Healthwatch Round Up - 29 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.
With Volunteers’ Week on the horizon (Monday 2 June to Sunday 8 June), the team are looking forward to celebrating and recognising the contributions of of incredible Healthwatch volunteers. Keep a look out on our socials for our volunteering opportunities and how you can get involved in our work. We're on Instagram, Facebook, Linked in and Threads!
Healthwatch Research, Articles & Advice You May Have Missed
As a reminder, please see the latest reports, news, advice and support articles from us and Healthwatch England.
ADHD diagnosis life-changing but long waits on the NHS need urgent action
Healthwatch England (HWE) have turned attentions to a research campaign around ADHD. In recent years, Healthwatch has heard concerns about access to ADHD services from the public and local Healthwatch. To explore people's experiences of getting an ADHD diagnosis and the impact of the condition on their lives, Healthwatch England conducted a poll with 2,579 adults living in England. All respondents were either diagnosed with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or thought they had it.
People reporting experience of ADHD traits note significant impacts on their mental health, studies, work, and relationships. Long waits for assessments put people with suspected ADHD off seeking professional care.
What can I do while waiting for an ADHD assessment?
Waiting for an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) assessment can take a long time. What support is available for people while they wait?
Don't forget that 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.
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
SPACE Stockport
With a big focus on ADHD care for Healthwatch across England and for the NHS in Greater Manchester, we're shining a spotlight on the local service; SPACE!
SPACE (Stockport Parents of ADHD Children in Education) is a support group for parents and carers of children and young people in the Stockport area with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and associated conditions. The SPACE committee members are all local parents, who have children with ADHD.
They hold regular meet ups, which are an opportunity to talk to other parents who face the same challenges, in a relaxed and informal way.
SPACE Parent & Carer Meet Ups:
Next meet up is on Tuesday 10 June 2025. Future meet ups
The Dog and Partridge, 272 Buxton Road, Great Moor, SK2 7AN
‘Amazon-style’ Prescription Tracking Goes Live in NHS App
Details from the NHS
Millions of patients can now track their prescriptions due to the rollout of a new feature in the NHS App, helping to reduce unnecessary calls and visits to pharmacies.
Almost half (45%) of phone calls to community pharmacies are estimated to be from patients asking if their prescription is ready. Patients can instead track prescriptions by logging in to the app to see if their medicines are “ready to collect” or “dispatched by pharmacy” if they're being delivered.
Nearly 1,500 high street chemists – including Boots across England – are offering the service, enabling patients to check on their prescriptions through real-time “Amazon-style” updates. The service is expected to be made available to nearly 5,000 more pharmacies over the next 12 months – covering 60% of those in England.
More details on how to register with the NHS App are available at www.nhs.uk/nhs-app.
For non-urgent medical help, people can contact NHS 111 and those in life-threatening emergencies should call 999.
Recent Rise in Measles Cases in Greater Manchester
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
Since the beginning of 2025, there has been an increasing number of confirmed measles cases across Greater Manchester, particularly in young children and babies.
Measles can be dangerous. Some people get very sick from measles and can develop pneumonia and meningitis. Ask your GP practice about your free MMR vaccination
Further national measles guidance is available on the NHS England website.
NHS Call Out for O Type Blood Donors!
Details from Give Blood UK
The NHS have called out for donors of blood type O, as levels are running extremely low. O negative is the only blood type that can be used in emergencies when there’s no time to check a patient’s type. Right now, stocks are low. Please book now to help the NHS continue providing blood to patients in need.
As it was also #WorldBloodCancerDay, earlier this week, we're highlighting these cancers and how you could be someone’s lifeline to those who have been diagnosed. Around 110 people a day are diagnosed with blood cancer such as Leukemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma. Blood cancer patients may need blood, platelets, plasma or stem cells to help them recover. Beating cancer is in your blood.
