Healthwatch Round Up - 8 May 2025
Welcome to this week's Healthwatch Stockport Information Round-up!
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On 8 May, we joined the rest of the UK in commemorating the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) to honour the courage, sacrifice and unity of the World War II generation. We will remember those who fought for freedom and those who lost their lives.
This week, we've continued our visits to 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.
Healthwatch Articles & Advice You May Have Missed
As a reminder, please see the latest news, advice and support articles from us and Healthwatch England.
Four things people want from the 10-Year NHS Plan
The Government has promised to put in place a 10-Year Health Plan to fix the NHS in England. We have outlined the four things that matter most to you and how they should shape the 10-Year Plan.
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.
Check out our website for more news, advice and informative articles.
Reminder of Healthwatch Campaign Focus
Deaf Awareness Week - 5 - 9 May: The theme, “Beyond Silence” emphasises breaking barriers, advocating for accessibility, promotes a better understanding of deafness, deaf culture, and the experiences of deaf people. We've been sharing insights and advice on our socials so give us a 'follow', 'like' and 'share' to help us push out these messages further.
Read our article about Deaf Awareness Week here
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?
Have Your Say: Men's Health Strategy for England
Details from Healthwatch England
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) about adult ADHD services. It’s part of their 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.
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 25k people waiting for assessments
- 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.
Greater Manchester Early Diagnosis strategy
Details from GM Cancer Alliance
The Greater Manchester Early Cancer Diagnosis Strategy 2024-28 outlines a comprehensive plan to improve cancer outcomes through early diagnosis.
Developed through collaboration with clinical experts, community leaders and stakeholders, the strategy aims to ensure fair and timely cancer diagnosis. Key priorities include raising symptom awareness, reducing health inequalities, improving collaboration with primary care services, promoting cancer screening programs, and fostering innovation.
Free Blood Pressure Checks
Details from NHS North West
Have Your Say: Wellbeing of Women at Work
Details from Greater Manchester Aging Hub
Women aged 40+ who live or work in Greater Manchester are invited to share views on workplace wellbeing with a focus on the perimenopause and menopause.
The survey is part of a study to explore workplace wellbeing and existing practice across Greater Manchester. The surveys takes approx 10 - 15 miuntes to complete.
Get Involved: Kooth Focus Groups
Details from Greater Manchester Aging Hub
In collaboration with Greater Manchester Older People's Network, Kooth are looking for 12 people aged 65+ to take part in a focus group exploring older adults' accessibility to mental health services. Discussions include:
- Opinions and/or beliefs about mental health
- Barriers they face to accessing a digital service
- Barriers to accessing mental health services
- The types of issues people within their communities and age group are experiencing
- Whether people would consider accessing support for these issues
Monday 16 June
St Thomas Centre, Ardwick Green North, Manchester, M12 6FZ.
Participants will be split into two separate groups of six:
- Focus group 1: 11:30-12:30
- Focus Group 2: 1pm-2pm
All participants will receive a £30 as a thank you. Transport can be provided if required.
To register your interest:
0161 834 9823
Supporting Sandwich Generation Carers
The 10 Greater Manchester boroughs, Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Greenwich are conducting a pilot study of caregiving amongst the sandwich generation. The ‘sandwich generation’ refers to people with caregiving responsibilities for both older and younger generations.
The study aims to better understand experiences and identify ways to unlock additional caring capacity for the NHS, by supporting the needs of these caregivers.
Building on research, the pilot team has been listening to people's experiences. These findings will inform a set of recommendations to be shared at two impact events.
Sign up to take part in the impact events and help shape the recommendations:
- For sandwich carers, sign up [here].
- For those supporting sandwich carers (VCFSE organisations, community representatives, policymakers, and health and social care professionals), sign up [here].
Find out more information about the pilot on the 10GM website.
Ever Heard of the 'Boom & Bust Cycle'?
Details from Stockport NHS Talking Therapies
The cycle of boom and bust refers to when you may feel good and push yourself to do lots of activity and end up feeling exhausted as a result, needing to spend several days to recover. This can be common in those experiencing fatigue and long term physical health conditions and can lead to burn out overtime.
If this sounds familiar, finding a way to pace yourself can be helpful. For more support with managing your physical health alongside your mental health:
Visit www.thebiglifegroup.com/stockporttalkingtherapies
Call 0161 480 2020.
There are also some excellent resources and groups that may also be able to help you:
Stockport Expert Patient Programme - 0161 835 6689 (support for living with long term conditions)
Stockport Prevention Alliance - 0161 474 1042 (practical, financial and mental support)
Become a Member: Stockport NHS Foundation Trust
Details from Stockport NHS Foundation Trust
As a member of the Trust, you'd have an opportunity to ensure services are developed to best meet your and your family’s needs. Membership is free, and open to anyone 16 years+.
You can choose how much you want to be involved; this can range from receiving their quarterly newsletter, standing for election as a governor, attending members health events or completing short surveys. Membership gives you the opportunity to provide feedback and ideas on the health issues that matter most to you.
