Information Round Up Thursday 18th April 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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Healthwatch Afternoon Tea - Feedback Events
Have you or a loved one been recently discharged from hospital? If so, did you receive a package of care? We’d like to hear your experiences; positive or negative at one of our afternoon teas later this month.
Our afternoon tea feedback events will be taking place on:
23 April, 1pm - 3pm at Ladybridge Connect, Cheadle Hulme, SK8 5NZ
29 April, 1pm - 3pm at Marple Methodist Church, Church Lane, SK6 7AY
Places are limited for our afternoon teas, so please ensure you book your place at info@healthwatchstockport.co.uk or call 0161 974 0753
Unable to join one of these events? You can still share your experiences.
Our afternoon tea events are not the only way you can let us know your experiences. If you are unable to come to one of our Afternoon Tea feedback events, you can share your feedback in the following ways:
0161 074 0753
Four Exciting Co-Chair Opportunities Available
Together with Stockport Council, Healthwatch Stockport are looking for three Co-Chairs with lived experience to help drive and lead the following partnerships and inspire change:
Making it Real Board - Adult Social Care
To support the current Chair of the Making It Real Board, working together with the wider group to ensure that the voices of people with lived experience of using adult social care services are heard and to help improve the lives of individuals, family and Carers who receive adult social care support in Stockport.
Click here for further details
Valuing People Partnership (Learning Disabilities)
To support the current Chair of the Valuing People Learning Disability Partnership to improve the lives and experience of people with learning disabilities, ensuring their voice is at the heart of all we do.. It meets every two months and is for people with learning disabilities, family Carers, voluntary sector and independent organisations, and advocates to discuss issues relating to learning disability services.
Click here for further details
Preparing for Adulthood
To support the current Chair of the Preparing for Adulthood Group, driving actions that are important to children and young people with Special Education Needs and Disabilities and improve their lived experiences as they progress into adulthood.
Click here for further details
Role details
The Co-Chair roles will be paid an hourly fee, we especially welcome applications from all areas of our community who have lived experience related to the above roles. You or someone you care for may have used these local services.
Please share the attached flyers/adverts with anyone you feel may be interested.
The closing dates for the three roles is Tuesday 30 April.
For any questions, please get in touch with us at:
info@healthwatchstockport.co.uk
0161 974 0753
Community Voice Partnership
ONE Stockport is seeking a Community Voice Partnership Co-chair to help drive and lead the Partnership. You'll ensure the voices of residents and communities are captured and included in the plans and decisions of Stockport’s health and care system.
The Community Voice Partnership Co-chair role is a paid vacancy, and we welcome applications from anyone who has experience of the Stockport health and care system, whether this is as a service user, family member or a carer of someone using local health and care services.
Role description and application form
Send your completed application to info@healthwatchstockport.co.uk by Friday, 3 May,
Interview date: Monday, 13 May, 2024
For any questions, please get in touch with us at:
info@healthwatchstockport.co.uk
0161 974 0753
Spring COVID-19 Vaccination Booking Opens
Details from UKHSA
The NHS national booking system is now open for bookings for the COVID-19 spring vaccination programme. With COVID-19 still circulating, it’s important those at highest risk who are eligible get their vaccine to help top up their immunity:
- Adults aged 75 years and over.
- Residents in a care home for older adults.
- Individuals aged 6 months and over who have a weakened immune system.
Booking is open, with appointments available from 22 April. The programme will end 30 June.
The NHS is sending texts, emails, NHS App messages or letters to those who are eligible, but they do not have to wait for the invite to book. Anyone eligible can book via:
NHS website (nhs.uk/get-vaccine)
119 for free (translation services available).
Parents or carers can book a vaccination for children under 16 on their behalf. Eligible people aged 16 and over can also use the NHS App to book an appointment.
Reminder: 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.
It's important for parents to take up the NHS’ free childhood immunisation programme as soon as offered to ensure your child has the best protection.
However, if you or your child have missed a vaccine, it's not too late to check if you can catch up. Check your child’s Red Book or check with your GP.
MMR Vaccinations Now Available at Some Greater Manchester Pharmacies
Some pharmacies across Greater Manchester are now able to offer the MMR vaccination, including Scorah Chemist in Bramhall.
Anyone aged 16 and over who've missed their MMR vaccinations can walk into one of the participating pharmacies to get their vaccination. Children aged five and over who are otherwise unable to get the vaccination can also use the service.
There is updated information on our website about the offer.
Shine a Light on Those Who've Given Others Hope
Details from Adele Owen, Greater Manchester Integrated Care
Together with Yellow Jigsaw, the Greater Manchester Suicide Bereavement programme are running a campaign ahead of the Month of Hope.
They are looking for residents who'd like to become community reporters. Their role would be to shine a light on the helping hands that have given hope to people when most needed: from football teams and fitness clubs to choirs and community groups.
If you're interested, a mini media skills and information session will run on:
Thursday, May 2, between 2pm-4pm
Central Library in Manchester
Or....
