Healthwatch Round Up - 15 May 2025
Welcome to this week's Healthwatch Stockport Information Round-up!
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This week, we've supported Mental Health Awareness Week by joining the Community Mental Health Fair at the Merseyway centre. We very much enjoyed meeting the local community and other services focused on mental wellbeing.
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.
Using women's voices to shape NHS plans to reduce cervical cancer
If you missed it, check back to Healthwatch England's article about cervical cancer care. Key recommendations Healthwatch made to improve cervical screening uptake have been adopted by NHS England. Read how this will improve care for women across England.
Check out our website for more news, advice and informative articles.
Reminder of Healthwatch Campaign Focus
We've 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?
info@healthwatchstockport.co.uk
0161 974 0753
'Include to Improve' Programme to Involve More Disabled People in Sports and Fitness
Healthwatch across England are sharing an exciting opportunity for disabled people (and family, carers, and supporters) and organisations, to share their experiences about participating, volunteering, and working in the sport and physical activity sector.
'Include to Improve' is a two-year programme led by Sport for Confidence and Activity Alliance and funded by Sport England, to increase opportunities for disabled people.
The programme recognises the importance of people's experiences to finding solutions and influencing change and to do this. Their soon to launch lived experience network will listen, learn and work together with members, providing opportunities to share their experiences (payment for involvement is available).
A strategic partners network is also be launched to support organisations to empower and engage disabled people. Funding support will be available for some partners looking to improve their existing services or to turn new ideas into real opportunities. Strategic partners will connect regularly with the lived experience network members to help inform the programme's approach.
Together, these networks will share good practice examples, identify gaps in delivery and explore areas for improvement.
For further information, including how to join, see the attachment. There's also an option to complete a survey without joining the network:
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.
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
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
Reminder to 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 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.
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 minutes to complete.
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.
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
Have Your Say: Stockport’s SEND System
Details from Stockport Council
Stockport Council are committed to enhancing the feedback and response within our Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system. Their goal is to understand the current challenges faced by families, ensure they feel heard, and establish a clear pathway for sharing feedback and information updates within our community.
To achieve this, they are inviting groups and organisations involved with parent carers and young people with SEND to fill in the form below. Please do not send personal information about individual circumstances, as they cannot respond to these directly, just broader issues within SEND support.
The information gathered will be shared with a Communication and Engagement group, including SENDIASS, PACTS, and senior council leads. As a group, they will respond to the feedback, themes, and information requests by providing updates that can be shared with your community. Thanks for your cooperation and support in improving our SEND system.
If you have any questions, contact megan.mayhew@stockport.gov.uk.
Healthcare Advice in Brief
Details from the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance & NHS
Avoid a bank holiday emergency. The NHS are reminding everyone to order your repeat prescriptions in plenty of time so you don’t run out. The NHS app is the safest and easiest way to order your repeat prescription. Download is via the Apple or Google App stores.
Think you know the facts around blood pressure? High blood pressure (hypertension) usually has no symptoms. You can feel perfectly healthy and still be at risk for heart disease, stroke, or kidney damage. The only way to know your blood pressure is to check it regularly, at home or with your GP.
For tips on managing your blood pressure: https://gmintegratedcare.org.uk/bloodpressure/
Managing anxiety: NHS North West are sharing useful tips about dealing with anxiety! If it's affecting your life there are things you can try that may help.
For advice, visit: NHS - Anxiety
Sun Safety: The Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance campaign will run across across socials over the Summer. 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
Service Spotlight: Devices Lending Library & Databank
Details from Starting Point
DigiKnow Starting Point offer free data and sim cards via the Databank, provided by the Good Things Foundation. They can also support with loaned devices and offer advice on low cost tariffs and purchasing refurbished laptops through Community Computers.
Find out more HERE
They host three lending library and databank weekly drop in sessions:
- 10 -12 noon Start Point coffee shop every Tuesday and Friday
- 10.30 -12.30pm Cornerstone every Thursday
In addition, they visit The Wellspring, Heaton Norris Pavilion's Olive Cafe, Signpost for Carers and both temporary accommodation hotels to support people at these venues.
