Healthwatch Round Up - 17 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.
Announcement: We're Still Here For You!
The latest Review of Patient Safety Across the Health and Care Landscape, commissioned by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and run by Dr Penny Dash, has been published.
The report, which examined six key organisations involved in promoting and safeguarding patient safety, including Healthwatch England and Local Healthwatch, calls for a more strategic, streamlined and accountable approach to delivering safe and high-quality care across the NHS and social care sectors.
The review highlights the increasing complexity of the current safety landscape and makes strong recommendations to reduce duplication, prioritise user experience, and put patients and service users at the centre of decision-making.
This report confirms the government's intention to change the law to:
-
Transfer the work of Healthwatch England to the Department of Health and Social Care.
-
Transfer the work of local Healthwatch services to the NHS and local authorities.
What this means for Healthwatch Stockport We're still here for you! 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'll continue to:
- Listen to your experiences of health and social care.
- Share what we hear with those in power to help improve services.
- Provide advice and information to help you find the support you need.
We will keep you updated as more details become available.
In the meantime, thank you for the messages of support we’ve received from people across the NHS, local councils, voluntary organisations, and the public.
Impact: We've Published Our Annual Report!
Have you read our 2024-2025 Annual Report? Find out more about our work and the impact we've made across Stockport over the last year!
From helping the local community via our Information and Advice service, to making changes for lesser-heard communities, our positive impact is something we're hugely proud of!
Information: Screening Fact Sheets Available
As a reminder - 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.
Healthwatch England response to the NHS-10 Year Plan
Healthwatch England have published a response to the governments 10 Year Plan for England.
Understanding Healthwatch Roles: Locally, Regionally and Nationally
In Greater Manchester, local Healthwatch work independently in each community while collaborating regionally to share insight and influence system-wide improvements. Nationally, Healthwatch England amplifies these voices to inform policy and drive change across the country. This article explains the roles of Healthwatch at local, regional, and national levels, and why maintaining independence is critical to ensuring people’s experiences shape services effectively.
Read the article
The “choice gap”: do patients get the choices they want from GP care?
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?
Patients praise pharmacy services, but medicine shortages persist
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. Read Healthwatch England's recommendations to help the scheme achieve its full potential.
Information: Call Ahead/Check Online for Prescriptions
We've received a number of enquiries 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 a work programme which looks at how our Stockport community accesses 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 and please share this with your networks to reach as many people as possible.
info@healthwatchstockport.co.uk
0161 974 0753
Beacon Counselling
Beacon Counselling is a mental health and wellbeing charity dedicated to improving the mental health and emotional resilience across Stockport and Greater Manchester.
They provide a range of accessible services for adults and young people, including one to one counselling, groupwork, training and community projects.
- Adults: one-to-one therapy around topics such as depression, anxiety, work-related stress, redundancy, domestic violence or abuse, and more.
- For children and young people: one-to-one counselling, free SHINE wellbeing workshops and the Stamp Out Stigma service.
- School services for pupils and staff: Beacon can deliver assemblies, bespoke workshops and talks to promote resilience and provide staff with supervision and training.
- Employee wellbeing: This includes trauma therapy, staff counselling and workplace training.
admin@beacon-counselling.org.uk
Beacon also run a number of activities that you can sign up to via their social channels including Facebook. This includes their Wellbeing Dog Walk.
Meet on Sunday 31 August at 10am
Vintage Tea Rooms, Pear Mill Industrial Estate, SK2 6BP
NHS Greater Manchester Respond to '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.
NHS Lung Health Checks Are Coming 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.
Reminder to Get Your RSV Vaccination
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
NHS Greater Manchester is urging people to get ahead of the colder, Winter months by getting their RSV vaccination asap. Unlike COVID and the Flu gap, this vaccination is available all year.
Announcement: Changes to Cervical Screening
Details from NHS England
From this month, younger women (aged 25 to 49) who test negative for HPV, meaning they are at very low risk of cervical cancer over the next 10 years, will safely be invited every 5 years rather than every 3, in line with major clinical evidence. This change was made following the cervical screening (sometimes known as a smear test) recommendations from the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC).
Remember, cancer screening is for people without symptoms. If you notice anything that's not normal for you, don't wait for your screening invite - contact your GP.
NHS Urgent Call 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.
Book an appointment or register to donate today.
