Healthwatch Round Up - 13 February 2025
Welcome to this week's Healthwatch Stockport Information Round-up!
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#TeamHealthwatchStockport
This week, the team have been supporting our local community, promoting our Information and Advice service the next of our Library Tour stop offs; Great Moor and Hazel Grove (see future dates below). We also ventured out to the 'Outside the Box' cafe in Bramall to learn more about the 'Chatty Cafe' hosted there and the role it plays in combating loneliness and supporting mental health.
Finally - we're absolutely over the moon to be featured in the local press! Our Winter advice booklet was transformed into a health supplement in the February edition of the Stockport Post
February issue of Stockport post
Healthwatch Articles & Advice You May Have Missed
Please see the latest news, advice and support articles from us and Healthwatch England.
Have your Say…. Stockport Pharmacy Services
Do you use pharmacy services in Stockport? Now’s your chance to influence their future!
Join us this February for 'Share for Better Care Week'.
Get involved in a national week of action to help more people have a stronger voice in their care. If you use GPs, hospitals, dentists, pharmacies, community or care services, we want to hear your experiences - good, bad or in-between.
Check out our website for more news, advice and informative articles.
Healthwatch Stockport’s Library Tours
As part of the above Information and Advice Service, the Healthwatch Stockport team are running a number of 'Library Pop-ups' across Stockport over the coming weeks. During these visits, we're also gathering feedback about local hearing services.
Pop these dates in your calendars and share our service with family, friends and networks.
Offerton Library - Tuesday 18 February, 1pm - 3pm
Bridgehall (Adswood) Library - Thursday 20 February, 11am - 1pm
High Lane Library - Monday 24 February, 11am - 1pm
Cheadle Hulme Library - Wednesday 26 February, 1pm - 3pm
Bramhall Library - Monday 3 March, 1pm - 3pm
Get Involved: Share for Better Care Week
Details from Healthwatch England
Get involved in a national week of action to help more people have a stronger voice in their care.
It's common to leave a review about a meal or holiday, but six in ten people don’t remember ever having shared feedback about local health and social care services. You can help change this by supporting Share for Better Care Week, which begins on 24 February 2025.
At Healthwatch Stockport, we involve and listen to our local community’s experiences of using health and care services all year round. Share for better Care week is a hugely important week for us, as together with all 152 Healthwatch, we're shining an even bigger spotlight on how important is it to have your say.
Get behind the campaign
If you don't already, give us a follow on social media. We're on Facebook, Instagram, Linked in and X (formally Twitter). Don't forget to like, comment and share our posts to spread the word.
Also, check out our website article for further information and don't forget to share your feedback with us.
'What to Know This Winter' Booklet
If you didn't know already, the Healthwatch Stockport team published a handy booklet sharing tips, advice and important information to help you through the colder months. The booklet is available digitally to download and share, or in a printed version. Many hard copies are available in local community venues and businesses across Stockport. To ask for a copy, contact:
0161 974 0753
Have Your Say: Pharmacy Services Survey
Details from Healthwatch in Greater Manchester
Do you use pharmacy services in Stockport? Now’s your chance to influence their future!
Community Pharmacy Greater Manchester, in partnership with local Health and Wellbeing Boards, want to hear your views and experiences to ensure everyone has the right access to community pharmacy services.
They want to find out what local people think about pharmacy services:
- Are they easy to get to when you need to?
- Do they offer the services you want?
- How could we make pharmacies better in the future?
Your feedback will help them to understand what pharmacy services people use, what services you want, and how you feel about access to pharmacies. The survey is important because it will be used to help decide whether there is a need to improve pharmacy services in the area.
The survey closes on 21 March.
Have Your Say: The Big Mental Health Survey 2025
The Mind Charity know that more of us than ever need support with our mental health and are reliant on primary care, voluntary or third sector organisations and digital platforms/apps to receive support.
Mind are running a survey to better understand your views and experiences of mental health support provided by:
- Primary care (e.g. a GP or practice nurse)
- Charities and voluntary or third sector organisations (e.g. support groups, information services, counselling or similar psychological services)
- Digital based platforms/apps (for example Headspace)
This insight will help Mind campaign for better laws, build better services and create a mental health system that works for everyone.
