Healthwatch Round Up - 27 February 2025
Welcome to this week's Healthwatch Stockport Information Round-up!
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To promote your work, event or share any information, please fill in the form here or email comms@healthwatchstockport.co.uk directly.
#TeamHealthwatchStockport
This week, the team have been promoting our Information and Advice service as part of our Library Tour stop offs; High Lane and Cheadle Hulme Libraries. Our final stop will be at Bramhall Library on 3 March! During our visits we've also been gathering feedback about adult NHS Hearing services in Stockport. We've also been excited to attend the LGBT+ History Month Lunch and Learn session and continue to be part of the Equity Network.
Before we move on, we couldn't not mention that Stockport has been named one of the most quintessential market towns in England! From our Victorian Market Hall, Underbanks and Plaza theatre, to music legends Joy Division and The Stone Roses creating music at Strawberry Studios, Stockport’s got history, character, and a proud spirit. The Most Quintessential Market Towns in England
Have Your Say: NHS Adult Hearing Services in Stockport!
At Healthwatch Stockport, we're currently reviewing the NHS Adult Hearing Services in Stockport. Have you or your loved ones used this service in the past 12 months? If so, please share your experiences with us in a our short survey. Your feedback makes a huge difference!
We're always listening to what people have to say about health and care services in Stockport and our focus on hearing services is no different. The more feedback we receive from those who use the services, the better our understanding will be and the more comprehensive we can make our review.
Our survey also offers you the opportunity to share your experiences around other NHS services ear care, not directly linked to NHS Adult Hearing Services.
If you prefer to provide feedback offline, we can arrange for a paper copy of the survey to be sent to you or one of our team can fill it out with you over the phone.
Thank you for helping us make a difference!
The survey closes on 7 March.
Don't Forget to Keep Sharing Your Experiences!
Details from Healthwatch England
This last week has been all about the Share for Better Care Week campaign from Heathwatch and the Care Quality Commission. This is a week that reinforces the importance of sharing your experiences and feedback of using health and social care services.
TV's Dr Ranj supported the campaign too! Read more below:
Dr Ranj calls on public to spare three minutes to feed back on healthcare
Whilst the week-long campaign has come to a close, at Healthwatch, we always want to hear your views, feedback and more, all year-round. Our dedicated Information and Advice service helps you do just that, whilst also helping you to find the best care for you and your family.
Are you:
- Trying to find a new GP or NHS dentist?
- Struggling to get support and answers?
- Concerned about your or a loved one's care?
- Searching for a community activity?
- Looking to share a recent experience of using local services?
Get in touch:
0161 974 0753 (10am-2.30pm Mon- Fri), Textphone 07871 089100
info@healthwatchstockport.co.uk
Healthwatchstockport.co.uk
Healthwatch to Put the Spring into Stockport
Join Healthwatch Stockport and local health and wellbeing services for a fun filled day of activities and taster sessions to help you to stay well.
Our 'Putting the Spring into Stockport' wellbeing fun day will take place on Tuesday 8 April and everyone is welcome. Its’s a drop in event but ideally let us know you're planning on stopping by (this helps with catering and numbers for activities).
Please share our event with your families, friends and networks.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Fact sheet
Healthwatch Stockport have been working on a series of screening programme fact sheets and are excited to launch the first of six - for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm screening.
Our fact sheets are designed to give you quick access to the information you need around different types of screening. We are currently working on the following: Bowel, Breast, Cervical and Diabetic eye screening, and the Prostate programme. All of which will be added to our website soon.
NHS Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Campaign
Details from NHS England
The NHS in the North West has launched a first-of-its kind campaign, to raise awareness of the lifesaving Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) screening programme, and encourage eligible people to come forward for screening when invited.
An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a bulge in the aorta, which is the largest artery in the body. Sadly around 82% of people with an untreated AAA will die from it. But the NHS offers a 10-minute, pain free scan of the abdomen (tummy) for all men in the year they turn 65, that can detect any swelling early, reduce the chances of rupture, and save lives.
And yet, in the year to April 2024, just 78.9% of men in the North West came forward for screening within the year they were invited.
Follow NHS North west social channels to see the full campaign.
