Healthwatch Round Up - 28 August 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 & Threads.
To promote your work, event or share any information, please fill in the form here or email comms@healthwatchstockport.co.uk directly.
Have Your Say: Protect Your Right to be Heard
Healthwatch Stockport 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,
Given the 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 to amplify voices which otherwise may not be heard.
The petition calls on the government to protect the independence of local voices in health and care.
Please sign and share this petition via your socials, organisation newsletters, and by encouraging others to get involved.
Healthwatch Focus: Using Primary Care Services
- What do you think of local Primary care services?
- Do you struggle to get the care you need?
- Can you access these services?
- Do you face any barriers?
- Do you need any communication support to understand what's available to you?
The team are continuing to research how our local community accesses Primary Care (GPs, pharmacies, dentists, eye care) if you have additional needs (physical, neurodiverse or mental health need). Please share your feedback and experiences with us and encourage others to do the same.
Healthwatch Focus: Screening Campaign (Bowel Cancer)
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 and give you quick access to the information you need. This time, we're highlighting our Bowel 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.
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 gathered feedback from communities in every borough of Greater Manchester. 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? Find out more about our work and the impact we've made across Stockport. 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!
The hidden wait to be prescribed ADHD medication
People with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are facing long waiting times to get their diagnosis. However, our research reveals that even after they are diagnosed, people face another wait to get the medication they need to help them manage their condition.
How can self-employment affect health and care, and what would help?
Our latest insight looks at how to tackle care barriers among self-employed people.
Greater Manchester Bereavement Service
Greater Manchester Bereavement Service can help to find support for anyone that has been bereaved or affected by a death, no matter how long ago. Their bereavement practitioners are there to listen and help you find the right support.
On their website or on speaking to the service, you can find out about support in your area and nationally, as well as advice for practical issues that losing a loved one may bring. This includes helpful advice around grief, the 'Tell me once' service, supporting children through bereavement and more.
The service also has dedicated suicide bereavement practitioners to ensure that those bereaved or affected by suicide can speak to someone with a greater understanding of what they may be going through and help them access appropriate support.
0161 983 0902 Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm (except bank holidays)
https://greater-manchester-bereavement-service.org.uk/
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
While You Wait Support is on Hand!
When you’re referred to hospital, you should start thinking about how you arrive to your appointment in your best possible health. Making even the smallest of changes for your mental and physical health such as being a healthier weight, eating a healthier diet, not smoking, moving more – will help you.
NHS GM's ‘Keep Protected this Winter' Campaign
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
NHS Greater Manchester are launching their 'Keep Protected This Winter' campaign to keep people safe from serious illness over the colder months and encourage eligible people to come forward for their Winter vaccinations.
With viruses like flu and RSV spreading more easily as the temperature drops, the campaign will begin on 1 September with the start of the winter vaccination programme. The campaign aims to tap into our natural instinct to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe and protected.
The first phase of the campaign focuses on the flu and RSV vaccine.
Shingles Vaccine to be Available to More People
Details from NHS England
Around 300,000 more people will become eligible for a potentially lifesaving shingles vaccination from next week, as GP practices roll out the jab to protect all severely immunosuppressed adults.
People newly eligible for the shingles vaccination from Monday 1 September are those aged 18 to 49 who have a severely weakened immune system. They will be able to book a vaccine with their GP surgery, with practices starting to contact people over the coming weeks.
This includes people with conditions such as leukaemia or lymphoma or those who are undergoing chemotherapy, which put them at greater risk of becoming seriously unwell if they contract shingles.
The NHS has previously expanded the shingles vaccination programme to include all over 50s with a severely weakened immune system.
Bee Bus Tickets Boost Travel for Young People
Greater Manchester Combined Authority
From September, a new half-price bus pass for 18–21-year-olds will be introduced to help young people to earn, learn and socialise by providing unlimited travel on any Bee Network bus for £1.43 a day
Around 150k young people are set to save, thanks to the initiative, which will also support with direct access to jobs and training opportunities, including the Greater Manchester Baccalaureate (MBacc).
As well as the half price pass, 'Our Pass' – which offers 16-18 year olds access to free bus travel and reduced-price tram travel plus offers and experiences – is now going digital. This means that the 'Our Pass' can now be accessed via the Bee Network app. By applying for 'Our Pass', young people could save up to £1,600 on travel across the city region over the next two years.
Or, read about the half price Bee Bus ticket.
Kids Starting School? Quick Tips for Parents
Details from Stockport Council
Starting Primary School: Is your child starting school this September? CBeebies, BBC Bitesize or inourplace have shared useful tips to help them feel ready, including: building independence, setting routines, encouraging social skills and more.
September 2026 school admissions: Applications are now open for children starting Reception, Year 3 junior schools and Year 7 in September 2026. School places aren’t given on a first-come, first-served basis, so take your time to review our guides and visit schools before applying.
Nursery and school admissions - Stockport Council
Moving up to secondary school: Starting secondary school is a big step. Every child experiences this transition differently but it’s normal for children (and parents) to feel a mix of excitement and nerves.
For practical and expert advice, visit inourplace.
Back to school top health tips: NHS Greater Manchester is reminding parents to add one more item to their checklist – their child’s health. From getting back into bedtime routines to checking vaccinations are up to date, a few simple steps now can help children return to school feeling healthy, confident and ready to learn.
See their top tips on the Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership website
Reminder: 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.
