS Greater Manchester & Healthwatch Stockport
In addition to the national NHS consultation mentioned above, the NHS in Greater Manchester (GM) is running a GM-wide consultation. Healthwatch Stockport is supporting NHS colleagues in Stockport to host a public listening event at the Guildhall on 19 November 2024, 1pm – 3.45pm.
Places are now very limited so book your place on our Eventbrite page asap to avoid disappointment. A waiting list is available.
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 and ask questions.
New Self-Help Leaflet For Common Winter Illnesses
Details from North West Ambulance Service (NWAS)
Each year, North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) experiences a surge in demand for their services during the colder months, and last Winter was no exception. NHS 111 received nearly 60,000 calls related to common ailments such as sore throats, earaches, and rashes.
To help keep the lines free for those who need help the most, NWAS has created a self-help leaflet filled with practical tips and advice for managing minor, non-emergency, health concerns at home.
You can download and print copies of the leaflet
Thousands of Greater Manchester’s Over 65s and Carers Urged to Claim Extra Help This Winter
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
Older people and carers across Greater Manchester are being encouraged to check if they're entitled to extra income to help them live well this Winter.
This is part of Greater Manchester’s 'Live Well' movement for community-led health and wellbeing. This brings together a wide range of public services and other partners to provide simple support to help residents improve their physical and mental health and deal with the problems they may have.
The call comes as new figures from Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) reveal that nearly 40,000 local people are missing out on their share of over £368 million that goes unclaimed across the city region every year.
Pension Credit, Attendance Allowance and Carer’s Allowance all provide extra income for people that qualify, but thousands of Greater Manchester residents are not claiming despite being eligible.
For more information on eligibility and how to claim click here.
Have Your Say: 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, 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 those most in need, get help quickly.
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.
Stockport Urged to Get Vaccinated & ‘Get Winter Strong’
Details from Stockport Council
Eligible Stockport residents are being urged to keep Winter bugs away and ‘Get Winter Strong’ by having their vaccinations as soon as possible. Vaccines give the most effective protection against common viruses that can cause serious illness for those at higher risk.
In Stockport, this year’s vaccination programme is underway, including for protection against Flu, Covid and the Respiratory Syncytial Virus.
Flu vaccines: Those eligible for the free NHS flu vaccine include:
- All children aged 2 or 3 years
- Primary school and secondary school aged children
- People aged 65+
- People aged 18 to under 65 in a clinical risk group
- People living in a care home
- Carers for an older or disabled person or those that receive carer’s allowance
- Those who live with someone with a weakened immune system.
If you're eligible for an NHS flu vaccine, you can get your vaccine from your GP surgery or a pharmacy that offers NHS flu vaccination (if aged 18 or over). Pharmacy appointments can be booked online: www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmacies/book-flu-vaccination/
Protect against Covid:
Adults aged 65+ with long term health conditions and those who are pregnant are encouraged to get vaccinated against COVID also. To book a COVID vaccine:
119 (ask for a translator if needed)
www.nhs.uk/bookvaccine. A BSL service is available: signvideo.co.uk/nhs119/.
To find a walk-in COVID vaccine clinic:
gmintegratedcare.org.uk/covid-vaccine-walk-in-clinics
0161 947 0770 or 0800 092 4020.
Get both your Flu and Covid vaccines: This year there is the option of booking a combined appointment to have both the Flu and the Covid vaccines at the same time.
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) vaccine:
The RSV vaccine is new for this year. This virus causes coughs and colds and can be dangerous for older people and young babies. That’s why this vaccine is recommended for adults aged 75-79 and those who are pregnant (from 28 weeks) to protect the baby for the first few months of its life. GP practices and maternity services are providing the RSV vaccine.
