Information Round Up Thursday 1st February 2024

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

Welcome to this week's Healthwatch Stockport Information Round-up (IRU), filled with news, updates, events and more.

Our Round up brings together updates from us at Healthwatch, our health and social care services, community groups to name a few.

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News

Healthwatch Stockport's Event - Book Now!

Healthwatch Stockport's event will take place from 12 noon to 3.30pm on Wednesday 28 February at Stockport's Masonic Guildhall.

The focus for the coming event will be Healthwatch Stockport's plans for 2024/2025 and how we'll continue to champion the best possible care for our Stockport Community. We too will hear more about our Primary Care services.

Places are limited so book your place(s) confirming your full name, organisation (if applicable), dietary requirements (Vegan, Gluten Free) as soon as possible:

info@healthwatchstockport.co.uk 

0161 974 0753

We'll look forward to seeing you on the day!

 

Healthwatch England Help Address Low Uptake in Cervical Screenings

Cervical cancer screenings save at least 2,000 lives a year in the UK. But 4.6 million people in England have never been screened for cervical cancer or have not taken up their last appointment. 

Healthwatch's new campaign aims to help the NHS reach the goal of eliminating cervical cancer by 2040. 

Discover how we're working to find out what stops people from taking up cervical screenings and what services can do to help fix the problem. 

Click here to find out more

Information

World Cancer Day: Support Event and Questionnaire

Details from Michelle Davies, Stockport NHS

In Stockport, we're proud to support World Cancer Day and will be hosting an event at Stepping Hill Hospital on Friday 2 February at the information stand outside the Canteen.

Staff, patients and the public will be able to talk to some of our cancer teams about cancer services at Stockport and importantly, we'll be encouraging everyone to contribute to the development of the first Cancer Strategy for the Stockport locality. We already provide many great services for patients at Stockport, but we want to strive to do better for each person within our locality affected by cancer.

We want to access the opinions of as many people as possible to contribute their views on what is important for a local cancer strategy. Our brief questionnaire can be accessed in several ways, via the following link https://forms.office.com/e/wHas5iqBS5 and by scanning the QR code - please see the attached 

Cancer continues to be a significant health issue both in the UK and globally. Each year in the UK, around 393,000 people are diagnosed with Cancer, on average this equates to a new cancer diagnosis every 90 seconds. World Cancer Day held is every 4 February and is the global uniting initiative led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) with the aim of raising worldwide awareness, improving education and catalysing personal, collective and government action to reimagine a world where millions of preventable cancer deaths are saved and access to life-saving cancer treatment and care is equitable for all - no matter who you are or where you live.

Cancer Awareness Across Stockport Communities (Reminder)

Details from GM Ethnic Communities Network & Greater Manchester BAME Network

 

Stockport Council’s Public Health team are offering to deliver free 30 minute workshops on cancer awareness to local community groups.

The workshops aim to dispel myths about cancer and share useful information on cancer prevention, cancer warnings signs and cancer screening. The team are also supporting individuals to become Answer Cancer Champions to continue to raise awareness of cancer in their communities.

Book here

Pharmacies Bring New Services to High Street

Details from the NHS North West

From 31 January, the NHS in the North West expanded pharmacy services, meaning you are able to receive care and treatment at your local community pharmacy for a range of common conditions without having to see a GP.

Across England, 95% of pharmacies have signed up to offer the expanded service which includes treatment for:
• sinusitis, sore throat and earache
• infected insect bite, impetigo and shingles
• uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women
Read more

 

Get Involved: Talking Therapies Research

Details from GM Ethnic Communities Network & Greater Manchester BAME Network

Research has shown that black men are under-represented in NHS Talking Therapies. Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust want to hear your thoughts on how we can improve our service to provide greater inclusivity, support and care for people from Black ethnic backgrounds. They are holding a -hour virtual meeting and participants will be paid £50. 

For more information, email TalkingTherapiesResearch@gmmh.nhs.uk

 

One Stockport Family Hubs

Details via Sarah Burke, Stockport Council

We're reminding everyone about the One Stockport Family Hubs. These are one-stop shops of information and advice, and bring together support services that work with:

  • families with children (0 - 19 years)
  • up to 25 years for young people with special educational needs/disabilities.