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, improved health, fitness and appearance, and you'll save money. Find out how much you could save: GM Making Smoking History savings calculator)
Rewards of stopping smoking - Healthy Stockport
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
NHS Lung Health Checks 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
Don't Forget - 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
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
Support Available to Neurodivergent Adults
Details from Stockport Council
As part of Stockport’s first all-age Autism Strategy, Stockport Council have created this document to outline the support available for local neurodivergent (e.g. Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia) individuals who are 16 years old and above. This includes online support, local organisations and groups, social activities and more.
Click here to view Stockport's all-age Autism Strategy.
Please share this with individuals, schools, colleges and other teams that may find it helpful.
Have Your Say: Help to Improve Cancer Services
Details from Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance
Could you give time to help improve cancer care locally? Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance are running some focus groups to gather feedback from patients and carers this September.
9 September, 1.30pm: Are you a patient who has or cares for someone with bladder, kidney or prostate cancer? Join the focus group to talk through your experiences.
11 September, 2pm: They're inviting oesophageal and stomach cancer patients and carers to join our focus group to share their experiences.
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.
Get Involved: Stockport's Moving
Details from Life Leisure
Stockport’s moving. Are you in? Life Leisure are encouraging everyone to do 30 minutes every day this September and see what difference it makes to your life.
The NHS recommends adults aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity a week. That’s just over 20 minutes a day. So by doing 30, you’re already ahead of the game, whether you walk, dance, stretch, cycle, or swim, it all adds up.
Stockport’s moving. Are you in?
- Aim to complete 30 minutes of movement every day for 30 days this September
- Use hashtags #everymovecounts and #movestockport to share your journey on social media
- Download the free 30-Day movement tracker
- Download the Life Leisure app for daily motivation
- Explore local classes, walking groups, and low-impact sessions at Life Leisure
- Join Life leisure on 24 September for a choice of free activities at Stockroom
Words of Wellness: 12-Week Creative Arts Journey
Details from Fikawelie
In partnership with Live Well Stockport, FikaWelie are running a 'Words of Wellness' a creative storytelling, arts, and wellbeing programme.
The programme is aimed at adults aged 18+ from Caribbean, African, South Asian, and other Global Majority backgrounds residing in Stockport and surrounding areas. Even though the programme is underway, you are welcome to join.
Each 2-hour session is crafted to foster a safe, inclusive environment for expression, healing, and empowerment. See the poster for details.
Royal Osteoporosis Support Group
Get Involved: MacMillan Coffee Morning
Join in 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.
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.
Stockport Homes: Connecting Communities
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.
Further Events & Community Activities across the Borough
Stockport Volunteer Fair
Details from Sector 3
Looking to give back to your community? Are you interested in volunteering in Stockport but you aren’t sure what role is right for you?
Why not go along to the Stockport Volunteer Fair to discover a world of volunteering opportunities right at your doorstop?! The friendly event will bring together a wide range of local charities, community groups and social enterprises for you to connect with.
Training: Mental Health in the Workplace
Flourish CIC are running 'Mental health in the workplace' first aid training designed specifically with community groups, charities, and social enterprises in mind.
It's ideal for those who want to build mental health literacy and confidence in providing first-level support. Learn how to:
- Recognise the signs of mental health challenges
- Offer initial support to someone in distress
- Guide individuals toward professional help
- Foster a positive and inclusive mental health culture within your organisation
Wednesday 8 October, 9:30am - 4:30pm
The Flourish Hub, 1st Floor, Heaton Chapel Station
Webinars; MyWay Diabetes Webinars
Details from Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership
My Way Diabetes is a free online platform helping people with all types of Diabetes to learn more about their condition. 20-minute update sessions are available in September for healthcare professionals with an interest or role in diabetes support or care.
Register for the webinars by following the links below:
My Way Diabetes Webinar Tuesday, September 2, 12-12:20pm
My Way Diabetes Webinar Wednesday, September 3, 12:30-12:50pm
My Way Diabetes Webinar Tuesday, September 9, 12-12:20pm
My Way Diabetes Webinar Wednesday, September 10, 12:30-12:50pm
My Way Diabetes Webinar Tuesday, September 23, 1-1:20pm
My Way Diabetes Webinar Wednesday, September 24, 12-12:20pm
Job Opportunity: Mastercall Healthcare
Details from Mastercall
Mastercall Healthcare are recruiting for a Learning & Development Assistant. This role is ideal for someone who is organised, proactive, and passionate about supporting staff development.
- 30-37.5hrs per week (part-time & flexible options considered)
Applications close: 8 September 2025
Interviews: 24 September 2025
Job Opportunity: ARC (Arts for Recovery Centre)
ARC are looking for a Cafe Supervisor to join their volunteer cafe team at the Hat works. Are you passionate about hospitality and making a difference in your community?
- Hours: 16 hours/week (Thurs–Sat), 1-year fixed term
Applications close: Midnight, 7 September
Training: Antenatal Courses
Stockport NCT
Whether you're preparing for birth or adjusting to life with your new baby, Stockport NCT are running expert-led antenatal and postnatal classes to support you every step of the way. Classes are due to run in October and November.
This course will be packed with all the essential info to help you feel confident and prepared for parenthood. Plus, you'll gain exclusive access to an incredible bonus pack:
- NCT Newborn Talks
- Newborn Safety & Baby Health
- Hypnobirthing & Yoga for Pregnancy video and audio guides!
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
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.
