Healthwatch Round Up - 19 June 2025
Welcome to this week's Healthwatch Stockport Information Round-up!
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This week has been a wonderfully busy week where we have been able to go out into the community across three separate events!
On Wednesday we joined Andy from Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board, Cheryl Knupfer from Stockport Council and Claire from S.P.A.C.E ADHD Group to listen to your views of Adult ADHD pathways and accessing primary care services.
Also on Wednesday, we spent the day at Alma Lodge Hotel supporting Stockport's Annual Adult Social Care Provider Forum by holding our own Healthwatch stall. This year’s forum focused on Wellbeing, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion & Gloriously Ordinary Lives. The event was opened by Michael Cullen the Chief Executive of Stockport Council and was well attended by a wide range of Health and Social Care service providers.
Thursday took us to 'The Big Health Day' hosted by Opportunities Together for people with a Learning Disability in aid of Learning Disability week we had a great time interacting with all the visitors and other organisations who attended.
We were also delighted to welcome Beth, a fantastic 6th form student who joined us for her work experience week. While we don't regularly offer work experience placements, this was a unique opportunity, and Beth has proved to be a wonderful addition to the team. She joined our staff both in the office and out at our events, she has made a wonderful Healthwatch Stockport Community Champion!
It's Cervical Screening Week!
Cervical screening awareness week runs from 16 June to 22 June 2025. The campaign encourages those eligible for screening - women and people with a cervix aged 25-64 - to respond to their cervical screening invitation and book an appointment or, if they missed their last screening, to contact their GP practice.
Healthwatch Stockport have produced a handy Fact Sheet to support your understanding of cervical screening (also known as a smear test).
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.
Learning Disability Week, running from Monday 16 June, is an annual campaign to ensure people with a learning disability are seen, heard, and valued. This year's national theme is 'Do you see me?', highlighting the importance of their inclusion in all aspects of life here in Stockport.
Community feedback leads to better care for people with learning disabilities
Thanks to participants speaking up, changes have been recommended to improve communication during annual health checks and COVID-19 vaccination appointments.
What's it like getting care when you don't have much money?
People on lower incomes face barriers to getting the care they need. Healthwatch look at why it’s harder for people who earn less money to access NHS services.
Government to expand cervical screening access through NHS App
Our response to government's plans for faster emergency care
Patients are being promised better, faster and more appropriate emergency care under government reforms to shorten waiting times in A&E.
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?
How to improve ADHD support for people
The impact ADHD has on people’s lives can be profound and can be spread across multiple areas of their life. Our new report highlights these impacts and the changes we are calling for to ensure everyone gets the support they need.
Check out our website for more news, advice and informative articles.
Healthwatch Focus: Primary Care Services
We're continuing our work programme looking at how Stockport community access Primary Care if they have additional support 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: Become a volunteer member!
It's easy to become a volunteer member with Healthwatch Stockport and support our work! Our volunteers support us in many different ways. From speaking to local people to find out what they think about health and care to supporting us remotely sharing your views which can influence decision makers within the health and care industry.
If you're keen to get involved, contact us:
0161 974 0753
Supportability
As it's Learning Disability week, we thought to shine a spotlight on Supportability!
Supportability help children, young people and adults with a wide range of complex physical and learning disabilities. Their aim is to enable those with disability to live a fulfilled and independent life by providing support in the home, community and at their specialist skills day centre. They also provide long-term residential support.
Whether you or your loved ones are looking for short-term respite support or long-term care Supportability can plan a tailored ‘Support Plan’ to give you the support you need.
0161 432 1248
Visit their website: https://www.supportability.org.uk/
enquiries@supportability.org.uk
Have you heard about the Supportability Annual Golf Day?
The annual Golf Day will be held on Friday 4th July 2025 at Heaton Moor Golf Club. If you know of any businesses and individuals who might like to support the event, visit their website to find out below!
NHS launches drive to catch one of the most lethal cancers
Details from NHS England
NHS England have announced this week that GP practices are set to review patient records in a bid to offer urgent tests to people most at risk of pancreatic cancer.
GP teams, who are taking part in the pilot, will review patients records to identify people over 60 who have the key early warning signs of pancreatic cancer including being recently diagnosed with diabetes and sudden weight loss. They state that around half the people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer have also been diagnosed with diabetes recently.