Healthier You - Diabetes Programme
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
Diabetes Prevention Week runs from May 26 to June 1 2025. With type 2 diabetes on the rise, early intervention and prevention have never been more important.
Around 144,000 people in Greater Manchester are pre-diabetic, which means their blood sugar levels are above normal but not yet high enough to be classified as Type 2 Diabetes – and so could benefit from going on the Healthier You programme.
Since 2019, 33,875 people have started the Healthier You programme in Greater Manchester and thousands have started to make lasting changes, such as losing weight and lifestyles changes to stop or delay them developing Type 2 diabetes.
If you'd like to find out more about the NHS programme, visit Healthier You.
The Healthier You Programme lasts 9 months and is designed to provide people with personalised support, either face-to-face or digitally, on healthier eating, maintaining a healthy weight and keeping physically active.
Healthcare Transport for Children
Healthcare Advice in Brief
Details from the North West Ambulance Service, NHS & Oral Health Foundation
NHS North West have shared a useful reminder about the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine. This vaccine is offered from 28 weeks pregnant to help protect your baby from getting a lung infection during the first six months of their life.
RSV spreads very easily causing coughs, sneezes and runny noses. For most, it might make them feel unwell but for some, such as older people and very young babies, it can make them very poorly. It is a major cause of hospital admission for infants. Speak to your maternity service or GP surgery about getting vaccinated.
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.
Stockroom Has Opened its Doors!
Part of Stockport’s £1 billion transformation, Stockroom is an ambitious £14.5 million cultural and creative centre that will breathe new life into the heart of the town. Located in previously disused retail units, Stockroom has been brought to life through funding from UK Government's Future High Streets Fund
At Stockroom, visitors will find a town centre library, a children’s creative learning space, a café bar and Stockport’s historical archives. Young people can learn new skills and benefit from cutting-edge learning and IT facilities. Stockroom Studios will host a year-round programme of events, from yoga, toddler play, literature, music and even stand-up comedy. It’s a programme is ever changing.
Located in the heart of Stockport's Merseyway Shopping Centre
Opt-in to Cervical Screening Recalls for Transgender and Non-Binary Patients
Details from Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board
As you may be aware, when patients choose to transition from female (at birth) to male or non-binary, they will potentially fall out of the National screening program invites for breast and cervical screening.
It is now possible for patients to opt-in to screening invites for cervical screening, although this is not yet available for the breast screening program. Please see the opt-in form and process attached.
Get Involved: Wave of Change Programme
Details from the Goodness Collective CIC
Are you a woman in Stockport who needs a boost? Or do you know one?
The Wave of Change programme aims to support women in Stockport to go on a journey of self discovery, develop new skills, and prepare for future work, training or volunteering through a series of in-person workshops and learning opportunities.
The programme is delivered in collaboration with PIE and is UK government funded as part of the GMCA and WEA initiatives.
They will be also holding pop ups so you can find out more:
June 3, 10am - 12 noon - Town centre walk and cakes, starting at Central Library
June 9, 10am - 12 noon - Pure Cafe, Woodbank Park, Offerton
Safe Space Stockport
Details from Sector 3
The LGBTQ+ Network have launched a new initiative to encourage businesses and organisations to publicly commit to being safe spaces for trans and non-binary people—starting with window stickers and a public directory.
If your organisation, or one you know, wants to sign up, message DM @safespacestockport on Instagram.
Big thanks to Forward, Sector 3, Plastic Shed, and Stockport Volunteer Hub for being the first in Stockport to sign on!
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: Music for Wellbeing Programme
Details from Sector 3
Arts for Recovery in the Community, better known as Arc in Stockport are inviting young people to share their thoughts, ideas and experiences to help them shape next music for wellbeing programme.
The Young People’s Arc (YPA) programmes offer creative, life-changing opportunities to children and young people at risk and dealing with issues as varied as caring responsibilities, bereavement, bullying, neurodiversity and acute anxiety.
