Healthwatch Round Up - 24 April 2025
Welcome to this week's Healthwatch Stockport Information Round-up!
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This week, we've returned refreshed after the Easter Bank holiday weekend and enjoyed sharing and being a part of meetings and forums within the community.
We've recently ventured to the Wellspring homeless charity for a valuable tour, meet some of their service users and to listen to their mental health experiences.
Coming up - Depending on when you're reading this Round up, the team will be walking 5k in support of Autism Awareness week. The walk takes place on Friday 25 April from 11am at Woodbank park.
Healthwatch Articles & Advice You May Have Missed
Please see the latest news, advice and support articles from us and Healthwatch England.
Improving delivery of NHS letters
Read the article
Eye care costs a barrier for people on low incomes
The research shares that an estimated 50% of sight loss is avoidable. That's why it’s vital that people are able to have their eyesight tested regularly and, if there is a problem, get the help they need. Yet the new research found the costs of additional eye care services, such as further tests or non-reflective lens coatings, are likely to stop some people from visiting opticians altogether.
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:
Have Your Say: Adult ADHD Services
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
The Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership want to improve services for adults with ADHD and are running a public consultation until 17 June 2025.
It's an opportunity for people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, their families, carers and professionals to share their own experiences and insights.
The reason for the review: more people are now being referred than adult ADHD services than originally designed for. This means that waiting times are getting longer and because people are not getting support whilst they are waiting, some people are really struggling.
Your thoughts and feedback are important and will help to ensure the right decisions are being made about the future of adult ADHD services.
Further ways to get involved will be shared soon.
Reminder: NHS to Get Own Postage Class
Details from Healthwatch England
The NHS will get its own postage class to help stop late letters leading to missed appointments, after lobbying from us and partner organisations. Under the new plans, specific barcodes will be introduced to automatically identify, separate and process patient letters.
This follows concerns that we and other patient bodies raised with Royal Mail and Ofcom last year in response to proposals to delay bulk mail of NHS appointment letters, and is a great example of us effectively working with others to ensure patient safety.
Recognition: Stockport NHS Receives Regional Award for Tackling Racism
Details from Stockport NHS Foundation Trust
Stockport NHS Foundation Trust has received a Bronze award from the North West Black Asian and Minority Ethnic Assembly for the development of its anti-racist work. The trust, which runs Stepping Hill Hospital and community NHS services, is now currently one of only four NHS trusts in Greater Manchester to achieve a Bronze accreditation.
The North West Black Asian and Minority Ethnic Assembly supports NHS organisations to be unapologetically anti-racist organisations, recognising that racism and discrimination are major drivers behind the health inequalities we still see today.
To gain the award, the Trust demonstrated its extensive action plan to tackle racism. It’s ‘Giving Racism the Red Card’ Yellow and Red Card Policy demonstrates a zero-tolerance attitude to any abuse received by colleagues when providing care.
By also collaborating with the race equality staff network, they've had regular educational and celebratory calendar events. The trust also demonstrated its work in partnership to reduce specific health inequalities, including their response to the maternity needs of asylum seekers in Stockport, plus collaboration with Healthwatch and the Patient Experience Group, to reduce health inequalities.
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.
New Skin Cancer Vaccine Trial
Details from NHS England
Patients with advanced skin cancer are to be fast-tracked into trials of a new cancer vaccine, following the expansion of a world-leading NHS programme. The needle-free injection, which is given for up to two years, works by boosting the immune system and helping it recognise, attack and ‘remember’ cancer cells, to help stop the disease returning.
The Launch Pad has already begun helping thousands of patients to access trials of a personalised vaccine against bowel cancer, with more than 350 patients fast-tracked for consideration, and has now expanded to include a trial for melanoma. Melanoma is the 5th most common cancer in the UK, accounting for around 4% of all new cancer cases – with analysis by Cancer Research UK showing cases had risen by a third between 2009-2019.
