Healthwatch Round Up - 16 October 2025
Welcome to this week's Healthwatch Stockport Information Round-up!
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#TeamHealthwatchStockport
Another busy week for the team, with visits to the Age UK Annual General Meeting and 40th birthday celebrations! We've also supported the Walthew House 'See Hear' event to showcase services and tech to people with sight or hearing loss, and joined the 'Your Voice' panel - to ensure that service users' experiences of mental health recovery is represented in shaping Adult Mental Health Services in Stockport.
Latest Issue of 'Inform' Newsletter Published
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!
Reminder: 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.
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.
Urgent reform needed as complaints in the NHS reached record high
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.
What support can I get as a carer?
What to expect after being referred for an autism assessment
Autism affects people in different ways. It can bring strengths and challenges that can affect how comfortable, healthy, and happy you feel. Here's what you should expect from an autism assessment, diagnosis and getting the proper support.
Looking after your mental health all year round
One in four people in the UK have a mental health condition. With everything going on in our daily lives, awareness of our mental health and how to care for ourselves or others is essential.
Stockport Without Abuse & Orange Umbrella
Trigger Warning...
October is Domestic Violence Month, so we're shining a spotlight on Stockport Without Abuse - the largest domestic abuse organisation in Stockport and Orange Umbrella.
Domestic abuse is about how people use their power to control someone in a relationship – it can involve physical, emotional, sexual and financial abuse as well as forced marriage and ‘honour-based’ violence.
Stockport Without Abuse (SWA)
A local charity who offer a range of services to help and support women, men and children who are affected by domestic abuse.
They provide intervention, prevention and support services and work in partnership with other statutory and voluntary organisations across Stockport and Greater Manchester.
They offer:
- Independent Domestic Violence Advocacy Service (IDVA) - a specialist service for victims and families who've been assessed at being at the highest risk of murder or serious injury through domestic violence. The free service supports people aged 16+ living in Stockport.
- Refuge: safe, secure and welcoming temporary accommodation for individuals and families who are fleeing domestic abuse.
- Children & young people: a range of services specially designed for Children and Young People who have been impacted by domestic abuse
- Men's services: SWA Men’s worker work's with men around practical solutions to problems they may face as a result of domestic abuse including how to report incidents, safety planning, police procedures and other support services.
If you or someone you know needs help.... It is rarely a one-off incident and tends to get worse over time. If you think you're experiencing or have recently experienced abuse from your partner, ex-partner or a close family member, contact the Stockport Without Abuse team.
info@stockportwithoutabuse.org.uk
Helpline and general enquiries: 0161 477 4294
Orange Umbrella
'Orange Umbrella' are a community-based, volunteer-led project dedicated to raising awareness and signposting support for those experiencing domestic abuse / violence. The project is most notably recognised by the Orange Umbrella pin badge. Those wearing the badge can offer help, support and guidance and more importantly a listening ear. They also run meet ups to support the local community.
Get to Know Where to Go Campaign
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
The ‘Primary Care: Get To Know Where To Go’ booklet tells people all they need to know about primary care services – including some things that not everyone may not be familiar with:
• Features on the NHS app
• The pharmacy first offer
• Help with prescription costs
• Urgent dental and eyecare services – available at evenings and weekends
The booklet is available in a handy pocket size - ideal for quick reference and space saving.
An accessible online version is available on the NHS Greater Manchester website, and copies have been distributed to GPs and health care providers across the borough.
Greater Manchester Winter Vax Campaign
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
There’s no denying it – Winter is on its way! As well as more time with family and friends, colder weather also means more viruses spreading around.
NHS GM have launched the next phase of their campaign aimed at older people (aged 65+ and 75+) and those with long-term health conditions. The NHS offers free Winter vaccines to those most at risk.
What vaccines you’re eligible for and where to get them? If you’re eligible, it’s important to get your vaccines each year as your immunity fades over time, and viruses change each year.
Aged 65 and over: you are eligible for:
- Flu vaccine – get vaccinated at your GP practice or local pharmacy.
Aged 75 and over (including those who'll be 75 by January 2026), you are eligible for:
- COVID-19 vaccine – get vaccinated at your GP practice, pharmacy, walk-in vaccination site or care home (if you live in a care home).
