Healthwatch Round Up - 18 September 2025
Welcome to this week's Healthwatch Stockport Information Round-up!
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Have Your Say: Sign the Healthwatch Petition
Don't forget that 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 aim is to protect the independence of local Healthwatch services. A draft paper version is also planned to ensure accessibility for digitally excluded communities.
The background:
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.
Whilst we wait on more information from the Government, those closure has been a topic for discussion across Greater Manchester - making the agenda of the last Greater Manchester ICP Meeting, chaired by Andy Burnham.
We will update you as we know more.
Healthwatch Focus: Screening Campaign (Prostate Cancer Programme)
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. Our final fact sheet in a series of six, is our Prostate Cancer Programme fact sheet.
Printable versions of the fact sheets are available. Please contact the team on 0161 974 0753.
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 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.
Time to get serious about men’s NHS Health Checks
What is a fit note and how do I get one?
When should I use NHS 111
How can you find an NHS dentist? Can't find an NHS dentist? Read our tips on what to do if you’re facing problems finding an NHS dentist taking new patients or if you're struggling with NHS dentistry costs.
Understanding cancer care from the patient’s perspective
STEADY Falls Service
Stockport has significantly higher rates than England of all-age mortality from accidental falls, as well as of emergency hospital admissions of older residents due to falls.
Steady in Stockport (Falls Prevention and Bone Health) Service are a dedicated service that aims to proactively prevent and reduce age related falls and maintain good bone health for people with a Stockport GP.
They compliment the services already provided by Adult Community Therapy Team, Active Recovery, Crisis Response and other rehabilitation and therapy services.
This Falls Prevention Week (15 -22 September), NHS Greater Manchester are aiming to reduce the negative impact accidental falls can have on people’s lives and their ability to live independently.
The Healthy Stockport pages with more tips on How to Prevent Falls. There is also a summary of local services for falls prevention, bone health education and relevant exercise offers here: Support to help you prevent falls - Healthy Stockport
Prepare to Quit Smoking for Good This Stoptober
Details from Stockport Council
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.
Did you know if you quit smoking for 28 days you’re 5 times more likely to quit for good. Join thousands of other people preparing to quit this October.
It’s never too late to quit and is one of the best things you can do for your health and your wallet! You’ll notice almost immediate improvements to your health and longer term significantly reduce your risks of cancer, lung disease, heart disease and stroke. The average smoker can save around £59 a week, that’s £3000 a year.
Getting free, expert support from your local stop smoking service ABL Stockport, is proven to give you the best chance of quitting successfully.
They offer support around smoking and vaping for anyone aged 12 or over who lives in Stockport.
To get in touch:
ABL direct on 0161 870 6492
visit the ABL Your Health Stockport website
or speak to one of the START advisors
Stay Safe: Great Night Out!
Details from Greater Manchester Combined Authority
We think Greater Manchester’s nightlife is the best around. By being aware and taking steps before and during your night out, you can make sure your experience is a great one. The Greater Manchester Combined Authority have provided tips to help you to spot anything dodgy and know what to do if something goes wrong.
For now, the Good Night Out Guide focuses on having a good night out in Manchester City Centre. Watch this space for guides in other areas of Greater Manchester.
The guide provides tips on:
- Things to plan before you go on a night out.
- Advice on what to do if things go wrong.
- Places you can go to report things and get help.
- Safe spaces and help
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.
Symptom Checker for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Details from Osteoporosis Society
This week is Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Week (15–19 September), which is led by the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS).
They’ve launched a brand-new Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Symptom Checker – a quick set of five questions, developed with rheumatology experts, to help people recognise symptoms and seek support earlier.
Try it here: isitra.co.uk
Early diagnosis makes a huge difference. Please share with friends, family, or colleagues who might find it helpful. Together we can raise awareness and support people living with inflammatory conditions like RA.
Who’s Eligible for the Autumn 2025 Flu Vaccine
Details from the UK Health Security Agency
Flu is far more than just a bad cold. For some, it can increase the risk of developing serious lung and airway infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia or can make existing conditions worse. It is why getting vaccinated each year is vital.
The NHS website contains further information on eligibility, but if you're unsure whether you're able to have a free vaccination you can consult your GP, practice nurse, or pharmacist. If you’re pregnant you can also consult your midwife.