Have Your Say: Living Well Mental Health Transformation
Details from Living Well, Greater Manchester
Living Well is a part of Greater Manchester's community mental health transformation, and aims to support people with serious mental illness to stay well, and connected to their community.
One of the priorities of the Living Well Model is to ensure lived experience is at the heart of its development. With this on mind, they'd like to hear your feedback and experiences to make sure your voices are heard.
They're particularly keen to hear from people living with a serious mental illness (your illness seriously impacts your every day life), the challenges you may face, what helps you to maintain good mental health, and what could work better.
To share your experiences:
maya@healthwatchstockport.co.uk
Call Maya on 0161 974 0753 (Tuesday to Thursday)
Have your say: Removal of Benign Skin Lesions
Details from Healthwatch in Greater Manchester
NHS Greater Manchester is reviewing the criteria for when benign skin lesions (like moles, cysts, and skin tags) should be referred for removal. This will ensure decisions are guided by expert dermatologists and the latest medical evidence.
Some lesions may be harmless and need no treatment, while others—like those causing pain or bleeding—may require attention. Your feedback can help shape this important review.
Share your views here
The survey closes: 5pm, 4 April.
New Defibrillator for Lancashire Hill
Details from Stockport Council
A new defibrillator has been installed at Stonemill Terrace, improving emergency heart treatment accessibility. This initiative has been led by 22-year-old fundraiser Aidan Jackson, with support from Stockport Homes and broadband provider BRSK.
Have you joined the defib challenge on X and Facebook? With over 350 devices across Stockport, they're testing local knowledge by asking people to guess their locations - helping to raise awareness of the nearest one to your home, workplace, or leisure spot.
Find yours here: www.defibfinder.uk/
This Van Can Back in Stockport
Details from NHS Greater Manchester (GM)
GM Cancer Alliance will be bringing the ‘This Van Can’ initiative to Stockport next week to raise awareness about the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer. The van will visit:
3 March: Asda Hazel Grove, 114 London Rd, Hazel Grove, SK7 4AG
4 March: Handforth Dean, Coppice Way, Handforth, SK9 3PA
5 March: Morrisons Bredbury, Stockport Rd West, SK6 2BN
Have Your Say: Pharmacy Services Survey
Details from Healthwatch in Greater Manchester
Do you use pharmacy services in Stockport? 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.
- 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 closes on 21 March.
Have Your Say: Snoring & Sleep Apnoea Surgery
Details from Healthwatch in Greater Manchester
Snoring is very common and is not a health problem for most people. It's known as ‘simple snoring’ when a person snores but does not have breathing problems during sleep.
However, sometimes, snoring can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnoea, a health condition in which people stop breathing briefly during sleep. This requires treatment as it can have a big impact on a person's overall health, but it can usually be treated without surgery.
NHS Greater Manchester is reviewing its commissioning statement for surgery on snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea. They'd like your feedback on proposed updates, including:
- No change for surgery on simple snoring
- Surgery for obstructive sleep apnoea in adults may be commissioned under specific conditions.
Share your thoughts by 7 March.
Read the 'Snoring evidence' review
Have Your Say: Stockport Support Hub Service
Details from Stockport Support Hub
Stockport Support Hub was established in April 2022, to provide advice and guidance, signpost or refer people to a range of support offers that are right for them.
If you've contacted or made a referral to Stockport Support Hub, they'd like to hear your experiences. Please complete their survey so they can understand where we can improve and meet the needs of Stockport.
The survey closes on 5th March.
Open Door 24/7 Helpline is Closing
Details from Open Door
The Open Door 24/7 helpline (0800 138 7276) will no longer be in operation as of 1 April 2025.
However, the Open-Door team remains committed to providing emotional support to those in crisis – they are open 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 10am - 6pm and Weekends, 12 noon - 5pm. They will still be operating a drop-in service along with bookable appointments.
If you need 24/7 mental health support, please contact:
- Pennine 24/7 Helpline: 0800 014 9995
- Samaritans: 116 123
- NHS: 111 Option 2
- Papyrus Hopeline: 0800 068 4141
The Open Door team are still available to support you.