Wednesday, May 1 at 7pm
online drop-in information session
For more information, contact grace@yellowjigsaw.co.uk
Check on Vaccinations Before Traveling Abroad
Details from UKHSA
The UKHSA are urging people travelling overseas to make sure they're up to date and get all the necessary vaccinations in good time (it can take a few weeks following vaccination for the immunity to take effect).
The Travel Health Pro website – supported by UKHSA – has up-to-date information on health risks in countries across the world. Ideally travellers should consult their GP, practice nurse, pharmacist, or travel clinic 4 to 6 weeks before their trip for individual advice, travel vaccines and malaria prevention tablets, if relevant.
Farm Visits
The UKHSA are reminding those visiting farms this Spring of these simple hygiene steps to help reduce their risk of catching infection from animals or the environment.
Farm animals can be the source of several bugs that can be passed from animals to humans and cause illness. Some can be particularly serious for children or pregnant women.
Stockport Support Hub: Help if You're Feeling Unsafe
Details from Stockport Hub
Stockport Support Hub deliver support services across Stockport which have been commissioned by Stockport Borough Council. One particular support service they can offer is if you feel unsafe in your relationship.
Relationships should never be harmful. If you’re worried about feeling safe in your relationship, talking to someone can be the first step to getting the right support.
DA.victimvoicecoordinator@stockport.gov.uk
If you need help urgently or are in any danger, please call 999.
Stockport's Parkinsons UK Meetings on the Move!
Message from Stephen Scott, Parkinsons UK
From the 1 May 2024 Parkinsons meetings will take place at:
Offerton Community Centre, Castle Shaw Road, off Mallowdale Road, Offerton, SK2 5NX
Wednesdays from 2pm to 4pm.
Every second Wednesday of the month meetings will be at an alternative venue /activity based e.g. a meal. Details will be confirmed.
Reminder: Cognitive Behavourial Therapy (CBT) Workshops
Details from Milly Bradley, NHS Stockport Talking Therapies
Stockport Talking Pennine Care Talking Therapies are working in partnership with Age UK Stockport to facilitate two series of Wellbeing Workshops focusing on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy techniques.
Improve your Wellbeing Workshop (see attached flyer below):
In April, there will be three sessions on 15, 22 and 29 for adults experiencing symptoms of low mood or anxiety.
Session 1- Wellbeing: Understanding the vicious cycle of low mood & anxiety, Relaxation & Mindfulness and making small lifestyle changes.
Session 2 - Motivation, behaviour change, and support networks.
Session 3 - How to manage unhelpful thinking and worry.
Worry Management Workshop (see attached flyer below)
There will be three sessions on 13, 20 May and 3 June for adults experiencing symptoms of anxiety or worry. Some of the topics/ techniques you will learn on the course include:
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Understanding the symptoms of worry and how it is maintained
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Problem solving and Time Management
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Increasing coping abilities and resilience
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How to challenge negative thoughts and reduce worry
Both will be held at Stockport Homes' Sheltered Housing Scheme in the lounge area of Oaktree Court, Cheadle, SK8 1EZ.
Please book your place for either or both:
0161 480 1211
There are a number of community groups, events and activities taking place across the borough. Please see the details and/or attachments and continue to share with others.
Dementia Friendly Concert From the Hallé
Details from Lizzie Austin, Pure Innovations
The Hallé is holding a Dementia-friendly Relaxed Concert in June. You are welcome to enjoy some popular classics and meet members of the Hallé in their 50-minute event.
They welcome back their vocalist Katy Allan, who'll sing some of your favourite show tunes in a relaxed event. Tickets are £3.
Wednesday 5 June, 2.30pm
Hallé St Peter's, 40 Blossom St, Ancoats, Manchester, M4 6BF
Further information & to buy tickets
Please note: book early to avoid disappointment. Whilst it's recommend to pre-book tickets online, there will be a small number of tickets on the door for those unable to book online. To buy tickets on the day, email clare.webster@halle.co.uk to reserve them.
These concerts are suited to those living with Dementia and other similar health conditions, adults and children with additional learning needs, their carers or anybody who wishes to experience classical music in a relaxed and informal environment.
The Great British Dog Walk
Details from Janet Ratcliffe, Healthwatch Stockport member
Sign up to The Great British Dog Walk on 28 April and join hundreds of others on a sponsored walk to raise funds for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.
Hearing loss is rising. This invisible disability has devastating impacts on people’s safety and mental health. Take part in a 4km or 8km sponsored dog walk at Lyme Park and raise money to train more incredible hearing dogs who alert to life-saving and important sounds and break down social barriers for deaf people.
Money Maximising Roadshow
Details from Inge Challinor, Spend Well, Live Well
Stockport Council and partners are hosting a Job Fair and Money Maximising Roadshow on Thursday 25 April at All Hallows Church in Cheadle.
The Money Maximising Roadshow will help support residents with the cost-of-living situation, offer benefit, energy and digital advice to all residents and answer questions around the extended childcare offer and UC queries to support an easier transition into work.
Linking both the job fair and the Money Maximising Roadshow together means the team can provide a relaxed, informal, local, wraparound service to individuals, couples and families.
Please note, you can attend without registration.
25 April (10am - 2pm) at All Hallows Church Cheadle for a hot drink, food and advice.
Get Walking This May!
