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Please note - as of 26th March 2024 we are having technical issues with our phone line. For the time being please either email info@healthwatchstockport.co.uk or phone/text 07871 089 100. Apologies for any inconvenience.

IRU - Monday 17th January 2022

Healthwatch Stockport's Information Round-up publishing every week. Read about the latest news, updates and events in Stockport.
IRU - 17.01.21

Hello and welcome to this weeks Information Round-up! 

Remember if you want to receive the link weekly then you can sign up here and you will get an email every week with the link as soon as it is public. 

If you ever want to promote your work, event or you would like any information circulated please contact Liam at comms@healthwatchstockport.co.uk.

Please feel free to share far and wide!

Don't forget to follow us on social media. You can find our social media accounts here at TwitterFacebookInstagramLinkedin and YouTube.

INFORMATION LOGO

Healthwatch Stockport Information Session

Join us for an Information Session on 28th January 2022 - 10:30am till 12:00pm. 

What is an Information Session?

We run regular Information Sessions every 4 months to explain the running of Healthwatch Stockport. You can attend to ask questions about what we do and how you can get involved.

At Healthwatch Stockport there are many various volunteering roles that may interest you, you can find out more about these roles at the session.

Join us at the wonderful Land O' Cakes where you can come and have a cup of tea or coffee and find out more about Healthwatch Stockport.

Numbers are limited to 10 people - if you want to attend the session and either you can't make it or places are full you can contact the Healthwatch Stockport office and register your interest for the next online information session. 

Register your place today

If you have any questions prior to the session please contact the office on 0161 974 0753 or email comms@healthwatchstockport.co.uk.

 


**Date Changed** Integrating Health and Care in Stockport

Join our conversation about the changes that are happening in health and social care, what’s it all about? How will it affect me?

The conversation will be led by Healthwatch Stockport, together lets make sure your voice is part of shaping services for the better in Stockport.

New date: Wednesday 16th February 2022

Time: 11:00pm

Delivered online via Zoom

You can sign up here to attend the session

 


Information and Advice from Healthwatch

 


Healthwatch Stockport Surveys

We are still running a number of Surveys around; 

We would appreciate it if you could share these surveys to your friends and colleagues.

 


The latest Statement from the Director of Public Health

Message from Alison North (Stockport Council)

This week the DPH statement focuses on new guidance around self-isolation which comes into force next week, testing, 12-15 years vaccine roll out at schools and asking for residents to continue do all they can to minimise the spread of transmission as rates are still high.

Boosters, testing, vaccines and Plan B guidance has been the focus of our social media comms this week.

In Stockport Covid cases remain very high and rates are currently at 1,605.5* per 100,000 or around 673 per day, however this is likely to be a severe undercount as rates are only recorded for first time cases at the moment. See the latest published data online. (* the latest figures for Stockport validated on 14.1.22)

You can take a look at the latest statement from Director of Public Health, Jen Connolly, here.

The ‘Stockport Safe and Well this winter’ campaign is continuing so keep sharing these on your own channels and with your employees. There’s also lots of information and top tips on our dedicated webpages

Please also support the good CQC inspection results for Stepping Hill’s A and E department on your channels and networks – more info.

 


GM Moving - Get involved in Stockport's Access to Activity Forum

Message from Michelle McManus (Healthwatch Stockport)

GM Moving

The Access to Activity forum will work together with partners to co-produce and co-design services that address inequalities and increase opportunities and access for SEND children and young people to be active.

For more information

 


Mental Health Resources

Message from Irene Harris (Mental Health Carers Group Stockport)

I wonder if you might like to have a read of the Adult Social Care Reform White Paper (there's an executive summary)

And also listen to a debate about it on 17th January – 6.30pm to 7.30pm - hosted by CoProduceCare.

It's a podcast - links are provided for signing up online or viewing later on YouTube

Here is a link to the white paper on a 10 year vision for adult social care (not just the bit about care costs being capped).

Health and Wellbeing Resources currently available in Stockport: 

 


CQC Report on Stepping Hill Hospital

Message from Care Quality Commission

During an inspection looking at part of the service

We only inspected urgent and emergency care during this inspection and we re-rated this core service.