Stay Up to Date With Childhood Vaccinations
Details from UK Health Security Agency
The NHS childhood vaccination schedule protects against many serious illnesses. Check your child's red book or contact your GP practice to ensure they are up to date, and if not, organise appointments for any missed doses.
HPV Vaccine: You can help protect your child by making sure they have the HPV vaccine early. There is a video from Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance that shares everything parents need to know about the HPV vaccine offered to children in Year 8.
The HPV vaccination can help protect children against some types of cancer.
To watch the video in full - available in English, Romanian, Punjabi, Arabic, Chinese, French, Polish, Somali, Urdu and Spanish - go to our YouTube playlist
Ongoing Rollout of Patient Ordering in Stockport
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
Earlier this month, Stockport started to see practices ‘Go Live’ for Patient Led Ordering via the NHS App. This means that anyone who's capable of doing so, can order their medication themselves.
- Via GP practice online ordering process or NHS App – 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.
Park View Group Practice - already live
Brinnington Surgery - already live
Bredbury Medical Centre - already live
We have the following 'go live' dates coming up:
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. Patients will be identified by the surgery and pharmacies, before the ‘go live’ date.
Stockport Rheumatology Receives National Recognition
Details from Stockport NHS Foundation Trust
Congratulations to our rheumatology department who recently received the European Alliance of Associations of Rheumatology (EULAR) network award - giving them international recognition as one of the country’s top imaging training centres for ultrasound.
Support For Parents This School Term
Details from Stockport Council
Have You Downloaded the Family Hubs App? As many families head back to school the app offers help with anything affecting your family, from practical advice to emotional wellbeing. Visit our Family Hubs web pages or download the Family Hubs app for free video guides and expert advice to help you prepare.
Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND): The SEND Local Offer provides tailored support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), covering everything from school admissions to therapies and preparing for adulthood.
Cost of living: The cost of going back to school can add up. Support is available for:
School attendance: Being in school every day builds confidence and supports learning. Did you know children who miss even one day in the first week of term are more likely to have higher absence rates throughout the year? Regular attendance also increases the likelihood of progressing to further education, training, or employment after Year 11. 90% attendance might sound good in a test, but in school terms, it means missing one day every fortnight!
Nursery and school admissions for 2026 are now open. Stockport Council has invested in SEND provision by increasing specialist places and strengthening support in mainstream schools. We encourage families to explore all options.
- Secondary school: Closing date is 31 October 2025
- Primary school: Closing date is 15 January 2026
- Maintained nursery places: Closing date is 31 March 2026
Funded childcare for working parents: 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 January, in advance of 31 December. Find out more on the Best Start In Life website.
The SKylight Community Fund is now open!
Apply for up to £2,000 for your community group to support Stockport Homes tenants and their neighbourhoods. The fund is available for grassroots* groups focussing on one of five aims:
- Older people
- Young people
- Community Spirit
- Health & wellbeing
- Digital Inclusion
Applications close on Thursday 2 October at 5pm. Early applications are encouraged – don’t miss out! They reserve the right to close applications earlier should the funding limit be reached.
To apply, visit: https://www.sk-y-light.org/funding/community-fund/ .
Enquiries: community.fund@stockporthomes.org
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.
24 September, 10am - 11.30am: Have you got experience of bowel cancer? Join the focus group to share your stories and feedback.
1 October, 2pm - 3pm: Do you have lived experience of skin cancer as a patient or carer? Help shape cancer services in Greater Manchester, get in touch and join us.
Have Your Say: Help Shape the Future of Continence Care
Details from Urology Trade Association
14 million people in the UK have some degree of urinary incontinence. The Urology Trade Association (UTA), The Urology Foundation (TUF) and the Spinal Injuries Association (SIA) have launched a joint survey on patient dignity, experiences, and outcomes, aimed at improving continence care across the UK.
They'd like to understand more about people's experiences with urinary continence care, including how it affects your day-to-day life, dignity and how well the care and products work for you. The survey is aimed at adults who experience continence issues and/or their carer/family member.
The insights will be analysed by UTA, SIA and TUF to understand patterns and trends around urinary continence care and will be instrumental in shaping better services.
Closing date: 30 September.
Family Hubs' Info & Advice Event!
Details from One Stockport Family Hubs
Are you a parent or carer looking for information and advice about Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND), Neurodevelopmental and Emotional Wellbeing support for your child or young person?
