Healthwatch Round Up -14 August 2025
Welcome to this week's Healthwatch Stockport Information Round-up!
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Have Your Say: Save Independent Public Voice
The Healthwatch Stockport team are asking for your support in signing a petition to review the decision to abolish independent local Healthwatch and protect for people to have an independent voice. Healthwatch need as many names as possible to have this petition considered.
The NHS 10 Year Health plan proposes to abolish Healthwatch England and 152 local Healthwatch, and transfer functions ‘in-house’ to local authorities and NHS Integrated Care Boards once legislation has passed. This is a result of the Review of patient safety across the health and care landscape, led by Dr Penny Dash.
Given the Dash review’s aim of “greater emphasis being placed on the patient voice”, and the aim of the NHS 10 Year Health Plan to give greater power to patients, we cannot see how this can be achieved by abolishing local Healthwatch, which has worked for the last 12 years to amplify voices which otherwise may not be heard. There has been a statutory provision of an independent service representing the public voice for over 50 years.
Instead of dismantling independence, we should be strengthening it.
Local Healthwatch have put together a petition calling on the government to protect the independence of local voices in health and care and we ask for your support in signing it.
People need a voice in the future of health and care. This must stay independent. Please sign and share this petition.
Impact: Healthwatch in GM Annual Report
The latest annual report from Healthwatch in Greater Manchester (GM) reflects a year of amplifying public voice, influencing change, and strengthening our role as a critical friend to the health and social care system.
We’ve listened to and gathered feedback from communities in every borough of Greater Manchester. This insight has helped identify what’s working well, where there are barriers to accessing care, and where people’s experiences can inform and improve the way services are planned and delivered. This includes championing the voices of underrepresented groups, addressing inequalities, and keeping lived experience at the heart of service design.
From local projects that make a difference in localities to regional initiatives that shape policies and priorities, our work has been guided by one principle: every voice matters.
Impact: 'Let's Talk Continence' Research
The report outlines key findings and recommendations to improve services and ensure fair, consistent access across Stockport. If you need this report in a different format, contact our team:
info@healthwatchstockport.co.uk
0161 974 0753
Healthwatch Focus: Using Primary Care Services
The team are continuing to research how our Stockport community accesses Primary Care (GPs, pharmacies, dentists, eye 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? Have you accessed these services recently? Maybe you know someone who does.
Get in touch and please share this to reach as many people as possible.
Healthwatch Focus: Screening Campaign
Earlier this year, the Healthwatch Stockport team developed a series of informative screening fact sheets. We're running a campaign to shine a spotlight on them and the importance of screening.
Our fact sheets are designed to give you quick access to the information you need. This time, we're highlighting our Abdominal Aortic Aneurism screening fact sheet.
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.
The impact of having ADHD and Autism
ADHD and autism are two neurodiversity conditions that present in contrasting ways. In Healthwatch England's recent research they heard from people who were diagnosed with, or suspected they had, both conditions.
Greater Manchester Strategy Reaffirms Commitment to Supporting People to Live Well
"We’ll develop a better way of delivering public services, treating people as names not numbers and creating the conditions for everyone to live well, rather than waiting until people are in crisis to offer support." Speaking at the launch of The Greater Manchester Strategy 2025-2035, Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, reiterated supporting people to Live Well through everyday support in every neighbourhood as a priority for the city region.
Detail about GM's vision is on the newly launched website: Together we are Greater Manchester
‘Voices of Greater Manchester’ video captures personal reflections on place, hopes for the future and living a good life: Voices of Greater Manchester
The Greater Manchester Strategy animation explains how it all fits together: Greater Manchester Strategy 2025-2035: a thriving city region where everyone can live a good life
Community Pharmacy Bank Holiday opening hours
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
Pharmacy opening hours for the August bank holiday - Monday 25 August 2025
- Asda Pharmacy, Warren Street , K1 1UA, open 10am-4pm
- Boots the Chemist, 47-49 Merseyway, K1 1PU, open 10.30am-4.30pm
- Heald Green Pharmacy, 208 Finney Lane, Heald Green, SK8 3QA, open 10am-8pm
- Offerton Pharmacy, 513 Hempshaw Lane, Offerton, Stockport, SK2 5TP, 10am-2pm
The the most up-to-date information is on the Greater Manchester Community Pharmacy website.
Other pharmacies may be open, but have not notified NHS GM.