Please note: everyone can complete this survey. You don’t need to have used these or Mind services. You can also complete the survey if you’ve tried to access the services but didn’t end up using them or couldn’t access them.
Mind have asked M·E·L Research, an independent research agency, to conduct this survey on their behalf.
Click here to launch the survey
NHS Greater Manchester Leads Way in Dementia Diagnosis
Details from NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care
Greater Manchester is setting the standard for dementia diagnosis, being the top performing region in the North West and second best in the whole of England.
The latest figures from NHS Digital show that 75% of people in Greater Manchester aged 65 or over who are estimated to be living with dementia, had a recorded diagnosis of dementia in November 2024 – significantly above the national NHS targets.
Early diagnosis of dementia is life changing. It helps individuals and their families understand the condition, make informed decisions about care, and access the support they need to live well.
Health Advice Tips for Parents & Carers This Half-term
Details from NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care
NHS Greater Manchester is urging parents to take steps to keep their children healthy and if they do become poorly, to get the right care without unnecessary trips to A&E.
Many common childhood illnesses can be managed at home or through local NHS services:
- Coughs and colds are usually mild and can be managed with rest and fluids.
- A raised temperature is a natural response to infection. Use children’s paracetamol or ibuprofen as needed. If a child under 3 months has a temperature over 38°C, or a child over 3 months has a temperature above 39°C, seek medical advice. Your GP can help or NHS 111 when the GP is closed.
- Sore throats are often viral and can be soothed with warm drinks and honey (for children over one year old).
- Ear discomfort, usually following coughs and colds, often clears up on its own and can be relieved with painkillers.
- If a child has an upset stomach, make sure they drink plenty of water and encourage regular handwashing to prevent germs spreading.
New Pilot Aims to Reduce Inequality in Diabetes Care
Details from NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care
A new six-month pilot is being launched in Oldham and Stockport to improve the diagnosis of type 2 Diabetes among children and young people. Starting in April, there will be new ways of referring and caring for children who are either at risk of developing the condition, or have symptoms, but have not used health services. The pilot aims to reduce health inequalities across Greater Manchester.
Campaign for Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs)
Details from NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care
The NHS has launched a campaign to raise awareness of sexual assault referral centres (SARCs). These are specialist services offering free care to anyone who has been sexually assaulted or abused or raped at any time in their life.
In Greater Manchester, St Mary’s SARC provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated forensic, counselling and aftercare service, whether this experience happened recently or in the past.
Help is available 24/7 without having to talk to police or report what happened, if you prefer not to. If you don't know where to turn, find out more:
0161 276 6515
Visit www.nhs.uk/SARCs to find your nearest centre.
Get Involved: Become a Member of Stockport NHS Foundation Trust
Details from Stockport NHS Foundation Trust
Help shape our services! As a member, you'd have an opportunity to shape the future and ensure services are developed to best meet your and your family’s needs. Membership is completely free, and open to anyone over 16 years old.
What would I have to do? Membership doesn’t mean you have to do anything if you don’t want to – they just want your support. You can choose how much you want to be involved; this can range from simply receiving their quarterly newsletter which keeps you informed about our latest news. Or as much as standing for election as a governor during the election process, attending members health events or completing short surveys.
What are the benefits? Membership gives you the opportunity to provide feedback and ideas on the health issues that matter most to you.
In addition, as a Foundation Trust Member you can sign up for discounts at the free to join online discount scheme site www.healthservicediscounts.com, offering discounts, cashback and vouchers across a wide range of retailers.
Join for free: To become a member,
Contact Us: For further information or questions,
Become a Member - Stockport NHS Foundation Trust
Have Your Say: Adult Social Care Survey
Details from Stockport Council
Stockport Council's have shared that the annual Adult Social Care Survey is underway. This postal survey, conducted by NHS England, is a statutory requirement for all Councils with Adult Social Services Responsibilities in England.
They survey asks people about their quality of life, the impact of services, and their general health and wellbeing. Feedback provides local data, which will help identify care outcomes and any improvements.
Confidential surveys were sent in January to a random sample of adult social care users in Stockport with a deadline of 7 March. If you've received one, please take time to complete it and help shape the future of care in Stockport.