As a result of re-rating this core service, the ratings for the hospital location changed slightly with the effective domain changing from requires improvement to good. The overall ratings for the hospital location and the trust overall remained the same at requires improvement.

We inspected the urgent and emergency care service on site at Stepping Hill Hospital on 1 and 2 November 2021 and we interviewed departmental leads on 4 November 2021.

This was an unannounced inspection (the trust did not know that we were coming) in order to re-rate the service following all action plans from a previous inspection being completed.

During the inspection we spoke to 33 staff members, three people who worked for other organisations, three patients, attended two meetings and checked 14 sets of patient records.

Read the full report here

 


Men's Health Podcast

Message from Vanessa Fisher (Answer Cancer)

Men’s Health Podcast – 26th January

Topics included on Podcast:

  • Mental Health
  • Bowel Health
  • General Health
  • Nutty Health

Invitation link:

When: Jan 26, 2022, 5:30PM

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAvd-uqqz0oGdEqCOclH4D4-xGywXhqiQ6B

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

 


Cervical Cancer Prevention Week

Message from Vanessa Fisher (Answer Cancer)

The above week is coming round on the 17th.

As the cancer screening programme for Greater Manchester, we are very privileged to have many champions that have dedicated their careers, and time to encouraging the communities in GM to take up screening checks.

That is exactly what these appointments are, they are health checks that, may pick up signs of Cancer. The earlier that cancer is found, the better the outcome.

Below are links to videos, interviews and awareness messages that you are more than welcome to use. You can help save lives, by simply, sharing messaging and talking to family, friends, workmates, or just that lovely lady that you say hello to every day on the bus or local shop.

 


Invitation to apply – Women’s Voices 2022

Message from Media Trust

 Media Trust is thrilled to announce the launch of our sixth annual Women’s Voices event in celebration of International Women's Day

Date: Tuesday 8 March 2022

Time: 10:00 – 16:00

Location: Virtual (Zoom)

We’re offering 30 charities that support, campaign and advocate for all women and girls, the opportunity to work with their own team of media and creative industry volunteers. Each team will have the combined skills to help their charity build an effective, impactful and compelling communications action plan to take forward. The day will consist of insights from industry leaders, creative brainstorming and advice, and networking opportunities.

With limited places available, we’re looking for strong applications that clearly outline a specific communications challenge that focuses on strategic communications, digital campaigns, or engaging more effectively with your audiences.

The deadline for applications is Wednesday 19 January at 17:00.

Who should apply?

To be eligible to apply for Women’s Voices your organisation must meet the following criteria:

  • Support, campaigns or advocates for all women and girls;
  • UK Registered Charity or Community Interest Company (CIC).
  • Support beneficiaries from more than one of the nine protective characteristics detailed in the Equality Act (2010).
  • Two members of staff must be available to attend the event on Tuesday 8 March 2022 from 10:00 – 16:00. This should be one person who deals with the charity communications and one who is a senior leader/decision-maker.
  • Be willing to take part in one case study post event. 

Priority will be given to organisations that work with females of colour, LGBTQIA+ and/or disabled females.

Read more about last year’s event on our blog and a charity’s experience here.

If you have any questions, please email Carly Bell on carlyb@mediatrust.org.

 


National Kidney Federation - Our next webinar is Help – I Need Somebody Help 

Message from National Kidney Federation

The NKF is holding a free webinar series throughout the year, the first of the year is in a couple of weeks’ time and we invite you to attend. 

Are you struggling with your thoughts, feelings, moods, relationships, work, housing relating to your health condition?

This webinar is taking place on 26th January and will be hosted by Sharon Byrne Renal Counsellor, and Chair of the Renal Psychological Therapist Group (RPT) she will discuss psychosocial support providing top tips for your mental wellbeing and more. Sharon will also be joined by a renal social worker.

Help – I Need Somebody Help webinar

Wednesday 26th January 2022

5pm – 6pm

A live Q&A will be available.

Register for free click here  

 


CareUK - Understanding how to pay for care – Free virtual event

Message from Pamela Wilson (CareUK)

Understanding how to pay for care – Free virtual event

Wednesday 16th February 2022 12pm - 1.30pm

Join Abney Court and Carepal Assist for our free online event exploring how care is paid for in England, how it affects you, how to safely plan and navigate your way through a complex and daunting system and how to avoid making costly mistakes.

