Healthwatch Round Up - 1 May 2025
Welcome to this week's Healthwatch Stockport Information Round-up!
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#TeamHealthwatch
This week, the team have joined TAP (Teams Around the Place) meetings across Stockport. These valuable meet-ups bring together health and social care professionals from various organisations and community services to share important news and developments, best practice and so much more.
On Friday 25 April, the team walked 5k for Autism Awareness month around Woodbank park, Stockport, with the support from our families. The aim of our walk was to show our continued support for our autistic colleagues and foster a more supportive workplace. We believe that every step counts towards greater understanding and acceptance.
Visit our website for information on how you can make your workplace more autism friendly!
Healthwatch Articles & Advice You May Have Missed
Please see the latest news, advice and support articles from us and Healthwatch England.
How are NHS patient records managed?
Everyone who uses the NHS in England could soon have a single patient record that brings together important information about your health care. Currently there is no single NHS record which keeps all your interactions with different parts of the health service in one place although the government announced last October it would like to introduce them as part of its upcoming 10-Year Health Plan.
The extent and impact of inaccurate NHS patient records
Healthwatch England's latest research found frequent errors in patients’ individual medical records. Accurate patient medical records are crucial to delivering effective and efficient care. Healthcare professionals rely on medical records to support them in providing patients with the treatment they need. Incorrect details included 'personal details' at 26%, 'Details about medication I've taken' at 16%.
Eye care costs a barrier for people on low incomes
Check out our website for more news, advice and informative articles.
Healthwatch Campaign Focus
Deaf Awareness Week - 5 - 9 May:
The week's theme, “Beyond Silence” emphasises breaking barriers, advocating for accessibility, promotes a better understanding of deafness, deaf culture, and the experiences of deaf people.
At Healthwatch Stockport, we'll be supporting this campaign and reminding you of the hugely valuable work we're doing around Adult NHS hearing services, which included our recent survey and feedback campaign.
We'll also share more insights and communication advice. In then mean time, check out this Healthwatch blog around 'Deaf and hard of hearing people's healthcare experiences'
As part of our 'Information and Advice' service, we're developing a directory of services on our website to support you with sensory loss. This is just the beginning, so this will continue to be updated.
We've also just launched a work programme looking at accessing Primary Care with additional needs. This could be a physical, neurodiverse or mental health need. Do you have any experiences you can share with us?
Stroke Awareness Month:
Every day in May, 240 people will wake up to the life-changing impact of a stroke. The Stroke Association is the only charity in the UK providing lifelong support for all stroke survivors and their families. This Stroke Awareness Month, we want to help raise awareness of the impact of stroke and help more people find strength through support.
We've also shared 'Information and Advice' of local Stroke support under our 'Find Services' directory on our website.
Healthwatch Stockport’s Information & Advice Service
Do you run a local community group or coffee morning? If so, we'd love the opportunity to talk to your group about the Information & Advice service we offer. We'll share what we; Healthwatch Stockport, can do to help you get the best from local health and social care.
For further information or to book a session, contact Claire:
Have Your Say: Men's Health Strategy for England
Details from Healthwatch England
Men face unique challenges throughout their lives:
- Men are disproportionately affected by a number of health conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
- Life expectancy data also shows that men live on average four years fewer than women (79.1 versus 83.0 years in England, respectively).
The Government will use your ideas, experiences and feedback to help inform the strategy. Share your views by 17 July 2025.
Read the article
Have Your Say: Adult ADHD Services
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
Take part in NHS Greater Manchester’s survey (left click to open) about adult ADHD services and support. It’s part of NHS Greater Manchester’s latest public consultation which started on 23 April, and runs until 17 June.
The NHS GM Engagement team is finding out how the public thinks access to adult ADHD services and support can be improved. Those who get involved will be asked to choose between two potential options for what the new service might look like. It's open to anybody, but people with lived experience of ADHD are particularly encouraged to share their views.
For more information, visit NHS GM website
Get in touch with the engagement team directly:
Phone or WhatsApp 07786 673762
Social media – just search for NHS GM on Instagram, X or Facebook.
Why are services being reviewed?
- Waiting times are getting longer with an estimated 25,000 people waiting for an assessment in Greater Manchester.
- Referrals are increasing.
- People are struggling whilst waiting.
- If things don’t change, people could be waiting over seven years for assessment and diagnosis.
If demand continues at current levels, it will also cost the NHS in Greater Manchester at least £10 million a year to fund assessment services, with not enough staff to see people quickly.
Further ways to get involved will be shared soon.