Pop-Up vaccine centres:
1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 November
8am – 1pm - Quba Masjid M19 2QD
2pm – 7pm - Cheadle Mosque, SK8 3NP
7, 14, 21* 28 November:
8am – 1pm - Merseyway, Mersey Square
2pm – 7pm - Aldi, Stockport Road, SK3 0LX (*not on 21 November)
21 November:
2pm – 7pm - Lidl, Councillor Lane, SK8 5DU
In Stockport, for more information on staying healthy:
Further information is available at:
www.gmintegratedcare.org.uk/winter-vaccinations/
‘Vaccinations For People With Health Conditions This Winter’
Have Your Say: Creating an Age Friendly Stockport
Details from Stockport Council
Stockport Council is working to become an age-friendly borough, introducing new initiatives promoting positive health and wellbeing, and supporting people to live independently.
The Stockport Age-Friendly Partnership is currently developing a new action plan. The plan aims to make Stockport a place where people can age happily with equality, respect, and independence and have a voice in the shaping the place they live.
Everyone, no matter your age, is encouraged to share their views by 15 December.
Reminder to 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. This can reduce the risk of people losing their sight.
NHS England wants to know how this Diabetic eye screening is working in Greater Manchester.
- 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.
If you have any queries about taking part, email: csu.involvement@nhs.net
Stockport Race and Equality Awards
Details from Stockport Race Equality Partnership (SREP)
Stockport Race Equality Partnership are excited to announce that nominations for the 3rd annual Stockport Race and Culture Awards are open! This is your chance to shine a light on the incredible organisations or individuals making a difference in Stockport.
Service Overview: Groundwork
Do you work with residents in Stockport who may benefit from additional wellbeing support? Groundwork Greater Manchester are offering free 1-2-1 support sessions and wellbeing activities to residents in Stockport who are currently not working and would like to learn new skills, meet new people and improve their overall wellbeing.
By signing up to their new monthly newsletter, you can keep up to date with upcoming activities available, make referrals to us and hear inspiring stories from the people they’ve helped.
Mastercall is Up For Two Awards!
Details from Mastercall
Congratulations to Mastercall, who've been announced as a finalist in two categories at the upcoming Urgent Health UK (UHUK) Awards. They are nominated for the 'Operational Quality and Safety Initiative' and 'Social Impact' awards.
Winners will be announced on 5 & 6 November. Good luck to the team!
Mastercall provide effective high quality care, supporting the NHS to deliver their strategy for ageing well/living well. They help prevent hospital admissions wherever possible and safe to do so, by providing placed based care in the heart of the community.
See the attached press release for full details
Health Awareness Events
World Diabetes Day : Millions of people with diabetes face daily challenges managing their condition at home, work, and school. Diabetes care often focuses only on blood sugar, leaving many overwhelmed. This World Diabetes Day, 14 November, the theme is putting 'well-being at the heart of diabetes care'. Find out more about Diabetes on the NHS website and Diabetes UK. For local programmes and groups, visit Healthy Stockport.
International Men’s Day (IMD) is an annual international event celebrated and marked on 19 November every year. In the UK, the three key themes are 'Making a positive difference to the wellbeing and lives of men and boys', 'raising awareness and/or funds for charities supporting men and boys’ wellbeing', and 'promoting a positive conversation about men, manhood and masculinity'. Local support includes: Mentell, Stockport County Community Trust, For Men to Talk, Men's Sheds
County Coffee Club With Mentell
Details from Stockport County Community Trust
Stockport County Community Trust are delighted to be hosting another County Coffee Club in partnership with Mentell on Wednesday 6 November (1.30pm-2.30pm).
Everyone is welcome for a chat and a catch-up in the relaxed surroundings of the Pareto Lounge at Edgeley Park. Free refreshments are available.
Each month, a different charity group are invited to join the event; on this occasion this will be Spoons Charity, who offer support to families experiencing neonatal intensive care in the Greater Manchester area.
You may register below or just attend on the day.
Coffee & Connect Sessions at the Family Hubs
Details from Stockport Council
Are you a parent or carer of a neurodivergent child or young person? Or are you a parent or carer of a child with SEND looking for information or advice?
The Family Hubs are holding Coffee & Connect Sessions for you to have a chat with colleagues from their multi-disciplinary team (includes representatives from Educational Psychology, Primary Jigsaw, Secondary Jigsaw, Neurodevelopmental Team and Children’s Therapy). Refreshments will be provided.
