Healthwatch Round Up - 5 June 2025
Welcome to this week's Healthwatch Stockport Information Round-up!
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#TeamHealthwatch
The team will be venturing out to various health and wellbeing events over the coming weeks, so pop by, find out how we can help you and share your experiences of using health and social care services with us. Here's a snap shot:
10 June, 2pm - 6pm: In support of National Carer's Week, we'll be at Signpost for Carers' celebration at the Heatons Centre, Heaton Moor.
18 June, Merseyway Shopping Centre. We'll be alongside NHS Greater Manchester, Stockport Council and S.P.A.C.E ADHD Group to listen to your views of ADHD and Primary care services
18 June at the Alma Lodge Hotel: Supporting Annual Stockport Adult Social Care Provider Forum by holding our own Healthwatch stall. This year’s forum will focus on a theme of Wellbeing, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion & Gloriously Ordinary Lives.
19 June (venue tbc): 'The Big Health Day' for people with a Learning Disabilities in Stockport.
We'll share more details soon.
Reminder: Screening Fact Sheets Available
We have been working on a series of screening programme fact sheets and are excited to share that they're available on our website. Our fact sheets are designed to give you quick access to the information you need around different types of screening.
Printable versions of the fact sheets are available. Please contact the team on 0161 974 0753.
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) 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. Read more about this feedback campaign in our 'Have Your Say' Section below.
Check out our website for more news, advice and informative articles.
Healthwatch Focus: Primary Care Services
We're continuing 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.
We're keen to hear from as many people as possible to ensure we have a good understanding of what goes well and what could be better. Do you have any experiences you can share with us? Get in touch.
info@healthwatchstockport.co.uk
0161 974 0753
Get Involved: Join our Reading Panel
In the spirit of Volunteers' Week, we're highlighting one of our current opportunities; our Reading Panel. Reading Panel members voluntarily review materials (posters, leaflets, letters) from us, the NHS, Stockport Council and other services to ensure they’re people friendly and jargon free.
It's essential that residents are given information which is easy to understand, informative and supports their decision making where appropriate. Our Reading Panel's feedback along with our observations enables us to make recommendations to achieve just that!
If you're keen to get involved, contact us:
0161 974 0753
www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/volunteer_enquiry_form/
Signpost for Carers
Signpost Stockport for Carers is an independent local charity who have been supporting young and adult carers for over 30 years. Their aim is to improve the quality of life for carers in Stockport from 6 years old to 96 years old and everyone in-between!
Signpost can direct carers to the appropriate sources of support available, and can offer information on services locally and nationally. They provide emotional and practical support, help you to fill out benefit forms, and offer opportunities for you to gain companionship and support from other carers.
Monday 10 June, 2pm - 6pm
Heatons Centre, Heaton Moor.
For more information or to find out about accessibility information for the events:
0161 442 0442.
NHS Roll out ‘Revolutionary’ Blood Test for Cancer Patients
Details from NHS England
Thousands of patients with lung and breast cancer are to benefit from a “revolutionary” blood test on the NHS across England. The new ‘liquid biopsy’ test can help fast-track lung cancer patients to receive targeted therapy up to two weeks earlier, while helping some avoid further tests and treatments including chemotherapy. This "liquid biopsy" is also being expanded to eligible breast cancer patients.
The NHS is the first health service in the world to roll-out a ‘blood test-first’ approach to diagnosing suspected lung cancer, with the test to be used before traditional tissue biopsies.
Following a successful pilot, NHS England announced up to 15,000 patients with suspected lung cancer could now benefit from the test each year.
UK Ban on Disposable Vapes
Details from the Department of Health and Social Care
Did you know that five million disposable vapes are thrown away each week in the UK?
As of 1 June, the sale and supply of single use vapes is now illegal. Single-use vapes are also known as disposable vapes. The ban is an important step in tackling the rise in youth vaping and the environmental impact of single-use products. The ban forms part of the Government’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which will safeguard children’s health.
If you have used up vapes lying around at home, make sure to return them to your vape supplier for recycling or take them to a nearby recycling point for electricals.
Recycle your disposable vapes Advice for recycling
'While You Wait' Support
NHS Greater Manchester
Are you currently waiting for a hospital appointment or treatment? Visit 'While You Wait' for support and advice on how best to manage your physical and mental wellbeing.
You will also find answers to frequently asked questions which may help address any concerns, including where you can look up an average waiting time.
Reminder: Prescription Tracking Live in NHS App
Details from the NHS
Millions of patients can now track their prescriptions in the NHS App, helping to reduce unnecessary calls and visits to pharmacies.
Nearly 1,500 high street chemists – including Boots across England – are offering the service, enabling patients to check on their prescriptions through real-time updates.
For non-urgent medical help, contact NHS 111. For life-threatening emergencies, call 999.
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. Please book now to help the NHS continue providing blood to patients in need.
Men's Health Week
Details from Answer Cancer
June 9 - 15 is Men’s Health Week and this year, the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance are using opportunity to raise awareness and remind men about bowel screening.
They've have released a new video about how to complete the FIT kit. Just a tiny sample of poo can detect signs of cancer before anything is noticeably wrong.
Encourage your family, friends and colleagues to watch this video if they're routinely sent a kit .
Healthcare Advice in Brief
Details from the North West Ambulance Service, NHS
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.
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
Free Blood Pressure Checks
Details from NHS North West
Padel Fever Hits Stockport Town Centre
Details from Life Leisure
Get ready, Stockport! Padel is about to take your game to the next level. Life Leisure is excited to unveil its brand new outdoor Padel court, offering even more locals the chance to try out the world’s fastest-growing sport.