Is This Ok? Campaign to Combat Gender Violence
Details from Greater Manchester Combined Authority
IsThisOk? is part of the GMCA’s 10-year gender-based violence strategy which aims to tackle gender-based violence. The campaign addresses the unacceptable behaviour faced by women and girls. It encourages people to call it out if they see their friends, colleagues or family members demonstrating these behaviours.
While almost 300 cases of coercive and controlling behaviours are reported to Greater Manchester Police each month, the actual figures are likely to be much higher. Reducing this is an important part of our aim of building strong communities where people feel safe on their streets, with gender-based violence halved.
NHS Lung Health Checks Continue 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. A mobile clinic is parked at Heaton Lane car park, Stockport SK4 1AR.
The checks are currently available for eligible people registered with the following groups of GP practices (in the Victoria Primary Care Network) until early September:
- Caritas General Practice Partnership – SK3 0RQ
- Adshall Road Medical Practice – SK8 2JN
- Bracondale Medical Centre – SK2 6EQ
- Stockport Medical Group – SK3 9NX
And some further postcodes in the Edgeley, Cheadle Heath, Shaw Heath, Davenport and Adswood areas of Stockport.
From early September, it will then be offered to:
-
Manor Medical Practice SK2 5AR
-
Heaton Mersey Medical Practice – SK4 3BT
Heaton Moor Medical Group – SK4 4NX
Eligible people will be invited by post or via text message
For more information about screening, visit www.mft.nhs.uk/lunghealthcheck
If you have concerning symptoms, speak to your GP. www.nhs.uk/conditions/lung-cancer/symptoms
NHS Encourages Pregnant Women to Protect ‘Winter Babies’ Against RSV
Details from NHS England
NHS England is urging eligible pregnant women to speak to their maternity service about getting the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine from 28 weeks to ensure their babies are protected ahead of winter.
RSV is a leading cause of infant mortality and a main cause of child hospitalisations every year – with almost 7,000 bed days taken up by children with RSV last winter in England.
Thanks to the hard work of GP and maternity services, vaccination teams and pharmacies across the country, NHS staff have now delivered more than two million RSV vaccinations to eligible people since the rollout began.
If In Doubt, Check it Out Campaign
Details from Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance
Are you experiencing any unusual symptoms that could be cancer? Chances are your symptoms aren’t cancer – but if they are – the sooner we find cancer, the easier it is to treat. Don’t delay – contact your GP today.
The campaign, featuring GPs and other primary care staff, seeks to highlight the importance of early diagnosis, which can make a crucial difference in how treatable cancer is. Many people delay seeking medical help due to fear, uncertainty, or not wanting to “bother” their doctor—but this campaign wants to change that mindset.
The campaign will appear across social media and in community spaces over the coming months.
Stockport Launch of New Leaving Care Hub
Details from Stockport Council
Stockport’s new Leaving Care Hub is now open! Officially launched by Councillor Wendy Meikle, it’s a welcoming space co-designed by care-experienced young people, offering support, therapy, and a place to feel safe, respected, and heard.
Facilities are open Monday to Friday, with staff on hand to offer immediate support and guidance.
www.stockport.gov.uk/careleavers.
Central House, Grand Central Square, Wellington Road South, Stockport, SK1 3TA.
0161 475 6700 / Out of hours emergency: 0161 718 2118
leavingcareduty@stockport.gov.uk
New Service to Improve Job Security & progression
Details from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA)
As part of the 'Live Well' ambition to offer everyday support around work, health, housing and wellbeing in every neighbourhood, a new ‘In Work Progression’ service has launched to support people in low-paid, insecure jobs take the next step.
The service offers free, tailored one-to-one support such as advice around opportunities in their current job or a new job, coaching to overcome barriers to progressing in their careers, and practical support such as applying for new roles and accessing skills or training courses.
Discover Adult Social Care in Stockport
Details from Stockport council
Starting out in the world of adult social care can feel like a lot to take in. Our jargon-busting video can help you learn more about some of the terms, words and phrases used in adult social care and what they mean.
Click here to visit the website
Is Your Child Ready for Social Media?
Details from Stockport Council
Social media can be exciting but risky for children. Before they join, assess their maturity, talk openly, explore social media platforms together, and set clear boundaries. Use privacy settings, teach safe sharing, and be a role model for good online behaviour.
Visit the CEOP Education website for more social media tips.
Online Support for Children With SEND
Details from SEND Stockport Local
The SEND Stockport Local Offer website is your one-stop shop for everything you need to know about support for children and young people with SEND. From a handy directory of services to info on local events and extra support options, it’s all in one place.