GPs will be in contact with patients, as needed, to arrange urgent blood tests and CT scans to rule out cancer.
WorkWell in Stockport
Details from Stockport Council
WorkWell is a UK Government funded initiative that will run until March 2026, supporting over 800 Stockport residents.
It's a free service and the WorkWell team will help you stay in work or return to work if you’ve had to give up your job due to a health-related condition. This includes self-employed workers.
Fewer pregnant women smoking in Greater Manchester than ever before
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
Smoking during pregnancy hits record low in Greater Manchester, meeting national target for the first time! NHS Greater Manchester have shared this week that smoking while pregnant has fallen to just 5.9%, a drop from 13% in 2018. Greater Manchester's Smokefree programme is proving to be a great success!
Health checks important for people with severe mental illness
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
Greater Manchester exceeds national target for physical health checks for people with severe mental illness. An increase in health checks taking place for those with serious mental illness has been seen across all boroughs in Greater Manchester, including Stockport.
Supporting those with serious mental health illness is something we have been championing at Healthwatch Stockport. Maya, our Mental Health Engagement Officer, has been working throughout Stockport to collect lived experiences from our local communities to help support the Living Well in Stockport Model.
NEW Family Hubs App Launched
Details from Stockport Council
One Stockport have launched and app for parents, parents to be and carers. It's designed to be a central place for accessing expert advice, local information and personalised support.
For more information visit the One Stockport Family Hubs website
The Closing of SPARC
Details from SPARC
This week we heard the sad news that SPARC – Stockport Progress and Recovery Centre will be closing with a new service taking over from 21 July 2025.
SPARC is a local voluntary organisation who have supported adults in the Stockport area who experience mental health problems and was first established in 1985. They have supported many people throughout these years.
SPARC have shared the following:
Stay Sun Safe!
Details from GM Resilience Forum
With the current warm weather it's important to remember to stay safe in the sun. Stockport has been issued with an amber heat-health alert. This means there is a risk to health, particularly (but not exclusively) for older people, those with long-term health conditions, and people who may be more affected by heat—such as those living alone or in housing that’s hard to keep cool.
Have Your Say: IVF Consultation - Online Thursday 26 June at 11am.
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
NHS Greater Manchester want to make sure that every person who is eligible for NHS-funded in vitro fertilization cycles, more commonly known as IVF, receives the same number of tries (know as cycles), removing the current inequity.
They are running a consultation to look at how to make this happen. The consultation will run until 29th July 2025.
As part of the consultation, Stockport residents will have their chance to discuss IVF cycles and share their thoughts on Thursday 26 June 2025. The online session will run 11am to 12pm.
Stockport Patient Involvement Network (PIN) will be discussing the proposal that all areas of Greater Manchester should offer the same number of NHS funded cycles, which is not currently the case. In Stockport, for example, people have access to two cycles with most areas offering one and some offering three.
If you want to join the discussion, on Thursday 26 June 2025 from 11am to 12pm, email Andy Callaghan, Engagement Manager, at Andrew.callaghan1@nhs.net and he will send you an invitation to this online meeting.
Have Your Say: Men's Health Strategy for England
Details from Healthwatch England
Read the article
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. 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.
Stockport Refugee Conference
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
Poland Syndrome Community Connection Online
If you or someone you know is affected by Poland Syndrome, join these friendly online zooms that will be taking place on a monthly basis.
Upcoming dates (7–8 PM UK time):
- Sun 29 June
- Sun 27 July
- Sun 28 September
- Sun 26 October
Stockport Celebrates Armed Forces Day
Details from Stockport Council
Stockport celebrates Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 28. This year's event will be a special occasion, with celebrations taking place across the town centre including a parade and various family activities. The Stockport Armed Forces Community Organisation (SAFCO) is leading the event, with support from Stockport Council and other partners.
- A parade will kick off from St Peter's Square at 10.45am and conclude in Market Place, with the salute being taken by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Manchester.
- Live entertainment from a stage in Market Place, with Strawberry Radio providing music.
- Various exhibits and activities will be available, including military displays, a WWIl trail for kids, and a replica Spitfire at Merseyway Shopping Centre
- The Stockport Air Raid Shelter Tours and Stockport Museums and Galleries Staircase House and Stockport Museum will be open for free visits.