Service Overview: Deaf Community Support
At Healthwatch Stockport, we're currently delving into NHS hearing services as one of key work programmes and campaigns and asking for your feedback and experiences. With this in mind, we'll be shining an extra spotlight on ear care and the local support available to the deaf and hard of hearing community. This time, we're sharing the Stockport Support Hub service called 'Your Support'.
If you're experiencing barriers communicating with services, 'Your Support' deliver weekly sessions for the deaf community, to offer you practical support, information, and advice.
The sessions take place each Wednesday at the Cornerstone, Stockport, supported by a British Sign Language Interpreter. Examples of the help available:
- Digital - setting up Apps, accessing online accounts and services and knowledge of digital resources
- Financial Support – Budgeting skills, debt / benefit advice and applications, help accessing the DWP / HMRC
- Home - help with utilities, insurance, housing applications and issues, home safety, sensory equipment
- Travel – concessionary / assisted travel, Blue Badge applications
- Health – Arranging health appointments, pharmacy issues, eye tests, podiatry etc.
- Employment – Access to Work
To book an appointment, contact the team via their online referral form:
Click for the online referral form
Text 07539 468 560
Service Overview: Somebody's Dad CIC:
Details from Somebody's Dad CIC
Somebody's Dad provide counselling to men across Stockport who are living without their children. This may be if they have suffered the loss of a child or are unable to see their children through the breakdown of a relationship.
To support these Dads, they offer six funded 1-2-1 walking therapy sessions with a qualified Counsellor (Member of BACP). This enables Dads to talk through their issues in a safe, confidential and non-judgmental space.
To find out how to register and for further details, click below:
Service Overview: Age UK Stockport 'Tandem'
Details from Age UK Stockport
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.
Tandem – Commonweal, 56 Wellington Street, Stockport SK1 3AQ
Support to Live Independently
Details from Stockport Council
Visit the online virtual house, a showcase of innovative gadgets designed to help you or your loved ones stay independent and live well for longer. From practical tools to cutting-edge smart tech, everything is designed to make life easier.
Take an online tour and see how small changes can make a big difference.
Get Involved: Rag Revival Comes to Stockport
Details from Groundworks
Rag Revival aims to educate residents on textile waste by upcycling and repurposing rag/unusable material into something fun and creative.
Groundworks are holding workshops to educate and upskill participants, teaching basic mending techniques as well as boosting confidence, mindfulness and more....all whilst contributing to a reduction in carbon emissions by diverting waste from landfill.
There are dates in March in Stockport, with spaces for up to 10 participants per session.
To refer someone or find out more:
They're looking for volunteers for the duration. Do you have a few hours per week?
Get Involved: Focus Group for Young People With ADHD
Details from PACT Stockport
PACT will be running a focus group for young people aged 13-25 with lived experience of ADHD.
The aim of the new 'Youth Voice' group is to bring together young people's voices to help bring about change to NHS services that affect them. Throughout the sessions there'll be an opportunity to meet NHS commissioners who are eager to hear young people’s feedback.
Every last Wednesday of the month
Greater Manchester Youth Network office, 46-50 Oldham Street, Manchester, M4 1LE.
For more details, contact Chloe:
Neurodiversity Celebration Week Event
Details from Disability Stockport
Disability Stockport are hosting an event for local neurodivergent people, their families and supporters as part of Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2025!
Meet with local neurodivergent-friendly organisations and services and try a range of wellbeing and creative activities, including yoga, Reiki, Zumba and more. The wellbeing activity schedule will be shared soon. A free buffet lunch will also be provided from 12noon
Thursday 20 March, 10am – 4pm
Disability Stockport, 23 High Street, SK1 1EG
If you have any questions:
david.humphrey@disabilitystockport.org.uk or natashamalik@disabilitystockport.org.uk
Fraud Awareness Sessions
Details from Age UK Stockport
Age UK Stockport are holding two Fraud awareness sessions with Greater Manchester Police in March and April.
During these sessions, you can find out about the latest scams and frauds, internet safety, how to report a scam or fraud and hear some famous stories.