Find out more about blood donation
Prescription Tracking & More in NHS App
Details from the Department of Health and Social Care
Prescription tracking has been added to the NHS app, with further upgrades taking place over 2025/2026 to help you get care when you need it. Nearly 1,500 high street chemists – including Boots across England – are offering the service.
NHS App upgrades include appointment reminders, screening invitations and test results, quicker login methods like Face ID and push notifications for important messages
For non-urgent medical help, contact NHS 111. For life-threatening emergencies, call 999.
'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.
Message: Councillor Mark Roberts, Leader of Stockport Council
Details from Stockport Council Review
Greater Manchester unveiled a bold new strategy setting out a shared vision for the next decade – a vision where everyone can live a good life. It’s more than a policy document; it’s a commitment by all 10 boroughs to work together for inclusive growth, opportunity, and better everyday lives.
In Stockport, this aligns with our One Stockport, One Future vision: putting community, opportunity and sustainability at the heart of everything we do.
We’re delivering on that ambition with major investment – from thousands of new homes and jobs in our town centre, to Metrolink coming to Stockport, a new town centre school, modern hospital and neighbourhood health centre, and our fresh approach to wellbeing through Stockport Live Well. Together with our residents and partners, we’re turning ambition into action.
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.
First Birth Registered at Stockroom!
Details from Stockport Council
Stockroom, the town centre’s new cultural and community hub, has just registered its very first baby birth! This milestone marks the beginning of its new birth registration service, which is now available to families.
Stockroom, based at Merseyway in the heart of the town centre and home to the borough’s archives, currently offers birth registration services every Thursday. Other registrar services, including births, marriage and death registrations, continue to operate from Stockport Town Hall.
Healthcare Advice in Brief
Details from the NHS Greater Manchester & North West Ambulance Service
Act Fast - Stroke Aware: The first sign of a stroke might not seem like much, like not being able to raise your arm. Or struggling to smile. Or slurring when you speak. Any sign of a stroke is always an emergency. Face or arm or speech, at the first sign, it's time to call 999.
Search 'NHS stroke' or visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/stroke/
Mental Health Crisis: The North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust have shared useful support helplines for anyone struggling with their mental health.
-
Samaritans - 116 123 - 24/7
-
Text Shout to 85258 - 24/7
-
CALM - 0800 58 58 58 - webchat 5pm - 12am every day
-
PAPYRUS Hopeline247 - 0800 068 4141 or text: 88247 - 24/7
-
Mind Infoline - 0300 123 3393 - 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday (except bank holidays)
If you are in a mental health crisis, NHS Greater Manchester advises:
- Please remember you can call 111 and select option 2 for help.
- If you need help in British Sign Language (BSL) an NHS 111 SignVideo service is available. If you have a hearing problem, use text relay. Call 18001 111 using the Relay UK App or a text phone.
- If someone’s life is at immediate risk, for example, they have seriously injured themselves or taken an overdose - call 999 or go to A&E.
Funded Childcare for Working Parents
Details from Stockport Council
Did you know that eligible working parents with children aged 9 months to school reception age can receive 30 hours of funded childcare per week, 38 weeks per year?
Parents and carers should apply now for the term starting on or after 1 September, well in advance of the 31 August deadline.
Find out more on the Childcare Choices website. Trained staff at One Stockport Family Hubs in your community can also help you apply.
Stockport Pain Management Team
Could this team help you or someone you know? Ask your GP for a referral!
Greater Manchester Blood Bikes
Greater Manchester Blood Bikes is the only blood bikes charity operating in Greater Manchester that transports Blood, Plasma, Platelets, Samples, Vaccines, Donor Breast Milk (DBM) and any other urgently required medical items to hospitals and healthcare sites- at night, daytime weekends and bank holidays.
This service is provided free of charge by volunteers, allowing the NHS to divert funds where they are needed most. They work alongside a network of other blood bike charities covering a large proportion of the country.
Have Your Say: Men's Health Strategy for England (Closes Today)
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.
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. The survey will close on 29 July 2025.
Alternatively, join the NHS Greater Manchester team in Stockport on 23 July for a 90 minute focus group about standardising the number of IVF cycles
They will share people's thoughts on the proposed changes, whether there is an alternative option which we should consider and how this is going to impact different people.
Everyone is welcome If you need support, from disabled access, translation to large print documents, notify the team when you register or:
Text or WhatsApp: 07786 673762
Have Your Say: Family Hubs Survey
Details from Stockport Council
Stockport Council and partners are keen to find out what families in Stockport have learned so far about Family Hubs and their services.
