Information Round Up Thursday 7 March 2024
Welcome to this week's Healthwatch Stockport Information Round-up (IRU). Our Round up brings together news, updates, training and events from us at Healthwatch, local health and social care services, community groups and more.
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Dentistry: New Patient Premium Has Begun
Details from Healthwatch England
As part of the dental recovery plan, dental practices will benefit from extra cash for taking on new NHS patients from Friday 1 March, to improve access. Read Healthwatch England's response.
NHS practices that participate in the programme will be paid from £15 to £50, depending on care, for each new patient treated. This will apply for any patient who has not seen an NHS dentist over the past two years.
Need help finding a dentist?
If you or someone you know needs support finding a NHS dentist, please visit NHS Find a dentist or contact the Healthwatch Stockport team on 0161 974 0753
If you are an unregistered patient in need of urgent dental care you can contact the Greater Manchester Urgent Dental Helpline on 0333 332 3800, opening times 8am – 10pm, 7 days a week.
Have Your Say: Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Services
Details from Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership
NHS Greater Manchester are reviewing adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) services across Greater Manchester, and want to hear your feedback.
The survey asks about experiences, thoughts, and feelings on ADHD services and provides the opportunity to share how you think they could work in the future.
They want to hear from members of the public, services users and those who refer people to adult ADHD services across Greater Manchester, to understand what's important to you and your family or people you care for. The survey is open until Sunday 24 March.
NHS Greater Manchester website
Increase in childhood infections prompts vaccine call
Details from Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership
Childhood infections like measles and whooping cough are rising, with outbreaks across the country. Such infections can have a huge impact on your child’s life. They can miss out on school due to time spent unwell, be hospitalised, and even experience life-long complications and disability.
If your child isn’t vaccinated, they’re not protected. It is important for parents to take up the offer of the NHS’ free childhood immunisation programme as soon as they are offered ensure your child has the best protection.
However, if you or your child have missed a vaccine, it's never too late to check if you can catch up.
We are calling on all parents to check their child’s Red Book to see if the children have missed any vaccines or check with their GP if they are unsure.
www.nhs.uk/childhoodvaccinations for full immunisation timetable and how to book.
Make Smoking History Survey - Have Your Say
Details from Fallon Slater-forshaw, Stockport Council
The Making Smoking History Programme at Greater Manchester Integrated Care are undertaking a project to find new ways to help people living in social housing to quit smoking.
Please complete the confidential survey to share your views
Reminder: Pathway to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services
Details from Healthwatch Greater Manchester
Have you tried to access CAMHS, or are you the parent or carer of someone who has? We know there are long waiting times for young people to be seen and we want to investigate how this is affecting them. Our findings will help decision-makers in statutory NHS and Care services, as well as in the education and voluntary sectors, to effectively prioritise services.
We have a launched a survey to gather young people's personal experiences, as well as a separate survey open to parents and carers for them to share their experience of supporting their children. We want to know more about the pathway to accessing Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), as well as the Autism/ADHD diagnostic paths.
If you're a child aged 13 and over who started looking for support within the past 2 years, you can take part in the survey below:
Children and young people's survey
If you're a parent or who has supported a child or young person trying to access care, please use the link below:
Feel free to be completely open and honest. The information collected will always be anonymised, which means that it will not be possible for someone to identify you by your answers. Please take care not to include any personal details in free text boxes (e.g. name and address).
NHS Galleri Trial Across Greater Manchester
Details from Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership
Hundreds of participants across Greater Manchester, including Stockport, who enrolled on the NHS-Galleri trial in 2021, will soon be invited to return to mobile clinics for their last of three appointments for the trial.
The trial involves participants giving a blood sample to help the NHS see if using the Galleri® blood test, alongside existing cancer screening, can help detect cancer early. Finding cancer early often means it is easier to treat.
Volunteers were aged 50 to 77 at the point of enrolling and had not been diagnosed or treated for cancer in the last three years.
Participants are asked to look out for letters inviting them to book their slot
Get Involved: UK’s Largest Health Research Programme
Details from Neisha Fielder, Healthwatch member
Our Future Health is the UK’s largest ever health research programme. Working in partnership with the NHS, heath and sciences charities and the industry, the aim of Our Future Health is to help future generations live in good health for longer.
So far, over 1.2 million people have signed up to their programme, by creating a confidential account and agreeing to share their health records with researchers. However Our Future Health are continuing to look for more participants to strengthen their research.