Details from Niamh Moore, Get Manchester Moving
To coincide with May’s National Walking Month, The GM Walking Festival is a celebration of walking and an opportunity for everyone to join a programme of free, organised group walks across Greater Manchester.
The GM Walking Festival will share over 350 walks. To celebrate the joy of walking and wheeling this May, check out the full programme of events below.
Breakthrough UK Offer 8-Week Courses
Details from Yasmin Glennie, Breakthrough UK
Breakthrough support disabled people in Greater Manchester to work towards finding employment. They are offering an 8-week course to residents of Stockport (one day per week) in:
• Confidence building
• Employment awareness – Job searches and career development
• Job search strategies – CV writing and mock interviews
• Career opportunities
• Digital Skills enhancement
We will also offer clients 121 support for a further four weeks.
Breakthrough UK support people over 18, who consider themselves to be a disabled person and who would like to find employment. Whether it’s a volunteering role, paid employment, a training course, or apprenticeships, Breakthrough UK can offer support.
Courses are at Stockport Library as follows:
Course 1 starts Thursday 18 April 2024
Course 2 starts Thursday 4 July 2024
Course 2 starts Thursday 26 September 2024
To join a course:
Call Yasmin on 0793 994 4232 for more information
Complete our referral form: https://bit.ly/BUKreferralform
Self-Referrals via telephone: 0161 234 3950
By text talk: 07860 022 876
Menopause Awareness in the Workplace with Stockport Mind
Details from Louise Gresty, Stockport Mind
Stockport & District Mind is proud to be offering free Menopause Awareness sessions to small to medium-sized enterprises (SME) across Greater Manchester. New dates have been added including:
Menopause Awareness for Managers:
Thursday 23 May: 2pm – 4pm
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/875283214657?aff=oddtdtcreator
Tuesday 4 June: 10am – 12noon
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/875196946627?aff=oddtdtcreator
Menopause Awareness for Employees:
Tuesday 23 April: 9.30am – 11am
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/872780157947?aff=oddtdtcreator
Thursday 14 May: 2pm – 3.30pm
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/875280205657?aff=oddtdtcreator
Tuesday 11 June: 9.30am – 11am
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/874719057247?aff=oddtdtcreator
Stockport & District Mind Connect 5 Training
New dates have been added for our very popular Connect 5 Mental Health for May!
Our Connect 5 Training aims to open up the conversation around mental health within the workplace and is ideal for anyone who works or volunteers in a public facing role within Stockport.
For more information and to book
Module 1
Wednesday 24 April 2024 09.30 – 13.00 Online
Tuesday 7th May 2024 10am – 1pm Stockport Advocacy, Stockport, SK1 3DL
Module 2
Thursday 25 April 2024 09.15 – 13.00 Online
Thursday 9 May 2024 11 – 12.30 Face to Face, Stockport Advocacy, Stockport, SK1 3DL
Thursday 16 May 2024 9.15 – 1 Online
Module 3
Monday 29 April 2024 10.00 – 13.00 Face to Face. Stockport Advocacy, Stockport. SK1 3DL
Tuesday 30 April 2024 09.15 – 13.00 Online
Wednesday 22 May 9.15 – 1 Online
Make Stuff Digital Festival Comes to Stockport
Details from Perin Avari, MadLab
MadLab are hosting their roving Make Stuff digital festival for all ages across Stockport until the end of May.
Make Stuff, bought to you by MadLab, caters for everyone, there are events for families and the digitally curious, as well as seasoned experts.
You'll be able to delve into a diverse range of subjects based around the themes of arts, play and learning, including game creation, virtual reality design, artificial intelligence, digital marketing, and much more besides.
There'll be plenty of hands-on workshops, tech-powered experiences and insightful discussions - at a host of venues across Stockport.
Introduction to Creative Coding with P5.js. Learn all about visual coding and creating interactive web content with P5.js- a free, beginner-friendly web editor.
Every Tuesday & Wednesday from 16 April - 1 May, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
DigiCamp Stockport. The unconference that promises to break the mould of traditional conferences! Forget predetermined speakers - propose your own session and lead a discussion.
Friday, 26 April, 09:30am - 4:30pm
Introduction to Canva. This beginner-friendly workshop teaches you everything you need to create eye-catching visuals for social media, presentations, marketing materials, & more.
Thursday, 25 April, 10:00am - 12:30pm
Tuesday 21 May, 10:00am - 12:30pm
Introduction to Digital Marketing. This beginner-friendly workshop is your one-stop shop for mastering the essentials of digital marketing.
Thursday, 25 April, 1:00pm - 3:30pm
Tuesday 21 May, 1:00pm - 3:30pm
Visit www.makestuff.org.uk for the full line up!
Training Courses Coming Up
Details from Chris Hughes, Stockport Homes
Stockport Homes are running another free Skills for Life (SFL+) and there a variety of other training opportunities, please see the details and attachments below:
North West Ambulance Service
GMCVO
Starting Point
Digital Champion Update - 9th April 2024 - Registering to Vote Special (campaign-archive.com)
Stockport Council
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.