You can chat with the Stockport Council's multi-disciplinary team which includes representatives from The Educational Psychology Service, Jigsaw Team, Neurodevelopmental Team, Children’s Therapy Services, and The Hearing and Vision Service.
No formal diagnosis required! Refreshments will be provided.
25 September
One Stockport Family Hubs, Abingdon Rd, Reddish
For further information visit https://orlo.uk/jFICh
Autisk Social Shuffle
Details from Autisk
Armed Forces Community Event
Details from Pure Innovations
Stockport NHS Foundation Trust - Annual Members Meeting 2025
Book now to take part in their Annual Members’ Meeting on Thursday 2 October!
At the meeting they'll share our review of the year 2024/25 and will be showcasing many of our fantastic service improvements. The Trust’s Annual Accounts 2024/25 and plans for the future will be presented, alongside the outcome of governor elections and a live Q&A session.
2 October 2025, 5pm-6:30pm
Pinewood House Education Centre, Stepping Hill Hospital, SK2 7JE
Doors will open at 4:15pm for registration and refreshments, along with the opportunity to meet with governors and share feedback.
To book your place please email: membership@stockport.nhs.uk
For details of this event and becoming a member visit: Become a Member - Stockport NHS Foundation Trust
Stockport Mind's 80's & 90's Party
Reminder: A Five-day Celebration of Music
Details from NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care
From 1–5 October, the Manchester Camarata will be performing for free across all ten boroughs of Greater Manchester. From skate parks to libraries and more, they’re taking music into unexpected places.
At the same time, they'll be celebrating the launch of ten new free Music Cafés for people living with dementia and their carers across Greater Manchester, supporting people to ‘live well’ through music (click here to find a Music Café near you).
Stockport's Stockroom (1pm - 4pm): Performance in collaboration with Writing Squad, young people’s writing group
Who Let the Dads Out?
Further Events & Community Activities across the Borough
Webinar: Free Mental Health Webinar
Details from Stockport Mind
Prioritise your wellbeing! To raise awareness of Mental Health Awareness Day, join Tameside, Oldham, Glossop and Stockport Mind for a FREE Mental Health webinar.
Whether you're looking for practical tools to manage stress, curious about mindfulness, or simply want to feel more connected - this session is designed to support you.
Thursday 9 October at 1pm, online via Teams.
There's no charge, To attend, register through Eventbrite: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-mental-health-awareness-webinar-tickets-1656928992219
Training: Being a Parent Course (Arabic Support)
The Empowering Parents, Empowering Communities (EPEC) course is a great opportunity for parents of children aged 2–11 to come together, share experiences, and explore positive parenting strategies – with support available in Arabic.
To join the welcome session, or contact Rohksana:
Training: Your Starting Point to Employment
Details from Starting Point
Back by popular demand! After a hugely successful first cohort, we are running 'Your Starting Point to Employment' again in October - a skills for work course aimed at volunteers who are job seeking.
The free programme will run for four weeks (four Fridays in October) starting Friday 10 October, 10am – 3pm (lunch provided)
Stockport Quaker Meeting House, 2 Cooper Street, SK1 3DW
Eligibility:
- Over 16's
- Looking for work, or a new job or promotion if they are already working
- Living in Greater Manchester
- Volunteering in Greater Manchester
The course covers:
- How volunteering gives you transferable skills which you can apply in the world of work (and how to demonstrate this on applications)
- Using online platforms for job searching and networking
- Using AI to enhance your CV and job applications
- Using AI to prepare for interviews
- Speaking to recruiters from different sectors to find out what they are looking for and how to make your application stand out
Further information:
- You'll be enrolled onto an online learning course in Level 1 Digital Skills or in another area (your choice from a list of courses).
- On completion, you'll be given a free device to help you with job searching.
- The course aims to be accessible and inclusive for all, so if you have any specific needs or requirements, contact Claire from the team.
Claire@startpoint.org.uk to register or ask any questions.
Volunteering: Samaritans of Stockport & District
Details from the Samaritans of Stockport and District Branch
Our Samaritans of Stockport and District Branch are currently recruiting for a Support Volunteer to take on the role of Governance Officer for the branch.
The anticipated time is 3 hours per week with flexible hours working from home and meetings in branch. If you're interested, contact the recruitment team for more details:
stockport.recruitment@samaritans.org
View the Volunteering Opportunity
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
Answer Cancer
Diabetes UK (Team North)
For Men who Talk
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.
