Healthwatch Round Up - 10 July 2025

Healthwatch Stockport's Information Round-up is published every week. Read about the latest news, updates and events in Stockport.

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:  FacebookInstagramLinkedin, X

To promote your work, event or share any information, please fill in the form here or email comms@healthwatchstockport.co.uk directly.

#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:

  1. Transfer the work of Healthwatch England to the Department of Health and Social Care. 

  2. Transfer the work of local Healthwatch services to the NHS and local authorities. 

The NHS 10 Year Plan

The Dash Report

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:

  1. Listen to your experiences of health and social care. 

  2. Share what we hear with those in power to help improve services. 

  3. 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!

Read the report


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.

Read the article


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?

Read the report


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: 

  • Drinking water often 

  • Staying in the shade or indoors (11am – 3pm) 

  • Keeping your home cool—close curtains by day, open windows at night 

  • Wearing light, loose clothes 

  • Asking your pharmacist if heat affects any medication you are on 

  • 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.

Visit the Sun Smart website


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.

Read the article


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. 

Read the article


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.

Boots pharmacy stock checker


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.

Feedback survey

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

Visit our website for more information

Talking About Heat - staying safe in the heat information

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.

Find out more about Open Door


 

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. 

Find out more


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. 

Find out more

Read the booklet


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. 

Read the article


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!

Visit the website 


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.

Visit the website


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. 

  • 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. 

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.

Visit the website


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

The Government wants to hear people's views, ideas and experiences to help develop a men's health strategy for England. Share your views by 17 July 2025.
 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:

Completing an online survey

  • 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. 

Find out more


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

Get your tickets


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

Book your place


The Kings Trust

More courses for 18-30 are now available!  These include:

  • Get Started with Women's Football

  • Get Started in Health and Social Care

  • Get into Event Production

  • Get Hired with Health and Social Care 

Find out more


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

Find out more



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: 

Skills for Life - Greenfingers: Summer Party!
Skills for Life - Barista training

Age UK Stockport

Newsletter

 

Greater Manchester Aging Hub

Newsletter

 

For Men to Talk

For Men to Talk bulletin

 

Greater Manchester and Eastern Cheshire Strategic Clinical Networks 

Bulletin

 

Sector 3

VCSFE bulletin

 

Starting Point

Starting Point bulletin

 

Stockport Council

Stockport Council Review

 

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

 

VCFSE Family Hub bulletin
Parkinson's UK Stockport newsletter
North West Ambulance Service (NWAS)

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 

 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. 

Share your views 

Looking for information about health and care?

Find advice and information to help you stay well and make decisions about your health and social care support.

Find advice and information