Healthwatch Round Up - 3 July 2025
Welcome to this week's Healthwatch Stockport Information Round-up!
Please share our Round Up and encourage others to sign up here.
To see what we're up to on a more regular basis and for info and advice, follow our social channels: Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, X
To promote your work, event or share any information, please fill in the form here or email comms@healthwatchstockport.co.uk directly.
#TeamHealthwatch
This week we have published our annual report! Our report highlights the work and impact Healthwatch Stockport has made across Stockport from April 2024 - March 2025. From helping individuals via our information and advice service, to making changes for seldom-heard communities, our positive impact is something we are proud of!
You may have also seen that Healthwatch England and local Healthwatch were in the media last weekend, highlighted as an organisation that will be closing in the government's 10-year plan and our functions will be transferred in-house to the local authority social care and local NHS health services. Healthwatch Stockport is saddened and concerned by this, as it means the independence and external accountability is being taken away.
The NHS 10 Year Plan was published today and can be read here.
We have received so many lovely messages of support from people and organisations all over Stockport, and we value and appreciate each and every one of them.
Despite this announcement, please know that we're not going anywhere yet! We'll continue our work in the community; sending out weekly communications, and our information and advice service is here for anyone who might need it!
Healthwatch Research, Articles & Advice You May Have Missed
Ordering repeat prescriptions via the NHS App
Full details on our website
The way in which you order your repeat prescriptions is changing. For most people they will now need to order via their NHS App with each surgery will be contacting patients as this change takes place.
Patients praise pharmacy services, but medicine shortages persist
Details from Healthwatch England
A year after the launch of Pharmacy First, nearly nine in ten patients who used the service reported a positive experience of seeing their pharmacist for help with the conditions covered by the scheme. But challenges, like medicine shortages, privacy concerns and people not being aware what conditions can be treated by their pharmacist are still present. Healthwatch England's new report shows that Pharmacy First is working, and the strong public support to expand the service. But what is needed to address the challenges? Read our recommendations to help the scheme achieve its full potential.
Information and Advice: Call Ahead or Check Online for Prescriptions
We've received a number of enquiries recently from people struggling to source prescribed medication from pharmacies. Following this issue being raised at a recent Pharmacy Needs Assessment meeting, we've found it's not just a local problem, but a national shortage of some medications.
We recommend that if you use a smaller, local pharmacy, you call ahead to ensure they have the medication you need. Alternatively, Boots offers a free online stock checker for their pharmacies.
Our response to the independent ADHD Taskforce's report
Details from Healthwatch England
After changes to ADHD services were needed Healthwatch were invited to be part of the new ADHD Taskforce, which was commissioned by NHS England in 2024. The first report has now been published
Patient transport service built around the needs of residents
Details from Healthwatch England
Thanks to residents speaking up, patients across Sussex can access a new non-emergency patient transport service.
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
Banter and Brews - Men's Support Group
This month, we are highlighting the importance of talking to support your mental health. One group that excels at this is Banter and Brews.
This men's support group (for ages 18 and up) offers a social space for men who are lonely, isolated, bored, or facing challenges such as alcohol or drug issues.
Meet-ups take place at various locations across Stockport. Members can socialise, share experiences, and take part in activities such as darts, pool, or cards. They also offer walking football in addition to regular meeting sessions.
The group organises outings and enrichment activities, alongside talks from outside agencies on subjects of interest.
Get in touch to find out more!
Phone: 07909 227 333
Email: sjhall58@msn.com
They are also on Facebook!
NHS Lung Health Checks come to Stockport
Details from Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance
The NHS is offering free lung health checks to current and former smokers aged 55-74 from its mobile clinics. The checks are currently for people based at GP surgeries in parts of Stockport
Look out for an invite by post/text.
NHS Start for Life
If you are looking for trusted NHS help and advice on giving babies the best start in life, this is the place to go. It offers advice on key topics such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, introducing solid foods, the home learning environment, and parent-infant relationships. The Start for Life website is full of great information for parents!
Lions Bottles: Available from Stockport Libraries
Details from Lions 'Message in a Bottle'
The Lions 'Message in a Bottle' is a simple yet effective way for people to keep their basic personal and medical details readily accessible in an emergency. This information is kept on a standard form, stored in a common location – the fridge – ensuring it can be found quickly.
You can pick up a bottle from one of our many Stockport libraries, or visit the website below to order one.
On the website, you'll also find an easy-to-download form that you can fill out to keep in the bottle.
Armed Forces and Veterans Support
Pure Innovations are offering a support and advice service to Armed Forces, Veterans, and their families.
Alice In Wonderland Comes to Stepping Hill Hospital
Details from Stockport Foundation Trust
A beautiful new therapy garden with an Alice in Wonderland theme has officially opened at Stepping Hill Hospital. The charity-funded garden, designed to offer therapeutic support and a calming environment, is set to benefit patients with a wide range of long-term conditions, including those living with dementia and mobility issues.
CQC Appoints New Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care and Integrated Care
Details from CQC
Chris Badger has been appointed as the Care Quality Commission's (CQC's) new Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care and Integrated Care.
Have Your Say: Improving Support at the Job Centre for people with a learning disability.