Read full announcement on the NHS website
Have Your Say: Shape the National Cancer Plan
Details from Prostate Cancer UK
Don't forget..... 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, you can complete a survey on the Government’s website.
The survey closes on Tuesday 29 April.
Have Your Say: Dementia and Alzheimer’s Support Services (Professionals)
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
The Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board is working with Dementia and Alzheimer’s support services in Stockport to better understand professionals’ knowledge of the support and services available. They're asking people to share how they support individuals with Dementia/Alzheimers.
The closing date is 6 May.
Advice in Brief from the NHS
Details from NHS
What's your heart age? If your heart age is older than your actual age, you could be at increased risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Check your heart age here
Stop Snoring Support: Snoring is very common and is not usually caused by anything serious. Simple lifestyle changes can help stop or reduce snoring. Find out more
Tinnitus Tips: If you have tinnitus, there are things you can try that may help make your symptoms less noticeable. If your tinnitus is bothering you or getting worse, get in touch with your GP. Find out more about symptoms and treatments.
Hayfever Hints: With pollen levels on the rise, NHS Greater Manchester is sharing simple ways to help manage symptoms and side effects. For many people, Hayfever isn’t just a seasonal nuisance, it can impact work, school, and even lead to more serious conditions like asthma. See their hints and tips to help you manage symptoms
Funding: 20 Groups Awarded Kao SEED Fund
Details from One Stockport
Kao Data, which is developing a £350m data centre in Stockport, has announced the names of the 20 community groups, charities and not-for-profit organisations from across Stockport, who've been awarded funding pots for a range of exciting and rewarding projects to benefit the wider community.
The Kao SEED Fund, which stands for Social Enterprise and Environment Development Fund, was launched last November and coincides with the ongoing construction of Kao Data’s new industrial-scale data centre in Reddish, which is due for completion in 2027.
Get Involved: Stockport County's Football Camps
Details from Stockport County Community Trust
The Stockport County Community Trust will be running their Kellogg’s Football Camps at County Summer Programme throughout August.
These friendly and inclusive football sessions are open to children aged 6-12. The programme this Summer is being supported by EFL sponsors, Kelloggs.
Three weeks of sessions, from 6 - 28 August at Stockport Sports Village, Woodley
Sessions are tailored for each age group and are spread throughout the Summer holidays. Individual sessions are priced at £30pp, or you can book onto all three sessions for £75pp.
Click here to book online
Call the Community Trust team on 0161 266 2700 for more information
Service Overview: 'MoneyWise'
Details from Signpost For Carers
Signpost for Carers offer a range of different services, one of which is their MoneyWise service. The team work with carers to navigate the disability benefits and social care systems, helping you to manage your money and debt, complete forms, as well as budget and plan for the future. Benefits support includes:
- Attendance Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment
- Carer’s Allowance
- Council Tax reduction
Find out more:
0161 442 0442
carersconnect@signpostforcarers.org.uk
Service Overview: Accessible Cinema at The Light
Details from The Light
The Light believe the magic of the big screen is for everyone, and strive to ensure our venues and programmes are accessible to all. Every screen is equipped with wheelchair and lift access and they provide a regular programme of adapted screenings, designed to suit all guests, whatever their needs.
Screenings include:
Relaxed screenings for neuro-diverse audiences and those with sensory sensitivity.
Baby-friendly screenings are aimed at adults with babies under one year old.
Audio Description screenings for customers with a visual impairment
Captioned / Subtitled screenings for customers who are deaf or hard of hearing. The Light also offers support by providing neck loop systems and more
Recognition: Mastercall's Sheilagh Armstrong Wins National 'Urgent Care Hero'
Details from Stockport NHS Foundation Trust
Congratulations to Mastercall's Sheilagh Armstrong, who has won the national 'Urgent Care Hero' award at the UHUK Best Practice Awards showcase 2025!