If you’d like any further information about the survey, Young Peoples Arc (YPA) or our other programmes, contact:
referrals@arc-centre.org or the YPA Project Manager, Richard Kankondo at YPA@arc-centre.org.
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: 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)
Stockport Pride 2025 is Here!
Stockport Pride is back on Sunday 1 June! The celebration of equality, diversity, and inclusion will return to Stockport’s Historic Market Place, running from 11am to 7pm.
At the heart of the celebration will be a vibrant parade through Stockport town centre, bringing people together in a show of unity and pride. Starting from the Underbanks and weaving its way through the streets of Stockport, the parade is set to be unmissable. There will also be a whole host of lively music, performances, fun and creative activities and an inclusive family space.
In addition to the fantastic events planned, there will be organisations available to talk to, including Adoption Counts, Age UK Stockport, BHA For Equality, Citizens Advice, Forward CIC, LGBT Foundation, Locala Sexual Health Service, Stockport County Community Trust, The Proud Trust, Stockport Council Fostering Service and many more.
You, I and MRI! Health Talk
Details from Stockport NHS Foundation Trust
What is MRI? What is MRI used for? What can I expect during an MRI scan? What does the MRI service at Stepping Hill look like?
Stockport NHS Foundation Trust is holding a talk to showcase a range of developments in MRI that are happening at the Trust.
There will also be an opportunity to meet with Trust governors and share your feedback about our services. Please note we will not be able to address individual matters regarding clinical treatment.
Wednesday 11 June 2025, 10am-11:30am
Pinewood Education Centre, Stepping Hill Hospital, Stockport SK2 7JE
To register your place, email membership@stockport.nhs.uk by Monday 9 June 2025.
Please support your hospital by becoming a Foundation Trust member
National Carers' Week With Signpost for Carers
Details from Signpost for Carers
Monday 10 June, during Carers Week
Heatons Centre, Heaton Moor
For more information or to find out about accessibility information for the events:
0161 442 0442.
New Yoga4Health Course
Details from CareYourWay
A Yoga4Health course has started in Heaton Chapel — and they’re offering support to help people attend. This inclusive, NHS-endorsed programme is perfect for anyone looking to improve their physical and mental wellbeing in a gentle, welcoming environment.
This course is designed for people living with:
✔️ Pre-diabetes or type II diabetes
✔️ Cardiovascular conditions
✔️ Stress, anxiety or depression
✔️ Loneliness or social isolation
It’s a mixed mat and chair yoga class, making it suitable for people of all abilities.
Heaton Chapel Community Centre, Broadstone Hall Road South, SK4 5JD
Every Thursday from 29 May to 31 July, 12 noon – 1.15pm
Need help getting there?
CareYourWay is happy to support transport arrangements for clients who'd like to take part. If you’re interested, simply get in touch and they’ll be glad to help.
For more information or to self-refer, visit: www.upwardfrog.yoga/yoga4health
Dementia Drop-ins
Details from Pure Innovations
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
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:
Further Events & Community Activities across the Borough
Volunteering: Hearing Dogs for Deaf People
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, to ensure data can be as specific as possible to your area.
STOCKPORT - Tuesday 3 June, 6pm - 6.45pm
Training: Family First Aid Class
Details from Daisy First Aid
Would you know what to do if a baby, child or adult started choking? Need to learn when and how to get help — and how to perform CPR? Burns, bleeds, head injuries, meningitis, febrile seizures… Daisy First Aid cover it all!
Join their expert-led First Aid Class run by experienced paediatric healthcare professionals. They can answer your questions and leave you feeling confident, capable and empowered.
Sessions are perfect for parents, parents-to-be, grandparents and carers.
Friday 6 June, 10am -12 noon
Book now at: www.bookwhen.com/daisyfirstaidstockport
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:
For Men to Talk
‘For Men To Talk’ w/c 26 May 2025 Meetings
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.