We use Teams, an online meeting space, which is easy to use. Once you have booked your place, we will send you the meeting details and tips for getting the most out of attending an online event.

For more information or to book your free place, please call us on 0161 660 8638, email pamela.wilson@careuk.com or book online at careuk.com/abney-court

 


The Wave of Change is back

Message from Simone Callaghan (The Goodness Collective)

The wave of Change is back - Help us, help some, Stockport women

We are currently recruiting for our sixth Wave of Change programme with a planned start date of 27th January 2022. Our personalised programme takes place online over 10 sessions and helps unemployed, Stockport women, explore future possibilities and create impactful connections whilst building useful skills.  We will also aim to have a least one in-person session if possible.

If you are working with any women who would benefit from this amazing opportunity, please encourage them to sign-up for a drop-in session or telephone slot using the link below.

What's Next?

Our programme begins with an initial drop-in session where we can meet the women who are interested, tell them a bit about the course and answer any questions they may have:

  • Sign-up to a drop-in (we have in-person & telephone slots)
  • Meet the course leaders & fill out some paperwork
  • Join us for 10 weeks of personalised development & support.

Due to lack of additional funding, this may be our last chance to assist unemployed women through our programme so please support us in referring women who would benefit from this amazing opportunity. 

If anyone has any issues with online sign-ups please get in touch with Simone directly on 07803 250570, so we can assist further.

We thank you for your part in creating alternative pathways to exciting development opportunities.

 


Updates from Stockport Council

Message from Sarah Burke (Stockport Council)

Covid-19 testing updates

If you test positive for coronavirus, you can now take lateral flow tests (LFT) daily from the sixth full day of your self-isolation (not including your onset day). If you test negative for two days in a row (with tests at least 24 hours apart) and don’t have a high temperature, you can end your self-isolation ‘early’ on the day of your second negative test.  You can order a LFT online, pick one up from your local pharmacy or library or book an appointment at the testing centre at Fred Perry House. 

If you test positive on a lateral flow test you will need to self-isolate immediately, but you don’t need to take a confirmatory PCR test, unless you are symptomatic, or you need that test to prove your entitlement for a self-isolation payment, for research or to access medical treatment. Book a PCR test if you need one.

Fully vaccinated travellers returning to the UK no longer need take a PCR test before travel or quarantine on arrival. You need to pay for a non-NHS LFT test (booked before travel) and if positive will need to take a confirmatory PCR test.

With all these changes, it is now more important than ever that you that you report your result every time you test, and particularly if you test positive.

Booster dose of Covid-19 vaccine

To protect yourself from the worst effects of the virus, get vaccinated and boosted. Protection from the first and second vaccination decreases over time, so you need to be ‘topped up’ to prevent you getting symptomatic infection and safeguard against severe disease and death.

If it’s three months since your second dose and you are over 18, you should get your booster. Book via the national booking system, by calling 119 or visiting a walk-in centre. There are 2 walk-in centres offering first, second and booster vaccinations:

  • One Stockport Hub, Mersey Square, open 10am to 3pm Tuesday to Saturday.
  • Trinity Methodist Church, 351 Bramhall Lane, SK3 8TP, open 8am – 6pm, 7 days a week

Full details can be found on the CCG website.

Say Hello to Better Health this New Year

Support is available to encourage adults to quit smoking, lose any excess weight, eat more healthily, and get active.

Search the Better Health website for:

  • a range of support to quit smoking, including the free NHS Quit Smoking app, daily email support and national Smokefree helpline
  • tips, ideas and a range of free NHS apps to help people improve their health and lose weight 

For local support services in Stockport:

New phone, PC, laptop or tablet for Christmas?

Did you, or someone you know, get a new device for Christmas? For basic help getting online, call the DigiKnow Helpline on 07537 127 095. If you’re already online but want to improve your skills, look at the DigiKnow Help doing things online web pages, which are full of resources to help you or someone else develop the skills needed, along with information about learning events and classes. 

