Healthwatch Round Up - 9 January 2025
Happy New Year and welcome to this our very first Healthwatch Stockport Information Round-up (IRU) of 2025!
Please share our Round Up and encourage others to sign up here.
To see what we're up to on a more regular basis and for info and advice, follow our social channels: Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, Twitter
To promote your work, event or share any information, please fill in the form here or email comms@healthwatchstockport.co.uk directly.
Who Are Healthwatch?
Do you know what Healthwatch does and how we can help you? Healthwatch Stockport is your independent health and care champion. If you use GPs, hospitals, dentists, pharmacies, community or care services, we want to hear your experiences - good, bad or in-between.
We strive for better care and act on feedback to drive positive change. We have the power to influence, make recommendations and ensure decision makers hear your views to improve the quality of care for us all.
We also understand that the world of health and care services can be confusing and daunting - we offer simple advice that's easy to understand so you receive the support you deserve.
Check out our videos here (including those with BSL)
#TeamHealthwatchStockport
It has been an eventful first week back for the team. We've already ventured out into the community; supporting the Stockport County Social Wellbeing Group, attended the 'Live Well with Cancer' event hosted by the NHS Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance.
We also welcomed our first SMILE learner for 2025! We’ve supported the SMILE Education Programme for over a year now. This placement programme offers opportunities for healthcare students to work in primary, community and social care settings and gain experiences in assessing, treating and caring for patients and residents in Stockport.
Handy 'What to Know This Winter' Advice
If you didn't know already, in December, the Healthwatch Stockport team published a handy booklet sharing tips, advice and important information to help you and your loved ones through the Winter months.
Our booklet is available digitally to download and share, or in a printed version. Many hard copies are available in pharmacies and local community venues and businesses across Stockport. So feel free to pick one up! To ask for a copy, contact:
0161 974 0753
info@healthwatchstockport.co.uk
Follow Our Winter Social Posts
We'll continue to share Winter advice posts on our socials so give us a ‘follow’, ‘like’ and ‘share’ our posts. We’re on Facebook, Instagram, Linked In and X (formally Twitter). This helps to spread the word about local health and social care and how we, Healthwatch Stockport, can help you.
Healthwatch Articles & Advice You May Have Missed
Please see the latest news, advice and support articles from us and Healthwatch England.
Healthwatch England response to government plans for social care reform
On 3 January, the government announced plans to set up an independent commission on adult social care. Healthwatch England welcomes plans for a Social Care Commission.
New government plan aims to cut NHS waiting times
Read Healthwatch England's response to the plan, which aims to tackle record NHS waiting times and improve people's experience while they wait.
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
Flooding Support For Stockport
Recently, some parts of Stockport have seen the heavy rainfall resulting in flooding. This is an awful situation for anyone to be in, let alone so soon into a new year.
We’re thinking of those affected by the flooding. Please ensure you take care of yourselves and others. If you need support or advice, there is help available to you.
www.gov.uk/help-during-flood - What to do before and after a flood
thefloodhub.co.uk/household/ - all round advice including when buying a home
www.stockport.gov.uk/topic/flooding - Stockport Council advice and how to report a flood
Is your Community Space affected? If your community space / place where you host activities is affected, let Sector 3 know and they'll try to match you with a suitable temporary location.
Do you need help with the clean up / supporting affected residents? If you'd benefit from the help of volunteers, Sector 3 can put an urgent call out via the Volunteer Hub
Change NHS: Have Your Say in Their Survey
Details from Healthwatch England and NHS
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.”
Next time you stop to make a cuppa – complete your feedback in their survey:
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.
Results of National Diabetes Experience Survey
Details from NHS Diabetes Network
The England-wide survey gathers feedback from people living with type 1 or type 2 Diabetes to better understand their experiences with NHS care. The results will help identify areas for improvement and ensure services are more responsive to people's needs. The results in Greater Manchester highlighted several areas:
- People with type 1: felt they were prepared them well for what would happen next with their care and supported with emotional and mental health needs.
- People with type 2: fed back positively about the provided support in taking medicine.
The report identified areas where experiences could be improved. These included:
- Foot check as part of their last annual review
- Confidence in managing diabetes day-to-day for people living with type 1 and type 2
- Weight and BMI checks as part of their last annual review
The full results can be accessed at the National Diabetes Experience Survey.
