Healthwatch Round Up - 24 July 2025
Welcome to this week's Healthwatch Stockport Information Round-up!
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Announcement: We're Still Here For You!
In previous weeks, we’ve been updating you about the future of Healthwatch, whilst it is concerning and sad news, that the government may eventually bring Healthwatch to a close, we want to emphasise that we are still here for you.
Since the announcement, we’ve now signed an open letter along with 130 other Healthwatch, urging the Government to reconsider their decision.
Please take a moment to read our letter.
Additionally, Healthwatch across England are about to publish a petition to further reinforce this message to the Government to ensure we maintain transparency and public accountability across all health and social care. We’ll share the link to the petition with you as soon as it has been published.
We’d therefore hugely appreciate your support to share this widely with family, friends and your networks so that we can continue to ensure that people, your lived experiences and your help us to shape how local and national services for the better for each and everyone of us.
What this means for Healthwatch Stockport
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!
- 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.
If you need health and social care information and advice, you’d like to feedback to us on how to improve services, please get in touch.
Impact: Your Voice Matters to Us!
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! Your voice has enabled us to do this, you've shared your experiences, asked questions and talked to us about what matters most.... thank you.
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.
Updated Accessible Information Standard is out
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?
NHS support for refugees and people seeking asylum
New NHS waiting list breakdowns to tackle inequalities - Healthwatch England response
First ever NHS data breaks down gap in waiting times based on deprivation. Read our response.
Healthwatch Focus: Primary Care Services
Have you shared your experiences with us? 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.
Samaritans Stockport and District
Stockport Samaritans serve as a listening ear for our local community. From their base in Heaton Moor, they offer emotional support and proudly support the whole of Stockport, as well as neighbouring areas: South Manchester (Didsbury, Chorlton, Wythenshawe, Levenshulme), Trafford (Altrincham, Hale, Hale Barns), Tameside (Hyde, Stalybridge) Glossop, New Mills, Wilmslow.
To break down stigma and highlight their service, they provide Samaritan awareness training to local schools, and support the Network Rail partnership, as well as speaking at various voluntary and community groups. Enquire here.
If you need help, contact the team via:
Freephone 116 123
Announcement: Resident Doctors Strike in Greater Manchester: What You Need to Know
Details from NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board
Resident doctors (formerly known as junior doctors) in Greater Manchester will strike from 7am, Friday 25 July to 7am, Wednesday 30 July 2025. This is part of ongoing national industrial action related to pay and working conditions.
Dr Francis Andrews, consultant in emergency medicine and medical director, Bolton NHS Foundation Trust on behalf of all acute medical directors for NHS Greater Manchester said:
“Our priority is ensuring people know where to go for the right care during the strike. We want everyone to know that if you need care during the strike, help is still here for you. Use NHS 111 online to find the right place for your health needs - it could save you time and help keep emergency services available for those who need them most.
“If it’s serious or life-threatening, please come forward without delay. We’re working hard to ensure key services, including emergency care and maternity, remain open and safe.
“Please continue to attend your planned appointments unless you’ve been told otherwise by your hospital, practice or other provider. We are doing all we can to minimise disruption and keep essential services running.
“We know strikes may cause some disruption and apologise for any inconvenience.”
What this means for you:
- Urgent and emergency care will continue as normal.
- Some planned appointments and treatments may be delayed or rescheduled. If this affects you, your healthcare provider will contact you. If you don’t hear from them, please attend your appointment as usual.
- GP and dental practices will stay open, but some may be affected if they host resident doctors.
- Mental health services remain open and available – help is still here for you.
- For urgent health advice, please use NHS 111 online (for people five and over). Call 999 only in a life-threatening emergency.
- For help finding the right NHS service, visit NHS Greater Manchester’s ‘Get to Know Where to Go’ information at gmintegratedcare.org.uk/gtkwtg.
- You can help by checking on vulnerable friends and family, making sure you have necessary medicines, and helping loved ones leave hospital quickly once they have been told they are ready to go home.
NHS teams across Greater Manchester are working hard to keep services running and to prioritise patient safety.
Further information on industrial action here: Information for the public on industrial action (strikes) | Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership.