The Department for Work and Pensions, which runs Jobcentres, are looking at ways they can improve their support for people with a learning disability.
-
They would like to learn more about the experiences of people with a learning disability when visiting the Jobcentre.
-
They would like to know if what they are doing is helpful or not.
-
They want you to tell them if there are other things they could do to be more helpful.
If you have visited the Jobcentre in the past 24 months, they would really like to hear about your experience. You can share your experience by completing a survey.
Have your say: Primary Care NHS Interpretation and Translation Services – survey closes Friday 11 July 2025
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
Have your say about local interpretation and translation services by taking part in a short survey, which closes on Friday 11 July 2025.
NHS Greater Manchester is inviting people to share their experience of using interpreters to access and use primary care services such as the GP, pharmacy, optician or dentist. This includes British Sign Language interpreters (BSL).
The NHS GM engagement team is also speaking to as many people as it can, across Greater Manchester, who speak the 10 most common languages. It is visiting community and voluntary groups and English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) classes.
If you would like someone to come to your group to discuss interpreters and translation services generally, contact the engagement team by emailing Celeste Bain (Engagement Manager) at celeste.bain@nhs.net. NHS GM will aim to book interpreters to come with them to support any discussions and public engagement.
Have Your Say: Woman's Health Research Priorities (WHRP)
Details from Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG)
The RCOG are conducting a project to define a list of research questions, with the aim of influencing how research bodies focus on and fund research into the most pressing issues affecting women’s health in the future. The first survey was completed by over 1,400 people.
This second round looks at topics in women's health that were proposed in our first survey so we can come up with a list of the most pressing research questions in women's health. The survey aims to identify the most critical unanswered questions in women’s health. Visit the website for a video and full details of the project.
Have Your Say: IVF Cycles
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.
The consultation is surrounding the number of cycles available to women aged 39 and under who meet the eligibility criteria.
For full details and a link to their online survey, visit the NHS Greater Manchester
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.
ND-EXPO
ND-EXPO is a community-driven event showcasing neurodivergent voices, businesses, and initiatives. Featuring information stalls, talks from ND business owners, and individuals as well discussions led by the community, ND-EXPO is a space to connect, learn, and celebrate neurodiversity in action. During the event we will also have access to the sensory room
Ladybridge Connect, Cheadle Hulme
30 July 12pm-3pm
Tickets cost £5
Les and Andy's Midweek Drop In
Stretch you legs, get out the house and go and say hi to Les and Andy!
Susie's Sewing at The Olive Branch
Learn how sew, create and reuse in a warm friendly environment!
Tower Power: Social Meet up for Lancashire Hill Residents
Stockport County Launching New Veterans Sessions
As part of Armed Forces Week Stockport County are launching two new sessions this week to support the Armed Forces community.
Veterans Walk and Talk
Wednesdays, 10-12pm
Woodbank Park
Armed Forces Pool and Darts
Mondays, 6-7:30pm
The Salisbury Club, Brinnington
Active Pathways Pilot from Life Leisure
This community led programme by Life Leisure is designed to help those who do little or no physical activity and struggle with isolation and low level mental health. It offers a bespoke, small step programme that is designed to raise participants confidence in physical activities.
Currently in a pilot phases it is being offered on a referral scheme to residents of Bramhall, Brinnington and Offerton.
Hoping to expand your community?
Pure Innovations offers a one-to-one, short term, service to those people looking to expand their social network and build independence. Visit the Stockport Support Hub website to make a referral.
Looking for a Career in Health and Social Care?
If you've ever considered a role in Health and Social Care, or would like to progress the one you already have, head along to Stockport Town Hall to see the wide variety of roles available.
Tuesday 8 July 2025, 10am - 1pm
July's Grief Cafe
A welcoming space for anyone struggling with grief.
Greater Manchester Moving - Sports Welfare Events
Visit the Greater Manchester Moving website for a full list of events and to sign up!
Further Events & Community Activities across the Borough
Future Ready: Learn to Code
One and two-day courses at Stockport Museum. Web development, games design, and more.
Courses are available throughout July and August
Disability Stockport are recruiting!
The currently are advertising for two roles
- Autism Navigator
- Referral Crisis Worker
Full details of both post can be found below for you to download.
The King Trust Courses for 18-30 year olds
The Kings Trust have an amazing range of free courses on offer. Opportunities include:
- Explore - developing teamwork, leadership and communication
- Get Started with Women's Football
- Get into Retail with M&S
- Team - a 12-week personal development programme
- plus lots more!
Free and subsidised Cycling training
Visit the Bee Network website to find a full list of courses. Open to families, groups and one to one - there is something for everyone!
Suicide Awareness Training
If you work or volunteer in Stockport, Stockport Council have released further dates for their Suicide Awareness for Professionals training. All staff at Healthwatch Stockport have been on this training and highly recommend it!
Training Courses Coming Up
There are a variety of training courses from from Skills For Life (SFL).
Up coming ones include:
-
Greenfingers: Summer Party, 16 August
-
Barista Training, 12 and 13 August
Please see the attachments below:
Greater Manchester Aging Hub
For Men to Talk
Greater Manchester and Eastern Cheshire Strategic Clinical Networks
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.
