Healthwatch Round Up - 13 March 2025
Welcome to this week's Healthwatch Stockport Information Round-up!
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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)
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
Final Days - Have Your Say: NHS Adult Hearing Services
Tomorrow (14 March) is the final day to share your feedback about NHS Adult Hearing Services in Stockport. Have you or your loved ones used this service in the past 12 months?
This is a key piece of work for us at the moment, so 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.
Prefer to provide feedback offline? Call us and our team can fill it out with you over the phone.
The survey closes on 16 March.
Healthwatch Articles & Advice You May Have Missed
Please see the latest news, advice and support articles from us and Healthwatch England.
New research calls for pocket-sized cards to support NHS patients with trauma
Nearly a fifth of people who have experienced trauma say they often avoid health services. Read the article
What support can I get as a carer?
Someone I love has died - where can I find support
Check out our website for more news, advice and informative articles.
Healthwatch to 'Put the Spring into Stockport'
There's less than one month to go! 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. It’s a drop-in event but 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. We'll be sharing more details on our socials too so give us a follow!
One Stockport Learning Disability Strategy 2025-2030
Details from Stockport Council
The new strategy aims to help people with learning disabilities lead happier, healthier, and more independent lives. Developed with input from individuals with learning disabilities, the strategy emphasises inclusion, accessibility, and reducing inequalities, and prioritises person-centred care, better healthcare access, and supportive housing.
Together, we’re building a community where everyone feels they belong. If you’d like to get involved, contact Richard Currie, Working Together Lead, to join Stockport's 'Making it Real Board' or 'Learning Disability Board'.
Have Your Say: An NHS GM Fit For the Future
Details from NHS Greater Manchester (Stockport locality)
There’s only a few days to get involved in NHS Greater Manchester’s (NHS GM) public conversations about making the NHS Fit for the Future in Stockport and Greater Manchester.
This third and final discussion is about how the NHS can help people to stay well, prevent ill health and how it should work with communities in the future. So, whether you've been involved so far or not, this is your last chance to have your say.
Fill in the 'Happy healthy lives' survey by Sunday 16 March.
This will bring a six-month discussion across the whole of Greater Manchester to a close. Many of you will have had your say on the financial difficulties faced by our local health and care organisations, what a good service should look like as well as sharing many of your personal experiences.
Findings will be reviewed and published on the NHS GM website. Watch this space for updates!
Have Your Say: Final Views for NHS 10 Year Plan
Details from Healthwatch England and NHS
In addition to the NHS Greater Manchester Happy healthy lives' survey, a new survey has been published on Change.NHS.uk, focusing on ideas that emerged from the national engagement process to help finalise the 10-Year Health Plan. This focuses on priorities for change.
The survey will close on Friday, 14 April.
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.”
Hearing Care: A Focus on Sign Language Week
Details from British Deaf Association & Healthwatch Stockport
At Healthwatch Stockport, we're focusing our attentions on hearing services as one of work programmes. Although we're not looking at sign language specifically, it's an area we want to highlight to raise awareness in support of people with hearing loss or deafness.
March 17 - 23 is Sign Language Week – www.signlanguageweek.org.uk
The aim of the week is to encourage people of all ages to take up British Sign Language (BSL), realise the importance of BSL, and how awareness can make a big difference. In April 2022 a Bill to recognise British Sign Language as a language of England, Wales and Scotland was passed by the UK Government
See this video from Signature Deaf, which shares everyday words in BSL
Hearing Care: Signhealth BSL Health Videos
Details from SignHealth
RNID 'Stop the block' Campaign for Better Ear Care
Details from RNID
RNID have released their latest report about NHS ear wax removal services. Their research reveals that 8.3 million people in the UK are without access to wax removal if they need it with 43% of Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) unable to provide this essential service.
As a result, people can face painful symptoms, delayed audiology care, and even an impact on their mental health challenges.