- Flu vaccine – get vaccinated at your GP practice, pharmacy, or care home (if you live in a care home for older adults).
Aged 75-79 (and who turned 80 after 1 September 2024), you are also eligible for:
- RSV – get vaccinated at your GP practice. You only get the RSV vaccine once, unlike the flu and COVID-19 vaccine.
People with a long-term health condition: This includes people with a lung or heart condition, kidney or liver disease, diabetes or a learning disability. Find a full list on the NHS website (www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/flu-vaccine). You are eligible for:
- Flu vaccine – get vaccinated at your GP practice or pharmacy.
People who are immunosuppressed: This includes people who have a weakened immune system due to a health condition or treatment. Find a full list on the NHS website (www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/covid-19-vaccine). You are eligible for:
- COVID-19 vaccine – get vaccinated at your GP practice, pharmacy or walk-in site.
Pregnant people, children aged 2–3 and school aged children: are also eligible for Winter vaccinations, find out more information on NHS Greater Manchester website.
Find out more about Winter vaccines, via the NHS Greater Manchester website, or search: NHS GM Winter vaccinations. https://gmintegratedcare.org.uk/winter-vaccinations/
Reminder: 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.
Trauma Support for Greater Manchester
Details from NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board
Following the terrorist attack at Heaton Park Synagogue on 2 October 2025, and as more details emerge in the news, it can continue to be traumatic and triggering for many people.
A Trauma Support page has been set up on the Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership website. It offers advice and guidance for anyone affected by distressing or traumatic events, provides reassurance, and signposts services for those in need of support.
Live More with Shared Lives in Greater Manchester
A Dose of Nature: Green Social Prescribing
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
NHS Greater Manchester is celebrating an approach to healthcare that’s swapping consulting rooms for community gardens and prescriptions for park life. The Green Social Prescribing (GSP) programme, which has been running across for a few years, is proving that a connection with nature can be a powerful tool for improving mental health and tackling health inequalities.
If you feel that you or someone you know could benefit from connecting with a nature-based activity, speak to your GP to find out more.
For organisations and stakeholders interested in supporting or learning more about this work, email nhsgm.sustainability@nhs.net
Paracetamol in Pregnancy
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) confirm that taking paracetamol during pregnancy remains safe and there is no evidence it causes autism in children.
Paracetamol remains the recommended pain relief option for pregnant women when used as directed. Pregnant women should continue to follow existing NHS guidance and speak to their healthcare professional if they have questions about any medication during pregnancy.
Untreated pain and fever can pose risks to the unborn baby, so it's important to manage symptoms with the recommended treatment.
St Anns Hospice Name Change
As of this month, St Ann’s Hospice has changed its name from to the Moya Cole Hospice. Please see the following links for details.
Referrals forms: Available at www.moyacole.org.uk/refer
Referrals email address: nehgm.moyacolereferrals@nhs.net
Website: www.moyacole.org.uk
Stockport Recognised by UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative
Details from Stockport NHS Foundation Trust
Congratulations to the Maternity Department at Stockport NHS Foundation Trust who've been awarded a Certificate of Commitment as its first step towards gaining recognition from the UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) Baby Friendly Initiative.
In the UK, the Baby Friendly Initiative works with public services to better support families with feeding and developing close, loving relationships in order to ensure that all babies get the best possible start in life.
This award is a reflection of the ongoing commitment to increase breastfeeding rates and improve care for all mothers cared for by the Maternity Department in Stockport.
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.
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
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: 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.
10am: 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.
11am: 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
Singing for Your Brain
Details from Home Instead Stockport
Make Stuff Stockport
Details from MadLab
MadLab are excited to announce that 'Make Stuff Stockport' is back! Starting with an activity-packed half-term week for tech-curious young people aged 7-17 and their families. Everything takes place at Stockport Museum, with multiple sessions available throughout the day:
Tinkerbots – Build your own Robot: 25 October → Sign Up
Stop Motion Animation: 26 October → Sign Up
DIY Light Show: 27 October → Sign Up
Save the World with Minecraft: 28 October → Sign Up
The Art of the Panel – Canva Comic-making: 29 October → Sign Up
Code a Splat Game with Python: 30 October → Sign Up
Ghost alert! Create your own Circuits: 31 October → Sign Up
Tinkerbots – Build your own Robot: 1 November → Sign Up
Stop Motion Animation: 2 November → Sign Up
Walthew House Afternoon Tea
Details from Walthew House
Stockport Scream Club
Scream club is a global community movement that started in Chicago, where people gather to release stress and pent-up emotions through collective vocal expression, often involving screaming. Participants typically perform a structured ritual that includes breathing exercises and guided screams, and build a sense of community by offering a cathartic, free alternative to traditional therapy. The movement emphasises emotional release, healing, and human connection.
