Healthwatch Round Up - 9 October 2025
Welcome to this week's Healthwatch Stockport Information Round-up!
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#TeamHealthwatchStockport
We've published Issue 8 of our 'INFORM' newsletter – the Autumn 2025 edition! This bumper issue features what we’ve been up to; our focus on local NHS Hearing services, our findings around continence care, our 'Putting the Spring into Stockport event, and so much more.
Enjoy a read at your leisure and please share the link with colleagues, family and friends!
Out & About: We'll be attending the 'See Hear' event at Walthew House on Tuesday 14 October. We're looking forward to meeting you and sharing more about our work and the services we offer. Scroll down to the 'Event's section for further details.
What to Know This Winter
We're working on the 'What to know This Winter' booklet for this year, filled with practical advice and tips to keep you well over the colder months.
If you are an organisation or service in Stockport and are planning initiatives, events and more over the Winter period (through to March 2026), email the Healthwatch Stockport team:
comms@healthwatchstockport.co.uk
We can't guarantee that everything will be included, however we will always do our best to cover your news and services via our weekly Round Up, website and social channels.
Living With or Affected by Prostate Cancer?
Details from Healthwatch in Greater Manchester
Healthwatch across Greater Manchester want to hear your experiences of prostate cancer services. Your feedback will be used to hight what's working any raise concerns with the people running services to make care even better.
Reminder: Breast Cancer Screening Fact Sheet
As it's Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we're reminding you of our Breast Cancer screening fact sheet, produced earlier this year. There are digital and printable versions available on our website.
Healthwatch Stockport’s Information & Advice Service
Do you run a local community group or coffee morning? If so, we would love the opportunity to come and talk to your group about the Information & Advice service we offer.
If you would like further information or to book a session, please contact Claire:
0161 974 0753
info@healthwatchstockport.co.uk
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.
Men would come forward for prostate cancer screening
Most men would attend testing if the government introduced a national screening programme for prostate cancer, according to our new research. Healthwatch England are now urging policymakers to consider men’s views, alongside clinical and economic evidence, when reaching a decision on whether (and how) to introduce a national screening programme.
Breaking down NHS waiting lists to tackle inequalities
Thanks to your feedback, Healthwatch England advocated for NHS England to publish better data to highlight and address inequalities in people’s experience of waiting for NHS treatment.
NHS England to introduce Jess's rule for GP patients - Healthwatch England response
We've 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. Healthwatch England's research shows that too many men are missing out on the NHS Health Check - essential in preventing illness and saving lives.
What support can I get as a carer?
Perinatal Trauma and Loss Service (PETALS)
This Baby Loss Week, we're highlighting the valuable service; PETALS (Perinatal Trauma and Loss Service). Perinatal is the period of time from when you become pregnant up until two years after birth.
PETALS offer talking therapy support across Greater Manchester for women and birthing people who have experienced the following difficulties: Trauma and Loss (including trauma when trying to conceive, during pregnancy, birth, or after birth, for example if their baby has spent time in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit), and the loss of a baby.
They too support those who experience intense Fear (Tokophobia) or anxiety about pregnancy, childbirth, hospital, or medical settings, which is preventing them from taking steps towards trying for a baby.
If you feel you'd benefit from support from the service, fill out a self-referral form and email PerinatalServicesMH@gmmh.nhs.uk.
If you're a professional working with someone, please seek consent from the individual before referring. The professional referral form is on the website www.gmmh.nhs.uk/petals/
Baby Loss Awareness Week is an opportunity to bring us together as a community and give anyone touched by pregnancy and baby loss a safe and supportive space to share their experiences and feel that they are not alone.
Find additional support and advice
Live Well: Greater Manchester’s Movement for Community-led Health and Wellbeing.
Being able to Live Well can mean different things to different people:
- Enjoying life;
- having purpose;
- a good job;
- being in a warm and safe house;
- people to spend time with and care about;
- being represented;
- having a voice and a say in decisions about my life.