Please don’t let your old device go to waste, tucked away in a cupboard. DigiKnow recycles old devices to help people who aren’t online. Drop off equipment you no longer use, working or not, at any Stockport library, and they will securely wipe your data and recycle or refurbish your device. You’ll be helping people in Stockport get online while also helping to reduce e-waste.  

If you know someone who would benefit from a low-cost refurbished device, call 0161 476 2777 or visit Renewal North West’s shop in Shaw Heath. 

Research into use of digital public services by older adults

Researchers want to speak to community leaders about methods used to engage with communities during Covid-19, as well as to people aged 75 or over about their use of the internet.

Those taking part will receive a £15 ‘Love2shop’ voucher as a thank you for their time. 

Build A Business in GM Libraries

Thinking of starting your own business this year? Why not check out Build a Business workshops at Stockport Central Library – a programme of free workshops to help you plan, develop and grow your business idea.

For more information go to Build a Business or click on the links below to book your place for any of the FREE courses at Stockport Central Library:

You’ll also be able to book an appointment to see the local SME Champion, who will provide one to one support and create a business information plan for you, researching your business and market using the industry-standard database and resources available as well as signposting to other specialised help.

 


Training courses from Seashell Trust

Message from Seashell Trust

Signalong

Signalong is a key word sign-supported communication system based on British sign language and is used in spoken word order. It uses speech, sign, body language, facial expression and voice tone to reference the link between sign and word.

Seashell offers a 12-week Signalong course, 2 hours per week for 12 weeks.

Signalong - The Seashell Trust

Sleep Success

This one day workshop offers an introduction to the behavioural approach to sleep.

  •   27 January 2022 & 5 May 2022
  • 9.30am – 1.30pm
  • FREE OF CHARGE
  • Online via Zoom 

Sleep Success - The Seashell Trust

Sleep Better – a five week course for parents and carers

This five week course offers parents/carers evidence-based strategies and group support. 

 Dates: 13, 24 January, 3, 10, 24 February 2022

Time: 10am – 12pm  

FREE OF CHARGE

Online via Zoom

Sleep Better - a five week course for parents and carers - The Seashell Trust

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Heaton Norris Community Centre End of Year Newsletter

Message from Nadia Ali (Heaton Norris Community Centre)

Attached is a copy of our end of year newsletter outlining some of our achievements in 2021 with lots of photographs and good news stories from our community. Please feel free to share with your wider contacts.

Also copied into this email is our new Senior Community Project Manager, Vicky Bloomfield - heatonshncc@gmail.com. Some of you may know Vicky from her time managing SAVY (Stockport Action for Voluntary Youth). After a few years working in Calderdale we are pleased to invite Vicky back to support the growing number of youth and community sessions in Heaton Norris and Lancashire Hill. Please do drop her an email and say hi! Or call on 07598 789685. Vicky is working part time but will ensure any missed calls / emails are followed up.

HNCC Newsletter 2021

 


Rising Stars Projects 2022

Message from Solomon Onaolapo (Rising Stars North West CIC)

We have a number of projects happening from this month that may be of interest to your group and service users.

See attached the relevant posters and links on our website for more information.

Stockport Answer Cancer Outreach

We have a new project starting in February called ‘Stockport Answer Cancer’ targeting men of African and Caribbean descent living in Stockport & Manchester.  The aim is to raise awareness about prostate and bowel cancers, have a better understanding of signs and symptoms to look out for, and how and where to get tested. 

We’ll be delivering workshops virtually with professional health practitioners/specialists, as well as community pop up events. 

For more info on how you can get involved visit our website

Reskill & Rise Project

Reskill and Rise is a project focused on young people ages 16 – 24-year-olds living in Stockport and Manchester.  Participants will develop new skills, experiences, and gain insight into opportunities and career paths in the creative and arts industry.   

Working with experienced industry professionals and inhouse staff, the training will include.

  • Music Production 
  • Event Management  
  • Radio Production/Presenting 
  • Videography & Photography 
  • Marketing and Social Media Skills

We have an open day on Wednesday 26th January 2022 from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm. For young people, parents and carers to find out more information about what’s on offer.