Family Hub support is provided in community locations. Westmorland Drive, Brinnington, Garners Lane, Adswood and Reddish (opening this month). Hubs will continue to open across Stockport. Support is also available in 'bridge' locations, including local libraries and Life Leisure hubs. GP practices can access training to act as bridges, email:  Ross.Thompson@stockport.gov.uk.  

For more information, support for professionals and families, visit: stockport.gov.uk/familyhubs

Printed leaflets are available to order, email Ross.Thompson@stockport.gov.uk

 

Local Testing This National HIV Testing Week

Details from Megan Wiltshire, BHA for Equality (formally the Black Health Agency)

National HIV Testing Week is a campaign which runs from 5 - 11 February, to promote regular testing amongst the most affected population groups. This helps reduce the number of people living with undiagnosed HIV or diagnosed late. 

The PaSH (Passionate about Sexual Health) partnership is a collaboration between BHA for Equality, George House Trust, and the LGBT Foundation. PaSH will be increasing HIV testing in different community venues across Greater Manchester. See the attached for details.

Receive Help From DWP Disability Support Advisors

Details sent by Charlee Fitzgerald, Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council

Do you know anyone who claims Universal Credit and has any vulnerabilities/additional needs? Do their needs affect them attending their appointments with the DWP/job centre? If this is the case, refer them to a DWP Disability Employment Support Advisor. See the attached for details

Are You Eligible For Short Breaks Activities Funding?

Details from Sector 3

Stockport Council is interested in hearing from organisations offering activities for children and young people, and wish to be fully inclusive for children with Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). They're also particularly interested in hearing from those delivering holiday activities for children with complex needs, often needing 1:1 support to engage in activities, especially groups for secondary-age children.

Grant funding is available for organisations that provide day, evening, weekend and school holiday activities for disabled children and young people. The aim is to enable participation in fun, interesting and safe activities and to provide a break from caring for the parents. Grant funding will be for activities running between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025. 

Applications (plus cost schedule) should be sent to David.hulley@stockport.gov.uk by12 February at 5pm.

 

Could you Volunteer for MMU's Healthy Aging Research?

Details from Jhama Malla, Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU)

Manchester Metropolitan University are currently conducting a healthy ageing research study in healthy older adults and are looking for participants to volunteer.

The goal is to look at the beneficial effect of pomegranate extract on inflammation, blood pressure, cholesterol as well as muscle and brain function in people who are 55 years and above. Participants will receive £50 Amazon voucher after completing the study.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • All genders between 55-70 years old
  • BMI between 18.5 – 29.9kg/m2
  • No diagnosed metabolic diseases

People living with the following; diabetes, heart disease, renal, liver disease or taking medications that could modulate inflammation or on blood pressure or/and cholesterol medications, cannot be part of this study.

Email: J.Malla@mmu.ac.uk

Measles and the Importance of Vaccinations

Details from Thad Barker, Stockport Council Communities

Please see the attached information regarding the Measles vaccinations from Thad. We have also included a link to the NHS website: MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Events

Stockport DigiFest This February!

Details from Starting Point Community Partnership

DigiFest is a month-long festival of digital culture that runs as part of Stockport's year as Town of Culture. It features a variety of events and activities based on the themes of Makes, Sounds, Moves, and Tastes, all designed to inspire people to get online and boost their digital skills. Keep an eye out for more events and activities being added as the month goes on. 

Starting Point are running 38 different activities – find out more HERE

 

“Make Stuff” - A Month of Digital Events From MadLab

Details from Starting Point Community Partnership

Throughout February, MadLab are bringing “Make Stuff” to Stockport. Madlab will help our community delve into game creation, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, digital marketing, and more. There will be hands-on workshops, family days, and tech-powered experiences at a host of venues across the borough. There is also opportunity to get ‘Job ready’ every Thursday in February, join a family Digital exploration day in Stockport Library, learn about GitHub or join “coding Golf”. All events are featured here

 

Connecting Communities Event

Details from Lizzie Austin, Pure Innovations

Pure Innovations are hosting their Connecting Communities event on 20 February, for you to learn about local community groups, activities and support services available for all Stockport residents.

If you're a member of the public, feel free to just drop by on the day, no booking required.

If you're a professional, you can register as a stall holder. Pure Innovations are calling for any professionals/community groups/volunteers to book tickets.