Stockport Live Well brings together early help and support making it easier for our local communities to help themselves, their families, and those they care for in places close to them. Part of this is the Stockport Live Well directory, which is part of our neighbourhoods and prevention ambitions which aim to create happy and healthy lives for everyone living in Stockport.
Over the coming weeks, we'll keep sharing more news around Live Well - what it means to you, how you can get involved and more.
Warm & Well is Back This Winter!
Details from Stockport Council
As the colder months roll in, Stockport residents are once again being encouraged to take part in the One Stockport Warm & Well initiative, which is back to help people stay healthy, warm and supported this winter.
This year, it also links with Stockport Live Well to connect residents with activities and support in their communities, while Warm Spaces across the borough will once again provide safe, welcoming places for people to keep warm and connect with others.
Warm Home Discount
Department of Work & Pensions (DWP)
If you are eligible for the Warm Home Discount, the £150 credit will be automatically applied to your electricity account. You will not receive a call or message asking you to apply for the discount.
Do not share your personal information - report suspicious messages to Action Fraud UK: www.actionfraud.police.uk/
Live More with Shared Lives in Greater Manchester
NHS App’s Family Access Feature a "Gamechanger"
Details from NHS England
A new family feature being piloted in the NHS App is making it easier for parents and carers to manage their loved ones’ health.
The service, being developed by NHS England, means people can apply to add another profile to their NHS App online instead of having to do it in person – saving them time and cutting admin for GP practice staff.
Once patients have signed up through the app, they can switch between their own and their relative’s profile – with the potential for parents to then book GP appointments for their children, or carers to order repeat prescriptions for an elderly relative.
Almost 12,000 people have already applied through pilots in 68 GP practices, with plans to roll the service out more widely from next year.
NHS Online Hospital to Give Patients More Control
Details from NHS England
That means patients can be seen faster, as teams triage them quickly through the NHS App and let them book in scans at times that suit them at Community Diagnostic Centres closer to home.
NHS Online aims to boost to patient waiting times, delivering the equivalent of up to 8.5 million appointments and assessments in its first three years. Initially the focus will be on a small number of planned treatment areas with the longest waits. Over time this will be expanded to more treatment areas.
The 10 Year Health Plan will shift the NHS from analogue to digital and this is a bold new way of delivering care while embracing new tech, built on NHS values.
Reminder: Findings - Adult ADHD Services in Greater Manchester Shared
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
You can now read NHS Greater Manchester's full report following an extensive public consultation on local adult ADHD services.
More than 2,500 people got involved through surveys, focus groups, workshops, calls, emails, texts, and pop-up stalls during the eight-week consultation (23 April-17 June).
New Parking Measures for Stepping Hill
Details from Stockport NHS Foundation Trust
Stockport NHS Foundation Trust is about to introduce new measures on improving parking at their hospital to help make it sustainable for the future. The new measures will aim to improve parking accessibility and safety on the site.
Earlier this year, the trust ran a series of engagement sessions and surveys to find out from colleagues, patients and the public about how they felt about car parking.
This is just the first phase of a series of developments to make the hospital site safer and easier to park. The new measures will include:
- Parking enforcement. From October 2025, officers will patrol the site to ensure that cars are parked only in marked bays and display the correct ticket or permit.
- Barriered car parks. From October, permit holders will access staff car parks using their ID badge.
- Parking alternatives. Reminders are being provided about parking alternatives away from site and public transport options. This includes signposting to the park and ride facility, and other car parks, in Hazel Grove.
Anaesthetic team at Stepping Hill Win Award!
Details from Stockport NHS Foundation Trust
Congratulations to the Anaesthetic team at Stepping Hill Hospital who've recently been recognised for their work. Stockport NHS Foundation Trust has been accredited under the prestigious Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCoA) Anaesthesia Clinical Services Accreditation (ACSA) scheme, demonstrating their commitment to patient safety and excellence of care.
Reminder: Bus Pass Trial Extended
Details from Greater Manchester Ageing Hub
The August pilot scheme that gave older and disabled residents in Greater Manchester access to free bus travel at any time of day has been extended for a second trial this November.