31 October, 4:30 - 5pm
Reddish Vale Country Park, Reddish Vale Road, SK5 7HE
What3words ///love.misty.bank
Stockport’s Spectacular Sunday Returns in November!
Details from Stockport Council
Spectacular Sunday returns on 16 November. Now in its third year, the event promises to be bigger and brighter than ever, filling the town centre with festive bands, giant puppets, street performers and a whole lot of Christmas cheer.
16 November 2025, 11am to 5pm
Market Place, Underbanks, Merseyway, Redrock and Suffragette Square.
Further Events & Community Activities across the Borough
Don't Forget... It's Digitober!
Details from Stockport Council and Starting Point
As part of Get Online Week (20 - 26 October), Starting Point, are offering a three day course supporting people to apply for seasonal temp work.
20, 21 and 22 October, 10am - 3pm at Stockroom
If anyone is struggling with the online aspects of applying for work (online forms, job search websites, editing their CV etc) they are happy to help.
Email claire@startpoint.org.uk to find out more or to register.
Training: Connect 5 Mental Wellbeing Course
New dates for the popular Connect 5 training have been announced! Connect 5 is a free mental health training programme that aims to change the way we have conversations about mental wellbeing across Stockport. It's designed to increase confidence and skills so that you can have better mental wellbeing conversations, whatever your role.
Connect 5 is ideal for anyone working or volunteering with the public.
How it Works
Session 1: Brief wellbeing advice : Looks to increase confidence and skills to have brief conversations in which we can help a person to consider ways they can take action to improve their mental wellbeing. 3 Hours.
Session 2: Brief mental wellbeing intervention: Builds on the skills learnt in session 1 and develops further skills to enable conversations in which we and the person we're talking with can develop a shared understanding of their mental wellbeing needs. 3.5 hours.
Session 3: Extended mental wellbeing conversation: Builds on skills learnt in sessions 1 and 2 and empowers a person to make changes that address their mental wellbeing needs. 3.5 hours.
To book a place for any of the sessions, CTRL & click on the following link:
Visit www.healthystockport.co.uk/mental-health-and-wellbeing-training-in-stockport
If you require any further information, email info.wellbeing@stockport.gov.uk
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 contact: workandskills@stockport.gov.uk with your contact details, area you live in and a few words about what you're looking for help with.
Alternatively, call 07890 527 111.
Training: See Yourself Behind the Radio Mic?
Gaydio are offering a new free course for Stockport and Tameside residents in November following the success of three courses earlier this year. Previous applicants have now gone onto full and part time work and volunteering across the UK.
The new course is happening from the 10 - 19 November. The course includes:
- Introduction to Radio and how to become a radio presenter
- Show content & news presenting
- Other roles in radio & a look at music
- CV, job searching and LinkedIn session with Liselle Sheard
- Storytelling with BBC's Emma Goswell
- Prep for the podcast
- Podcast creation, a session exploring the next stage progression tailored to the participant's specific needs and next steps with Gaydio and other radio stations
Vacancy: Marketing & Communications Manager
Details from Peaches Womb Cancer Trust
Peaches Womb Cancer Trust is a national charity based in Stockport. They’re looking for an experienced Marketing and Communications Manager to join their team.
You'd take the lead on raising awareness of womb cancer, and the support, activities and research that they carry out. It’s a really varied role with lots of opportunities for development and impact.
Whilst this is a remote position, they’re looking for someone who is based in or close to South Manchester for plenty of catch ups as a team.
The role is 24 hours a week, £21k actual salary (£35k FTE) and permanent, subject to continued funding.
For more information, email recruitment@peachestrust.org .
Closing date: 3 November 2025
Interviews: 12 November 2025
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
For Men who Talk
Greater Manchester Ageing 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.