Announcement: NHS Prescriptions Frozen for 25/26
Details from Community Pharmacy
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has announced that the NHS prescription charge will be kept at £9.90 per prescription item for 2025/26. A Government press release confirms that the NHS prescription charge will be frozen, as well as the costs for prescription prepayment certificates (PPCs). .
NHS charges for 2025/26
- Single prescription charge - £9.90
- PPC 3 months - £32.05
- PPC 12 months - £114.50
- HRT PPC - £19.80
Some items may have more than one charge, e.g. elastic hosiery; a member of the pharmacy team will explain if that is the case. Community Pharmacy England has produced the posters to support community pharmacies in displaying the prescription charge.
Announcement: Lower School Uniform Costs
Details from Gov UK
The Government has announced that parents of over 4 million children are set to benefit from lower school uniform costs, following survey feedback and analysis.
The survey shows a third of parents are still worried about uniform costs, with 1 in 5 schools said to have actually increased the number of branded items required over the past year.
To cut costs for families and break down barriers, new proposed laws will limit the number of branded, typically more expensive, items schools can require to 3 - excluding ties.
Focus On: Living Well in Stockport Model
Stockport has seen a significant increase in the diagnosis of serious mental health conditions in recent times. This has led to the development of the Living Well In Stockport Model. We need your lived experience feedback to help support this!
Living Well is part of Greater Manchester’s Community Mental Health Transformation, a commitment to improve the accessibility, quality, and impact of mental health care.
What does the Living Well model aim to do?
- Provide easy access to personalised care and support
- Empower individuals to manage their mental health
- Involve people’s lived experience in shaping services
- Connect primary and secondary services
- Work together with local groups and volunteer services
How can I contribute?
To share your experiences or to get involved with the programme, contact Maya:
maya@healthwatchstockport.co.uk
0161 974 0753 (Tuesday to Thursday)
Complete our quick survey here
Your voice matters! Get involved in shaping the future of mental health services in Stockport.
Get To Know Where To Go Spring 2025!
Details from Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership - GMICB
NHS Greater Manchester has shared a few important tips:
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Do you take regular medicines on a repeat prescription? If you need to order more, put your request in asap to avoid any complications or delays.
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Did you know your pharmacist can give you expert advice on treating minor illnesses or injuries? Remember to check their bank holiday opening times.
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When you use the right NHS service, you get the right treatment sooner. If you’re not sure where to go, visit 111.nhs.uk (available 24/7, all year).
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Need urgent care? Whether you have a pain in your gums, have a sudden change in your vision or need support for a mental health crisis, there are services there to help. Find the right urgent and emergency services for your needs.
Groundbreaking Dementia Trial begins
Details from Alzheimer's UK
A groundbreaking trial exploring the potential of blood tests to diagnose dementia is now underway - starting in Surrey. This is a significant step towards improving the UK’s dementia diagnosis rate.
Led by the READ-OUT research team at DPUK, and part of the Blood Biomarker Challenge – a multi-million-pound programme led by us at Alzheimer’s Society and Alzheimer's Research UK, supported with funds raised by players of People's Postcode Lottery.
Have Your Say: Dementia and Alzheimer’s Support Services (Professionals)
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
The Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board is working with Dementia and Alzheimer’s support services in Stockport to better understand professionals’ knowledge of the support and services available. They're asking people to share how they support individuals with Dementia/Alzheimers.
The closing date is 6 May.
Advice in Brief from the NHS
Details from NHS
Hayfever Hints: For many people, Hayfever isn’t just a seasonal nuisance, it can impact work, school, and even lead to more serious conditions like asthma. See their hints and tips to help you manage symptoms
Stress During Exam Time: It’s normal for young people to feel worried about exams, and that anxiety can affect young people, but also parents and carers too. The NHS offers great tips for ways to ease the stress, see their hints and tips.
Get Involved: Act Now Age Better!
Details from Age UK Stockport
Age UK's new campaign; 'Act Now, Age Better' launched on 29 April. Ageing doesn’t have to mean living with frailty—movement is your secret weapon to staying strong.
- Stay independent. Everyday tasks like shopping, dressing, and cooking may seem easy - maintaining strength ensures they stay that way. Physical activity builds a buffer to allow you to maintain function as you age.
- Do what you love. Good mobility and fitness keep you enjoying hobbies, traveling, and socialising with family and friends
- Support yourself and others. Encouraging movement builds strength and independence. The sooner you start moving more, the better your chances of ageing well.
- Prevent health problems. Staying active can help delay or reduce the likelihood of developing a long-term condition.
Support With Special Educational Needs & Disabilities
Details from Stockport Council
For information and guidance on support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), visit the SEND Stockport Local Offer website. It includes a directory of services, details on upcoming events, and additional support options. You can also join Stockport's SEND community and get updates by following us on Facebook.