  • Tuesday 20 February, 10am - 2pm
  • Stockport Baptist Church, 60 Thomson Street, SK3 9DR

Various Stockport Community Activities

There are a number of community groups, events and activities happening across the borough. Many thanks to Charlee Fitzgerald (Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council), Lizzie Austin and Ellie Unwin (Pure Innovations), Ellen Brookes (Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust), Delphine Evans, Sector 3 and Stockport Allergy & Asthma who've shared what's happening locally with us.

 

Monthly Dementia Cinema Screenings

The Light Cinema is hosting monthly Dementia Friendly screenings. They are open to all and curated for those living with Dementia.

Tickets are on sale for the next six months of Dementia Friendly shows

🎟️ Tickets: £5 | Carers attend for free

🎞️ A classic film

🚫 No adverts or trailers

💡 Slightly raised lighting throughout the film

Refreshments served before the film to give guests the opportunity to socialise.

FREE weekly wellbeing sessions facilitated by Boost
Making Better Choices
Groundwork sports and activities
Silent Disco for LGBT Month
Armed Forces Community Group (past and present)
Techno fit with Autisk
Women's Wellbeing Session
Community Coffee Morning
Children's Mental Health week event
job opportunities

Creative Health Literacy English Course

Details from Sector3

CAHN is running a creative health literacy English (ESOL) programme for speakers of other languages. They are looking for people from Black or Asian Ethnic Minority backgrounds, residing in Stockport and surrounding areas, aged 18 and over. Those interested may also have little or no English language skills (Pre-entry - Entry 1 ESOL), may be isolated due to lack of English, and/or struggle to communicate their health needs to health professionals.

Please contact Peace@cahn.org.uk to find out more.

 

Free Supporting Connections Workshops

Details from Ellen Brookes, Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust

Do you support people who may be lonely? Supporting Connections is a free workshop delivered by the British Red Cross. It’s aimed at organisations, professionals and volunteers who work with people who might be experiencing loneliness. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to better support people in your community, enabling them to build positive connections to help ease feelings of loneliness.

Book here

 

National Heart Month: Local training and Support

 Details from Lizzie Austin, Purre Innovations and Starting Point

February is National Heart Month -  According to the British Heart Foundation, 2.3 million people in the UK are living with heart disease and at higher risk of a cardiac arrest.

Online CPR training

Each year over 30,000 people have an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Please share this, 15 minute training for CPR – and encourage as many to complete the training.

Learn CPR in 15 minutes | RevivR | BHF - BHF

Starting Point's guide also links you to key information on what to do in an emergency,  how to access free online CPR training that can be completed in 15 minutes and just might save someone's life. Online CPR training guides.

 

Care for your heart with Starting Point’s Heart Awareness event

The event takes place on 27 February, from 6pm - 8pm at Start Point Coffee Shop, and welcomes guest speakers and a representative from CRY- ‘Cardiac Risk in the Young’, who'll be here to give us useful information.

Enjoy free drinks, and nibbles and lots of local, friendly faces! This is also a fundraising for CRY.

Places are limited  so contact Chloe to book your space:

07874 040 782

chloe@startpoint.org.uk

 

Information and support around Defibrillators

Learn more about defibrillators on the council website.  Use the Defib finder to know where the nearest defibrillator is to your home, place of work or somewhere you regularly visit.

 

Stockport Homes Courses Coming Up

Details from Christopher Hughes, Stockport Homes

Stockport Homes are running a number of Skills for Life (SFL+) courses, please see the attached for details. Huge thanks to Chris who continues to share what's on!

Volunteer Induction session
Safeguarding course
Canine First Aid
Creative Storytelling

For more information about any of the above courses or to book a place, contact:

0161 474 2862

customer.training@stockporthomes.org

Priority given to Stockport Homes’ customers.

 

Starting Point and Get into the DigiKnow!

Details from Lizzie Austin, Pure Innovations

If someone you know needs help to get online, DigiKnow Friends is a free one-hour online training session to learn how digital exclusion impacts people, what's happening in Stockport to tackle it and where to send people who need support. The training is ideal for anyone who supports residents who are not online or who have poor digital skills.

The training is on Microsoft Teams. Please use Starting Point's form to book onto a session or call Mike Howard (Starting Point Community Learning Partnership) on 0161 494 9947.

Find out more about digital learning and support available.

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