Healthwatch Round Up - 27 March 2025
Welcome to this week's Healthwatch Stockport Information Round-up!
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#TeamHealthwatchStockport
Another busy week here at Healthwatch Stockport with the second half of our staff team completing their suicide awareness training. A really valuable and informative session!
Maya, our Mental Health Engagement Officer, was invited to attend a Pennine Care Foundation Trust Quality site visit with Greater Manchester ICB at the Meadows, Davenport Ward. She spent time talking to patients, carers and staff gathering their experiences.
Alison attended the Bosden Farm Knit and Natter group on Friday. After sharing our work and impact on our local health and social care services, she was able to get some key feedback on services.
Suzi went along to the Mix and Mingle at The Olive Branch in Edgeley this Thursday. She had a great chat with the local residents, finding out about their experiences and sharing how we can support them with our Information and Advice Service.
If you know of any groups who would like us to attend, let us know!
April marks the start of Autism Awareness Month! Find us at events including Stockport Council's Autism Awareness Stall Event, Wednesday 2 April at Ladybridge Connect Ivy Café. Further details can be found in the events section below.
Issue 7 of 'INFORM' Newsletter Now Available!
We've published Issue 7 of our 'INFORM' newsletter – the Spring 2025 edition!
This issue has a fresh new look and features what we’ve been up to; our focus on local NHS Hearing services, our findings around continence care, interviews with then team and members, and so much more.
Enjoy a read at your leisure and please share the link with colleagues, family and friends!
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
Healthwatch Articles & Advice You May Have Missed
Please see the latest news, advice and support articles from us and Healthwatch England.
HAVE YOUR SAY: Pharmacy Needs Assessment, A Big Thank You! We have recently been asking you to have your say on the pharmacy services in Stockport. The survey has now closed and we're pleased to report that Stockport residents gave 171 responses and was one of the highest response rates across Greater Manchester!
FOCUS ON: Living Well in Stockport Model: Stockport has seen a significant increase in the diagnosis of serious mental health conditions in recent times. This has led to the development of the Living Well In Stockport Model. We need your lived experience feedback to help support this!
Check out our website for more news, advice and informative articles.
'Putting the Spring into Stockport': Interactive Activities Announced!
It's not long until our exciting Wellbeing Fun Day at the Guildhall! As you know we have been busy making arrangements to bring together a wide range of local wellbeing services and interactive activities. We're now excited to share with you some of the activities that will be happening throughout the day!
A Strain on Sight: Healthwatch England Share Findings
Last week we shared Healthwatch England's report which warns of how long waits for eye care are having a huge impact on people's daily lives.
You can now read peoples own eye care stories form their perspective.
Watch our new videos!
Healthwatch England have released some great new videos which explain all about Healthwatch and the work we do. Watch them here:
- Who are Healthwatch?
- Do you know sharing your healthcare experiences can help improve health and social care service?
New Report: Women's Health Includes Healthwatch Evidence
The report, published by The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Sexual and Reproductive Health (APPG on SRH), highlights urgent issues related to women’s reproductive healthcare across the UK. The report explores how the system’s design and delivery results in a postcode lottery of essential health services across England and outlines a roadmap for solutions.
Breast Cancer Screening Fact sheet
Healthwatch Stockport have been working on a series of screening programme fact sheets. Following the launch of our first fact sheet for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm screening last month, we're proud to launch our second - for Breast Cancer screening.
Our fact sheets are designed to give you quick access to the information you need around different types of screening. We're currently working on the following: Bowel, Cervical and Diabetic eye screening, and the Prostate programme. All of which will be added to our website soon.
Get To Know Where To Go Spring 2025!
(Details from Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership - GMICB)
That time of year is approaching – the days are getting longer, we’re starting to defrost from winter and there are a string of bank holidays to look forward to. Spring can however be a pressured time for health services.
With the bank holidays only weeks away, NHS Greater Manchester is planting the seed to make sure that everyone knows where to go for the care they need, and there are a few important tips to remember:
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Do you take regular medicines on a repeat prescription? If so it’s a good idea to check how much you have at home before the long weekend. If you need to order more, put your request in at least two weeks before you expect to run out of a particular medicine, to avoid any complications or delays.
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Did you know your pharmacist can give you expert advice on treating minor illnesses or injuries? So, if you find yourself with a sore throat or your little one is teething, your community pharmacy can see you without an appointment and recommend over-the-counter medicines they can also prescribe medicines for some conditions too. Just remember to check their bank holiday opening times.
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Not sure which NHS service you need? When you use the right NHS service, you get the right treatment sooner. If you’re not sure what to do or where to go, go to 111.nhs.uk. It’s available 24/7, 365 days a year.
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Need urgent care? Whether you have a pain in your gums, have a sudden change in your vision or need support for a mental health crisis, there are local services there to help. Find the right urgent and emergency services for your needs.
Virtual House: How You Can 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 Active This April!
Details from Bowel Cancer UK
This spring, Bowel Cancer UK are encouraging you to join ActiveApril. Do something active every day in April and raise money to support people affected by bowel cancer.
Whether you challenge yourself to reach a fitness goal or get active in your own way, every movement in ActiveApril brings us closer to a future where nobody dies of the disease. Move for a cause.
Visit their website to find out more!
Bowel Cancer UK Visits Stockport County!
(Details from Bowel Cancer UK)
If you're visiting Stockport County Football Ground this Saturday 29 March (11am - 1:30pm) or Wednesday 2 April (10am - 12pm) head round to visit the Bowel Caner UK team who will be there to raise awareness of bowel cancer and it's symptoms. Ask questions, share worries; the team are there to help. Keep your eye out for the giant inflatable bowel!
