Healthwatch Round Up - 21 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.
So far, the number of people who have signed is nowhere near enough so we really need your help to sign and share this petition far and wide to have this petition considered by the Government.
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.
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 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. Our work has been guided by one principle: every voice matters.
Impact: Your Voice Matters to Us!
Have you read our 2024-2025 Annual Report yet? Published last month - 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!
Healthwatch Focus: Using Primary Care Services
The team are continuing to research how our local community accesses Primary Care (GPs, pharmacies, dentists, eye care) if you have additional needs. This could be a physical, neurodiverse or mental health need.
To ensure we have a good understanding of what goes well and what could be better, please share your feedback and experiences with us. Have you accessed these services recently? Maybe you know someone who does.
Get in touch and please share this request far and wide.
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 Breast Cancer 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.
Forward, Stockport
Forward – Stockport LGBT+ run a dedicated safe space for LGBT+ family and friends, to meet, participate and share with the wider community.
Forward run a number of events, including their 'Be You Prom' (see the flyer below) and other activities including their Saturday social, 'Spill the tea'. This is a relaxed meet up, a chance to chat, enjoy a range of activities and discussions, including a walk walks, crafting and event planning.
Email: info@forwardlgbt.org.uk
Twitter: @SCentrecic
Facebook: facebook.com/Forward-Stockport-LGBT
To book and for more information, visit: www.outsavvy.com/event/28627/be-you-prom
Reminder - National Emergency Test
The UK Government will send a test Emergency Alert to mobiles around 3pm, 7 September 2025.
The Emergency Alerts system is used to warn if there’s a danger to life nearby, including extreme weather. It allows vital information and advice to be sent to people rapidly in an emergency.
During the test, mobiles will vibrate and make a loud siren for roughly ten seconds, even if set to silent. A message will appear, making it clear the alert is only a test.
The Government will continue ongoing engagement with domestic violence charities to ensure people know how to switch off alerts on a concealed phone. Full instructions telling you how to opt out are available at www.gov.uk/alerts/opting-out
GM Strategy: 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: Together we are Greater Manchester
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.
Support to Stop Smoking & Vaping
Details from Teams Around the Place
Did you know that tobacco is the number one preventable cause of ill health, disability or death? Almost every minute, someone is admitted to hospital because of smoking. Tobacco kills approximately 3860 people in Greater Manchester each year.
Why quit? When you stop smoking, withdrawals and cravings can make it easy to forget why you’re stopping in the first place. However, there are many benefits to stopping, including; food will taste better, increased fertility levels, improved health, fitness and appearance, and you'll save money (average 10-a-day smoker spends around £40 a week on tobacco - over £2,000 a year! Find out how much you could save: GM Making Smoking History savings calculator)
Rewards of stopping smoking - Healthy Stockport
M.E Association A to Z Campaign
Details from the M.E Association
The M.E Association has launched a campaign, which shares an A-Z of common symptoms, experiences, and conditions of ME/CFS, to show that it's far more than 'just feeling tired', and to signpost people with ME/CFS to relevant resources, support, and information to help them manage their condition.
Follow their campaign on Facebook and Instagram.
For support and symptoms, visit: www.nhs.uk/conditions/chronic-fatigue-syndrome-cfs/
Get Involved: Donations Needed!
Details from Stockport foodbank and Wellspring
Stockport Foodbank has actioned a call out list of urgently needed food and toiletries. Can you help? The Foodbank helps those going through "tough times" with the provision of emergency food parcels which contain enough food for three days irrespective of the size of the household.
Urgently needed food items include snacks such as packed biscuits, chocolate bars, cereal bars, breadsticks, crisps, tinned meat, tomatoes, beans and soup, and rice (500g bags). They also require sanitary towels, shampoo and toothpaste.
Donations to: collection baskets in supermarkets or their warehouse (car park at Hazel Grove Baptist Church) from Monday to Friday, 9am - 12 noon.
https://stockport.foodbank.org.uk/
Wellspring: Are you having a clear out of your wardrobe as we approach Autumn? The Wellspring are looking for donations any good quality spare clothes for their service users.
Donations to: The Wellspring, Harvey Street, SK1 1YD on a Monday to Friday, 8am - 4pm and on a Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday, 8am - 2pm
Is This Ok? Campaign to Combat Gender Violence
Details from Greater Manchester Combined Authority
IsThisOk? As a reminder, this 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.