In addition, as a Foundation Trust Member you can sign up for discounts at the free to join online discount scheme site www.healthservicediscounts.com
New Technology to Improve Patient Care
Details from Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership
The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, visited Stepping Hill Hospital last month to witness the transformative impact of digital pathology on patient care and medical diagnostics.
Leading pathologists and healthcare professionals demonstrated how digital pathology is revolutionising the field and enhancing patient care. By digitising glass slides into high-resolution images, this technology allows for faster and more accurate diagnosis.
Digital pathology is being rolled out to seven laboratories across Greater Manchester. Stockport laboratory was the first in Greater Manchester to go technically live with the new technology and are now using it to improve patient care and outcomes.
Advice in Brief from GM Cancer Alliance
Details from the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance
Sun Safety: The campaign will run across across socials over the Summer, with an extra focus during Sun Safety Week (12 – 18 May). The campaign includes tips to take care of your skin to reduce risk of skin cancer in the future. Follow the hashtag #GMSunSmart
Blood in Pee: Blood in pee can be a sign of bladder or kidney cancer, so for bladder cancer awareness month, GM Cancer Alliance are running their “Blood in your pee? See your GP!” campaign. This campaign aims to reinforce the importance of seeking help if you spot blood in your pee, even if it only happens once. #GMBloodinPee
Get Involved: New Family Hubs App
Details from Stockport Council
One Stockport Family Hubs have launched a free app offering an easier way for parents, parents-to-be, and carers to access expert advice, information, and personalised support.
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.
Please take a moment to download the app and explore its features.
If you're a local service: Your experience will be invaluable in recommending it to 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.
Celebrating Stockport’s Volunteers
Details from Sector 3
On the 20 May, nearly 200 volunteers will attend the Stockport Rocks! Volunteer Awards, having been nominated for their valuable contributions to society. Although this is a tiny number of the volunteers we have in Stockport, it’s a vital event to raise awareness of the importance of the role they play in supporting healthy, happy and inclusive communities.
Tune in to the Stockport Volunteer Hub Instagram and / or Facebook accounts to get live updates from the event on the night.
NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme
The NHS has funded 500 places on the NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme across Greater Manchester. The programme has three-phases over one year – all at no cost to you:
1. You’ll follow a low calorie diet for 12 weeks – your choice of soups, shakes and bars totalling 8-900 calories per day
2. You’ll gradually replace these products with healthy, tasty meals over six weeks
3. You’ll receive ongoing support for the last 8 months to help you maintain your weight loss.
Trained Coaches will support you with easy-to-use tools and techniques to lose weight and keep it off.
Click on the attachment for full details of the programme and how to apply.
Service Overview: SPARC’s Counselling Service
Details from SPARC
SPARC have announce the relaunch of SPARC’s Counselling Service. Attached, you’ll find a poster and leaflet providing an overview of our service, as well as an updated referral form along with a CORE 10, both of which need to be completed and submitted together. For more info, please contact David Richards: David@sparc4me.org.uk
Stockport Mental Health Community Fair
Details from Sector 3
As part of Mental Health Awareness Week, you’re invited to the Stockport's Mental Health Community Fair — a two-day event bringing together local voluntary organisations to celebrate and support mental health and wellbeing in our community.
What’s happening:
- Drop-in information stalls with local organisations
- Friendly advice and signposting
- Community activities and ideas for better mental wellbeing
Whether you're looking for support, want to learn more, or just want to connect with your local community — this event is for you!
Monday 12 & Tuesday 13 May, from 10am–2pm
Merseyway Shopping Centre, Stockport
The event is being organised by the VCFSE (Voluntary, Community, Faith, Social Enterprise) Mental Health Network. We'll share more details soon.
Greenstock 2025!
Details from Climate Action Now, Stockport
Stockport's only 'Green' Community Fun Day is back on Saturday, 21 June at Woodbank Woodbank Community Food Hub
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
Calling Community and Social Groups!
Details from Stockport Advocacy
Stockport Advocacy are kicking off plans for their Learning Disability Conference, due to take place on 6 June, 10am -3pm.
To celebrate the start of Summer and showcase some community/social groups and leisure 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, 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
Workshops: Autism Central Hub
Great Mind Together runs Autism Central Hubs to offer guidance to families, carers and personal assistants of autistic people.
All of their sessions are run by Peer Educators. These are parents or carers of autistic people, who are happy to share their knowledge and experience with you. They offer group and one-to-one sessions to help you and other parents and carers find the information and services available in your area. Hubs may also run events such as workshops, drop-in sessions, coffee mornings or virtual meet-ups.
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
Training: Mini First Aid
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
GM Aging Hub
Age-friendly Greater Manchester - April 2025
King's Trust Newsletter
Upcoming courses from The King's Trust
Sector 3
Your fortnightly Stockport VCFSE news bulletin
Starting Point
Stockport Council
Stockport Community Newspaper
May edition of Stockport Post
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.
