Healthwatch Round Up - 22 May 2025
Welcome to this week's Healthwatch Stockport Information Round-up!
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#TeamHealthwatch
In recent weeks, we've been venturing out into our local community by visiting a number of GP practices. As part of our Enter & View programme, we've been speaking to patients about their experiences - good or not so good, and any barriers or challenges they've faced when accessing the services.
We've enjoyed the opportunity to support the Mental Health Partnership and presented our vital 'Information and Advice' Service to the 'Breathe Easy' community group in Stockport. Breathe Easy is the support network of the British Lung Foundation, which provide mutual support to people with lung disease and their family and Carers.
Last but not least, we're supporting the current NHS Greater Manchester drive to gather feedback about local ADHD services. Have you had your say? The feedback survey (left click) is open until 17 June, but don't wait until then to share your views and experiences. Read more about this feedback campaign in our 'Have Your Say' Section below.
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.
Check out our website for more news, advice and informative articles.
Reminder of Healthwatch Campaign Focus
We've launched a work programme looking at how our Stockport community access Primary Care if they have additional needs. This could be a physical, neurodiverse or mental health need.
Do you have any experiences you can share with us? Get in touch.
info@healthwatchstockport.co.uk
0161 974 0753
Dementia Disco
To help mark Dementia Action Week, we're shining a spotlight on local service; Dementia Disco. who organise free-to-attend, regular discos for people with Dementia, their carers, family and friends.
Dementia Disco was founded by Kate, Phil and Nick who all had family living with Dementia. They identified a gap for activities for younger people living with Dementia and create memories of fun. Their mission is to use the power of music to inspire memory, conversation and friendship.
In March they launched their #DanceAgainstDementia campaign - in support of the Alzheimer's Society's drive to make Dementia care a priority. They're encouraging everyone to get involved, one dance at a time. Whether it’s a 10-second boogie, zumba class, or dance with your friends. To join in, log every dance at: https://lnkd.in/gUyU7mEH
The grand finale is on 26 May - a dance-a-thon from Stockport Road, Mossley to County's ground. To take part, follow their Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok
#DontIgnoreDementia #DanceToChangeDementia
Bereavement Support & Remembrance
The 22 May 2025 marks eight years since the Manchester Arena attack. Our thoughts go out to the victims, families and everyone involved at this difficult time.
If you are struggling and need support, the Greater Manchester Bereavement Service shares valuable advice and contact helplines. They can help to find support for anyone in Greater Manchester that has been bereaved or affected by a death, no matter how long ago.
GM Bereavement Service website
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. Key priorities include raising symptom awareness, reducing health inequalities, improving collaboration with primary care services, promoting cancer screening programs, and fostering innovation.
eFalls New Tech Trail in Greater Manchester
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
Greater Manchester is the first place in the world to pilot new technology to prevent falls in older people! eFalls helps GPs identify older adults at moderate risk of falling in the future so they can receive early support to prevent injuries and maintain their independence.
The technology is being rolled out in the South Wigan Ashton North (SWAN) primary care network which covers around 37,000 people.
We look forward to sharing news in the future.
Healthcare Transport for Children
Become a Dementia Champion!
Details from Stockport Council
The Dementia Friends campaign is being run by Public Health England and the Alzheimer’s Society to help tackle one of the biggest health and care issues facing the region.
It's estimated that 4,048 people in Stockport are currently living with Dementia. The campaign will highlight how doing small things can make a difference to people living with this condition.
Meet Beryl, a local Dementia Friend who, after caring for her husband, is building a more dementia-friendly community in the Heatons. Her mission? Create 100 Dementia Friends. No experience needed — just one training session to become a Dementia Friend.
Healthcare Advice in Brief
Details from the North West Ambulance Service, NHS & Oral Health Foundation
Smile Month campaign: From 12 May to 12 June (National Smile Month), the Oral Health Foundation and All Together Smiling are raising awareness of important oral health issues by sharing handy tips, helpful info, and family-friendly challenges. Follow the Start Well Family Hubs Facebook page
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/
Mental Health Crisis: The North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust have shared useful support helplines for anyone struggling with their mental health.