Have Your Say: Cancer Patient Experience Survey
The National Cancer Patient Experience Survey aims to understand the experiences of cancer care by asking for patients to give feedback on the care they've received.
Feedback will be used to understand where care is working well and how NHS cancer services can be improved at a national, regional, and local level.
The survey details were sent to those people who are eligible. If you were invited, don’t miss the opportunity to take part as the survey closes soon.
For more information, please visit www.ncpes.co.uk
Have Your Say: Type 2 Diabetes Care
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
As a reminder: When someone is newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes they should be offered a series of face-to-face education sessions, to help them manage their condition.
NHS Greater Manchester want to hear if you were invited and attended these sessions, and if so, what you thought of them. They'd also like to hear from you if you chose not to attend, so they can design future sessions that better suit your needs. There are several ways you can share your views:
Send a text or video (including BSL) via WhatsApp on 07786 673762;
Register to attend one of their focus groups or drop-in session, by clicking the link:
You have until 2 March to share your views.
Get Involved: Foster Carers and Supported Lodgings
Details from Stockport Council
Stockport Council need foster carers and supported lodgings hosts in Stockport. Carers and hosts will help find a safe space for refugee children arriving in our region, without parents or family to look after them, after fleeing from war, persecution and violence.
Supported lodgings is offering a place in your home to a teenager who has been in care or who arrives in this country with no family or safe place to stay.
You'll be provided with support and training. All you need to do is care enough to provide a safe space to call home at a time of crisis and uncertainty, in a place that is strange and unfamiliar.
Visit Foster for Greater Manchester’s website
Greater Manchester Police & Crime Plan
Details from Sector 3
The GM Police and Crime Plan Launch was an event in which GMCA presented the 2024-2029 Standing Together Police and Crime Plan for Greater Manchester.
The 10 priorities of the plan are:
- Improving public trust and confidence in policing.
- Increasing police accessibility, consistency, responsiveness and outcomes.
- Keeping children and young people safe and prevention from becoming involved in crime.
- Improving support for crime victims, vulnerable victims, and tackling emerging crime types.
- Reducing and preventing neighbourhood crime, retail crime and anti-social behaviour.
- Improving road and transport safety, so people can travel around safely
- Reducing high harm repeat offending, taking a preventative and diversionary approach.
- Tackling drug, alcohol and wider addictions.
- Reducing and preventing gender-based violence and all forms of serious violence.
- Reducing and tackling serious and organised crime.
Stockport Mind Are Moving
Details from Stockport Mind
From 3 March, Stockport Mind are moving from Stockport Homes to a new office space at Disability Stockport, 23 High Street, SK1 1EG.
The new location means they're based even closer to Stockport town centre and allows people to access services across both Stockport Mind and Disability Stockport. The move highlights the close working relationships they've built so they can support each other in further strengthening the health and wellbeing offer. There will be no changes to the services that they offer.
The info@stockportmind.org.uk email will be the same and the Information & Signposting Helpline will remain open along with their services, including the Carers Support Service and Groups such as Thursday at One and Singing for Fun.
Stockport Mind look forward to settling into their new home and embracing new opportunities to ensure that our local mental health charity will continue to be an integral part of the community for many years to come.
Service Overview: One Stockport Family Hubs
Details from Stockport Council
Family Hubs will support you and your family from pregnancy to adulthood with any issue that affects your family, no matter how big or small. One Stockport Family Hubs support is available in person from:
- Family Hubs sites in Brinnington, Adswood or Reddish - open to all families from across Stockport
- Family Hubs trained staff in local libraries, Life Leisure Hubs and Stockport Homes
One Stockport Family Hubs support is also available online 24/7.
Service Overview: Chatty Cafe
The Chatty Café Scheme is the UK’s leading non-profit organisation tackling loneliness. They offer three services, all designed to reduce loneliness and/or social isolation. They include;
- Face to face meet ups where venues offer ‘Chatter & Natter’ tables
- Online Chatty Cafe Sessions every Tuesday and Thursday, 1pm-1:30pm.
- Telephone Friendship Service for anyone over 18, experiencing loneliness and could benefit from a weekly chat on the phone.
Get Involved: Reminisce Photography Competition
Details from Stockport NHS Foundation Trust
The Dementia care team at Stockport NHS Foundation Trust have launched the Reminisce Photograph Competition. They're calling for local people to submit old photographs of local landmarks to find images for a new therapy book to help support patients living with Dementia.