For more information, contact James at james@startpoint.org.uk
Contact the DigiKnow helpline:
07724 217888
Online referral form HERE
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:
- You’ll follow a low calorie diet for 12 weeks – your choice of soups, shakes and bars totalling 8-900 calories per day
- You’ll gradually replace these products with healthy, tasty meals over six weeks
- 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 Spotlight: 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
Service Spotlight: Mode Military Mental Health
Mode is an independent military mental health charity based in Stockport They’ve helped military personnel, veterans, and their families all over the world to regain wellbeing and purpose after service. See the attachment for full details.
Stockport's Learning Disability Conference 2025
Details from Stockport Advocacy
Stockport Advocacy,together with Stockport Council, are holding their Learning Disability Conference, on Friday 6 June, 10am -3pm. This year they'll be taking the Conference up a notch by hosting two events in one!
Friday 6 June 2025, 10am—3pm
Opportunities Together, Owens Farm Drive, Offerton. SK2 5EA
Morning's events: Workshops to what’s been happening and the actions taken since the last conference and workshops to discuss new topics; “Belonging”, “Choice” and “Control” and what this means.
Afternoon's events: The venue will be brought to life with music, activities and a market place. Local services will showcase existing and new leisure activities and groups within the Stockport area.
Booking is essential as spaces are limited.
Carol.kilmister@stockportadvocacy.co.uk to reserve your place by 23 May.
You will be required to complete a booking form and social media photograph form. You will receive confirmation of your place(s) by Friday 30 May 2025.
Calling Community Groups & Services: Stockport Advocacy are also on the look out for services/community groups to join their event. The plan is for you to host your own stand/stall to promote your group/activity. All they ask is that your activities are inclusive and everyone can join and take part.
Email your interest to marketing@stockportadvocacy.co.uk by 23 May.
GM Walking Festival 2025
Details from Stockport Council
For the month of May Greater Manchester (GM) is celebrating the GM Walking Festival. There will be more than 300 free, led walks (including wheelchair and buggy friendly) which are now live on the GM Walking website.
Big Bike Revival 2025 in Greater Manchester
From now until 31 October 2025, hundreds of free cycling events for beginner and established cyclists will be taking place across Greater Manchester as part of Cycling UK’s national Big Bike Revival programme.
The Big Bike Revival helps adults start cycling or ride again through free events, workshops, and training sessions. Events offer opportunities to get your bike fixed, learn new skills or take part in a local led rides. Local grassroots organisations run these events, making cycling available to all.
Find out more here.
Further Events & Community Activities across the Borough
Webinar: KoothTalks for Parents and Carers: The Voice Of Young People
Following the nationwide interest in the TV series, Adolescence, Kooth have seen an increase in parents/carers becoming more aware of the well-being of their children.
To support this, they're running a virtual webinar around the wellbeing of young people for parents and carers in Greater Manchester.
They will share borough-specific data from the #BeeWell (a survey in Greater Manchester, which collects the opinions of students about various topics) and for Kooth (data about presenting issues or mental health concerns from young people). They want to share this data to support the conversations you have with your children and young people around wellbeing and managing how they feel.
There will be one session per borough of Greater Manchester, to ensure the data can be as specific as possible to your area.
STOCKPORT - Tuesday 3 June, 6pm - 6.45pm
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.
Become a Trustee: North West Pre-hospital Critical Care
Details from North West Pre-hospital Critical Care
Join the North West Pre-hospital Critical Care Charity as a Trustee and help them save lives across the region. They're looking for a passionate, strategic individual to join their Board — someone who can help strengthen their current work and boost fundraising potential.
- Support critical care for adults and children
- Help shape the future of a growing, impactful charity
- Use your skills to make a real difference
To find out more, email: secretary@nwpcc.charity
Help them to bring hospital-level care to people when and where they need it.
Closing date - 1 June 2025
Training: Makaton Taster Session
Makaton is a language programme that uses speech, signs and symbols to support communication. It is often used with children and adults who are experiencing difficulties with their speech, language and communication.
This short taster gives you a general introduction into what Makaton is and who uses it. You will learn 30+ signs and symbols to get you started.
Online on 3 July from 10am – 11:30am
Book via the Learning Pool link
Workshops: Manchester Museum Touching Grass
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:
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
Stockport Family Hubs Newsletter
Latest issue here
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.