This Van Can Back in Greater Manchester
Details from NHS Greater Manchester (GM)
GM Cancer Alliance have launched 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, including Stockport, and target areas within each that have a higher density of late-stage diagnosis.
The van will be coming to Stockport:
Asda Marple: 9 & 16 January 2025
Morrison's Bredbury, 10 & 18 January 2025
Morrison's Cheadle Health, 11 & 17 January 2025
Think Pharmacy First
Visiting a pharmacy makes it easier for you to get the healthcare you need. Their team is ready to help with different health issues and can suggest medications that might work for you. Sometimes, they can even provide treatment and prescriptions for certain conditions without you needing to see a doctor first.
Visit: www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy
Warm Spaces Across Stockport
Details from Stockport Council
Warm spaces will remain open throughout the Winter and offer free WIFI, hot meals and drinks. They also function as central hubs, providing information and guidance to signpost residents to further support. All of Stockport’s libraries act as warm spaces too.
Find a full list and view our warm spaces on Stockport Council's interactive map.
Have Your Say: Help Improve ADHD Services
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
Join a Lived Experience Group: Online sessions will run on these dates:
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
Stay on Your Feet This Winter
Details from NHS England
The weather has been a tad unpredictable of late, what with snow, ice, sunny spells and heavy rain - all the more reason to remind you of the #PreventingFallsThisWinter campaign.
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. Check out the NHS socials #PreventingFallsThisWinter
This poster is also a reminder of the simple things you can do to stay steady on your feet.
Be LungAware!
Details from Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance
The Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance is delighted to launch the LungAware online tool.
Users of LungAware answer several straightforward questions, which ask about their age, smoking status, lung symptoms and the area of Greater Manchester they live. Once this information is submitted, the tool will provide advice on next steps.
The tool has been designed by lung cancer clinicians in Greater Manchester to provide good quality, evidence-based advice to people who may be concerned about their symptoms, but reluctant to see seek medical advice.
Quit Smoking in 2025!
Details from Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance
The start of a new year is a great opportunity to support the nation’s 6 million smokers to make a quit attempt. Smoking claims around 80k lives a year in the UK (approx. 64k in England) and causes one in four of all cancer deaths in England.
The Department of Health and Social Care have a range of free quitting support available to help smokers quit for good, including the free NHS Quit Smoking app, expert support from local Stop Smoking Services and a newly updated Personal Quit Plan tool.
Quit smoking - Better Health - NHS
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 enhance natural spaces, improving access and increase the benefits of nature for everyone. These include supporting mental and physical well-being, creating leisure spaces, and boosting biodiversity.
A public consultation will run until 31 January. Everyone is invited to review the draft plan and provide feedback online. So, have your say Stockport1
New SEND Facility Marks Significant Milestone
Details from Stockport Council
Lisburne School officially opened in December. The opening is part of Stockport Council’s broader strategy to expand specialist education for children with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) such as autism and severe learning and physical disabilities.
The school opening responds to the need for more places, offering 208 places in total (up 64 places) and replaces Lisburne’s previous facilities, which were spread across three separate sites, including temporary and off-site buildings.
The school includes a range of bespoke features, with a Forest School area, covered play areas, sensory garden, multi-use gaming areas, a loop-walk and more. This space encourages pupils to develop social skills, teamwork, and learning opportunities in a natural environment.
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. If you have more than one child with SEND and your experience varies, complete separate surveys.
Have Your Say: How Children & Young People Travel to School
Details from Stockport Council
Have your say on how children and young people travel to school and college in Greater Manchester by completing the survey from Stockport Council.
The consultation on Greater Manchester’s School Travel Strategy will run until 26 January. The 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.
Valuable Support Helplines
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. Find out more about the Pharmacy First offer, prescription costs and urgent dental and eyecare services. An online version is on the NHS GM website.
The North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) Winter booklet shares useful service information, including when to call 999. You can find the Winter booklet online
Mental Health Self Help guides
Details from Stockport Council
At some point in our lives we'll know someone who is struggling with our mental health. That could be us personally or a partner, family member, friend or colleague.