Please encourage families to complete the short online survey by 14 September to be entered into a free draw to win a £30 Love to Shop voucher!
If you would like posters or small cards with the QR code, contact: family.hubs@stockport.gov.uk
Have Your Say: Improving Job Centre Support
The Department for Work and Pensions, which runs job centres, are looking at ways they can improve support for people with a learning disability.
They'd like to learn more about the experiences of people with a learning disability when visiting the Jobcentre. Is what they're doing is helpful or not? Are other things they could do to be more helpful?
If you've visited the Jobcentre in the past 24 months, share your experience via their survey.
Have Your Say: Dietary Weight Loss Advice When Attend Breast Screening
Details from Answer Cancer
The University of Manchester are looking for women who've attended breast screening and may be overweight to take part in their research study. Their research requires completion of a questionnaire and a one-to-one interview with a researcher. Those who take part are paid for their time.
What is the purpose of the research? Overweight and obesity are potentially modifiable risk factors for the risk of breast cancer. Currently around 65% of women attending breast screening are overweight or obese. This study aims to gather information from women who attend screening and staff who work in the national breast screening programme to inform if, when, where and how dietary weight loss advice or services could be appropriately delivered to women.
Am I suitable to take part?
- Attended the UK NHS breast screening programme.
- Aged between 47 and 71 years
- Have had a lived experience of being overweight
- Have not previously had breast cancer
- Not currently waiting for results of recent mammogram recall
- Not have been informed you are at high risk of genetic breast cancer
- Not have had a mastectomy to reduce risk of breast cancer
- Have access to, and ability to use Microsoft teams for an interview in English
If you have any queries about the study or if you are interested in taking part, email
Could You Save a Life on Your Lunch Break?
Details from One Stockport
Head to Stockport Exchange this Monday 21 July and help save the lives of people with blood cancer by doing a simple cheek swab.
Charity DKMS UK will be collecting swabs from 9.15am–3pm at 1, 2 and 3 Stockport Exchange. It only takes three minutes, and you could become a lifesaving stem cell donor.
Blood cancer affects thousands each year but 40% of patients can't find a match. If you're aged 17–55 and in good health, you could be the match someone’s waiting for.
Details from Stockport Council
With the school holidays fast approaching, Stockport is gearing up for one of its biggest-ever free summer programmes. And it's packed with inclusive events, activities and creative days out for families across the borough.
From beach days and museum adventures to creative workshops and outdoor play, the summer-long programme aims to help families make the most of the school holidays without breaking the bank. Many events are drop-in and free, with something happening every day across the borough’s cultural venues, parks and town centre.
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!
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. They also support those living with Dementia, their family members and carers.
Every Wednesday at 2pm -3.30pm (Cheadle End). To attend:
07816129313
SmartWorks Fashion Show
The Smart Works sale will be taking place at the Hat Works this Summer. With an on-site café, you can drop in and shop with a coffee, any time from 10-4 on both Friday 1 & Saturday 2 August. You could also make a day out of it and enjoy everything the Hat Works Museum has to offer!
Every purchase supports Smart Works Greater Manchester, helping women across the North West region with the clothing, coaching and confidence they need to succeed at job interviews and transform their lives.
Community Sessions for Ages 14 - 24
Details from Marbury Road Edible Garden
Marbury Road Edible Garden have shared details of their community sessions. Volunteer sessions are for everyone but they particularly want to encourage people aged 14-24 looking to gain work experience in the environment sector or those who may need written references and UCAS references to lead the sessions. These volunteer hours can also be used for Kings trust accreditation.
Tools are provided, please bring gloves if you have them. Refreshments provided, and Travel expenses can be reimbursed if pre-approved.
Register here for August dates and more info
Dementia - Let's Talk About It
Forward's 'Be You' Prom
Forward Stockport LGBT+ are going to be holding their 'Be You' prom event in August.
This is your chance to hit the red carpet, enjoy a buffet and drinks and enjoy great music. Dress to express and be your full fabulous self.
Stockport County FC, SK3 9DD
Friday 29 August, 6pm
£25 to £50
Find out more and book tickets
If you know of an organisation, business that may be interested in supporting the prom by sponsoring a table, contact Forward at info@forwardlgbt.org.uk.
Further Events & Community Activities across the Borough
Opportunity: Become a Governor
Details from Stockport NHS Foundation Trust | Tameside & Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust
Would you like to be a governor at Stockport NHS Foundation Trust? Nominations are open now! Volunteer governors represent the interests and views of both the Trust's members and the public.