The scheme allowed concessionary pass holders to travel before 9:30am, a restriction that normally limits free travel until after the morning rush. During the trial, more than 100k early-morning journeys made, with up to 6k people using the benefit each day.
What you need to know
- Trial takes place on buses from 1 to 30 November 2025.
- Unlimited, free bus travel is valid for TfGM issued older person's or disabled person's travel pass holders only.
- Available on Bee Network buses, not on trams and trains.
- Passes also accepted before 9.30am on non-Bee Network buses within the Greater Manchester boundary only.
- As well as free early morning travel, the trial will allow pass holders to use the Bee Network’s night buses as well.
Find out more via the TfGM website.
Think Carer Portal Now Live!
With support from the Carers Partnership and Stockport Carers, Stockport Council has launched the new Think Carer portal, an online front door to information, advice, and support for unpaid carers across the borough.
The portal brings together resources in one place, making it easier for carers to find the help they need, whether that’s emotional support, practical guidance, financial advice, or training opportunities.
It is also part of the wider Think Carer Strategy 2024–2029, which aims to ensure carers are recognised, valued, and supported in their vital roles.
Love Your Eyes!
Greater Manchester Diabetic Eye Screening
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Get some fresh air...away from screens at work or home
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Use the 20 20 20 Rule...every 20 mins look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds especially if using a computer
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Book an eye test if your due or have been experiencing issues
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If you have diabetes, use our Patient Portal via the NHS app to book and rearrange appointments: https://portal.gmsouthdesp.co.uk
Greater Manchester Diabetic eye Screening also share news of free online Diabetes support available for South Asian adults (18+) who live in Greater Manchester Available in 15 languages: English, Arabic, Bengali, Mandarin, Gujarati, Hindi, Nepali, Farsi, Polish, Punjabi, Romanian, Somali, Tamil, Turkish & Urdu (Urdu image below)
Stockport Family Hubs Updates
Details from One Stockport Family Hubs
The FREE One Stockport Family Hubs app provides inclusive support for all, with resources to support families with special educational needs and disabilities. And it's available in 75 languages for iOS and Android phones.
Coming soon for Bredbury, Romiley, Woodley, Marple and High Lane parents & carers - a new online Early Years App! This is for parents and carers of children aged under 2 years old. To confirm your details for the app please email adviceline@stockport.nhs.uk with your child’s name, date of birth, the main carer’s email and mobile number.
Reminder: “Look & Feel” Campaign
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
Running this Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the campaign features women from across Greater Manchester and encourages people to be vigilant and report any potential signs of breast cancer to their GP.
The campaign aims to particularly target to both women just below breast cancer screening age (40-50) and those just above screening aged (71+) as well as to women from ethnic minorities.
Alcohol & Drug Addiction Support
Details from NHS Greater Manchester & Stockport Family Hubs
This month One Stockport Family Hubs have produced a useful guide to support to stop smoking and help with drug or alcohol addiction. You can also read more about Family Hubs developments and new support offers in the September 2025 Family Hubs newsletter.
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol or drug use, you’re not alone. NHS Greater Manchester's A–Z directory makes it easy to find local support services tailored to your needs. You can click on the tabs for your area, e.g. Stockport to find help and advice.
Visit the website to find out more
Wrap Up Stockport - Clothes Collection
Details from the Rotary Club of Stockport Lamplighter
Shops & Supermarkets: Safestore Reddish, Morrisons Bredbury, Morrisons Reddish, Waitrose Cheadle Hulme, Waitrose Wilmslow, Co-op Heaton Moor, Tesco, Burnage.
Clubs: St Marks Cricket Club, Bredbury, Cheadle Hulme Rugby Club, Tytherington Golf Club,
Schools and nurseries: Torkington Primary School, Elmridge Primary School, Lacy Green Primary School, Woodley Primary School and Pepperberry Nursery.
Funding: Apply for SKylight’s Local Impact Fund
Details from Stockport Homes
SKylight have launched an additional funding pot - apply for up to £5,000 to make a difference in your community!
