Healthwatch Round Up - 12 December 2024
Welcome to this week's Healthwatch Stockport Information Round-up (IRU).
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#TeamHealthwatchStockport
This week, the Healthwatch Stockport team has very much enjoyed hosting our Christmas Coffee morning with the help of Stockport Advocacy. The team sprinkled some extra seasonal cheer over some festive hot drinks, mince pies and more. We've also been out and about into the community, attending the Disability Rights forum, the Stockport Women and Girls (SWAG) Christmas network and met many local residents, groups and organisations when hand delivering our 'What to know this Winter' booklet (see below).
Healthwatch Stockport's 'Inform' Newsletter Published
We've published Issue 6 of our 'Inform' newsletter - the Winter of 2024 edition!
In this issue we feature the Making it Real Conference and NHS Fit for the Future events, some of our key projects around eye care, getting out into the community and better understanding family experiences of Children's and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). Find out about our Lived Experience Network, how to get more involved in our work and much more.
Yet again we have had fun producing this newsletter. Click the link below to read it online at your leisure. The newsletter is also available on paper format (please email to request a copy at info@healthwatchstockport.co.uk).
'What to Know This Winter' Booklet Now Available
The Healthwatch Stockport team have pulled together a useful booklet sharing tip, tricks, advice and important information to help you and your loved ones through the Winter months.
This handy booklet is available digitally to download and share, or in a printed version. Many hard copies have also already been distributed to libraries, pharmacies, and local community venues and businesses across Stockport, with more to be delivered in various locations. So feel free to pick one up! To ask for a copy, contact the team:
0161 974 0753
info@healthwatchstockport.co.uk
Please share this with loved ones and your networks and don't forget to 'like and share' our Winter advice posts on social media.
Healthwatch Articles & Advice You May Have Missed
Please see the latest news, advice and support articles from us and Healthwatch England. We've included a few from recent weeks to ensure you have valuable information and updates.
Public’s confusion over ‘right’ to register with an NHS dentist
Almost two decades after the public lost their right to register permanently with an NHS dentist, our new research shows two-thirds believe this right exists. Find out more about our findings and calls for dental reform.
What can the Pharmacy First scheme do for me?
The new Pharmacy First scheme enables your local pharmacy to treat some common conditions with prescription-only medicines, without you visiting your GP. Find out everything you need to know.
Check out our website for more news, advice and informative articles.
Healthwatch Stockport’s Information & Advice Service
Do you run a local community group or coffee morning? If so, we would love the opportunity to come and talk to your group about the Information & Advice service we offer.
If you would like further information or to book a session, please contact Claire:
0161 974 0753
info@healthwatchstockport.co.uk
Follow And Share Our Social Posts
Did you know that we’re on social media? We’re on Facebook, Instagram, Linked In and X (formally Twitter). Give us a ‘follow’, ‘like’ and ‘share’ our posts. This helps to spread the word about local health and social care and how we, Healthwatch Stockport, can help you.
Have Your Say: Help Improve ADHD Services
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
Join a Lived Experience Group
Your insights can guide the way they gather feedback and improve services. Online sessions will run on these dates:
17 December 2024, 6pm -7pm
14 January 2025, 6pm -7pm
28 January 2025, 6pm -7pm
25 February 2025, 6pm -7pm
Help shape the future of ADHD services! For more details or to register, visit:
https://gmintegratedcare.org.uk/childrens-adhd-services/
Call or WhatsApp: 07786 673762
Take Stock of Medicines
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
With Christmas and New Year just around the corner, NHS Greater Manchester is urging anyone who has repeat prescriptions to check they have enough for the festive period when several pharmacies won’t be working usual hours. GP practices and pharmacies will have different opening hours over Christmas and New Year:
This will make it harder for patients to access medicines at short notice.
Pharmacy Opening Times: Festive Period
Details from Greater Manchester Integrated Care
Pharmacy opening hours for the festive bank holidays.
- Christmas Day – 25 December 2024
- Boxing Day – 26 December 2024
- New Year’s Day – 1 January 2025
Other pharmacies may be open, but have not notified NHS GM.
The the most up-to-date information is on the Greater Manchester Community Pharmacy website.
NHS Helping You to Stay on Your Feet This Winter
Details from NHS England
Although not every fall results in serious injury, it can still impact a person’s wellbeing, quality of life and sense of independence. There are many reasons why someone may fall, including weak muscles or poor balance, health conditions like Dementia, the side effects of medication or even trip hazards in the home.