Thursday 21 November 10am-12pm Brinnington Family Hub
Wednesday 11 December 10am-12pm Reddish Family Hub
No formal diagnosis required. For further information, contact: ndteam@stockport.gov.uk
Talk Money Week Event
Details from Stockport Council
Talk Money Week 2024 is an annual campaign that encourages open conversations about personal finance, money management, and financial well-being.
Stockport Council are running a Talk Money Week drop-in to offer free tips and advice. This includes how to save money on your water bills, social tariffs, affordable tech to help you get online, and more.
7 November, 10am - 12pm
Olive Branch, 2c Castle Street, Edgeley
Stockport's Climate Action Now (CAN) Summit
Details from One Stockport
This year’s Stockport Climate Action Now (CAN) summit is coming up and you're invited! Stockport’s fourth Climate Action Now summit will again celebrate, connect, and inspire climate action across the borough. As well as updating on the council’s actions, this year’s event will include talks, discussions and workshops to get us all thinking about how we can help create a climate-friendly Stockport.
Friday 22 November, 10am - 3pm
Stockport Town Hall
The event is free to attend and lunch will be provided.
Book your ticket now through their Eventbrite page: cansummit2024.eventbrite.co.uk/
Ahead of the CAN summit, a number of activities are taking place across Stockport – please see the attachment for details
Further Events & Community Activities across the Borough
Job Opportunity: Fikawelie CIC
Details from Fikawelie Caribbean and African Mental Health CIC
Fikawelie, one of Manchester’s newest Mental Healthcare providers offers care for the African, Caribbean and South Asian communities across Greater Manchester. They are currently recruiting for two roles, as follows:
Community Mental Health Nurse
- Location: Stockport
- Salary/Rate: £15 - £19 per hour
- Contract: Part-Time (2 days per week), 12 months, with a view to extend to 24
- Start: November 2024 (Training and community integration to commence immediately)
Clinical Hub Manager
- Location: Stockport
- Salary/Rate: £23 - £27 per hour
- Contract: Part-Time (2 days per week), 12 months, with a view to extend to 24
- Start: November 2024 (Training and community integration to commence immediately)
Fikawelie Caribbean and African Mental Health CIC delivers culturally tailored medicine support services for individuals experiencing Severe Mental Illness (SMI). With funding from the Culturally Appropriate Fund, our services are specifically designed to address the cultural and social needs of Caribbean, African, and South Asian communities. We understand the unique barriers these groups face in accessing mental health care and ensure that our support is not only clinically effective but also culturally sensitive.
See the attached for full details of each role.
Job Opportunity: Barnado's
Details from Barnado's
Would you like the chance to provide crucial support to children, young people with Learning Disabilities and/or Autism (up to 25 years) and their families as part of the NHS Long Term Plan?
Barnado's are looking for dedicated and enthusiastic Keyworkers to join their growing team in Greater Manchester.
As a Keyworker, you'll have passion and commitment when delivering quality support within the family home, placement, or inpatient setting. You will work as part of a team to prevent - where possible - children and young people from requiring an inpatient admission or placement.
Click for role details and to apply
Health and Social Care Recruitment Event
Details from Stockport Council
The One Stockport Health & Social Care Jobs Fair will offer a day filled with opportunities to connect with top employers, explore job openings, and network with professionals in the field.
Whether you're looking to kickstart your career or take the next step, this event is the perfect place to start.
5 November, 10am - 2pm
Stockport Town Hall
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
Diabetes UK
Diabetes UK Team North Health System Update
For Men to Talk
‘For Men To Talk’ w/c 28 October 2024 Meetings
GMCVO
GMCVO eBulletin (October 2024)
King's Trust
Upcoming courses from The King's Trust
Sector 3
Your fortnightly VCFSE Bulletin
Starting Point
Stockport Digital Champion Update - 28th October 2024 - November & Men's Health Awareness Special
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.