- For CICs (Community Interest Company), CIOs (Charitable Incorporated Organisation), or small Stockport-based charities with an annual income of less than £150,000
- Supporting projects to grow in scale and sustainability to make lasting change
- Up to £10,000 available across the financial year
Applications close on Friday 31 October, but make sure you don’t miss out! They reserve the right to close applications early if the funding limit is reached.
To apply, visit: Local Impact Fund | Skylight
Enquiries to community.fund@stockporthomes.org
Funding: Tackle Barriers to Employment
Details from Stockport Council
Stockport Council has teamed up with local voluntary sector partner Sector 3, to launch the Stockport VCFSE (Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise) Work and Skills Fund - a new initiative set up to break down barriers to employment and increase job opportunities for local people.
This targeted fund will support organisations to deliver innovative projects that help to reduce the employment inequalities gap.
Have Your Say: Bereavements and Grief
Details from the Age friendly network
Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Bradford are carrying out research to explore people’s thoughts and opinions about funerals, pet death, remembering those who've passed, social media, resting places, and other contexts.
Completing this study:
- The team have had a great response from younger participants and would like people aged 25 and over to take part.
- You will have experienced a bereavement at some point in your life when you were old enough to remember it, OR have seen a friend/family member experience a bereavement.
- Please note: there is a possibility that answering questions on these topics will be upsetting. They advise you not to take part if you believe that answering questions about death, dying, bereavement and grief will distress you.
The questionnaire takes around 20 minutes.
Paper forms and envelopes have been left at the Age UK Stockport hub in Edgeley.
Have Your Say: A Plan to Improve Cheadle
Details from Teams Around the Place
Named as one of the best places to live in the North West by the Sunday Times, Stockport is experiencing a regeneration boom and cultural revival. Districts like Cheadle are well positioned to share in this success and become more attractive destinations in their own right. But they need a plan.
Recognising the huge untapped potential, a new taskforce of local people has been established to develop a vision for Cheadle’s centre and work with businesses and other key stakeholders to identify strengths that can be built on.
Have Your Say: Mindfulness Survey
Have Your Say: Stockport Homes Delivery Plan
Details from Stockport Homes
As part of Stockport Homes’ Management Agreement with Stockport Council, a five-year delivery plan is developed to provide an overarching framework for Stockport Homes Group’s activity and guide the Board in its decision-making.
The current plan is coming to an end, and a new plan will be developed for 2026-2031.
They’d like to hear from as many people as possible, including their partners and customers. What do you think SHG gets right? What needs to improve? What should be prioritised and what we might want to do less of?
Closing date: 19 October.
Have Your Say: Help Shape the Future of Pharmacy Care
Details from the General Pharmacy Council
The General Pharmacy Council are the regulator for pharmacy technicians, pharmacists and UK pharmacies. Their role is to protect patients and the public and give them assurance that they'll receive safe and effective care when using pharmacy services.
One of the ways they do this is by setting education and training standards for pharmacy technicians and for pharmacists.
Share your views on their draft Standards for the initial education and training of pharmacy technicians.
Closing date: 24 December 2025.
Stockport’s Civic Act of Remembrance
The Remembrance Day service this year will be held on Sunday 9 November 2025 at the Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery. The Mayor of Stockport would be delighted for you to join her for the civic procession and service.
Running order of event:
| 10.00am | Arrival at the Town Hall, greeting in the Mayoral Suite and refreshments in the Regalia Corridor. |
| 10.45am | Procession of the Civic Party to the Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery. |
| 11.00am | Two-minutes silence followed by Remembrance Service. |
Car parking will be available free of charge at Stopford House Car Park, Lacy Street.
If you'd like to attend, email mayors.office@stockport.gov.uk
Heartburn Health Roadshow (13 October)
Details from Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance
The Heartburn Health Roadshow is hitting Greater Manchester and will be visiting Stockport this month.
13 October, from 10:30am to 6pm at Asda Reddish.
The team will be out and about to talk about persistent heartburn and why it shouldn't be ignored. They're keen for you to chat to the team, ask questions and more. Learn more about:
- digestive health
- ongoing heartburn and its link to oesophageal cancer (cancer of food pipe)
- why early diagnosis can make a life-saving difference!
It's Digitober!