Cumbria, Northumberland and Tyne & Wear NHS Foundation Trust have written a series of self help guides covering topics such as depression, anxiety and stress.
Service Overview: Age UK Stockport 'Tandem'
Tandem Support is a bespoke service tailor-made to each person’s individual situation and is designed to support them with a range of activities. This includes personal practical tasks at home, shopping, leisure activities, supporting with appointments, through to assisting adults with complex conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s or palliative care.
0161 480 1211
Tandem – Commonweal, 56 Wellington Street, Stockport SK1 3AQ
Get Involved: Prostate Cancer Care Research
Details from NIHR (National Institute of Health Research)
The University College London and Prostate Cancer Research are carrying out a study to better understand the experiences of black men taking treatment for Prostate Cancer. The opportunity is open to everyone:
- 18 years and older
- Black men taking treatment for Prostate Cancer
What is this research about?
In the UK, black men are twice as likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer and more likely to die of the disease. The study aims to understand what it's like for black men to take treatment. This is part of a larger project to explore ways to improve treatment and care, also identifying whether certain treatments are more effective for men of different ethnicities.
How it works:
The study will involve a 30- 60 minute interview in person or online via Teams. The interview will explore topics relating to your experiences and your perceptions of Prostate Cancer and its associated therapy and side-effects. As a thank you, you'll receive a £20 voucher.
For more information, contact the research team:
Stevie Mcintosh: Sm01966@surrey.ac.uk
Dr Kayonda Hubert Ngamaba: k.ngamaba@ucl.ac.uk or sop.transform@ucl.ac.uk
Please click the link to consent to the study
Get Involved: Breast Cancer Care for Muslim Women
Details from NIHR (National Institute of Health Research)
A researcher from the University of Manchester is looking to speak with women of Muslim faith and their families to understand their views of breast cancer and clinical trials. The opportunity is open to anyone:
- Aged 18 years and over
- Undergoing treatment or have completed treatment for breast cancer
- Muslim faith and who'd like to make a difference to the future care of Muslim women.
How it works:
The study will involve a 45-60 minute interview in a convenient location (person's home, private space in a community centre or hospital you attend) or online using Teams. If needed, an interpreter can be present.
For more information about this study, contact Lorraine Turner:
0161 918 2446
Date Coming Up: Vitality Kickstart with County
Details from Stockport County
Stockport County are working with Official Wellness Partner Vitality to offer a New Year health and fitness programme to supporters and residents.
'Vitality Kickstart with County' will start on 27 January, with weekly training sessions at Edgeley Park. This programme is designed to help those aged 18+ build up their strength, stamina and running capability over a ten-week period. The objective is to complete a 5k run in April.
To apply, complete the application form by clicking here. asap.
For further details, contact Dave Wardle at d.wardle@stockportcounty.com.
www.stockportcounty.com/keen-to-kickstart-your-new-year-fitness-with-stockport-county/
Get Creative At County!
Details from Stockport County Community Trust
Why not start the New Year by boosting your creativity and exploring your imagination? Alongside Arc Creative Wellbeing Centre, Stockport County Community Trust are launching FREE bi-weekly art-for-wellbeing workshops.
Starting on Wednesday 15 January, 11am
Find Your Voice with Beechwood Community Choir!
Details from Beechwood
Are you ready to make 2025 the year you discover the joy of singing? Join Beechwood for three weeks of fun, friendship, harmony, and community spirit.
Starts on 21 January at 7pm
Bridgehall Community Centre, Siddlington Avenue, SK3 8NR
Whether you’re a seasoned singer or a complete beginner, Beechwood welcome you to be part of their Community Choir! All three workshop sessions, including all materials are £10.
beechwoodcommunitychoir@outlook.com
Les on 07947 315669
Parent Carer Forum SEND Information Day
Details from PACT
PACT will be hosting their upcoming Stockport Parent Carer Forum SEND Information Day later this month. This event is a fantastic opportunity to connect with other parents, carers and families of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Tuesday 28 January, 9am - 3pm
Alma Lodge Hotel, 149 Buxton Road, Stockport SK2 6EL
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.
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.
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 30 December 2024 Meetings
GM Aging Hub
ND Matters
Starting Point
Stockport Digital Champion Update - 6th January 2025 - Happy New Year
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.