Get To Know Where To Go: Summer 2025
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
The first Summer Get to Know Where to Go campaign from NHS GM is all about making sure people know where to go to get the care they need as quickly as possible. It includes:
- Primary care services
- The NHS App and NHS 111 online
- Travel vaccinations
- The health risks of high temperatures
NHS GM has also launched a new leaflet to help parents and carers of children under five cope with common childhood illnesses. The easy-to-use guide offers advice on conditions such as earache, measles, croup, and fever. It includes symptom checklists, tips on how to manage illness at home, guidance on when to seek help from a pharmacist or GP, and a list of red flag symptoms that require urgent medical attention.
A fully accessible digital version is available to download from the NHS GM website.
NHS Lung Health Checks Are in 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.
Free Bus Travel Pilot
Details from Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM)
Earlier this month, Mayor Andy Burnham announced that older and disabled people in Greater Manchester are set to benefit from free bus travel throughout August as part of a new pilot.
Starting on 1 August, the pre-9.30am travel restriction will be lifted on a trial basis for a month. As well as free early morning travel, it will mean older and disabled people with concessionary passes will be able to board the Bee Network’s night buses, all night, for free for the first time. TfGM will gather data on the demand to see if a permanent change is possible.
Posters about the trial are in bus stations and bus stops, as well as community locations such as local libraries.
Activate Get Moving Campaign for Kids
Details from Department of Health & Social Care
Children across the country are being inspired to move more this Summer, with the launch of a new animated series, Activate. The series has been co-created by fitness coach, Joe Wicks MBE, and Studio AKA, the team behind ‘Hey Duggee’, and is backed by the Department of Health & Social Care and Department for Education and Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
Physical activity is essential for growing bodies and minds. But over half (53%) of UK children are not meeting daily activity guidelines. The series promotes short bursts of movement through fun, accessible content that can be easily integrated into your day.
The Body Coach YouTube channel, Further episodes will be released weekly over the holidays.
Reloved – Uniforms for Everyone
Details from Stockport Council
Stockport Council is working with The Cherry Tree Project on an initiative to support families while also helping the environment. The Reloved scheme offers school uniforms, all year round, to children of all ages attending any school in Stockport.
At the moment, referrals are being accepted through professionals.You can help make a difference by donating good-quality, pre-loved school uniforms. Donations can be dropped off at any of Stockport’s 16 libraries. Let’s work together to reduce waste and support local families!
Ongoing Rollout of Patient Led Ordering in Stockport
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
From September, Stockport will see practices ‘Go Live’ for Patient Led Ordering via the NHS App. This means that anyone who's capable of doing so, will have to order their medication themselves.
- Via the GP practice online ordering process or NHS App – the safest and easiest way
- Via the repeat prescription box at the GP practice
- Via post to the GP practice using the repeat prescription slip
- Via other locally agreed route for vulnerable patients
The exception will be patients unable to order their medication by any of the recommended routes, are vulnerable, and/or housebound.
We have the following 'go live' dates so far:
Park View Group Practice on 5 September and Family Surgery on 6 September.
Brinnington Surgery - 12 September
Bredbury Medical Centre - 16 September
Alvanley Family Practice - 24 September
Heaton Norris Medical Practice - 10 October
This means patients at these practices will begin requesting their repeat medications directly through the NHS App. This will not apply to vulnerable patients or other patients unable to order via the App. These patients will be identified by the surgery and pharmacies, before the ‘go live’ date.
The surgery will inform the community pharmacies used by their patients via a formal letter.
Don't Forget Your Measles Vaccinations
Details from Stockport NHS Foundation Trust
The number of people catching measles is rising in Greater Manchester. Measles is a very infectious disease – just a cough or sneeze can spread the virus to other people. Symptoms of measles appear 7-10 days after contact with the virus and include:
- cold-like symptoms such as runny or blocked nose, sneezing and cough
- sore, red watery eyes
- high temperature (fever), which may reach around 40 degrees C / 104 degrees F
- a non-itchy, red-brown rash 3-5 days later (sometimes starts around ears before spreading)
- small white spots may appear inside cheeks and back of lips (for a few days)
You need two doses of the MMR vaccine to be fully protected against measles, mumps and rubella.
Visit the website to find out more: www.stockport.nhs.uk/news_24025
Funded Childcare for Working Parents
Details from Stockport Council
Did you know that eligible working parents with children aged nine 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.