Sheilagh, Advanced Nurse Practitioner at Mastercall, based at The Wellspring, was honoured for her outstanding work supporting people experiencing homelessness. Sheilagh’s compassion, dedication, and unwavering commitment are nothing short of extraordinary. Her ability to build trust with some of society’s most vulnerable individuals is a true testament to her empathy, resilience, and strength of character. She consistently goes above and beyond, making a meaningful difference to service users and colleagues alike. Sheilagh's remarkable career in healthcare has spanned over 40 years.
Read the full press release attached.
Get Involved: VE Day Events in Stockport
Details from Stockport Council
Stockport is getting ready to celebrate VE Day. A series of community and remembrance events will commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) on 8 May, honour the courage, sacrifice and unity of the World War II generation.
As well as organised events, they're encouraging communities to throw their own street parties. Residents can apply to hold a street party on the council website.
Other events and activities planned in collaboration with the Normandy Veterans Legacy Association (NVL) and Stockport Armed Forces Community Organisation (SAFCO) during the week-long celebration of VE Day include:
- 5 May - VE Day flag to be flown outside Stockport Town Hall – and will fly all week
- 7 May - VE Tea Dance at Stockport Town Hall 1-4pm – open to the public
- 8 May - Primary School 'Street Parties'
- 8 May – Private civic commemoration event hosted by the Mayor of Stockport
- 8 May - Launch of 'The War isn't Over Just Yet' exhibition at War Memorial Art Gallery (private event), opens to the public from 9 May. Watch a short video
- 8 May - 6.30pm Church Bell ringing for 30 minutes across the country
- 8 May - 6.30pm Armed Forces Community with Standard Bearers meeting outside St George's church - no service
County Tackles Cancer Event
Details from Stockport County
The County Community Trust is holding its 'County Tackles Cancer' event, to use match days to deliver meaningful messages to Hatters fans. If you're heading to the match on 26 April, head to the Cheadle End. You can enjoy the excitement of Stockport County being in the playoffs and gain valuable information to save a life.
ADHD Cooperative
Get Involved: Stockport Pride
Details from Stockport Pride
Wanna be part of something fabulous this Pride? Join the team on our stall at Stockport Pride – Sunday 1 June! They’re looking for awesome humans to help out – and trust us, you do not want to miss this. Make art, create badges, chat to lovely people about who we are and how to get involve. It’s going to be colourful, creative, and full of community joy.
Mental Health Community Fair
As part of Mental Health Awareness Week 2025, you’re invited to the Stockport VCFSE Mental Health Community Fair — a two-day event bringing together local voluntary sector organisations to celebrate and support mental health and wellbeing in our community.
Merseyway Shopping Centre, Stockport
12 and 13 May,10am – 2pm
Across the two-day event, there will be:
- Drop-in information stalls with local organisations
- Friendly advice and signposting
- Community activities and ideas for better mental wellbeing
The event is being organised by the VCFSE (Voluntary, Community, Faith, Social Enterprise) Mental Health Network. We'll share more details soon.
Groups for Carers
S.C.A.A.S:
Stockport Carers of Adults on the Autistic Spectrum (S.C.A.A.S) holds these self help groups so that you can get together, share your experiences, find out about information and services to help you and the person you care for.
You may be a family member, a partner or a friend so it’s also about giving you the chance to someone who first hand understands. You too will hear from key speakers, all of whom are there to further support you whilst sharing what services they offer across Stockport..
Speaker Meeting:
29 April, 11am - 1pm
Stockport Advocacy, 48 Middle Hillgate, SK1 3DL
Invited Speaker from Estate planning Seminars to talk about Wills and Estate Planning.
Contact: Rayonette Jude at Scaascarersgroup@gmail.com
Soulful Sessions Mindfulness & Mindset
Further Events & Community Activities across the Borough
Job Opportunity: Stockport Women's Centre
Details from Stockport Women's Centre
Stockport Women's Centre are currently recruiting for the role of Counselling Coordinator. This a fixed term contract for 22.5 hours per week.