For more info on how you can get involved visit our website:

Answer Cancer Stockport Poster

Reskill & Rise Poster

Answer Cancer Stockport Poster
Reskill & Rise Poster

 


Diabetes UK update - January 2022

Message from Lisa Holland (Diabetes UK)

Diabetes UK Professional Conference 2022

Join our exciting hybrid conference - which will be taking place from 28 March to 1 April 2022 - featuring face-to-face masterclasses, live and online sessions, and a range of networking opportunities.

Our conference will bring you the very latest knowledge and insight in the field of diabetes care and research from leading healthcare speakers from around the world. We'll have something for everyone - from disciplines in primary and specialist care to podiatry, paediatrics and much more. Don't miss out! Registration for our 2022 Diabetes UK Professional Conference is now open.

Find out More: Diabetes UK Professional Conference 2022 | Diabetes UK

Find out about diabetes events, courses and conferences for healthcare professionals in 2022

Did you know that you can find a list of upcoming diabetes events, courses and conferences across the UK during 2022 on our website? Find out what is coming up and how you can get involved here: All professional diabetes events | Diabetes UK

CPD training modules for healthcare professionals

We are busy working on a new series of free CPD-accredited training modules for healthcare professionals. Our diabetes and emotional wellbeing module is already available on our website and a handy poster is attached to help make more people aware of it. Four more modules are to be developed during 2022. Two modules covering remission and understanding diabetes are due to be released around DUKPC in March 2022, with two further modules covering meds and treatments and diabetes tech planned for later in the year. We will keep you updated on progress and provide the links and any relevant resources once available.

Expressions of interest for the next Discovering Leadership will be opening up on Monday, 10 January.

Discovering Leadership is for you if you want to make a difference to diabetes care and recognise that you could benefit from support at the beginning of your healthcare leadership journey. You may be well established in your career or you might be fresh to a new area of work, but what’s vital is that you want to drive change and to make a real impact for people living with diabetes. This free programme blends leadership theory with practice and provides a supportive space for you to learn with others interested in improving diabetes care from across the system: Discovering Leadership | Diabetes UK

The rise of diabetes in children and young people in the North West: A special report by ITV Granada Reports journalist Jahmal Williams-Thomas

You can now watch parts 1 and 2 of a special report by ITV Granada Reports on the rise of diabetes in children and young people in the North West. The 2 part report tells the stories of Molly, diagnosed with t1 diabetes when she was 3, and Mason who was diagnosed with t2 diabetes at age 12:

The rise in children and young adults diagnosed in DKA during covid.

During the pandemic we have become aware of the increase in the number of children and young adults being diagnosed in DKA , some in quite serious ill health . Diabetes UK North team have developed an additional 4T’s poster (attached) which we have distributed across a number of schools for inclusion in parent newsletters to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of diabetes.

4T's Poster LF 1

 


Read Easy

Read Easy Stockport offers free one-to-one reading coaching for adults who struggle with their reading.     New Readers meet with their volunteer Reading Coaches for half an hour, twice a week, at approved local venues such as libraries.  Together they work at their own pace through a phonics-based reading programme.  It gives people the opportunity to work in private and at their own pace and builds reading skills, confidence and self-esteem.

On completion of the reading scheme, Read Easy offers a second stage of literacy support to help new readers to consolidate their skills further and to give them the confidence to move on to other opportunities.

Anyone can refer.  Agencies or self- referral.

For more information see the attached pamphlet and/or contact Marie Joyce (teamleader) on 07957 516443 stockportleader@readeasy.org.uk

Read Easy pamphlet

 


Living Life to the Full

Message from Jan Hopkins (Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership)

Living Life to the full

“On 20th January 2022 10-3pm Reflecteen Hub  are running an in-person Train the Trainer course for Living Life to the Full (LLTTF). LLTTF is one of the world’s most used wellbeing support packages. It aims to provide key information using everyday non-complex language. It teaches important life skills that aim to help empower and equip people.

We are looking for experienced Community Trainers who may be able to deliver the course to the following communities of culture, identity or experience.  People from BAME communities; People living with long term physical and mental health conditions; Disabled people; Social isolated older people; Military veterans; People who are newly or long term unemployed; People who identify as LGBTQ+; Adult Carers. Individual trainers will have a good understanding of common mental health issues acquired via training and practice.  They will be used to delivering small group teaching.

