Healthwatch Round Up - 10 July 2025
Welcome to this week's Healthwatch Stockport Information Round-up!
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#TeamHealthwatch
Another great week at Healthwatch Stockport. Two of our staff members recently completed the Live Well in Stockport training and learned about the new initiative, 'Making Every Contact Count'. This valuable training is available for everyone in the Stockport community. You can find more information and details on how to book in our events section below.
We also had the pleasure of welcoming a SMILE Learner, Sarah, who joined us for a day to learn about the work we do here at Healthwatch Stockport. It was wonderful to have her with us!
We're still here for you!
Last week, we updated you on the official government statement in the '10 Year Health Plan', confirming that Healthwatch England and all local Healthwatch organisations are set to close once legislation is passed.
The 'Dash Report', Dr. Penny Dash's review of patient safety across the health and care landscape in England (commissioned by the Department of Health and Social Care), has now been published.
This report confirms the government's intention to change the law to:
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Transfer the work of Healthwatch England to the Department of Health and Social Care.
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Transfer the work of local Healthwatch services to the NHS and local authorities.
What Does This Mean Right Now?
While these changes will happen over time, the law has not yet been changed. This means we are still here, open, and supporting you in Stockport!
We continue to:
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Listen to your experiences of health and social care.
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Share what we hear with those in power to help improve services.
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Provide advice and information to help you find the support you need.
Annual Report
Have you read our annual report? Find out about the work we did and the impact we made over the last year!
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!
Healthwatch Research, Articles & Advice You May Have Missed
Our response to the NHS-10 Year Plan
Details from Healthwatch England
Healthwatch England have published a response to the governments 10 Year Plan for England.
The “choice gap”: do patients get the choices they want from GP care?
Details from Healthwatch England
GP appointments and patient choice. Healthwatch England have conducted research across the country and answer the questions: What choices do patients want when they book GP appointments? And are they getting those choices?
Information and Advice: Staying Sun Safe!
The temperatures are set to soar over this coming weekend and being safe in the sun is more important than ever!
We encourage you to take extra care by:
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Drinking water often
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Staying in the shade or indoors (11am – 3pm)
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Keeping your home cool—close curtains by day, open windows at night
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Wearing light, loose clothes
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Asking your pharmacist if heat affects any medication you are on
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Checking in with others—and let someone check in on you
The Greater Manchester Resilience Unit has produced an infographic, 'Talking About Heat', in collaboration with older people, about the health risks of heat. It is aimed at organisations who support older people. You can download it below.
The Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance also has some great advice on staying 'Sun Safe', and more specific details on applying sunscreen correctly and Melanoma Skin Cancer.
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.
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
Open Door: Stockport’s mental health and wellbeing hub
Details from Making Space
This month, we are highlighting the importance of talking to support your mental health. Open Door provides immediate crisis management and emotional support, person-centred approach to hearing your needs and creating an action plan.
Their friendly and caring team provides immediate crisis management and emotional support, taking a person-centred approach to hearing your needs and creating an action plan.
NHS Greater Manchester respond to the '10 Year Plan'
Details from NHS Greater Manchester (GMICB)
Find out how the government's '10 Year Plan' features case studies of Greater Manchester's Live Well movement and also features a response from Mark Fisher Chief Executive of NHS Greater Manchester.
St Ann's Hospice to changing their name
Details from St Ann's Hospice
On Wednesday, 1 October 2025, St Ann’s Hospice will change its name to Moya Cole Hospice. The change honours our inspirational founder, Dr Moya Cole, and the work of hospice pioneers.
New information to support parents and carers of little ones under 5
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
This great new leaflet is designed to be clear and easily accessible. It has information on common illnesses, including earache, measles, croup, fever, and more – plus a summary of the different health services available.
It can be found in your local GP practice, pharmacy, family hub, food bank, library, and other locations in your local community as well as some schools and nurseries.
A digital copy is also available to download from the NHS Greater Manchester website.
People are reminded they can get the RSV vaccination year-round
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
NHS Greater Manchester is urging people to get ahead of the colder, winter months by getting their RSV vaccination. Unlike COVID and the Flu gap, this vaccination is available year round.
Compass – CBT Service for 13-18 year olds.
This service provides a mix of in-person sessions with a wellbeing practitioner, alongside the use of a self-guided app. Young people will need to engage with this app to help learn ways to cope when things become overwhelming.
If you know a young person who would benefit from this service and would be willing to engage with this programme, please contact our friendly team to register for an assessment on 0161 440 0055.
Stockport Pain Management Team
Could this team help you or someone you know? Ask your GP for a referral!
Ex-Forces support from Disability Stockport
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.
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.
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They would like to learn more about the experiences of people with a learning disability when visiting the Jobcentre.
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They would like to know if what they are doing is helpful or not.
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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: 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. The survey will close on 29 July 2025.
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.
Wheelers Accessible Cycling
Details from Supportability
Offering weekly cycling opportunities throughout the year for disabled adults, children and young people at Woodbank Park in Stockport.
Get into football with Stockport County
A free pre-employment training programme open to anyone 18+ who is unemployed and interested in football.
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
Live Well training in Stockport
Welcome to Live Well is a fun, insightful and informative training session where you can find out about what Live Well is, connect with colleagues old and new, and gain really useful tools which will help you to support local residents even better.
What is Live Well?
Live Well is all about happy healthy lives for everyone. Our shared vision is for Stockport to be a place where:
- It’s easy for people to get help at the right time, in the right place
- All of us have a relentless focus on prevention - preventing problems before they escalate
- There is a resilient and connected community and VCFSE sector, collaborating with local people on things that are important to them in their neighbourhood
- We all work together, providing a consistent everyday support
What is the training offer?
- Lots of useful content over a 3 hour session that you can use in your role, without adding to the to-do list, along with time to connect with colleagues over a brew
- Locally delivered. We recognise the strengths of each of our neighbourhoods, a locally delivered programme builds on these strengths, brings people together, and reminds us the difference we can make when we work together
- Build relationships: Connect and form relationships across our collective workforce across all sectors including VCFSE, Businesses and public sector who work within the neighbourhoods
- Explore Strengths: Explore the strengths and assets of your neighbourhood
- Gain knowledge: Acquire tools and knowledge to help you in your work
- Making Every Contact Count: Gain understanding and confidence to Make Every Contact Count - a really quick, easy and useful way to support the people of Stockport
The Kings Trust
More courses for 18-30 are now available! These include:
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Get Started with Women's Football
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Get Started in Health and Social Care
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Get into Event Production
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Get Hired with Health and Social Care
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
Training Courses Coming Up
There are a variety of training courses from from Skills For Life (SFL).
Up coming ones include:
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Greenfingers: Summer Party, 16 August
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Barista Training, 12 and 13 August
Please see the attachments below:
Age UK Stockport
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.
