Healthwatch Round Up - 25 September 2025
Welcome to this week's Healthwatch Stockport Information Round-up!
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Another busy week here at Healthwatch! We've been hard at work getting the next edition of our Inform Newsletter ready and took part in some insightful staff training on Autism Awareness. Want to take the same course? We've included details on how you can view the training video below.
We also had a great time visiting the Sector 3 Volunteer Fair, connecting with local organisations and hearing about the amazing difference volunteers make. If you’re thinking about volunteering, be sure to scroll down to our training and job opportunities section for a list of current openings!
Have Your Say: Sign the Healthwatch Petition
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.
Healthwatch Focus: Using Primary Care Services
A huge thank you to those who have shared their experiences with us so far. We are still keen to hear any feedback - the not so good and good! How have your additional support needs been accommodated for?
- 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?
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.
NHS England to introduce Jess's rule for GP patients - our response
Details from Healthwatch England
We have welcomed the introduction of Jess's rule for GP patients to help improve patient safety. Time to get serious about men’s NHS Health Checks
What are people telling us about prevention and early intervention?
Details from Healthwatch England
Action by health services to help prevent illness and disease or spot conditions early is crucial. But how easy do people find it to get this kind of help so that opportunities to prevent ill health are not missed?
What is a fit note and how do I get one?
When should I use NHS 111
Staying Active!
It's GM Moving in Action Week, so in honour this weeks service spotlight is on the many activities that take place across our borough.
The Stockport Council Directory is a great place to find all the sport and fitness events happening each week.
Stockport Walking Network
The Stockport Walking Forum has given the community a voice, shaping future walking opportunities and helping create the Stockport Walking Network Facebook group, where people can connect, share walks and even train as walk leaders.
Healthy Stockport
Find information, resources and support to help you take care of and protect your health and mental wellbeing now and in the future. Access free and confidential local support services to help you make positive lifestyle changes. Find out more about long term health conditions and what you can do to take care of yourself.
Youth Health Agreement
Details from GMICB
The Greater Manchester (GM) Youth Health Agreement is a guide for young people to use so they know what care and support they should expect when accessing health services in Greater Manchester.
Visit the website to find out more and find out about the 14 health agreements.
International recognition for Stepping Hill Hospital rheumatology department as leading centre for training
Details from Stepping Hill NHS Foundation Trust
Stepping Hill Hospital’s rheumatology department has received a new award confirming it as a top centre for training in ultrasound.
The department has been recognised by the European Alliance of Associations of Rheumatology (EULAR) network as an imaging training centre for ultrasound. It has become one of only a handful of rheumatology departments in the UK to gain this status.
MHRA confirms taking paracetamol during pregnancy remains safe and there is no evidence it causes autism in children
Details from: Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
It has recently been documented in the news about views around taking paracetamol during pregnancy and links to autism. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has published a report confirming that the is no evidence that backs this up.
Stockport Moving Together: partnership in motion
Details from SMBC
As part of GM Moving in Action Week, the council, community partners and local organisations are showing how Stockport Moving Together is helping residents get active in ways that suit them – with impacts that are transforming lives.
Supporting autistic people through change: new autism central podcast series
Details from Autism Central
A new podcast series from autism central explores how autistic people can navigate major life changes. The first episode covers key transitions including starting school, entering employment and moving into adulthood.
The podcast features guests sharing their lived experiences alongside expert guidance, providing practical strategies and emotional support for autistic people, families, carers and professionals.
Episodes are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.
No Trains through Stockport 4 to 5 October
Details from Network Rail
Due to the ongoing work taking place on Greek Street bridge, there will be no trains going through the Stockport station on Saturday 4 October and Sunday 5 October.
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
Have Your Say: CECiLiA – Care (Education) and Treatment Reviews survey – Do they help?
CECiLiA are conducting a research project to determine whether Care (Education) and Treatment Reviews are helpful for people with learning disabilities and autistic people and their families.
Find out more about the research project
Have Your Say: Mindfulness Survey
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.
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.
Arc is 10!
Details from Arc
Arc is celebrating 30 years of leading arts and mental health projects, at a special event at our home in Hat Works on Friday 10th October.
ARC would love it if you could join (You’re welcome to bring friends & family and to share with colleagues)
There will be refreshments, an exhibition of photographs & posters from across the years along with artwork from major projects, and the chance to read about and hear from those whose lives have been impacted by our work.
The event is open between 4 & 8pm so do come along when you can. At 5.30pm there will be a welcome from our special guests The Mayor and Mayoress of Stockport and a few words from Arc’s Chair & CEO.
Details from Arc
Monday 6th – Sunday 12th October is Arc’s 5th Arts and Health Week. We’re inviting everyone to take part and discover the benefits of creativity for their mental health and wellbeing.
If you’re based around Stockport there is a programme of free arts and health focussed workshops and exhibitions for you to discover.
Free Mental Health Webinar - Thursday 9th October 1-2pm
Details from Stockport Mind
Support with Reporting Volunteer Impact
Black History Month
This year's theme for Black History Month is 'Standing Firm in Power and Pride.'
Persistent health inequalities are faced by Black communities, and particularly concerning inequalities are faced by Black mothers and babies. In order to address these inequities, we must stand up, use our power, and have pride in the care we provide to all of our communities, especially those with the greatest need.
Join NHS Greater Manchester on Tuesday 14 October 2025, 11am to 12.30pm, for a panel discussion with expert midwives where NHS GM will explore their career journeys, how we can improve Black maternal health, and support Black mothers and babies through birth and beyond. Scan the QR code to book your place or contact Antemeka Cobham-Wilson at Antemeka.cobham-wilson@nhs.net.
Meet the Autor!
Signpost for Carers High Lane Drop In
Details from Signpost for Carers
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
Volunteering: Stockport Plaza
Volunteering: Neighbourhood Watch
Stockport Neighbourhood Watch Association depends on volunteers/ and trustee's to undertake the tasks involved in maintaining the functioning of the Association and updating the website and social media so that Stockport Coordinators and residents are kept informed about recent incidents and activities and have the latest updates on crime prevention and community matters.
Volunteering: Dementia Disco
Dementia Disco are looking for people to volunteer at our venue based discos or our mobile discos in care homes. It’s a hugely rewarding experience and requires very little time commitment beyond attending the disco.
Volunteering: Rollins Wood Community
Rollins Wood Community
Rollins Wood Community is a community woodland, orchard and vegetable garden on Compstall Rd (no. 35) in Marple Bridge. Members share in owning the land and enjoy it's prdicts – timber, craft materials, firewood, fruit, cider, vegetables and honey!
Visit their facebook or Instagram pages to find out about events that are taking place.
Volunteering: NAPAC
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:
The Wellness Project
Age UK Stockport
Answer Cancer
Dementia Disco
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.