Get Involved: New Family Hubs App
Details from Stockport Council
One Stockport Family Hubs have launched a new free app offering an easier way for parents, parents-to-be, and carers to access expert advice, local information, and personalised support.
Introduced in response to families' requests during last Summer’s survey, it combines the ‘Essential parent’ expert library of videos and articles with local information. Support is tailored to the family’s due date or children’s ages and push notifications from local teams alert them to significant milestones on their timeline. Here are some key features to look out for:
- Access over 2000 videos and articles from the experts at Essential Parent
- Find information on local groups and services to support families.
- Guidance for every step of the parenting journey, from pregnancy to young adulthood.
- Resources for children and young people up to 25 years with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
- Tailored content based on due dates or children's ages (add all children in family).
- Receive updates directly from local Family Hubs teams.
- Available in 75 languages on both iOS and Android.
Please take a moment to download the app and explore its features.
If you're a local service: Your firsthand experience will be invaluable in recommending it to the families you work with and helping them access the support they need. The app includes a Share section with QR codes for both Android and iPhone downloads. When working with families, you can easily share these codes to encourage them to download the app on the spot.
Call Out For Artists!
Details from Signpost for Carers
Are you a local artist? Do you run or attend an art group? If yes, you may be just the person to help Signpost for Carers' revamp their home – the Heaton's Centre – with some wonderful art pieces.
With their team, various external organisations, and, most importantly, our carers and young carers, they have lots of people coming and going. It’s important to them to create a welcoming space for all. If you think you can help, drop them a message sharing a bit about yourself and the work you do.
Get Involved: Holiday Activity & Food (HAF) programme Applications Open
Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme applications for Summer 2025 are open! Are you a Stockport based provider who can offer fun and enriching activities with a meal during the longer school holidays? Can you support families to expand their networks and access further help and support?
What does HAF look like for providers? HAF aims to give children from low income families funded access to an exciting holiday club that ensures they're fed a healthy meal, can improve social connections and have fun! It ensures that those who are on income based free school meals are still getting support during the holidays.
Stockport’s HAF providers offer activities from multisports, gymnastics, dancing and drama to mindfulness yoga, coding, bongo drumming and mini documentary workshops. Providers are always looking for something new and exciting to engage the children and young people.
Who can access HAF? HAF is aimed at supporting children and young people eligible for income based free school meals, in reception to year 11. There are a limited number of places for families that are not eligible for income based free school meals.
Find out more here - Information for providers - Stockport Council
Who can apply? Any organisation who has a link with the Stockport borough, experience of working with children and families and a willingness to support our communities. Existing HAF providers are from a range of sectors including voluntary orgs, charities, sports providers, childcare settings, after school clubs and private businesses.
Find out more: - Information for providers - Stockport Council.
If you think HAF could be a programme that you could deliver, access the application form via: Information for providers - Stockport Council. Applications will close on 6 May.
For any questions, email haf@stockport.gov.uk
Involved: VE Day Events in Stockport
Details from Stockport Council
Stockport is getting ready to celebrate VE Day. A series of community and remembrance events will commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) on 8 May, honour the courage, sacrifice and unity of the World War II generation.
As well as organised events, they're encouraging communities to throw their own street parties. Residents can apply to hold a street party on the council website.
Other events and activities planned in collaboration with the Normandy Veterans Legacy Association (NVL) and Stockport Armed Forces Community Organisation (SAFCO) during the week-long celebration of VE Day include:
- 5 May - VE Day flag to be flown outside Stockport Town Hall – and will fly all week
- 7 May - VE Tea Dance at Stockport Town Hall 1-4pm – open to the public
- 8 May - Primary School 'Street Parties'
- 8 May – Private civic commemoration event hosted by the Mayor of Stockport
- 8 May - Launch of 'The War isn't Over Just Yet' exhibition at War Memorial Art Gallery (private event), opens to the public from 9 May. Watch a short video
- 8 May - 6.30pm Church Bell ringing for 30 minutes across the country
- 8 May - 6.30pm Armed Forces Community with Standard Bearers meeting outside St George's church - no service
Greenstock 2025!
Details from Climate Action Now, Stockport
Stockport's only 'Green' Community Fun Day is back on Saturday, 21 June in the glorious Woodbank Park!
21 June, 11am - 4 pm
Woodbank Community Food Hub
Go along for a jam-packed day filled with fun, food, music, and sunshine (fingers crossed). There'll be stalls and activities such as making bug-hotels, seed planting, climate conversations, nature connection activities, games, and more.
Greenstock is all about celebrating Stockport’s communities and environment. It's organised by Stockport’s Green Network, which is open to all residents and community groups who are interested in climate and nature action.