RNID are running their #StopTheBlock campaign for better ear care for all and ensure everyone has access to a free NHS wax removal service, when they need it.
From collaborating on the first cochlear implant in the UK, to campaigning for the Government’s first BSL Act in 2022, RNID have been helping people with hearing loss for over 100 years – and changed the lives of millions. Their key achievements also include successfully lobbying the NHS to provide free hearing aids in 1948 and hearing-screening for newborn babies in 2000.
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: Learning Disabilities Improvement Standards Review
Details from NHS England
Have your say in the National Learning Disabilities Improvement Standards Review: Family/Carer survey. Your feedback is really important and will help NHS England to improve the experiences of people with learning disabilities and/or autistic people receiving care from the NHS.
To ensure the NHS understand people's experiences with hospital services they're keen to hear from relatives and family carers of people with learning disabilities and/or autistic people who have used a hospital service in the last year. The survey will take around 5 minutes.
Closing date: 31 March.
Have Your Say: Neurodiversity
Details from Stockport Council
As part of Stockport’s all-age autism strategy, Stockport Council would like to engage with mums of neurodivergent children and young people. They're keen to understand more about their pregnancy journeys and the key themes they'd like us to include in this upcoming training for maternity healthcare staff. Please take a few minutes to complete a short questionnaire.
Free Dementia Clinics Launched
Details from Dementia United
Dementia UK has partnered with Nationwide Building Society to offer FREE dementia clinics, delivered by specialist Admiral Nurses, in over 200 locations across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales every week.
This initiative provides 600+ face-to-face appointments per month in Nationwide Building Society branches, offering expert support to individuals and families affected by dementia.
Find more information and book an appointment: www.dementiauk.org/information-and-support/how-we-can-support-you/admiral-nurse-clinics/nationwide/
For further details, email Julie Allen at julie.allen@dementiauk.org.
Stop Loan Sharks – Protecting from Illegal Lending
Details from Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust
Stop Loan Sharks investigates and prosecutes illegal money lenders while providing essential support to borrowers across the UK. Their trained staff offer both emotional and practical assistance to those affected.
The UK government estimates that 1.08 million people in the UK are using a loan shark. Vulnerable individuals are at higher risk of becoming victims, making it crucial for frontline staff to be aware of the Stop Loan Sharks team and know how to report concerns.
You can call Stop Loan Shark on 0300 555 222 or use a Live Chat to report concerns, seeking advice, or discussing how to support those affected.
Visit their website: Home - Stop Loan Sharks
Two Organisations New to Good Employment Charter
Details from Great Manchester Integrated Care
The Good Employment Charter (GEC) has announced two new organisations have joined as members in the health and care sector across Greater Manchester. Congratulations to Mastercall Healthcare who provide a range of ‘out of hospital’ healthcare services in the North West and Pure Innovations, a charity dedicated to supporting people with disabilities or health-related issues to live a fulfilling life.
The health and care sector membership now includes 22 employers across Greater Manchester, contributing to a total of over 170 supporters and members, compared with just two members back in 2022. The announcement is available on the GEC YouTube channel
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
Vaccinations if You're Pregnant
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
Getting vaccinated when you're pregnant helps protect you and your baby. The NHS offers pregnant people vaccinations that help protect them and their babies during and after pregnancy.
Vaccines help the body’s natural defence system (the immune system) to develop protective antibodies. For more information search 'NHS Pregnancy Vaccinations'
Support to Quit Smoking
Details from Stockport Council
No Smoking Day was on 12 March - a day to remind everyone about the incredible benefits of quitting smoking and the support available to help you towards a healthier, smoke-free life.
Quitting smoking can improve your lung function, reduce your risk of heart disease, and save you around £2,000 a year. Contact the START team:
0161 474 3141
More info Stop smoking - Healthy Stockport or download the quit smoking app at Quit smoking - Better Health - NHS.