The appeal is for photos of buildings, housing, transport, and attractions taken between the years 1940-1990. These can be from Stockport, other areas of Greater Manchester, and areas around the High Peak too.
These photographs should be ones taken by the person entering the competition, or their friends and family with permission.
For details, email the Stockport NHS Foundation Trust Dementia Care Team.
Entries need to be in by the close of Friday, 28 February.
Get Involved: Women's Health Study (POPPY)
Details from NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research)
The University of Cambridge is carrying out a study to determine if pregnancy complications have a negative effect on the health of women following their pregnancy, which cannot be accounted for by any factors which were present prior to pregnancy.
How is works:
The study has two 'arms':
- Pregnancy - looking for women actively considering pregnancy within 12 months
- Non Pregnancy - open to women interested in women's health research and not planning to conceive during the next 18 months.
Both 'arms' involve visits to a clinic for assessments, which will mainly involve taking measurements and some blood/urine samples.
Appointments will take place in hospitals (a list of suitable locations are on the study website)
People taking part will receive £35 per visit they attend.
Closing date for study: 30 June 2025
SPARC for Young Adults Groups
Details from SPARC 4 Young Adults
If you'd like to socialise with others aged 18-30, with lived experience of mental health difficulties, contact sparc4youth@sparc4me.org.uk to discuss the groups on offer. Groups run on Mondays (11.30am - 1pm)
24 February: Nook Cafe, Heaton Moor
3 March: Baking Stones @ SPARC
10 March: Walk and Wander (Stockport town centre)
19 March: Task Master games @ SPARC
24 March: Knutsford and Tatton Park (full day event)
31 March: Pizza Making @ SPARC
7 April: Bramhall Hall park walk
Contact SPARC4Young Adults:
0161 429 9744
Weekly Drop-ins: Who Let The Dads Out?
Details from Who Let The Dads Out?
Saturday, 9.30-11.30.
Cale Green Life Centre, 71 Adswood Road, SK3 8HR
Cancer Screening Event
Details from Starting Point Community Learning & Coffee Shop
To mark Cancer Screening Week, Starting Point have teamed up with Viaduct Care and Archwood Medical Practice to host an evening of conversation around cancer.
You'll be able to hear from NHS professionals and local residents, and share stories over a brew.
20 February, 6.30 -7.30pm.
Dance Against Dementia Launch Event
Details from Dementia Disco
Dementia Disco are hosting an evening of live music and dancing to help raise money for their charity. The evening will be hosted by BBC Radio 5 Live DJ Chris Warburton and they have a fantastic live line-up including Roukaya B, Clint Boon & the Viaducts. There will also be a fundraising raffle with some amazing prizes.
1 March, 5pm - 11pm
Stockport Masonic Guildhall
If you can’t make the event but would still like to support, you can buy a Pay it Forward ticket.
Think 'Outside the Box'
Do you know anyone 75+ who'd benefit from joining a ReEngage group at 'Outside the box' board game cafe? ReEngage will be holding a launch event on 26 February, 12pm -2pm. There will be free hot drinks and cake for anyone 75+.
Further Events & Community Activities across the Borough
Training & Skills Support: WorkWell
Details from Stockport Council
Stockport Council have announced three new initiatives aimed at helping people to access work and skills support.
WorkWell: a UK Government funded initiative aimed at supporting those in work, that are at risk of losing employment, or are very recently unemployed, due to a health condition.
Greater Manchester is one of 15 locations to pilot this programme. In Stockport, this programme is being jointly led by Stockport Council and the NHS, in partnership with Viaduct Care who'll employ Work and Health Coaches to undertake assessments and action plans for participants. WorkWell will run until March 2026, supporting over 800 Stockport residents.
In Work Progression: commissioned by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, and will provide Stockport residents in work, with limited career progression opportunities, to either support their progression by, for example, upskilling. This initiative will support around 300 Stockport residents over a period of two years.
The Work and Skills Navigator is a new Council post, and will act as the single point of contact for residents, employers and front line services supporting customers, seeking help for work and skills needs.
All three initiatives will be based in community settings, linking in with the network of Family Hubs and local libraries, and the range of services delivered from these settings.