Reading Well For Families
Details from Stockport Libraries
Stockport Libraries have launched a digital copy of Reading Well for Families leaflet:
Reading_Well_for_families_-_interactive_leaflet.pdf
Safe Places Scheme in Stockport
The Stockport Safe Place scheme provides a network of locations where individuals who feel vulnerable or threatened can seek assistance. The scheme aims to help vulnerable people, including people with a physical or learning disability, autism, or dementia to feel safer when out and about or travelling independently.
Users of the scheme will carry a card with them with emergency contact details, so if they are lost, worried they can go to the Safe Place and ask for help.
Registered safe places such as shops, businesses and amenities have a sticker in their window which identifies them as a safe place, and their details are added to the Safe Place App and website.
See locations for Stockport www.safeplaces.org.uk/member-schemes/stockport
www.safeplaces.org.uk/ website
The website shares information in a variety of ways including symbols and signs to help the community access the information they need. You'll also find details of their App online.
Great Minds Together - Community Engagement & Learning Hub
Details from Great Minds Together
The Community Engagement and Learning Hub is dedicated to supporting individuals aged 0-25,with additional resources for parents, to enhance employability and educational opportunities. They also provide support with signposting, foodbank support, and coffee events on a Monday Morning and Wednesday Afternoon - bookable via their website.
See the attached for further details.
Have Your Say: NHS Dental Contract Changes
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
The Department for Health and Social Care is asking for feedback on proposed changes to the NHS dental contract.
The NHS dental contract quality and payment reforms 2026 represent a significant and essential step on the journey to improve access to and quality of NHS dentistry. The proposed changes aim to improve access for those requiring urgent care, enhance treatment pathways for complex cases, and deliver better preventative care for children.
The consultation will close at 11.59pm on Tuesday 19 August. Staff working in NHS dentistry, commissioners, patients and organisations with experience in the dental sector are encouraged to submit their feedback on the proposals.
Any queries on the consultation can be directed to dentistrycontract2026@dhsc.gov.uk
Have Your Say: Eye Care (Ophthalmology) Services
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
Have your say before 25 July.
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. 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.
Have Your Say: Psychosis: Increase Research Funding
Details from the Mental Health Carers Group
Irene from the Mental Health Carers Group has launched a petition to request that the Government look at directing more research funding to determine the underlying causes of psychosis, develop preventative treatments and evidenced diagnoses.
On average, people with schizophrenia / bipolar die 15-20 years prematurely. Poor recovery rates are bad for sufferers and cost the NHS and the economy. They have identified that more investment would help accelerate the introduction of more effective medications with fewer serious side effects.
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 survey by 14 September to be entered into a free draw to win a £30 Love to Shop voucher!
If you'd like posters or small cards with the QR code, contact: family.hubs@stockport.gov.uk
Have Your Say: Stockport's Autism Strategy.
Details from Stockport Council
Signpost For Carers' Exclusive Luncheon
Join the team for Carers for an exclusive ladies' luncheon and fashion show celebrating the season, all in support of Signpost For Carers!
Tickets will be £70 per person (discount for booking a full table of 10). Ticket price includes a glass of fizz on arrival, a 2-course lunch, raffle, live entertainment, shopping stalls, and a fashion show by Suburban Muse.
Stockport Summer Programmes &Events
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.
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 want to encourage people aged 14-24 looking to gain work experience in the environment sector/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
Words of Wellness Programme
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
Stockport Volunteer Fair!
Details from Sector 3
Get ready to connect with local organisations and find your perfect volunteer opportunity at the Stockport Volunteer Fair.
17 September, from 10am – 3pm
Merseyway Shopping Centre.
If you're passionate about giving back to the community, this event is perfect for you, whether you're an animal lover, a green champion, or a mentor-in-the-making, there's something for everyone.
Volunteering: Walthew House 'Befrienders'
Details from Walthew House
Help someone with sight list feel connected, confident, and supported. Find out more:
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 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!
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: 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: 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
King's Trust
ND Matters
Sector 3
Starting Point
Stockport Council
One Stockport Family Hubs newsletter
July 2025 Family Hubs newsletter. This newsletter is intended for people who work with or are involved with families, not for families themselves. Sign up for the newsletter to connect with Family Hubs and stay informed about network developments and new support offers.
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.