Details from Stockport Council
This October, Live Well partners are joining forces to support Digitober and Get Online Week (20 - 26 October), promote digital inclusion and help people build confidence with digital technology.
To mark the occasion, there’s a range of extra DigiKnow support. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to boost your digital skills for work, you’ll find:
- Free community digital support classes and drop-in sessions for one-on-one help
- Ways to reduce the cost of getting online, from free-to-use public computers and wifi, to free sim cards and low-cost tariffs, device loans or low-cost refurbished devices.
Starting Point are the Live Well digital inclusion partner, funded by Stockport Council and Stockport Homes, to support learners across the borough through the DigiKnow programme:
- Free digital skills training
- A Device Lending Library - a lifeline for families facing financial hardship
- Free SIM cards for those who need them most
- Access to low-cost refurbished devices, through DigiKnow partner Community Computers
Armed Forces Community Event
Details from Pure Innovations
Stockport’s first armed forces and veterans information day is planned to be a fantastic event, offering a market stall type supported by over 30 organisations, associations, employers and more.
There will be two workshops on the day:
Understanding the needs of those who've served, from AF HQ Wigan 11:45am – 12:25pm
Who we are, what we do and our Funding, from The Veterans Foundation 1:30pm – 2pm
Further Events & Community Activities across the Borough
Careers: Meet the Work & Skills Navigators
Details from Work & Skills Support, Stockport Council
The Work & Skills Navigators in Stockport are your personal guide to accessing the right employment and training support to meet your needs. Whether you need health and wellbeing support for staying in or returning to work, CV building, job searching, career progression or training opportunities, the right help is available.
For more information, or to make an appointment to meet your local Work & Skills Navigator please contact: workandskills@stockport.gov.uk with your contact details, area you live in and a few words about what you are looking for help with.
Alternatively, call 07890 527 111.
Training: Is Your Workplace Menopause Ready?
October is Menopause Awareness Month and local Mind's are encouraging organisations to join their expert-led 'Lunch & Learn' to gain practical tools, legal insights, and inclusive strategies to support staff.
During the 50 minute session you will learn more about : What is menopause, how can it affect us, what helps (treatments and self care) and navigating menopause at work.
Thursday 30 October, 1 – 2pm
Cost: £25
Over 50's IT Tablet Course
Details from Disability Stockport
From January 2026, Disability Stockport will be running a course to support people over 50 to learn new skills and stay up to date with technology.
From 7 January, and following Wednesday afternoons, 1pm - 3pm.
Disability Stockport, 23 High Street, Stockport
If you'd like more information, call Tina on 07899872097
Training: Get into the NHS with Stepping Hill
Details from the King's Trust
Want to kickstart your career in the NHS? The two-week course will equip you with key knowledge, skills and employability support for applications and interviews to get into a career with Stepping Hill Hospital.
Job roles available are for Health Care Assistants but there are opportunities for other roles such as porters or catering too.
Upcoming courses from The King's Trust
Training: Living Life to the Full
Details from Fikawelie
Fikawelie are running a free six-week Living Life to the Full programme, designed to help people improve their mental health and wellbeing.
The course provides practical tools and strategies to manage low mood, anxiety, and everyday stress. It’s a supportive, structured space where participants can build confidence, learn new skills, and connect with others.
Vacancies: Gaddam Advisory Panel
Gaddum Coproduction are looking for an Advisory Panel Member for Greater Manchester Integrated Care (Adult Community Mental Health)
Please see the attachment for full details of the role.
Expression of Interest form: Advisory Group
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:
Read the latest One Stockport Family Hubs newsletter
Please take 5 minutes to read the September 2025 Family Hubs newsletter. This newsletter is intended for people who work with or are involved with families, not for families themselves. Sign up for the newsletter to connect with Family Hubs and stay informed about network developments and new support offers.
Other important newsletters include:
Age UK Stockport
Dementia Disco
For Men who Talk
Greater Manchester Ageing Hub
King's Trust
Upcoming courses from The King's Trust
Sector 3
Starting Point
Stockport Council
The Wellness Project
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.