Their research involves people of different ages, backgrounds and communities to gather as much information as possible to help prevent, detect and treat diseases such as dementia, cancer, diabetes, heart disease and more.
Read about how Our Future Health is aiming to collect information and samples from up to 5 million adults across the UK. You can take part in the research if you are:
- over the age of 18
- living in the UK
This includes anyone who has a medical condition, lives with a disability or uses a wheelchair.
If you have any questions:
support@ourfuturehealth.org.uk
0808 501 5634 (free from mobiles and landlines)
NHS Breast Screening Invitations
Details from NHS Stockport Medical Group
Invitations for NHS breast screening will commence for eligible patients between 21 March and 19 April. Patients will receive an appointment (they don’t have to contact the service to book) with the date and time to attend.
Cheshire and Stockport Breast Screening service is part of the National Breast Screening Programme and provides screening for all women ages 50 to their 71st birthday.
The screening mobile unit will be at Shaw Heath Health Centre, Gilmore Street, SK3 8DN.
Pension Credit - Are You or a Loved One Missing Out?
Details from Greater Manchester Aging Hub
New figures have revealed that approximately 38,960 qualifying households are missing out on around £95m in unclaimed Pension Credit per year in Greater Manchester. Therefore, the Greater Manchester Ageing Hub are encouraging older residents to check if they are eligible for pension top-up payments.
Pension Credit is designed to bring the weekly income of pensioners up to a minimum amount and on average makes those eligible £74.22 a week better off. In addition to additional weekly income, Pension Credit unlocks other financial benefits such as a free TV licence for over 75s, council tax support, and eligibility for support with home insulation.
To check if you, a friend or a loved one are getting all the entitlements you are due, contact Independent Age:
0800 319 6789 (freephone helpline)
www.independentage.org/get-support.
Stockport Rocks: Celebrating Local People Who Give Back
Details from Sector 3
Over 57,000 volunteers in Stockport give their time (a combined total of 213,000 hours a week) to helping others. Without them many community groups, charities and voluntary organisations would cease to exist.
With this in mind, nominations for Stockport Rocks! are open from 1-28 March. The Awards is a celebration of local volunteers and the art of giving back. If you have someone in mind, please nominate before 28 March.
Click for categories and to nominate
Shortlisted nominees will be invited to the Awards at Edgeley Park on Thursday 23 May, where they’ll enjoy a two-course meal, entertainment and the chance to win an Award. All shortlisted nominees will receive two free cinema tickets, courtesy of The Light Cinema, as well as a welcome drink courtesy of Music Magpie.
For any questions, contact laura.bowers@sector3sk.org
New Service - Deaf First Responder
Walthew House has launched a new service for sign language users in Stockport and the surrounding areas – 'Deaf First Responder'. See the attached posters
The service supports the deaf community to receive the best care and effective treatment in situations such as an emergency health issue, needing an emergency doctor, an accident or requiring A&E. The service is for:
- Sign language users (British Sign Language and Sign Supported English)
- Frontline healthcare providers - paramedics, A&E staff, anyone supporting a Deaf person in an emergency
As part of the project, we are offering tailored deaf awareness and sensory loss awareness training and resource packs to healthcare and other professionals.
For more information:
0161 480 2612
Reminder: International Women's Day Events (8 March)
Details from Sector 3, ARC
Flourish Lunch & Learn Series: Flourish Together is hosting three online Lunch & Learn events to celebrate the power of inclusion for diverse women pioneering social change, to enable Flourishing Futures for All.
Make a Difference IWD Community Awards: A chance to celebrate our local Sheros and Heroes who do amazing work yet are not recognised for their selfless work in our local community. The event is on Friday 8 March at Edgeley Park
MS Society Online Event for Potential Referrers
Details from Paul Smithson, Multiple Sclerosis Society
Did you know that the MS Society volunteer groups* offer a free telephone counselling service of up to six sessions to people affected by MS (people with MS, relatives and Carers)?
People can self-refer in or be referred in by third parties such as Community Link Workers/Social Prescribers, voluntary/community, NHS or Social Care organisations.
The MS Society are holding a free online event for potential referrers to learn about the service, how to refer and what other local and national MS society services are available.
March 27, 11am – 12.30pm
*(Rochdale, Oldham, Bury and North west Manchester, Trafford, Wigan and South West Manchester, and Stockport and South East Manchester)
Get Involved in World Autism Acceptance Week
Details from Cheryl Knupfer & Shanice Parchment, Autism Programme, Stockport Council
During World Autism Acceptance Week, there are plans to showcase the local support/ services available to our autistic community. Would you like to be involved?