Padel, a fun and fast-paced game typically played in doubles (think tennis, but with a twist), is becoming a favourite for all ages and abilities. The new outdoor Padel venue at Stockport Exchange, opposite Life Leisure Grand Central and just a stone’s throw from Stockport Train Station, is ready to welcome players of all skill levels. It’s time for Stockport to experience the outdoor version.
You can easily book a session through the Playtomic app. There’ll be racquet hire available at Life Leisure Grand Central, making Padel accessible to all.
A launch event is planned for Wednesday 25 June with guest appearances, games and plenty of chances to get on the court and try out the popular game for yourself.
For more information, or to book a session, head to: www.lifeleisure.net/centre/grand-central/
Family Hubs Parenting Resources
Details from Stockport Council
One Stockport Family Hubs recently launched a new free app for parents and carers. Please Download the app and check out its features, including the 'Share' function with QR codes for easy sharing and downloading. Your experience with the app will help you recommend it to the families you work with
From 23rd June the Start Well team have organised a week full of insightful events, resources, and activities for parents, caregivers, and professionals under the theme of using ‘Little Moments Together’ to encourage children's learning, growth, and connection. See what’s lined up on the Professionals timetable.
There’s also a useful guide to download on Supporting children’s health, development and play. Please see the attached.
Head to our 'Events' section of this Round Up for more details for family events and activities.
Have Your Say: Eye Care (Ophthalmology) Services
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
More people across Greater Manchester are needing ophthalmology services putting them under pressure and increasing waiting times. NHS Greater Manchester (GM) wants to hear from you as part of their evaluation aimed at improving care for people with eye disorders.
Have your say before 25 July. It will help them to better understand how ophthalmology services are working and where improvements can be made. You can take part by:
- Attending a local engagement session (dates to be confirmed)
- One-to-one call: contact gmhscp.engagement@nhs.net or 07786 673762.
Ophthalmology services include the diagnosis and treatment of a range of eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration and urgent eye problems. Many patients are referred into these services by GPs, optometrists or specialists managing conditions like Diabetes.
Have Your Say: Local Adult ADHD Services
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
Have your say Stockport! Take part in NHS Greater Manchester’s survey (left click) and meet the team on 18 June to share your views about adult ADHD services.
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
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.
Have your say and meet the team:
Have Your Say: Men's Health Strategy for England
Details from Healthwatch England
Read the article
Have Your Say: 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!
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
To share your experiences or to get involved with the programme, contact Maya:
maya@healthwatchstockport.co.uk
0161 974 0753 (Tuesday to Thursday)
Have Your Say: Partnerships With Patients for Better Care
Details from the Patient Partnership
The Patient Partnership Week 2025 is hosting a week-long programme of free online events to explore how genuine partnership with patients can create a fairer, more responsive, and more effective health and care system. This is your chance to join in and have your say on key topics to help improve care for everyone.
30 June to 4 July
Each event will bring together people with lived experience, NHS leaders, and professionals from across health and care to discuss what good partnership looks like in practice, and why it matters now more than ever.
Have Your Say: What’s Next for Stockport?
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:
- Stockport Town Centre Makers Market on Saturday 14 June
- Merseyway Shopping Centre (by Specsavers) on Thursday 19 June (11am-3pm)
Start Well Week of Action - 'Little Moments Together'
Details from Stockport Family Hubs
The Start Well team are excited to invite you to Start Well Week of Action, from 23-27 June! The team have organised a week full of insightful events, resources, and activities for parents, caregivers, and professionals under the theme of using ‘Little Moments Together’ to encourage children's learning, growth, and connection. See what’s lined up on the Professionals timetable.
Get ready for a week full of insightful events, resources, and activities. Please visit the Start Well Events calendar for details of events, resources, and activities for families or download the Families timetable.
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.
Instagram and website: www.stockportgreennetwork.weebly.com
You, I and MRI! Health Talk (Book by 9 June)
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.
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
Community as a Superpower Event
Details from the Stockport Refugee Consortium
The Stockport Refugee Consortium is hosting their flagship event “Community as a Superpower”, on Friday, 27 June 2025, as part of Refugee Week Celebrations.
The event will bring together leaders, advocates, and community members to spotlight the strength, resilience, and contributions of refugees and asylum seekers across our region. The day will explore key themes including education, mental health, community initiatives and more.
Friday, 27 June, 9:30am -2:30pm
Stockport Guildhall, Wellington Road South, Stockport SK1 3UA
Tickets are available free at Eventbrite, but donations are welcomed.
Donation will support their drive for sanitary and household essentials
Further Events & Community Activities across the Borough
Webinars: Support for Parents
Details from Stockport SEND
Are you worried about your Year 6 child coping with change and moving schools?
This series of four short online sessions supports families of Year 6 children who want to learn how to cope with change and move on to high school more confidently.
Sessions are online - Mondays at 1.30 - 2.30 pm, from 16 June to 7 July.
To book your free place, please email primary.jigsaw@stockport.gov.uk
E-Learning: Preparing For Adulthood Course
Details from Stockport SEND
The National Children's Bureau is offering free e-learning which has been developed to help people to think about Preparing for Adulthood for young people with additional needs.
The course considers what needs to happen to ensure young people who move from receiving support from children's services to receiving support from adult services do so in a thoughtful and supportive way.
Find more details and register via the link in the comments
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
For Men to Talk
‘For Men To Talk’ w/c 26 May 2025 Meetings
Starting Point
Stockport Council
Stockport Race Equality - Migrant News
June Migrant News - Stockport Race and Equality Partnership
Stockport’s Community Newspaper
June issue out now
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.