Greek Street Work Explained in New Video
Details from Stockport Council
A CGI video of a major bridge replacement scheme in Stockport town centre has been revealed. A 3D, computer generated video, explains how engineers will demolish and rebuild the Greek Street roundabout in Stockport, which crosses Europe’s busiest mix-used railway. The video has been revealed by Network Rail ahead of the closure of the roundabout from 31 March.
Greek Street work explained in new video - Stockport Council
Stockport Marks Three Years of Ukraine
Details from Stockport Council
Residents, Ukrainian guests, representatives from the Association of Ukrainians and local councillors from Stockport recently came together to mark three years since the war of Ukraine began.
Over the past three years, more than 450 people - many of whom are women and children and fleeing destroyed homes and terror - have been welcomed to Stockport as part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme, with many residents generously hosting our Ukrainian guests. A number have since returned to their homes, although the need for safe accommodation remains urgent.
Stockport Council continues to appeal for more residents to come forward as hosts – for more information visit the government website here.
Open Door 24/7 Helpline to Close
Details from Open Door
The Open Door 24/7 helpline (0800 138 7276) will no longer be in operation as of 1 April 2025.
Their face to face drop in service will still be available for Stockport residents to access.
If you need 24/7 mental health support, please contact:
111 option 2
Samaritans: 116 123
The Open Door team is still here to support you. If you need more information about their services, please visit: www.makingspace.co.uk/support-for-carers/open-door
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 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.
Digital Care Revolution: Enhancing Your Health in Stockport
Details from Stockport NHS Foundation Trust
Stockport NHS Foundation Trust is holding a 'Health Talk' to showcase a range of innovative digital work that is happening at the Trust including how they're using technology to help patients to stay out of hospital, supporting early identification of deteriorating health in patients and using artificial intelligence
Joining them are representatives from community organisations including DigiKnow and Age UK Stockport who'll be on hand to offer advice on a range of digital support services available for residents and patients.
For further details, visit the website www.stockport.nhs.uk/events
To register your place, email membership@stockport.nhs.uk by Monday 24 March.
Event details:
Wednesday 26 March, 2:30pm - 4pm
Pinewood Education Centre, Stepping Hill Hospital, Stockport
Playful Early Development Event
Details from Home Start
Home Start Greater Manchester are thrilled to be hosting international early childhood development expert Dr. Dan Wuori in Manchester!
About Dr Dan Wouri: known worldwide for his social media content showcasing how babies learn through play. With over 250k followers, this work was profiled in The New York Times, which called his X account “a font of delight and edification… educational....”
His book The Daycare Myth: What We Get Wrong About Early Care and Education (and What We Should Do About It) was released in September 2024.
Dr. Wuori’s work illustrates how playful interactions—whether stacking blocks, singing songs, or exploring the world together—help build language, motor skills, and emotional intelligence and resilience in young children. His work resonates with parents, early years professionals, and policymakers, as it explores how the everyday joy of play is at the heart of early childhood development.
The event will include a talk by Dr Wuori followed by a panel discussion with Dr Wuori and:
- Rachel Hover - MMU and Phd
- Miriam Loxham - GMCA Lead for Early Years
- Dr. Madeline Marczak - Principle Clinical Psychologist - The Children & Parents Service (CAPS) – Parent and Infant Relationship Service (PAIRS)
- Katie Reed - Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist/ Clinical Lead - Tameside and Glossop Early Attachment Service
- Rebecca Shirt - Paediatric Speech and Language Therapist
- Eve Commis - Home-Start HOST - Play, Learn, Grow
- Kieran Anders - Dad Matters
Event Details
Monday 24 March, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Friends Meeting House, 6 Mount St, Manchester, M2 5NS
Home Start want this event to be accessible to everyone so if you'd like to come but need a free or reduced ticket, email janeordaz@homestarthost.org.uk
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
Further Events & Community Activities across the Borough
Job Opportunity: Healthwatch in Greater Manchester
Details from Healthwatch in Greater Manchester
Healthwatch Greater Manchester are recruiting an Administration and Data Officer to support the vital work in amplifying the voices of people across Greater Manchester in health and social care.