This exciting opportunity has arisen to work across the Greater Manchester footprint, working specifically with women. The successful applicant will work alongside the Counselling and Psychotherapy Manager to support with assessments and referring women for appropriate therapy and more.
To discuss this opportunity, call Andrea Bettinson on 0161 355 4455.
Please send your application plus covering lette tor:
Stockport Women’s Centre, 39 Greek Street, SK3 8AX or
recruitment@stockportwomenscentre.co.uk
Interview date Friday 2nd May 2025
Job Fair: Stockport NHS Job & Careers
Details from Stockport NHS Foundation Trust
Whether you`re looking to kickstart your career in healthcare or advance in your current role, this event is for you. The team will be showcasing all roles and opportunities within Stockport NHS from Nursing, to Estates, to Allied Health Professionals, to Administrative roles.
Stockport NHS Job and Career Fair Tickets, Sat 17 May 2025 at 09:00 | Eventbrite
If you have any further queries, email: stockport.nursing@stockport.nhs.uk
Job Opportunity: Social Care Officer (closing soon)
Details from Stockport Council
Stockport Council are looking for a Social Care Officer who wants to make a difference to the residents of Stockport lives, who can work collaboratively, think creatively and has a good level of communication and written skills.
- 30 hours, Part-Time & Permanent
- Hybrid: Baker Street and homeworking (min of two days per week in office plus a mobile working day when you would be expected to do visits)
Application Deadline: 27 April, 11:59pm
They may close this vacancy early if a high volume of applications are received.
Shortlisting Date: 30 April
Interview Date: 7 & 8 May
Click here for full job description
Training: Suicide Awareness (Professionals)
Details from Stockport Council
New dates for the popular Suicide Awareness for Professionals training have been announced. Training is free of charge for anyone working/volunteering in Stockport.
Course Details: Delivery Time: 2.5 hours
- Develops understanding and compassion.
- Tackles myths, stigma, and barriers
- Introduces concept that suicide is not inevitable – people can be helped, and module includes the latest research and evidence.
- Helps understanding of how distress develops and how people can be supported.
- Boosts confidence and skills practice of talking to someone in distress.
- Equips delegate with the knowledge of how to use www.StayingSafe.net to make their own Safety Plan
No prior experience required. Please CTRL & click on the following link:
SUICIDE AWARENESS FOR PROFESSIONALS BOOKING FORM
If you'd like further information, email info.wellbeing@stockport.gov.uk.
Webinars: MyWay Diabetes Webinars
Details from Diabetes Network
My Way Diabetes is a free online platform helping people with all types of diabetes to learn more about their condition. 20-minute update sessions are available in May for healthcare professionals with an interest or role in diabetes support or care. Register for the webinars by following the links below:
My Way Diabetes Webinar Tuesday, May 6, 12-12:30pm
My Way Diabetes Webinar Wednesday, May 7, 12:30-1pm
My Way Diabetes Webinar Tuesday, May 13, 12-12:30pm
My Way Diabetes Webinar Wednesday, May 14, 12:30-1pm
My Way Diabetes Webinar Tuesday, May 20, 1-1:30pm
My Way Diabetes Webinar Wednesday, May 21, 12-12:30pm
Training: EPEC Parent-led Courses
Details from Stockport Council
Join the EPEC parent-led courses for parents and carers of adolescents aged 11 to 16. Stockport Empowering Parents Empowering Communities (EPEC) is a popular parenting programme delivered for parents, and by parents, in their own communities.
They offer a mix of workshops and courses, virtual and face to face, helping parents to learn practical communication skills essential for navigating everyday challenges.
If you're interested, fill out the expression of interest form. Their team will send you an invitation when the next term's courses are about to begin.
One Stockport Family Hub, Westmorland Drive, Brinnington, SK5 8HH
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
Sector 3
Your fortnightly Stockport VCFSE news bulletin
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.
