Healthwatch Round Up - 10 April 2025
Welcome to this week's Healthwatch Stockport Information Round-up!
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#TeamHealthwatchStockport
We were thrilled to host our ‘Putting the Spring into Stockport’ wellbeing fun day on 8 April. Over 40 health and wellbeing local organisations came together to showcase their services, help our local community and work together to support better health and social care. From interactive activities to wellbeing taster sessions, from Daisy First Aid, Life Leisure, Dementia Disco and more — the day was filled with fun, energy, tons of advice and knowledge sharing ....and of course, our birthday cake!
Thank you to the team at Stockport’s Guildhall, the amazing health and care services and community groups who helped us to make our event a success, and those who came along.
Coming up: to help raise awareness of Autism Acceptance Month, the Healthwatch Stockport will be walking 5k on Friday 25 April.
Focus On: Autism Awareness Month
World Autism Awareness Month offers a valuable opportunity to deepen understanding of autism and discover ways to support autistic people.
Healthwatch Stockport is committed to improving health and social care services for everyone in the community. As part of this commitment, we will be launching a new work programme reviewing accessibility to primary care with additional needs, such as autism.
You can share your feedback with us:
info@healthwatchstockport.co.uk
In addition, and to raise awareness, Cheryl Knupfer from Stockport Council is raising money for the National Autistic Society, by running the London Marathon on 27 April.
2025tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/cheryl-knupfer
Healthwatch Articles & Advice You May Have Missed
Please see the latest news, advice and support articles from us and Healthwatch England.
Your right to an NHS dentist
Read the article
Healthwatch England response to the latest British Social Attitudes Survey results
Protections on NHS letter delivery agreed between Royal Mail, NHS leaders and patient bodies
Deal reached to provide extra funding for pharmacies
Read the article
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
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!
Living Well is part of Greater Manchester’s Community Mental Health Transformation, a commitment to improve the accessibility, quality, and impact of mental health care.
What does the Living Well model aim to do?
- Provide easy access to personalised care and support
- Empower individuals to manage their mental health
- Involve people’s lived experience in shaping services
- Connect primary and secondary services
- Work together with local groups and volunteer services
How can I contribute?
To share your experiences or to get involved with the programme, contact Maya:
maya@healthwatchstockport.co.uk
0161 974 0753 (Tuesday to Thursday)
Complete our quick survey here
Your voice matters! Get involved in shaping the future of mental health services in Stockport.
Have Your Say: Wayfinding & Signage at Stepping Hill Hospital (closes 11 April)
Details from Stockport NHS Foundation Trust
Urgent call out - have your say by Friday 11 April.
Stockport NHS Foundation Trust’s Estates & Facilities teams have started a new project to improve wayfinding and signage across Stepping Hill Hospital’s main site.
Navigating the hospital can sometimes be tricky, and the current signs are in need of improvement. With new facilities and site moves at the hospital, this is more important now than ever.
The team want to make sure that improvements made are truly helpful, and the best people to help are those who experience them every day. Whether you’re a patient, visitor, or staff member, your feedback is invaluable.
If you can take a moment to complete the survey and help create a better environment for all who visit and work here, this will be much appreciated.
The survey link is for site visitors; including patients, visitors, contractors, and delivery couriers etc. A separate survey is being shared for trust staff and volunteers.
Have Your Say: Final Views for NHS 10 Year Plan
Details from Healthwatch England and NHS
The last Change.NHS.uk survey closes on 14 April so is your final chance to have your say. This survey focuses on ideas that emerged from the national engagement process to help finalise the 10-Year Health Plan and 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!
Have Your Say: Shape the National Cancer Plan
Details from Prostate Cancer UK
Don't forget to have your say..... the Government is setting out a programme of reforms to the health service and as part of this, it’s developing a national cancer plan for England.
Ministers want to find out how they can improve outcomes for cancer patients, speed up diagnosis and treatment, and make the best use of new technology to save lives.
What can I do to help shape the national cancer plan? To share your views and suggestions, you can complete a survey on the Government’s website.
The survey closes on Tuesday 29 April.
When you’re completing the survey, you might like to consider: What changes you’d like to see, are there any personal experiences that have informed your view? and in what ways might these changes improve cancer care for people in the future?
Stress Awareness: Making Small Changes
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
As a reminder, Stress Awareness Month is a great time to start making some small changes that could have a big difference all year round. Stress is our body’s reaction to feeling threatened or under pressure. Too much can affect our mood, our body and our relationships.
Visit the Greater Manchester Integrated Care's 'Stress less' page for more information about stress, tips to manage your stress and information about services and support available.