Once you have attended the course you will receive a license until October 2022 and an online log in for all the resources, If you are from a VCSE organisation, your organisation will also be able to draw down a £60 attendance contribution and apply for a small grant which will contribute towards the cost of delivering the programme. We would expect that if you receive this training you will deliver at least two courses in the short term, take part in our programme wide evaluation and join our community of practice.

The training is free to you. For more details and to book a place please see the attached poster”

Enjoy Your Baby

On 27th January 2022 09:15-13:00 Five Areas Limited are hosting an online Train the Trainer course for Enjoy Your Baby which is part of the umbrella Living Life To The Full suite.

After a successful lunch and learn event in December, we are offering trainers the chance to train as community trainers to deliver Enjoy Your Baby to parents in communities in Greater Manchester. We are seeking individuals who are working with families and parents to be. Individuals will have a good knowledge of mental health acquired via training and practice. They will have experience of small group teaching. As above there is a £60 attendance contribution for VCSE organisations and VCSE organisations can apply for a small grant which contributes towards the cost of delivery.  We would expect that if you receive this training that you will deliver at least two courses in the short term, take part in our programme wide evaluation and join our community of practice.

The training is free to you. For more details see the attached posters.

Please register your interest here  

Please share via your networks.

Living Life to the full - in your Menopause

Menopause is often overlooked and there are many misconceptions that abound so we are delighted that Living Life To The Full In Your Menopause has been added to the GM LLTTF website www.gmlifeskills.com

Colleagues in GM Moving and GMHSC are undertaking some key pieces of work to ensure that discussion around menopause are mainstreamed and that information is accurate and based on individual lived experience and what we can do. Living Life To The Full In Your Menopause will play a part in changing the narrative and ensures that individuals can make subtle changes to improve their mood and wellbeing.

Please direct your networks to the www.gmlifeskills.com website in general and this new title specifically.

GM_LLTTF TraintheTrainers Reflecteen Hub
GMHSCP Enjoy your baby - poster
EYBaby GM Launch

 


Caring for the Carers

Message from Nicola Zielinski (Rescare)

Caring for the Carers ( for carers that care for family members in Stockport with a learning disability)

Rescare: The Society for Children and Adults with Learning Disabilities and their Families, supports a community whose families are often overlooked by mainstream health and local authority services. We have remained one of the only family centred charities for the learning disabled over the past 38 years.

Working with Signpost Stockport for Carers in Heaton Moor we are pleased to introduce a series of events for carers in Stockport who care for a family member with learning disabilities.

The Caring for the Carers programme is designed to connect and support carers with a networking, mutual support and wellbeing session every two months. Each session will be free to users and facilitated by a local expert. We intend to cover any respite fees and will offer a light lunch.

Venue The Heatons Centre, Thornfield Rd, Heaton Moor, Stockport SK4 3LD

Contact to book a space nicola@rescare.org.uk | 07529247792

Caring for Carers

 


New coffee morning

Message from Lizzie Austin (Pure Innovations)

Please see the info on the new social group in Bramhall from the Orange Umbrella project.

Coffee Morning Poster bramhall orange umbrella
job opportunities


Stockport Homes Careers Event

Message from Chris Hughes (Stockport Homes)

Stockport Homes is a great place to work. If you know anyone who agrees with me and fancies working here themselves, then they’re in luck as we’re holding a Careers Event later this month – see attached flyer for details.

Please share with anyone you think might be interested.

SHG Careers Event

 


Stockport Without Abuse

Message from Steph Mallas (Stockport Without Abuse)

Senior Refuge Caseworker

Please see the attached job vacancy and please cascade far and wide to any of your groups/ networks.

SWA Vacancy Notice - Senior Refuge Caseworker (Jan 2022)
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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.  

Or 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. Contact the Healthwatch Stockport office above or submit feedback here at www.healthwatchstockport.co.uk/share-your-views

If you have any information you would like to share on the Stockport Information Round up please send any details to comms@healthwatchstockport.co.uk