Job Opportunity: Healthwatch Bury
Details from Healthwatch Bury
Healthwatch Bury are seeking a dynamic and passionate Chief Officer to lead their dedicated team and volunteers to achieve our strategic goals. If you have the vision and drive to make a real difference to the lives of people in our community, they want to hear from you.
Please see the full job description on their website.
- Contract: Permanent
- Hours: 37 hours per week
Closing Date: Friday, 7 March, 9am. Interviews will be held at the Healthwatch Bury office on Thursday 27 February.
Please note interviews for shortlisted candidates will be held week commencing 17 March.
How do I apply?
Submit your completed application form (below), detailing how your experience and skills align with the role together with your CV by Friday, 7 March, 9am to info@healthwatchbury.co.uk
To arrange an informal discussion about the role with the Chair, Ruth Passman, please ring 0161 253 6300 or email info@healthwatchbury.co.uk
Training: Childminding Courses
Details from Start well Family Hubs
The next childminding information session will be on 30 April, 6:30pm to 8:30pm. You can visit TicketTailor to book your place.
This two-hour briefing provides lots of information on what it's like to be a childminder, practical information provided by an experienced Stockport childminder and more.
For more information, you can:
0161 218 1200 or 07891 949374
Training: Connect 5 Mental Health Modules
Details from Stockport Mind
New dates have been added throughout February and March for the Connect 5 Mental Health Training! The FREE training aims to open up conversations around mental health within the workplace and is ideal for anyone who works/volunteers in a public facing role within Stockport.
There are three modules, all of which build on each other. Each module lasts three hours. Modules two and three may vary by half an hour:
Job Opportunity: Alice Chilton in Homecare
Details from Alice Chilton in Homecare
Alice Chilton in Homecare are calling all Carers and Support Workers! They're recruiting and would love to welcome new members to their fantastic team.
Experience isn't necessary, as full training will be provided for successful candidates. There are opportunities to work part-time (evenings and weekends) and full time.
Workshop: Living With Pain and/or Long-Term Health Conditions
If you're struggling with chronic pain and/or a long-term health condition/s, and want to find out how to manage the impact on your mental health, this may be the perfect workshop.
What's covered in the group? This group is skills based but it's a collaboration between the facilitator and the group. The core skills explored are below:
- Understanding the impact living with a long-term health condition has on our emotions.
- Physical symptoms of stress and the impact on our bodies
- Pacing and activity
- Values and goals
- Acceptance and self-compassion
- Managing unhelpful thoughts
- Relapse prevention
Location: There are face to face sessions at Stepping Hill hospital (Oasis Building) on a Thursday and remotely via Microsoft Teams (full details to be confirmed).
Further information about training: Contact Beth Samuels (Bethany.samuels@nhs.net), Sophie Burgess (Sophie.burgess1@nhs.net) or Rhiannon Malik (Rhiannon.malik@nhs.net)
See the first attachment below.
We have also include attachments for other training.
Training Offer: Parents & Carers - Protecting Vunerable Beneficiaries
Details from EPSeminars
Currently delivering seminars to PACT, Seashell Trust and Together Trust, EPSseminars are widening their offer of free awareness sessions to parents, carers, staff and their families in relation to protecting vulnerable beneficiaries. Get in touch if you're interested in hosting.
This is an opportunity for residents to find out everything they need to know when it comes to protecting the family. The talk is delivered in a friendly, plain-speaking way with a sprinkle of humour thrown in. It will be a whistle stop tour of Wills, Lasting Power of Attorney, Trusts and Court of Protection - covering options on protecting your assets, guardians, executors, trustees, Vulnerable beneficiaries, funding care and much more. At the end of the session you'll be clear about where you might want to go next.
The talks are delivered online or Face to Face depending on location.
Learn more at www.epseminars.co.uk
If you're interested in a session for your group or team, see the attached.
King's Trust Newsletter
Upcoming courses from The King's Trust
NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care
Integrated Care Partnership Update
Sector 3
Starting Point
Stockport Digital Champion Update - 10th February 2025 - Digital Champion Safer Internet Day Special
Stockport Council
Stockport Family Hubs
Family Hubs Newsletter - January 2025
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.