If you have strong organisational skills, experience in data handling, and administrative support, they’d love to hear from you! Key Responsibilities include data management, administrative support, helping drive the mission in health and social care advocacy.
Download the application pack
Deadline for applications: 28 March.
Send your CV and covering letter to: danielle.ruane@healthwatchingm.co.uk
Exciting Opportunity: Lived Experience Co-chair of Stockport’s Autism Partnership Board
Are you passionate about making Stockport a better place to work and live for our autistic community? Stockport’s Autism Partnership Board is seeking a Co-Chair with lived experience to help shape a brighter future for autistic people in our borough.
Stockport’s Autism Partnership Board is made up of a group of people who work together to help make the lives of autistic adults, children, young people, and their families better. This includes individuals with lived experience
As Co-Chair you will work alongside the current chair to:
- Contribute to developing and delivering plans to support the Autism Strategy
- Ensure local autistic voices and their families are heard, across all ages
This is a paid role (through your choice of bank transfer or voucher payments) under Stockport Council’s Working Together Policy. £15 per hour.
Apply by: 31 March
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. The closing date is 2 April.
Volunteer: Stockport Women And Girls Network (SWAG)
Details from SWAG
The Stockport Women And Girls Network is calling for volunteers to get involved and help to keep this invaluable network running.
They need volunteers who can do the following: Social media, graphic design, website managers, community reporters, event coordinators, fundraisers and general admin.
To make a difference, email: stockportswagn@gmail.com
Summer JobS: GMYN Information Session
Details from Sector 3
The Greater Manchester Youth Network (GMYN) Summer Jobs Programme is a six-week initiative for young people aged 16-20 at risk of violence, helping them gain skills, confidence, and a brighter future.
The information session is on 3 April, from 12 noon – 1pm.
The programme will run during the summer holidays and includes:
- 1 preparation week - 21 -25 July; 5 weeks of paid work experience
- Full time (25hrs) from 28 July – 29 August
- Wraparound support from a youth worker including in placement 1:1s; and celebration event
Register your place at GMYN’s information session here
Free Workplace Menopause Training
Details from Stockport Mind
Stockport and District Mind along with four neighbouring local Minds is running a Menopause Project to raise support through workplace training, mindfulness courses, and culturally appropriate awareness sessions.
Free workplace training is available to Small to Medium Sized Enterprises in Greater Manchester with less than 250 employees and a turnover of £50m or less, who may otherwise struggle to access training due to funding or resources.
Sessions are available for managers and for employees to develop a deeper understanding of how menopause may affect colleagues. They include how to implement adjustments and help employees feel better informed about menopausal symptoms.
Current funding runs until the end of March 2025 to provide this free training and they have spaces on their last sessions until this date. Why not book today to secure your place!
Employees: Tuesday 18 March: 1pm – 2.30pm
Managers: Wednesday 19 March: 1pm – 3pm
For information visit: www.gmmind.org.uk/menopause-project/menopause-workplace/
Training: Multiply Project – Building Essential Life Skills
Details from Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust
Stockport Continuing Education Service is offering the Multiply Project to help residents improve confidence in everyday number skills, such as managing household bills, budgeting for shopping, following recipes, understanding transport timetables etc. This is a great opportunity, especially for those who may struggle with daily tasks due to mental health challenges.
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
For Men Who Talk
Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership
Kings Trust Newsletter
Upcoming courses from The King's Trust
ND Matters
North West Ambulance Service
Your Call - Issue 23 (February 2025) by NWAmbulance - Issuu
Sector 3
Starting Point
Stockport Council
Stockport Libraries Newsletter
Libraries Newsletter March 2025
Stockport Post Community Newspaper
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.