As part of the Council of Governors, you'd play an important role in the Trust, seeking assurance from the Board of Directors and helping to shape the Trust’s future priorities and plans.
They're looking for people from all walks of life and are keen that our Council of Governors reflects the diversity of our communities. We offer training and support to help you carry out your role.
This year they're holding elections in the following public constituencies for a 1, 2 or 3-year term:
- Bramhall & Cheadle (4 seats)
- Marple & Hazel Grove (4 seats)
- Tame Valley & Werneth (2 seats)
- High Peak & Dales (1 seat)
Nominations close at 5pm on Friday 1 August 2025
To be a governor you must be a member of the Trust.
Find out more and become a member, visit our website.
To find out more about the elections, the role of a governor, or to complete a nomination form online, visit the website or contact the Membership Team via email: membership@stockport.nhs.uk
Training: Young Inspectors make a difference!
Details from Stockport Council
Are you 13–25 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)? Want to learn new skills, make friends and improve SEND services? Join the Young Inspectors training programme from 28–30 July!
As part of this programme you'll visit local services for young people and give them feedback on how to become more accessible. You’ll also write questions to help us inspect our services.
The course will run over a number of sessions where you'll learn how to be a young inspector, gain skills and make new friends. You’ll receive a certificate and £50 voucher on completing the course.
To find out more about Young Inspectors, email: steve.davies@stockport.gov.uk.
Training: 'Happy Smiles' - Disabled & Neurodivergent People
Details from Happy Smiles
At Happy Smiles Training, we're receiving an increasing number of training requests from organisations based across Greater Manchester... they're looking for new team members to help us meet this growing demand.
Happy Smiles are a multi-award-winning, disabled people-led social enterprise that delivers engaging, lived experience-led training to schools, businesses and community groups. Over 90% of their team are disabled and/or neurodivergent people.
They're now looking to connect with disabled and/or neurodivergent people interested in:
- Being paid to share their experiences through interactive training sessions
- Challenging stigma and promoting inclusion across local communities
- Joining a supportive, empowering community led by and for disabled people
Full support, mentoring and training will be provided. Whether you're an experienced speaker or just curious to learn more, they'd love to hear from you!
If you or someone you know might be interested:
info@happysmilestraining.co.uk.
Training: Wave of Change: September Cohort
Details from Sector 3
The personalised programme takes place in person over three months. They are looking for Stockport women who are either:
- Out of work
- Struggling with mental or physical health challenges
- And/ or, are feeling socially isolated
The Wave of Change programme supports Stockport women to explore future possibilities and create connections whilst building useful skills. Flexible sessions are available within school hours and around half terms and school holidays. Sessions mainly take place on Tuesdays.
If you are working with any women who would benefit from this amazing opportunity, please encourage them to complete an expression of interest form.
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 - 7 August
- Game Development Taster Session - 8 August
- Web Development Taster Session - 6 August
2-day Courses
- Learn HTML - 13 & 14 August
- Learn CSS - 23 & 24 July or 20 & 21 August
- Learn JavaScript - 30 & 31 July or 27 & 28 August
- Hackathon - 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.
Live Well Training in Stockport
'Welcome to Live Well' is a fun, insightful and informative training session where you can learn about Live Well, connect with colleagues, and gain useful tools to help you to better support local residents.
What is Live Well? Live Well is all about happy healthy lives for everyone. The 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?
- 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
- Opportunities to connect and form relationships across across all sectors including VCFSE, Businesses and public sector who work within the neighbourhoods
- An opportunity to acquire tools and knowledge to help you in your work
- Gain understanding and confidence to Make Every Contact Count - a really quick, easy and useful way to support the people of Stockport
Training: Being a Better Ally - LGBT Inclusion
Details from Sector 3
Forward CIC with support from Sector 3 are hosting a training course at Merseyway Innovation Centre about 'Being a Better Ally' - Practical Inclusion for the LGBT+ Community
Forward, who will walk you through the foundations of good allyship, from inclusive language and pronouns to a brief history of LGBT+ rights in the UK — helping you understand the "why" as well as the "how". It's a chance to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and explore what real-world support looks like — both as an individual and within your organisation.
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
Age UK Stockport
BEAT Eating Disorder charity
For Men to Talk
Greater Manchester and Eastern Cheshire Strategic Clinical Networks
King's Trust
ND Matters
Sector 3
Starting Point
Stockport Council
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.