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.
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 will appear across socials and community spaces over the coming months.
Reminder: Stockport Launch New Leaving Care Hub
Details from Stockport Council
Stockport’s new Leaving Care Hub is 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
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.
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. A mobile clinic is parked at Heaton Lane car park, Stockport SK4 1AR.
Checks are currently available for eligible people registered with the following 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 further postcodes in the Edgeley, Cheadle Heath, Shaw Heath, Davenport and Adswood areas.
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 Lung Cancer Screening, visit www.mft.nhs.uk/lunghealthcheck
If you have concerning symptoms, speak to your GP. www.nhs.uk/conditions/lung-cancer/symptoms
Capture & Calm Walks
'Capture & Calm Walks' is a peer-led women’s wellbeing project in Stockport that offers women a safe and supportive space inspired by nature and photography.
What does it entail?
- An inclusive online community where women over 18 share mindful photography around monthly themes (this month’s is 🍃 Shades of Green – noticing the calming greens in our surroundings).
- A private mindful diary for reflections on wellbeing.
- A gentle, accessible, and neurodiversity-friendly space — no judgment, no pressure, and no special equipment needed.
To join, simply search 'Captured & Calm Walks on Facebook
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
Vernon Park Surgery - 17 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.
Stockport's Race & Culture Awards 2026
Details from One Stockport
Nominations for Stockport’s 2026 Race and Culture Awards are now open, inviting you to celebrate those making a real difference in our Borough.
These awards shed light on individuals and groups who fight for positive change, nurture diversity and challenge racial and cultural barriers. Whether they’re community volunteers who go above and beyond, or local leaders whose daily activities advocate for change, all efforts deserve to be recognised. It’s your nominations that help to ensure their work doesn’t go unnoticed.
The Awards, run by the Stockport Race Equality Partnership, will take place on February 6, 2026, at Stockport Town Hall.
To find out more, visit the One Stockport website
Introducing SHINE Group Sessions for Teens!
Details from Beacon Counselling
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.
Royal Osteoporosis Support Group
Fostering Information Event
Details from Stockport Council
Stockport Council are hosting fostering information events, which provide opportunities to learn about fostering, meet foster carers and the fostering team.
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: Community Wellness Festival
Know Your Numbers Week
Details from Stockport Council
'Know Your Numbers' week is taking place on 8-14 September 2025 to raise awareness of high blood pressure, share the risks and highlight the treatment and support available.
High blood pressure has no symptoms. It can lead to dementia, kidney disease, heart failure and stroke. Knowing your numbers means you can take action. Checks take 5–10 minutes and could save your life.
Stockport Council are running free blood pressure checks at local pop-ups or community events:
- Monday 8 September 9:30am to 4pm – Life Leisure Avondale
- Tuesday 9 September 10am to 4pm – Merseyway Shopping Centre
- Wednesday 10 September 10am to 12pm – Stockport County, Edgeley Park,
- Thursday 11 September 10am to 4pm – Stockport Homes
- Friday 12 September 9:30am to 4pm – Stockport Market Place
Find out more about venues, dates and times.
Get Involved: Wave of Change
Details from Goodness Collective
As part of the 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.
Further Events & Community Activities across the Borough
Training: Healthy Minds Greater Manchester
Details from the Royal Society of Public Health
The Royal Society for Public Health offers an online course for anyone living or working in Greater Manchester. At the end of this one-hour course you will better understand:
- the difference between mental health and poor mental health.
- the things we can do to help us cope with our negative thoughts and feelings.
- the benefit of talking and sharing our thoughts and feelings with someone we trust.
Training: Empowering Parents & Communities
Training: Digital Essentials: for Work & Life
Details from MadLab
The Digital Essentials Programme supports residents in Greater Manchester aged 17–64 who are not in education, employment or training.
The two-week programme helps participants to build essential digital skills for life and work, increase confidence, motivation, wellbeing, and reduce social isolation.
Who the Programme is For: Residents aged 17–64, who are not in work, education, or training. Priority to those who are long-term unemployed, on long-term sick, or with caring responsibilities.
How to Register: Registration for welcome sessions is not essential, but encouraged. Anyone interested can visit madlab.org.uk/digital-essentials for all dates, venues and full information.
07874 040940.
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)
Greater Manchester Age Friendly Hub
King's Trust
Upcoming courses from The 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.