The Autism Programme are hosting an event on 3 April (10am - 12 noon) and are looking for stall holders representing your group/service/organisation and/or raffle prize contributions.
Event details:
Ladybridge Connect, Cheadle Hulme SK8 5NZ
Wednesday 3 April, 10am-12 noon (plus hour either side for stall set-up)
If you're interested, please get in touch ASAP
autism.programme@stockport.gov.uk
Roots: Join the Stockport Community Conversation
Details from Indie Bloom, Weaving Words Project, Stockport Town of Culture
The Roots Programme are hosting a Stockport Community Conversation on Friday 15 March 10am - 12.30pm at Heaton Norris Community Centre. Please see attached flyer.
In this informal conversation, the Roots Programme team and Lead for Stockport Women and Girls Network, Nadia Ali, will bring community members with different experiences of living in the same town together.
At the event, you'll be able to talk about YOUR Stockport: the one you know - what kind of place it is, what must be preserved, what Stockport needs for residents to thrive and what do you dream it can become…?
Learn more about The Roots Programme here and watch Roots video here.
Free Senior Shindig Event - Booking Essential
Details from Lizzie Austin, Pure Innovations
The 'Senior Shindig' Event brings the community together to socialise whilst enjoying live entertainment, food and activities. If you know anybody over 60, lives alone and may like to attend, please share this event. The event is FREE and relies on community donations and volunteers. See attached flyer.
Saturday 15 June
Rose Walker Community Centre, Cheadle Heath.
Contact Clare to book 07799784578
Pure Innovations Café Offer for Residents Aged 65+
Details from Lizzie Austin, Pure Innovations
Pure Innovations Cafés at Vernon Park, Etherow Park & The Windmill café at Cornerstone are welcoming residents, clients, patients (65+ years) to enjoy a free sandwich, soup or jacket potato with a hot/cold drink on weekdays from 11- 22 March.
Animal Therapy Sessions with Independent Options
Details from Independent Options
Independent Options are running adult animal therapy sessions over the coming months. These sessions are run in conjunction with the Animal Therapy Team, for adults living with a disability. Sessions help to build confidence, self-esteem, trust and are calming spaces. Booking is essential
£5 per person (carers/parent are free and must remain for the duration)
To book, email Julia jmaunder@ionw.org to book
Charity Football Tournament - Sign Up Today!
Details from Ellen Brookes, Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust
Ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 (13 to 19 May) which has a theme of “Movement: Moving more for our mental health”, please find attached an opportunity to enter charity football tournament at Stockport Sports Village.
Life & Death Event: The Last Taboo
Details from Stockport Libraries
Stockport Libraries are hosting a Life & Death event on 22 March, 1pm - 7pm, at Bredbury library.
Dying is a part of life that we don't often like to talk about and mainly avoid. This event is an opportunity to safely think about it, to think about living well talk about dying, bereavement and its impact on life.
There'll be talks around end of life care, living with a life limiting illness, poetry sessions to support grief, and the chance to chat and share memories together.
You can also meet incredible organisations; St Ann’s Hospice, Beechwood, NHS, who'll support the community with information and advice.
Further Community Events
There are also a variety of other events and activities happening across the Stockport borough
Training Courses Coming Up
Details from Christopher Hughes, Stockport Homes
For more information about any of the courses or to book a place, contact:
0161 474 2862
customer.training@stockporthomes.org
Skills for Life Plus (sk-y-light.org)
Priority given to Stockport Homes’ customers.
Further Training
There are also a variety of other training and development opportunities happening across the Stockport borough
SPARC Declutter Counselling Workshops
Details from SPARC
Working alongside Stockport Age UK, SPARC's Counselling Service is offering a workshop for people who clutter. These trauma informed in-house workshops aim to support people who clutter and will give them a greater understanding of their symptoms and tools to manage them appropriately.
Please see the attachments for further details, to book on and for future dates.
Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership
Integrated Care Partnership Update: 4 March 2024
LGBT Bulletin
Sector 3
Your fortnightly Stockport VCFSE news bulletin
Starting Point
Digital Champion Update - World Book Day Special - 4th March 2024
Stockport Council Review
information and Signposting
For up to date health and social care information, signposting and guidance call Healthwatch Stockport on
0161 974 0753 10am - 2pm or email 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.