Need accessibility support? The site toolbar:
• Translates into 100+ languages
• Offers text-to-speech
• Includes reading aids
• Lets you change colours and fonts
Customer Star Awards! (Nominations Close 18 August)
Details from Stockport Homes
Stockport Homes' Annual Customer Star Awards are now open for nominations! If you know a person or a community group who work hard to benefit their neighbourhood, impressed you with their commitment, passion and accomplishments, nominate them now.
Click here for categories and nomination form
If you are struggling to complete the online form, ask the Customer & Community Engagement Team for help by calling 0161 474 3331 or emailing customer.engagement@stockporthomes.org.
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 on 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: Addiction and Peer-led Recovery
Details from GADDAM
The Gaddam Charity want to hear from people who've experienced addiction and have been part of a peer-led recovery group in any of the ten boroughs of GreaterManchester. The closing date is 25 August.
Complete the survey
Following this research, Gaddam will present the confidential findings to decision-makers, such as Drug and Alcohol Commissioners.
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!
Have Your Say: The Big Recycling Survey!
Details from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Recycle for Greater Manchester has launched a quick survey to understand recycling habits. Findings will be used to help shape future work to make it easier for everyone to recycle more, recycle right and waste less. The closing date is 31 August.
VJ Commemorations (15 & 17 August, Stockport)
Here are upcoming 80th anniversary VJ Day commemorations taking place across Stockport this August, supported by the Stockport Armed Forces Community Organisation. These events are a chance for us to come together in remembrance of the Second World War generation and to reflect on their sacrifice and legacy.
Fostering Information Event
Details from Stockport Council
Stockport Council are hosting several fostering information events. These events provide opportunities to learn about fostering, meet foster carers and the fostering team, and discover more about the supported lodgings scheme.
Virtual Fostering Information Session: Wednesday, August 27, 12pm - 1pm. This online event allows you to connect with the fostering team and ask any questions about fostering in Stockport.
Get Involved: L!STEN Wellbeing Festival
Get Involved: Wave of Change
Details from Goodness Collective
As part of our next Wave of Change programme, the Goodness Collective are running two engagement walks in September.
In addition, they are holding a Careers & Next Steps Event for women who've taken part in the programme and are also opening the invitation out to the wider community.
It is a women's only event, which offers workshops and opportunities to talk to local support partners in volunteering, chat about getting ready for work and focusing on your Career goals & more.
Life Leisure - Inclusive Activities
Life leisure are running a number of inclusion activities at their eight hubs across Stockport. These activities cater for all ages and abilities, ranging from children’s SEND activity, right up to confidence classes for older adults.
Children’s provision:
SEND Stay & Play – Mondays 5:45-6:45 - Houldsworth Village, Reddish
SEND Family Play (suitable for 1:1) – Tuesdays 4:30pm-5:30pm – Houldsworth Village, Reddish
SEND Family Swim – Wednesdays 3:50-5:20pm – Avondale, Cheadle Heath
Inclusive Inflatable Swim – First Saturday of month, 4:30-6pm – Romiley & Hazel Grove (Alternating)
Inclusive Fitness (Ages 13+):
Saturdays 12:45pm-4pm – Houldsworth village Reddish.
Sundays 12:45pm – 4pm – Grand Central, Stockport
Adult Provision:
Inclusive Lane Swim – Wednesday 7:45pm – 8:45pm - Cheadle & Mondays 7:10pm – 8:10pm - Romiley
Rehab and Recovery Swims – Monday 2:45pm, Wednesday 2:45pm, Thursday 11:00am – Hazel Grove & Monday 3pm, Tuesday 3pm, Wednesday 3:05pm - Cheadle
Confidence Swim – Thursdays 10:15am – Avondale
Further Events & Community Activities across the Borough
Training: Stockport Live Well (Limited Places)
Details from Stockport Council
Join Stockport Council Neighbourhoods team for a ‘Welcome to Live Well’ and ‘Making Every Contact Count’ training session.
Connect with community, build relationships, explore neighbourhood strengths, and gain practical tools to make a difference in your work and daily life. Perfect for anyone in the private, public, or Voluntary, Community, Faith, and Social Enterprise sectors, it’s a simple way to help others early on before things get tougher.
There are multiple dates, and locations available. Book your free place.
Training: Empowering Parents & Communities
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:
Age UK Stockport
BEAT Eating Disorder charity
Diabetes UK (Team North)
For Men to Talk
Greater Manchester Age Friendly Hub
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.