NHS Dentist Treatment Charges
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
NHS England announced that the cost of NHS dental treatment for patients increased on 1 April 2025. In England, you'll pay one of the band charges depending on the dental treatment that you need.
Dental treatments are grouped into three bands, and each band has a different cost. If you need a mix of treatments from different bands, you’ll pay for the cost of the highest band of treatment you’re having.
If you need a mix of treatments from the same band, you’ll only pay the band charge once.
- Band 1 and urgent care, will go up from £26.80 to £27.40
- Band 2, will go up from £73.50 to £75.30
- Band 3: will go up from £319.10 to £326.70
Ensure MMR Vaccinations Are Up to Date
NHS Greater Manchester
Measles is an infectious disease that can lead to serious complications, especially in young children and those with weakened immune systems. Make sure you and your loved ones are up to date with your MMR jabs or catch up on missed doses.
Armed Forces Covenant Roadmap
Details from Greater Manchester Combined Authority
This week marked the launch and signing of the Armed Forces Covenant Roadmap. This formalises the way in which partners across the City Region come together to make Greater Manchester the best place in the UK for the Armed Forces Community to live.
The Armed Forces Covenant aims to ensure:
- Those who serve, or have served, and their families, are treated fairly.
- The Armed Forces Community should not face disadvantage compare to other citizens in the provision of services.
- Military service and the sacrifice inherent in it should be recognised.
Find out more on their Facebook page
Get To Know Where To Go Spring 2025!
Details from Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership - GMICB
With the bank holidays approaching, NHS Greater Manchester is ensuring that everyone knows where to go for the care they need and sharing a few important tips:
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Check how much medication you have at home before the long weekend. If you need to order more, put your request in asap 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? Your local pharmacy can see you without an appointment and recommend over-the-counter medicines. Remember to check their bank holiday opening times.
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When you use the right NHS service, you get the right treatment sooner. If you’re not sure where to go, visit 111.nhs.uk (available 24/7, all year).
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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 services there to help. Find the right urgent and emergency services for your needs.
NHS Bookings - Spring Covid Vaccinations
Details from Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership
Eligible people can 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 to book, visit the NHS website, use the NHS App or call 119. Housebound people will get their vaccination in a visit from their GP surgery. Walk-in appointments are available every day, with a list of local locations on the NHS finder.
Get Involved: Help Shape a Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign
Details from Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance
Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance is looking for women from different backgrounds to take part in focus groups to help shape an important breast cancer campaign. They're looking for people who've not previously had a diagnosis of breast cancer to take part in this work.
Your insights and lived experiences will help them to create some new materials for a campaign to raise awareness about breast cancer in a way that truly resonate with people.
How it works:
- Participants will receive a £40 shopping voucher as a thank you for their time.
- Focus groups will last between 60-90 minutes. Some will be online and some in-person.
- Sessions will be friendly, informal discussions where they’ll listen to your thoughts on how best to talk about checking your breasts/chest and the signs and symptoms of breast cancer
- This work is being carried out in partnership with an agency called Claremont
Eligibility:
- Women aged 40-50 (from any ethnic background)
- Women aged 71+ (from any ethnic background)
- Black women aged 40-75
- South Asian women aged 40-75
How to get involved:
For any questions, contact francesca.butcher@claremont.org.uk
Stockport Trials Social Prescribing to Improve Wellbeing
Details from Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership
Stockport is trialling a new way of improving residents’ mental and physical wellbeing focusing on physical activity through a social prescribing scheme. Stockport Council is delivering the 'Wellbeing Prescription' in partnership with Life Leisure, Age UK Stockport, Viaduct Care CIC, and local GP surgeries in Brinnington and Bramhall.
The prescription connects people to activities, groups, and services in their community to meet the practical, social and emotional needs that affect their health and wellbeing.
One Stockport resident to have benefitted from the social prescribing scheme, sought help from her Brinnington GP surgery to lose weight and improve her fitness. With the support of the Wellbeing Prescription, she joined the weekly confidence walks and community gym sessions at Life Leisure, which are gentle introductions to exercise in a friendly and social environment
NHS Greater Manchester Wellbeing Resources
Details from Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership
Across Greater Manchester, we understand the importance of finding the right wellbeing support when you need it. Over recent months, there have been updates to the support and provision available, and NHS Greater Manchester have captured these in the refreshed GM Wellbeing & Mental Health Support Links. See the linked document for details.
You can find links to mental health support, financial wellbeing, domestic or gender-based violence, talking therapies, bereavement services or support.
For more information, contact the wellbeing team on gmhscp.gmworkingtogether@nhs.net
Services: Stockport SEND
Details from Stockport SEND
Are you a parent or carer of a child with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in Stockport?
Discover a range of support services tailored to assist you and your family. From educational resources to community events, 'Stockport’s SEND Local Offer' provides comprehensive information to help you navigate available support.