The Green Network is supported by Stockport Council’s Climate Action Now programme. Contact stockportcan@stockport.gov.uk if you would like to find out more.
Instagram and website: www.stockportgreennetwork.weebly.com
Together Trust
Details from the Together Trust
The Together Trust are holding their next Therapy Coffee Morning on Tuesday 6 May.
Once a month they hold free open days with their therapists at the Together Trust centre in Cheadle. You can meet other parents and carers in a similar situation and ask their expert team for more information and support. Professional therapists are also available, including:
- Speech and Language Therapists
- Positive Behaviour Practitioners
- Sleep Practitioners
- Occupational Therapists
- Education and Clinical Psychologists
10am and 12pm,
Together Trust Centre, Schools Hill, Cheadle, SK8 1JE.
Charity Football Match
Details from Stockport Sports Village
Stockport Sports Village are raising funds for Stockport Mind and Blood Cancer UK, two incredible causes close to their hearts. They're encouraging you to get your family and friends involved in a 7-a -side football match - it's £50 per team to enter.
Book your space with their reception team on 0161 494 3140
Saturday 14 June, 10am kick off at Stockport Sports Village
Calling Community and Social Groups!
Details from Stockport Advocacy
Stockport Advocacy are kicking off plans for their Learning Disability Event, due to take place on 6 June, 10am -3pm.
To celebrate the start of Summer and showcase some fun and fantastic community/social groups and activities across Stockport, they’d love to hear from you - with a view to hopefully including you in their event.
The plan is for you to host your own stand/stall to promote your group or activity. Stalls will be free! Perhaps you run a photography group, talk trainspotting or stamp collecting, host dance or yoga classes, or even run craft activities and workshops. All they ask is that your activities are inclusive, so no matter your ability, everyone can join and take part.
Email your interest to marketing@stockportadvocacy.co.uk by 14 May.
Party in the Park for Mental Health Awareness
Further Events & Community Activities across the Borough
Job Opportunity: SPARC
Details from SPARC (Stockport Progress And Recovery Centre)
SPARC are looking for a Funding Development Officer to help support SPARC's funding strategy. The role is 24 hours per week, spread over 4 days.
SPARC is a charity which provides support to adults who experience mental health problems. They offer leisure, therapeutic, educational and social activities and facilities.
You'll work closely with the General Manager to implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy to secure funding from various sources. This includes identifying opportunities for funding from charitable trusts and other non-statutory funders.
To find out more about SPARC and what they do, visit http://sparc4me.org.uk/
Visit their website for the full job description
First interviews: held virtually w/c 26 May
Job Opportunity: GM Women's Support Alliance
Details from Greater Manchester Women’s Support Alliance (GMWSA)
The Greater Manchester Women’s Support Alliance (GMWSA) is currently recruiting for the role of Women's Health Worker. The role is 19 hours per week, based in Stockport.
Visit their website for the full job description
To discuss the role or for more information, email admin@gmwsa.org.uk
Interview date: week commencing 12 May
Become a Trustee: Dementia Disco
Details from Dementia Disco
Dementia Disco are recruiting for a Trustee Chair to lead their Board and a Trustee Treasurer to oversee their finances! Applications close on 30 May. If you're interested and would like a full job specification:
To apply, click the link to their application form: https://forms.gle/yVK4vTyhidFjzkuK9
Autism Courses for Families
Details from PACTS
Support Your Child’s Development Through Play
Details from Stockport Council
Invest in Play is a free course for parents and carers with children aged 2 to 12 years. The course helps to:
- strengthen your relationship with your child
- support their learning, wellbeing and development
- regulate strong emotions – your own as well as your child’s
To find out more follow the link below or ask staff at One Stockport Family Hubs in your community to help you access the course.
Job Fair: Stockport NHS Job & Careers
Details from Stockport NHS Foundation Trust
Whether you`re looking to kickstart your career in healthcare or advance in your current role, this event is for you. The team will be showcasing all roles and opportunities within Stockport NHS from Nursing, to Estates, to Allied Health Professionals, to Administrative roles.
Stockport NHS Job and Career Fair Tickets, Sat 17 May 2025 at 09:00 | Eventbrite
If you have any further queries, email: stockport.nursing@stockport.nhs.uk
Training Courses Coming Up
There are a variety of training courses including those from from Skills For Life (SFL) and others. Please see the attachments below:
Answer Cancer
King's Trust Newsletter
Upcoming courses from The King's Trust
Sector 3
Your fortnightly Stockport VCFSE news bulletin
Starting Point
Stockport Council
Information and Advice
For up to date health and social care information, signposting and guidance, call Healthwatch Stockport on
0161 974 0753 10am - 2pm
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.