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Samaritans - 116 123 - 24/7
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Text Shout to 85258 - 24/7
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CALM - 0800 58 58 58 - webchat 5pm - 12am every day
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PAPYRUS Hopeline247 - 0800 068 4141 or text: 88247 - 24/7
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Mind Infoline - 0300 123 3393 - 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday (except bank holidays)
If you are in a mental health crisis, NHS Greater Manchester advises:
- Please remember you can call 111 and select option 2 for help.
- If you need help in British Sign Language (BSL) an NHS 111 SignVideo service is available. If you have a hearing problem, use text relay. Call 18001 111 using the Relay UK App or a text phone.
- If someone’s life is at immediate risk, for example, they have seriously injured themselves or taken an overdose - call 999 or go to A&E.
Poetic Healing From the Poetry Pharmacy
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
Greater Manchester is a getting a dose of poetic healing thanks to The Poetry Pharmacy. The Poetry Pharmacy Live is sending printed posters to every secondary school, GP practice and A&E department in Greater Manchester. With a quick QR scan, people have the opportunity to provide feedback and find out more information as to why the condition is relevant to the poem.
"State of the Art" Marple Community Hub
Details from Sector 3
Work is now officially underway on the much-anticipated Marple Community Hub — a transformative £20m development set to bring state-of-the-art leisure, health and library facilities to the heart of the town. The centre will open in 2026.
Funded in part by the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, the new hub will include a modern library, five-lane swimming pool, 60-station gym, café, and a new home for Marple Clinic — all designed to support active, healthier lifestyles.
Stockroom Opening on 24 May!
Details from Sector 3
Stockroom - a brand-new creative and community space opens its doors on 24 May and there's a jam packed schedule lined up for the opening weekend. Opening highlights include:
- Chosen Family Album; A community photo exhibition celebrating Stockport families from 1970, when Merseyway first opened, to today
- PROTO: A Digital Art Showcase - Futuristic, screen-based works created by artists exploring motion capture, 3D modelling, and worldbuilding
- Festival of Libraries: Look For A Book is the introduction to Festival of Libraries, which sees Greater Manchester’s entire library network put on a programme of exciting and celebratory activities.
To view the full programme, visit Stockroom.
Celebrating Stockport’s Volunteers
Details from Sector 3
Stockport Rocks! was created to celebrate and reward volunteers in Stockport. This year’s awards saw 50 individuals / organisations spotlighted for their dedication to supporting their communities.
See the shortlist and winners on the Stockport Volunteer Hub website and follow the hub on instagram / Facebook to see the winners reactions. Congratulations all!
Further Roll Out of the Early Years App
Details from Start well Stockport
Start Well Stockport are launching the Early Years App in the Adswood, Edgeley, Offerton, Hazel Grove and Great Moor areas for parents and carers of children aged under two years.
The App replaces their existing paper based developmental questionnaires with a digital version, which parents receive on their mobile/PC. The App is currently being used in Bramhall & Cheadle Hulme, Gatley and Heald Green, and following positive feedback from families, they're excited to be extending it.
To verify your details for the App, email adviceline@stockport.nhs.uk with your child’s name, date of birth, the main carer’s email and mobile number.
Autism Partnership Co Chair Announced
Details from Stockport Council
Congratulations to Laura Andalou who has been named the Co-Chair of the Autism Partnership Board in Stockport.
Read the One Stockport Family Hubs Newsletter
Details from Stockport Council
Please take five minutes to read the May 2025 Family Hubs newsletter. This newsletter is intended for people who work with or are involved with families, not for families themselves.
Sign up for the newsletter to connect with Family Hubs and stay informed about network developments and new support offers.
Supporting Stockport’s Youth
Details from Stockport Council
One Stockport Family Hubs have produced a useful guide to supporting young people, with resources, services and organisations that can help with youth engagement and activities, mental health and wellbeing and specialist services.
Read about Supporting Stockport’s Youth. (see the attached pdf)
More support from Family Hubs.
What do You Think of Local Adult ADHD Services?
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
Have your say Stockport! 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. Don't hesitate however, share your feedback today!
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.
'Living Well' Mental Health in Stockport
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!
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: 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.
Have Your Say: Stockport’s SEND System
Details from Stockport Council
Stockport Council are committed to enhancing the feedback and response within their 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.
To achieve this, they're inviting groups and organisations involved with parent carers and young people with SEND to fill in the form below.