Services: Offering Parenting Support
Details from Stockport Council
One Stockport Family Hubs have pulled together a range of resources, services and organisations that can help parents and carers to understand their child and strengthen their relationship with them on the Parenting Support web page. Support includes:
- Stockport Empowering Parents, Empowering Communities (EPEC) - offer a mixture of workshops and courses, virtual and face to face, helping parents to learn practical communication skills essential for navigating everyday challenges and nurturing confident, happy and cooperative children.
- Essential Parent - a digital library of information, videos and resources to support parents of babies and children through to teenagers. Professionals such as midwives, health visitors and school nurses use Essential Parent to send out key information to parents and most information is available in other languages
- In our place - offer a range of online courses for parents and carers to complete in their own time, as well as courses for teenagers to help understand their own development. Some courses that have been translated into other languages.
One Stockport Family Hubs are a 'one-stop-shop' for support with children and young people from pre-birth up to age 19, or 25 for young adults with SEND. One Stockport Family Hubs support is accessible online 24/7 or call in at your local One Stockport Family Hub in your community. Family Hubs, open to all families across Stockport, are located at:
Westmorland Drive, Brinnington, SK5 8HH
Garners Lane, Adswood, SK3 8QW
Abingdon Road, Reddish, SK5 7EU
Trained staff at local libraries, Life Leisure Hubs, and Stockport Homes can also help you access support.
Proposed Changes to Disability Benefits
Details from Citizen's Advice Stockport
The Citizens Advice Stockport has published their latest blog, which shares a breakdown of the proposed changes to disability benefits. Thank you to the team for this blog.
Service Overview: We Are Survivors
Details from Pennine Care Foundation Trust
We are Survivors is a survivor focused voluntary sector organisation that aims to create and facilitate safe spaces for male (including trans and non-binary individuals) survivors of sexual abuse, rape and sexual exploitation across Greater Manchester providing to access quality assured support.
Online Referral Form - We Are Survivors
Visit their website here Support Services - We Are Survivors where you can find a diagram that explain their three steps services.
Service Overview: Virtual Village Hall
Virtual Village Hall offers you a programme of themed online sessions led by expert tutors, Royal Voluntary Service activity coordinators and volunteers.
The activities are designed for people to do at home so they can enjoy the things they love and maybe even learn some new skills! These include yoga, listening books Q & A, flower illustration, French for beginners, Bollywood exercise, cooking and so much more.
Check out their Facebook: www.facebook.com/watch/VirtualVillageHall/
Service Overview: 42nd Street Online Chat Support
Details from Pennine NHS Foundation Trust
42nd Street is an innovative Greater Manchester young people’s mental health charity. Their mission is to support people age 13-25 by offering a choice of effective, young person-centred and rights based approaches.
They offer online support in the wider Greater Manchester area where young people can access support online in a text-box. There are two forms of online support to choose from. These are:
Weekly message: involves sending messages to a worker during the week, then receiving a message back from them at agreed time each week. Young person can read and reply to their response at any time throughout the following week.
Live text chat: chatting live with a worker at agreed time during the week. These regular sessions last for about 1 hour.
Those two forms can also be combined. Online support typically lasts between 6-12 weeks.
For Stockport, available support is online only.
42nd Street | Webchat online support |
TheTeam@42ndstreet.org.uk for any direct enquiries.
‘Let’s Talk Boobs’ Workshop
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
Please see flyer for ‘Lets Talk Boobs’ workshop for women with learning disabilities. This is aimed at women aged 49 - 70 years old.
Easter Community Lunch
ARC's Art Spa is Back!
Details from ARC
This year ARC are celebrating 30 years of improving mental health through creativity, so this will be a fantastic fundraiser event.
Treat yourself and boost your wellbeing with an evening where you can enjoy a free drink and canapes on arrival, enjoy four artist-led creative activities and a chance to win a hamper in their raffle.
All money raised from ticket sales will help ARC to continue delivering our amazing life-changing programmes.
Thursday 22 May, 6pm - 9pm
For details and to book, visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1292622100499
Mental Health Community Fair
There will be a 'Mental Health Awareness Fair' at Merseyway Shopping Centre next month.
12 and 13 May,10am – 2pm
The event is being organised by the VCFSE (Voluntary, Community, Faith, Social Enterprise) Mental Health Network. We'll share more details soon.
Further Events & Community Activities across the Borough
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 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
Diabetes UK
Diabetes UK Team North Health System Update
Greater Manchester Integrated Care
Sector 3
GM Live Well and the VCFSE sector, grant management toolkit and more
Starting Point
Stockport Council
Stockport Race & Equality News
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.