Thursday 27 March, 10am – 2pm
Thursday 24 April, 10am – 2pm
You can attend either session at the Age UK Stockport hub, 2 Castle Street, Edgeley
Call 0161 480 1211 for more information
Let's Talk About Fostering Drop-In
Details from Stockport Council Fostering Services
Stockport Council's Fostering Services are holding a drop in; 'Let’s talk about fostering' The event will do what it says on the tin - talk about fostering… and how you could give local children and teenagers a loving family home and a brighter future.
5 March, 11am - 1pm
Vernon Park Café
A Day to Dance Comes to Stockport
Stockport is set to come alive with the sights and sounds of traditional folk dance! On Saturday 26 April, over 1,000 Morris dancers from across the country will take over the town centre for 'A Day of Dance' – a celebration of rhythm, energy, and heritage.
With 60+ Morris groups performing, expect a whirlwind of bells, sticks, and swirling ribbons filling the streets! Follow Totally Stockport on their socials for further details and announcements.
Mayor of Stockport Charity Ball
The Mayor of Stockport is hosting a charity ball in aid of Stockport Food Banks next month.
Tickets are £55 per person and include an arrival drink, three course meal, entertainment, auction and more. Book via The Mayor of Stockport's Charity Ball Tickets
Friday 4 April, 7pm
Stockport Town Hall
For enquiries, email stockportmayorscharity@gmail.com
Cancer Awareness Screening Event
Details from Beech Medical Centre
On 11 March, Beech House Medical Centre's cancer care coordinators will be hosting a drop in Hazel Grove. Learn more about the importance of bowel, breast and cervical screening and the signs and symptoms over a brew.
11 March, 11am - 2pm
Torkington Community Centre, Hazel Grove.
Get Involved: Wheelers Accessible Cycling
Details from Supportability
Supportability offer weekly cycling opportunities for disabled adults, children and young people at Woodbank Park in Stockport.
There are a variety of adapted cycles to enable people of all abilities to experience and enjoy cycling. Sessions take place in a safe, car-free environment away from any roads.
For ore information:
Reminder: 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)
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:
Further Events & Community Activities across the Borough
Exciting Opportunity: Co-Chair of the Age Friendly Partnership!
Are you passionate about making Stockport a great place to age well?
The Stockport Age Friendly Partnership is seeking a Co-Chair with lived experience to help shape a brighter future for people of all ages in our borough.
Training: Family Foundations Antenatal Course
Details from Stockport Council
Family Foundations is a new free antenatal course for couples expecting their first baby. Couples and co-parents can attend these informal two-hour evening sessions.
The first course starts on 6 March and includes four sessions before and three sessions after birth.
If you'd like more information, fill in the Family Foundations form. You can also ask your midwife or the Family Hubs for more details.
Get Involved: NIHR Committee Opening
Details from the National Institute of Health & Care Research (NIHR)
The NIHR (National Institute of Health & Care Research) are looking for members of the public to join their NIHR committees. As a public committee member you'll need to have a broad interest in and knowledge of health, social care and/or actions to improve public health and address health and care inequalities.
You don’t need to have a scientific or academic background to help shape research. They're looking for members of the public from all backgrounds and communities who are able to use their own experiences to improve the research that NIHR wish to fund.
To find out more visit the Public Committee Member page of the NIHR website.
Get Involved: Become an NIHR BioResource Volunteer
Details from the National Institute of Health & Care Research (NIHR)
The NIHR (National Institute of Health & Care Research) are looking for BioResource volunteers with an interest in health research to join their advisory group. They are especially looking for people impacted by health inequalities, such as:
- Members of minority ethnic groups
- LGBTQ+ individuals
- People living with physical and cognitive disabilities
- People on lower incomes
For further information or to register, email shayna.rodriguez@bioresource.nihr.ac.uk .
Job Opportunity: Social Worker
Details from Stockport Council
Stockport Council are looking for a social worker who is motivated to get the people of Stockport the care they need. They're looking for someone who is a qualified and experienced social worker with knowledge and passion about mental health social work.
Training & Skills Support: WorkWell
Details from Stockport Council
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.
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 Who Talk
North West Ambulance Service
Your Call - Issue 23 (February 2025) by NWAmbulance - Issuu
Sector 3
Starting Point
Stockport Council
Information and Advice
For up to date health and social care information, signposting and guidance, call Healthwatch Stockport on
0161 974 0753 10am - 2pm
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.