This year, the NHS is running an advice campaign. Check out the hashtag on their socials #PreventingFallsThisWinter
Bronchiolitis Advice For Parents & Carers
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
NHS Greater Manchester is urging parents and carers to keep an eye out for symptoms of bronchiolitis in their young children. Providing advice on how to treat and prevent it – after local GPs and hospitals across Greater Manchester have seen a rise in cases.
Most widespread in the winter months, bronchiolitis is a common viral infection that you can get more than once. It affects one in three children under two.
Have Your Say: Local Nature Recovery Strategy
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
Greater Manchester Combined Authority has developed a Local Nature Recovery Strategy to create a greener city-region. The strategy outlines the goals to expand and enhance natural spaces, improving public access to nature, and increase the benefits of nature for everyone. These benefits include supporting mental and physical well-being, creating leisure spaces, and boosting biodiversity.
A public consultation on the strategy will run until Friday 31 January 2025. Everyone is invited to review the draft plan and provide feedback online. So, have your say Stockport1
Have Your Say: Adult Social Care - Fairer Charging
Details from Stockport Council
Stockport Council want to hear your views on our Adult Social Care Fairer Charging proposals. Their feedback survey is open until midday on 8 January 2025. Visit their consultation pages for more information and to have your say.
If surveys aren't your thing you can meet the team face to face:
In person events:
Wednesday 18 December, 1pm – 4pm
The Guildhall Stockport, 169 Wellington Road, Stockport, Cheshire, SK1 3UA
Reminder: Stockport to ‘Get Winter Strong’
Details from Stockport Council & NHS GM
As of 1 December, Stockport has the greatest uptake for both the Flu and Covid Vaccine programmes across all 10 GM localities. Book your vaccines before the NHS booking system closes on 19 December.
- Anyone eligible for the flu, COVID-19 or Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)** vaccines should get booked in ahead of the winter holiday period, when we expect flu, and other respiratory viruses to spread between people more easily as we spend more time indoors.
- Vaccination offers the best defence against these diseases
- It’s vital that those eligible for their flu and COVID-19 vaccines who have still not been vaccinated come forward as soon as possible before the NHS booking system closes on 19 December*:
- It takes about two weeks following vaccination to build up the maximum defences against the viruses, so it’s important to book in as soon as you can – not just to protect yourselves, but to protect your families and friends too.
- It is crucial to get this protection, even if you have had a vaccine or been ill with flu or COVID before, as immunity fades over time and the viruses change each year.
*Flu and Covid vaccines: 20 December is the last day that people can attend appointments for their flu and COVID-19 vaccination. Booking closes on 19 December. After this date, it will still be possible to get vaccinations through local NHS vaccination services, however people may need to travel further.
To book a flu vaccination: If eligible, you can get your vaccine from your GP or pharmacy that offers NHS flu vaccination. Pharmacy appointments: www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmacies/book-flu-vaccination/
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.
Pop-up Covid vaccine centres: Extra COVID-19 vaccinations clinics will take place in the One Stockport Hub in Mersey Square this week
The two new additional days for this week are Tuesday, 14 December and Wednesday, 15 December 10am – 3pm. These are in addition to Thursday, 16 December – Saturday, 18 December, 10am-3pm
Anybody eligible aged 18+ can walk in. If you need a booster, please make sure that at least three months have passed since your second dose. Vaccinations will be given on a first come, first served basis. The clinic may end slightly earlier than planned if all vaccines have been administered.
This Van Can Back in Greater Manchester
Details from NHS Greater Manchester (GM)
GM Cancer Alliance are launching a new ‘This Van Can’ initiative which will be touring Greater Manchester to raise awareness about the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer. It will visit all 10 Greater Manchester localities and target areas within each that have a higher density of late-stage diagnosis. The van aims to deliver education around bowel cancer symptoms and the importance of bowel screening.
The van will be coming to Stockport late January. We'll share more details as these are confirmed.
Get Involved: Stroke IMPaCT Study
Details from Research from the Future
The University of Manchester are carrying out research to better understand the impacts of a stroke. To help them with our research, they need to 'match' the stroke survivors who have enrolled in their study with someone like yourself who hasn't had a stroke.
