IRU Thursday 9th November 2023

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

Welcome to this week's Information Round-up! 

We hope you are keeping well, we're certainly starting to feel that nip in the air!

Here's the latest IRU, filled with news, information, events and more. We hope you enjoy this week's edition. Remember, if you want to promote your work, event or you'd like any information circulated, please fill in the form here.

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News

Don't forget to check out our website, we've published a number of new articles, news and blogs from Healthwatch England. 

Information

Commemorative services for Armistice day and Remembrance

Armistice Day, Saturday 11 November 2023

Residents are welcome to attend and observe a two-minute silence on Armistice Day, Saturday 11 November.

At 11am, the Mayor of Stockport, Councillor Graham Greenhalgh, will observe the silence on the steps of Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery, Wellington Road South, Stockport, SK3 8AB. To mark the beginning and end of the silence, maroon rockets will be launched from the civic complex. The sound should be heard from up to two miles away, and residents and shoppers should not be alarmed. The Art Gallery will be open from 10am on Saturday 11 November, for people to pay their respects.

To see more events happening across the borough, click here.


 

Stockport Warm Spaces initiative heats up for Winter

The programme that has helped community organisations to combat residents’ loneliness, isolation, wellbeing and keep them warm and well during winter has been relaunched.

Warm Spaces, available in every ward across Stockport, invite individuals to drop in and relax. These spaces remain open until the end of February and offer complimentary Wi-Fi, hot meals, and drinks.

They also function as central hubs, providing information and guidance to signpost residents to further support. For more information, click here


 

Stockport Mental Health Network

Message from Lizzie Austin, Pure Innovations

What is the Mental Health Network?

The Stockport Mental Health Network supports people on their move away from statutory services, helping them to be more confident and resilient in everyday life.

Funded by Stockport Council, and run by Pure Innovations in partnership with the Stockport Progress and Recovery Centre (SPARC), the Mental Health Network is designed specifically for people who have previously been engaged with, are currently being engaged with, or are leaving mental health services.

The Mental Health Network is also backed up by access to expert advice and guidance provided in partnership with Stockport Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB). – where we offer forward referrals to other services as appropriate.

Why has this service been set up?

Moving away from statutory Mental Health Services is generally a welcome result of improvement. However, it can leave people feeling alone, overwhelmed and unsupported.

The Mental Health Network has been designed specifically to overcome these barriers to recovery by providing people with opportunities to build relationships, confidence and engagement with social activities.

How can the Mental Health Network help?

Our friendly team are here to help. We can help you improve your health, wellbeing and confidence.

To achieve this we will help you engage with:

  • social group participation
  • physical activities
  • education and training
  • rewarding volunteering opportunities

The Network team can also help you explore peer support, as it can be very reassuring to share with others who understand first hand what you are going through. More details are included on the attached flyer. 

 


 

Accessing our libraries' resources

Message from Lizzie Austin, Pure Innovations

Does someone you know struggle to visit the library due to health issues or caring commitments?

Stockport’s Home Library Service can deliver your choice of books, talking books and DVDs direct to your door in the Stockport area completely free of charge.

For more information please contact 0161 474 5600 or homelibraryservice@stockport.gov.uk and speak to one of our friendly members of staff.


 

GM Integrated Stroke Delivery Network

Message from Deb Drinkall, Stroke.org.uk

If you live in Stockport and have recently had a stroke (or you care for someone who has) we would like to hear from you! The stroke delivery network is an NHS organisation that aims to make stroke services better. 

We can only do this by hearing what stroke patients and carers tell us about their experiences of treatment and care. 

We are now recruiting for new members to join our Stroke Patient & Carer group, so if you would like to know more about us, please get in touch! 

You can email Deb, Patient & Carer Involvement Co-ordinator at deb.drinkall@nca.nhs.uk or call 07717275839.


 

Rescare to wind down services

Message from Nicola Zielinski-Gray, Rescare

Rescare is slowly winding down some of their core services between now and March 2024.

Befriending

The service will be the first service to finish up at the end of November 2023. As you can imagine I have been busy ensuring all our clients and volunteers receive the best support in their final weeks, and we include a good signposting and exit plan for everyone.

Helpline:

We anticipate our helpline to be available into the first quarter of 2024.

The details: helpline@rescare.org.uk / 0161 4747323 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm for parents/carers and people with a learning disability and/autism)

Campaigns

We hope that 2024 may see Rescare some re-focus to our campaigning missions , this is indeed how Rescare began 39 years ago.  The Our Life Our Choice campaign is ultimately focusing on choice for people with a learning disability in terms of where they live.  If you would like to follow the campaigning action group you can do so here - https://ourlifeourchoice.co.uk/

As you can imagine, winding some of our services down has been a difficult decision by all but it is a necessity due to the impact of the current cost of living crisis.  

Thank you for all your ongoing support over the years.


 

Pure Innovations' College Open Events

Message from Lizzie Austin, Pure Innovations

Please see the details attached with regards to the Pure Innovations College Open Events coming soon.


 

Men’s support groups in Stockport


 

North West Ambulance Service updates

Message from Rachel Louise Bates, North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust

At NWAS, we aim to share important updates and news with you that we think may be useful and of interest to you. Please see attached updates and useful information in relation to:

  • Communicating with our patients with new app roll out.
  • NWAS Winter Campaign – ‘Every Second Counts’ this winter
  • Educating and listening to the communities we serve through community conversation events.

If you have any questions or queries, please do not hesitate to contact us at talk.tous@nwas.nhs.uk