WorkWell UK Service: For Those Who Are Recently Unemployed Or At Risk of Losing Their Job.
(Details from Stockport Council)
This specialist service is a Government funded initiative that will run until March 2026, supporting over 800 Stockport residents.
It's a free service and the WorkWell team will help you stay in work or return to work if you’ve had to give up your job due to a health-related condition. This includes self-employed workers.
Find out more and see if you can apply
NHS Bookings Open for Spring Covid Vaccinations
(Details from Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership - GMICB)
The NHS national booking system opens today for up to 7.5 million eligible people to book their spring Covid-19 vaccination.
Appointments run from 1 April until 17 June for the following eligible groups:
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adults aged 75 and over
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residents in care homes for older adults
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people aged 6 months and over, with a weakened immune system
Check your eligibility on the NHS website.
Eligible people will be contacted by the NHS via text, email, NHS App messages or letters, but you don't need to wait for an invite to book - you can visit the NHS website, use the NHS App or call 119 to book. Housebound people will get their vaccination in a visit from their GP surgery.
Walk-in appointments are also available every day, with a full list of local locations available on the NHS finder.
Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) on last year's spring Covid-19 vaccination programme showed that those who received a vaccine were more than 40% less likely to be admitted to hospital with Covid-19 for up to two months after vaccination, compared to those who did not receive one.
HAVE YOUR SAY: Understanding How Health Conditions Affect Black Communities – IBHO
(Details from NIHR)
A research team based at the Manchester Royal Infirmary is supporting a study to improve our understanding of how health conditions affect black communities - including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and sickle cell disease.
Visit their website to find out more!
Tax Credits Exemption Ending: Check You Are Still Eligible
(Details from Community Pharmacy England)
From 6 April 2025, patients who hold a tax credit exemption certificate will no longer receive automatic entitlement to free NHS prescriptions under the ‘Tax Credit exemption certificate’ category. This is because HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) will be ending tax credit payments on 5 April 2025.
Stockport Social Group is Closing
(Details from NHS England)
Sadly, this group is closing. If you know of anyone who might attend, check that they are aware.
Closing Soon! 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 31 March.
Autism Acceptance Month Stall Event
(Details from Stockport Council)
Find out about available support, training and activities and the all-age Autism Strategy. Healthwatch Stockport will be here - come and say hello!
SPARC's Women's Mental Health Group
Details from SPARC
An accessible service open to anyone living in the Stockport area ages 18+, who are struggling with hoarding, clutter and de-cluttering.
Join every Monday from 1pm.
For more information, call SPARC on 0161 429 9744
Wellbeing Via Art!
Details from Stockport NHS Foundation Trust
Trafford and Stockport College Group are offering a series of workshops that let you explore how you can develop your creative mind through mixed media.
30 April - 21 May, 1pm - 3pm
Cheadle College
Living with Arthritis or Chronic Pain?
(Details from Versus Arthritis)
If you or someone you care for is living with arthritis or chronic pain you're welcome along to one of Versus Arthritis talks.
Code 4000 is now available across England!
If you're a female affected by the criminal justice system and are interested in a technology or digital career
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.
Training: Skills for Life - Safeguarding
Details from Healthwatch in Greater Manchester
An accredited course that helps you to learn about the issues and procedures involved in protecting vulnerable adults and children.
Training: Mental Health First Aid
Learn how to identify, understand and help someone who may be experiencing a mental health issue.
Sustainability Project Officer Skills Bootcamp
Looking to get into a career in customer service or project management? This 10 week funded course offered by Generation might be for you!
Webinars: LGBTQ+ Spend Well, Live Well
Details from Forward CIC
Money is personal, but it shouldn't be isolating. Forward CIC are teaming up with True Self Wealth Ltd to bring you four webinars, tackling key financial issues in the LGBTQ+ community - from divorce and partnerships to healthcare and neurodivergent-friendly spending.
23 & 24 April, 8 & 15 May
Online – Join from anywhere!
Sign up now:
Training: Introducing NatWest Thrive Online
Details from Sector 3
Introducing NatWest Thrive Online – an innovative digital learning resource designed for youth workers to help young people develop their financial wellbeing.
The programme consists of six sessions co-designed with young people. The sessions explore topics such as employability, enterprise skills and money management, through a range of games, discussion prompts and other resources
Youth workers can pick and mix from the ready-to-use online sessions – simply register, download and deliver. Visit: training.nya.org.uk/?tenant=thrive and create a new user account.
Download and deliver and you can also claim £150 in amazon vouchers for your organisation!
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
Training: Digital Marketing Skills Bootcamp
This Digital Marketing Skills Bootcamp is for residents of Greater Manchester. Whilst the majority of this course is online, you'll be required to visit Manchester for some in person sessions.
Learn highly in-demand skills in areas such as Google Ads and Facebook Ads, while building knowledge of digital marketing fundamentals.
Course Eligibility:
- Aged between 19 - 40 (must have turned 19 before 31 August 2024)
- Living in Greater Manchester (able to travel to Manchester for in person days)
- Right to work in the UK (full time)
- Lived in UK for at least the last 3 years
- Not in full time work or full time education
- Have not previously started a Skills Bootcamp funded by the DfE since April 2024
If you'd like to refer a customer to this opportunity, please use the link below:
www.jobskilla.co.uk/course/digital-marketing-online-skills-bootcamp-manchester/
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:
Age UK Stockport
Age UK Stockport March Newsletter
For Men Who Talk
Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership
Kings Trust Newsletter
Upcoming courses from The King's Trust
NHS England
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.