This study will investigate the links between the immune system and cognitive decline after stroke. It is looking for people who have not had a stroke to act as ‘control’ participants.
- Aged 45+
- Have at least one of the following – diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, previous heart attack, vascular disease
- No previous stroke, TIA (transient ischaemic attack), brain haemorrhage, dementia or brain injury
- Not taking immunomodulating or immunosuppressant medicines
There are two ways to get involved in the research:
Option one: Attend up to three appointments (approx 30 mins each) over 18 months. You will be asked to provide basic medical, health and demographic information and donate a sample of blood at each appointment.
Option two: Attend up to six appointments over two years (total appointment time approx 10 hours)
- On two occasions you'll be asked to provide basic medical, health and demographic information and donate a sample of blood (approx. 30 minutes)
- On two occasions you'll have an assessment of your cognitive function and mobility (approx 2.5 hours)
- On two occasions you will have a brain scan (approx 1 hour)
To help us to do this, please complete this form (approx. 10 mins to complete).
If you would like some help to complete the form, or have any questions, please contact Eileen.Jones3@nca.nhs.uk
Last Few Days To Have Your Say - 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.
Have Your Say: Stockport SEND Survey
Details from PACT
PACT have launched a survey for parents and carers of children & young people aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND). They'd like your views on how well local services identify children's and young people's needs, and how effectively they improve outcomes for families in Stockport.
Have Your Say on Stockport’s Future
Details from Stockport Council
Stockport Council’s budget consultation is now live, and they want to hear from you. This is an opportunity to influence how they make savings while ensuring Stockport remains a place where everyone thrives; our residents, businesses, and communities alike.
The recently published budget proposals outline plans for the upcoming financial year. Your input can help shape these decisions.
Have Your Say: How Children & Young People Travel to School
Details from Stockport Council
Stockport residents are being urged to have their say on how children and young people travel to school and college in Greater Manchester
A public consultation on Greater Manchester’s School Travel Strategy has launched, running until January 26. The new School Travel Strategy is being developed as a shared priority between the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and the 10 local authorities.
Service Overview: Signpost for Carers
Details from Signpost for Carers
When a person has been through the Meadows Memory Service and given a diagnosis, the family carer is referred into Signpost for information and advice. Signpost for Carers are available to offer the following support:
- Benefits advice (home visit to complete forms with Moneywise Team).
- A Dementia information pack, detailing all services in the Stockport area.
- Carers Connect Card, plus a discussion on emergency contingency planning in the event of the carer becoming unwell & collating information for the family of the persons dementia journey to share in the event of an emergency.
- Signpost helpline: 0161 442 0442 (ongoing support throughout their caring journey including emotion support and dementia training).
- Dementia carers drop in at the Heatons Centre once a month.
- Support understanding the pathway into Adult Social Care/aides and equipment support or on discharge from hospital and much more.
- Carers drop in’s at the Village Hall Heald Green, Heaton Centre and Marple monthly, with many more activities for carers: www.signpostforcarers.org.uk/
- Take a Break service for carers who need a break (maybe attend a medical appointment, time out from their caring role and need a paid carer to sit with their family member). Signpost will pay for the time up to 6 hours including travel time. This can be accessed 3 times a year and is donation based.
- A counselling service – donation based
- Completion of Carer’s assessments on behalf of the Local Authority
- Advice on the Stockport Car Scheme if carers don’t drive
Please see below resources:
Signpost Bifold Stockport Groups Dementia Disco Activities
For further information please contact Jennie at Signpost: jennie@signpostforcarers.org.uk
Service Overview: Groundwork
Details from Groundwork
Groundwork work with individuals who are interested in wellbeing support, even if they’re not looking to progress into work.
Improve your Wellbeing | Feel Good | Stockport & Tameside
As part of the Support to Succeed project, they are running a holistic 1-2-1 service for residents of Stockport and Tameside aimed at improving their employability and general wellness. The eligibility criteria is as follows:
- Aged 19+ and unemployed
- Resident of either Stockport or Tameside
- Access to Public Funds
- Not currently on a similar DWP/ Jobcentre programme such as restart (We can check a potential participant’s eligibility by using their National Insurance number)
They have no mandatory cut-off or time limit on the support they offer. As part of this free service they provide a wide range of support, activities and training.