- The event will feature a range of community stalls, vintage vehicle exhibits, and re-enactments.
SmileyWorld Trail Comes to Stockport
Details from Totally Stockport
Get ready to explore a full spectrum of emotions as Totally Stockport brings a vibrant Wild in Art trail to the heart of Stockport.
From 4 July to 15 September, Stockport will transform into a playful outdoor gallery as the SmileyWorld® Art Trail takes over the town centre with a colourful collection of quirky, fun and exciting sculptures, each inspired by the SmileyWorld® icons.
Following huge success in Battersea, London and North Tyneside, the SmileyWorld® Art Trail will be making its North West debut, guaranteeing family fun during the school summer holidays - and best of all, it's completely free to attend!
Interested in Adopting?
Details from Adoption Counts
Have you been wondering if adoption is right for you, to grow your family? Do you want to better understand what adoption is really like? Adoption Counts are running free, online events this month. Complete the form to attend a future 'Information Event'.
The next one is 25 June, 6.30pm - 8.30pm.
You will have the chance to learn more about the process, the types of children waiting to be adopted and why we think you should choose us to start your adoption journey. You can ask questions to our experienced team and get all the advice and information you need to make this life-changing decision.
90 Minute Club
Details from Stockport County Community Trust
The 90 Minute Club’, created in partnership with Stockport County Players Association and Age UK Stockport, is their weekly Sporting Memories programme, delivered at Edgeley Park.
They discuss all things Stockport County, Football more broadly and the history of Stockport, with monthly guest speakers including ex-players, club captains and local historians.
The programme is developed for participants aged 60 and over. The sessions are designed to be social, with a chance to meet like-minded people. They also support those living with Dementia, their family members and carers.
Every Wednesday at 2pm -3.30pm (Cheadle End).
To attend:
07816129313
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.
July's Grief Cafe
A welcoming space for anyone struggling with grief.
LGBTQ Games Night
Details from Outside the Box
Looking for a night full of laughs, strategy, and community? Join 'Outside the Box' for their LGBTQ+ Games Night — a welcoming space for everyone to connect. What to expect:
- Friendly people
- Loads of board games to choose from
- Hosts to get you into a game and to teach you the rules
- Fully licensed, with loads of drinks and snacks to choose from.
Solo players are very welcome – they'll make sure you feel included!!”
Further Events & Community Activities across the Borough
Training: Future Ready - Learn to Code
Details from MadLab
MadLab is pleased to announce a new programme of FREE digital short courses this Summer. Aimed at people aged 18-30, who are unemployed or underemployed, and want to explore if a career in tech might be for them.
Designed for complete beginners, no prior coding experience is required, although participants need to be confident using a computer, browsing the internet, and managing files.
1-day Courses
- Coding with Python Taster Session - 25 June or 7 August
- Game Development Taster Session - 26 June or 8 August
- Web Development Taster Session - 3 July or 6 August
2-day Courses
- Learn HTML - 16 & 17 July or 13 & 14 August
- Learn CSS - 23 & 24 July or 20 & 21 August
- Learn JavaScript - 30 & 31 July or 27 & 28 August
- Hackathon - 9 & 10 July or 3 & 4 September
- Learn Game Development - 3 & 4 September
All courses run from 10am to 3pm in central Stockport.
While courses are free, they require a small booking fee to secure your place (£3 for a 1-day and £5 for a two-day course), which is refunded on attending the course.
Please visit Eventbrite page to book your place.
For further information, contact:
07874 040940.
Training: End the Silence
Details from Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership
Across Greater Manchester, taxi and private hire drivers are being encouraged to complete a short online training course that could help them spot the signs someone might be struggling - and even save a life.
The initiative is part of Shining a Light on Suicide, a campaign led by NHS Greater Manchester to break the stigma around suicide and make support easier to access. With more than 200 lives lost to suicide in the region each year, the message is clear: suicide prevention is everyone’s business.
If you know a taxi or private hire driver, take the Zero Suicide Alliance training to learn how to recognise warning signs and provide support.
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
Samaritans Stockport
Samaritans Stockport newsletter
Sector 3
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.