If you have any questions, contact megan.mayhew@stockport.gov.uk.
Have Your Say: Neurodiversity Training
Details from Stockport Council
Are you a neurodivergent person living in Stockport who has used Stockport Jobcentre?Stockport Council are developing neurodiversity training for Stockport Jobcentre staff to improve their understanding of neurodiversity to improve the experience for you.
Complete a short questionnaire by clicking here or by scanning the QR code on the poster
The closing date is 30 May 2025.
Have Your Say: What’s Next for Stockport Town Centre?
Exciting changes are coming to the east of Stockport town centre, e.g. (Hillgate, Underbanks, Goyt Valley) —and Stockport Council want your input.
A new public consultation has just launched, giving you the chance to share your views and help shape the next phase of regeneration. Whether you live, work, or visit the area, your views matter. Take a look at the plans and share your thoughts via the button below.
Have your say: To share your feedback on the draft proposals, please complete the questionnaire by Thursday 26 June 2025 when the consultation closes.
You can get in touch with the team by:
Freephone 0800 689 1095 (9am -5.30pm, Monday - Friday)
They'll also be visiting:
- Foodie Friday on Friday 30 May
- Stockport Town Centre Makers Market on Saturday 14 June
- Merseyway Shopping Centre (by Specsavers) on Thursday 19 June (11am-3pm)
Have Your Say: Disability Access to Mental Health Services
Details from GM Digital
GM Digital are looking for people with lived experience of disabilities to help assess the accessibility of their online referral tool into CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services).
If you're interested, email the team at GM.digital@gmmh.nhs.uk
Dementia Drop-ins
Details from Pure Innovations
This Dementia Action Week we're continuing to raise awareness of the importance of an early diagnosis for people impacted by Dementia. Diagnosis is vital to give people access to the care, treatment and support they desperately need. Yet, incredibly, 1 in 3 people with dementia do not have a diagnosis.
Pure Innovations' Community Hub facilitates a weekly Dementia Drop In:
Mondays 11am – 1pm
Upper Rooms Café in Cheadle
National Carers' Week With Signpost for Carers
Details from Signpost for Carers
Stockport businesses and/or non-profit organisations are invited to join local charity Signpost Stockport for Carers or a session on carer-friendly employment.
1 in 7 of all workers in the UK is juggling a paid job alongside a caring role and this figure has increased in recent years. Signpost aim to support local businesses to think about ways they can be more carer-friendly in the workplace and share best practice across the borough.
Monday 9 June during Carers Week
Signpost’s headquarters, Heaton Moor
Book your place
Stockport's Learning Disability Conference 2025
Details from Stockport Advocacy
Stockport Advocacy, together with Stockport Council, are holding their Learning Disability Conference, on 6 June. 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 share what’s actions have taken place since the last conference and 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.
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 - limited spots now available! 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 28 May.
Learning Disability Week Events
Details from Stockport Council
There are a number of events taking place to mark Learning Disability Week from 9 - 15 June. Stockport Council have shared the following, taking place at Opportunities Together in Offerton:
County on the Pitch Takeover
Details from Stockport County Community Trust
Stockport County Community Trust has announced the return of their County on the Pitch Takeover during the May/June half-term holiday. As well as plenty of match action, children will be able to enjoy games and activities on the Edgeley Park turf, laid on by the Trust's fully-qualified football coaches.
Tuesday 27 May: COUNTY IN THE PARK for boys and girls aged 7 to 16.
Register: https://forms.office.com/e/Zbr4C86TWZ
Wednesday 28 May: Premier LeagueKicks session between 1pm-4pm for girls aged 11-16
Register: https://forms.office.com/e/fh8qe0nbzV
Boost Launch Boxing Marple
Details from Boost
Boost have launched a new community class in collaboration with with Marple Cottage Surgery. Last summer they reached out to male patients in the Marple and surrounding neighbourhood, aged 45-60 and with diagnoses of anxiety or depression, to establish their interest in taking part in group physical activity.
On the strength of that feedback, a free weekly boxing class for men in Marple is available.
Find out more about BOOST Boxing in Marple
Further Events & Community Activities across the Borough
Webinar: KoothTalks for Parents and Carers: The Voice Of Young People
Kooth are 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
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 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:
King's Trust Newsletter
Upcoming courses from The King's Trust
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.