They work with our participants on a 1-2-1 basis referring to in-house programmes and partnerships for City & Guilds qualifications, counselling, arts & crafts, cooking, energy support advice, social activities, sign-posting, supporting participants to engage and enrol in activities to improve their job prospects and overall physical and mental health....and more!
Referral process: Any eligible people can contact groundwork by email: wellbeing.referrals@groundwork.org.uk with their contact information..
If you have any questions please feel free to contact:
Edward.Taiwo@groundwork.org.uk
Helplines Over the Festive Period
Please see the attachments for valuable helplines and support. These include financial and family advice, domestic abuse support, foodbanks, emergency numbers and so much more.
The 'Primary Care: Get to know where to go' booklet tells people all they need to know about primary care services – including some things you may not be familiar with. Find out more about the new features of the NHS app, Pharmacy First offer, prescription costs and urgent dental and eyecare services. An online version is on the NHS GM website.
North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) have published a Winter booklet to share useful service information, including when to call 999. You can find the Winter booklet online
Starting Point Festive Hours & Databank Support
Details from Starting Point
The databank provision will be available each week during the festive period. The reduced operating dates are:
- 20 December, 10am - 12noon at Start Point
- 27 December, 10am - 11am at Start Point
- 2 January, 10.30 - 11.30am at the Cornerstone
- 3 January, 10am - 11am at Start Point
There will be some staff coverage available on the Digiknow helpline number 07724 217888 and at hello@startpoint.org.uk from 20 December until 2 January
Stockport & Tameside Partner to Improve Children’s Services
Details from Stockport Council
Stockport Council has been officially selected as Tameside’s Strategic Partner for the next three years to improve their children's services. This partnership, approved by the Department for Education (DfE) and Minister Janet Daby, will leverage Stockport’s extensive experience in enhancing services for children and their families across the borough.
Mayor of Stockport’s Christmas Carol Service
Details from Stockport Council
To help you get into the festive spirit, the Mayor will be hosting their Christmas Carol service this month. Stockport families and friends are all welcome to join the service.
Wednesday 18 December, 6.30pm
St Mary’s in the Marketplace, Churchgate, Stockport, SK1 1YG
Information on local car parks can be found on the council’s website.
Take a step towards wellness - one mindful breath at a time.
Stockport Lantern Parade
Details from Stockport Council
Groups across Stockport have been busy creating their own lanterns in preparation for the Stockport Winter Lanternland! Everyone is invited to come along - to watch, cheer and support everyone involved.
19 December 5pm-7pm
Viaduct Park, Stockport
Further Events & Community Activities across the Borough
Shift Click 2025: Free Coding Courses From MadLab
Details from MadLab
Shift Click is MadLab's FREE tech learning programme for residents aged 18-30. Beginners’ courses are six weeks long, and aimed at anyone who is unemployed or underemployed, and not in full-time education.
The next course starts in February 2025, and is supported by the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund and the DCMS. Partners include UCL’s Institute of Education and Stockport Council.
If you're working with diverse young people, you can find out more and register your interest - here. The application process is open.
If you would like to support MadLab’s work, we are currently looking for corporate partners for Shift Click. Please contact rachael@madlab.org.uk.
Volunteer Opportunity: Fibromyalgia Group
Details from Pure Innovations
Ben is looking for volunteers to help set up a peer support group for people living with Fibromyalgia. Ben was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia 2 years ago and is keen to set up a group to meet people living with Fibromyalgia, and help people to connect, socialise and share experiences.
The group will be a drop-in:
1st & 3rd Monday of the month, 10:30am-12pm
Vernon Park café
Interested? Email communityhub@pureinnovations.co.uk
Stockport Communities Countering Hate Workshop
Details from Groundswell Project
The Stockport Communities Countering Hate Workshop is a unique interactive 1.5 hour workshop designed for community groups to combat hateful ideologies and build resilience.
This workshop is a multimedia workshop that combines academic knowledge, personal experience and testimonies.
21 January 10am -11.30am at Masonic Guildhall
See the attached flyer below for more details.
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’ w/c 9 December 2024 Meetings
GM Aging Hub
Age Friendly Greater Manchester - November 2024
LGBTQ Bulletin
National Survivor User Network
NSUN Supporter Newsletter December 2024
One Stockport Family Hubs
Starting Point
Stockport Digital Champion Update - 9th December 2024 - Useful Services Info over Christmas 🎄
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.
