Healthwatch Round Up - 23 October 2025
Welcome to this week's Healthwatch Stockport Information Round-up!
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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.
Check out the Latest 'Inform' Newsletter
Don't forget to take a peek at Issue 8 of our 'INFORM' newsletter – the Autumn 2025 edition! This bumper issue features what we’ve been doing to improve care for Stockport including our focus on local NHS Hearing services, our findings around continence care, our 'Putting the Spring into Stockport event, and so much more.
Get in Touch: 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.
Check out our Breast Screening Fact Sheet!
Each year, about 55,000 people are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK, therefore it's so important to check your checks and go for screening when invited to do so.
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we're reminding you of our recent screening fact sheet, including the symptoms to look out for.
See our article and fact sheet
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.
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.
SPACE Stockport
October is ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) Awareness Month so we're using this opportunity to shine a spotlight on SPACE Stockport. SPACE is a support group for parents and carers of children and young people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and associated conditions.
The SPACE committee members are all local parents, who have children with ADHD and hold regular meet ups to chat to other parents who face the same challenges.
Meet ups: second Tuesday of the month, 7pm - 9pm. Future dates: 11 November & 9 December
The Dog and Partridge in Great Moor
Contact:
Facebook, Tik Tok Instagram (search SPACE Stockport)
NHS GM Health Campaign: Don't Get Spooked
NHS Greater Manchester are running a spooktacular Halloween themed social media campaign sharing key health care messages to banish those seasonal illnesses and encourage better health. These include falls prevention, relieving coughs and colds and emergency dentist care.
Falls prevention poem:
This Halloween, beware what you see,
Our Haunted House hides hazards, three by three!
From creepy cracks and frightful doors,
To mats that roll across the floors.
Trailing wires and cluttered stairs,
Even tripping over the pup who cares!
And don’t forget that spooky brew,
A spill could mean a slip for you.
Don’t let your home be a hazard zone,
Here’s how to make it safe and your own:
- Keep pathways clear
- Get eyes and ears tested each year
- Wear proper shoes, steady and bright
- Use handrails and night lights at night
Life-Saving NHS GM Programme Preventing Heart Attacks and Strokes
Details from NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care
Hundreds of people in Greater Manchester have avoided life-changing illness in the past year thanks to NHS teams focusing on prevention. Around 380 major health emergencies, including 180 heart attacks and 200 strokes were avoided – that’s the equivalent of a heart attack every other day and a stroke every two days across the city region.
Greater Manchester experiences the highest death rate from Cardio Vascular Disease in England, it’s over twice the national average. In an attempt to change this, Greater Manchester GPs have been identifying people who are not currently getting the care they need to stay well. These patients received an ‘enhanced review’ covering:
- Body Mass Index (BMI)
- Cholesterol
- Blood pressure
- eGFR (kidney function)
- HbA1c (blood sugar levels)
- Smoking status
If you are aged 40 to 74 and do not have a pre-existing health condition, you should be invited to an NHS Health Check by your GP or local council every five years. Find out more – NHS Health Check.
Live Well in Stockport: How We're Making A Difference
Details from Live Well Greater Manchester
Over 500 people have already joined Stockport’s ‘Welcome to Live Well’ and ‘Making Every Contact Count’ training sessions, helping community-facing staff feel confident connecting residents to local support.
At one of these sessions, when Clare, Neighbourhood Co-ordinator for Werneth, heard that Stockport Homes' 'Your Local Pantry in Woodley’ was struggling to meet demand, she brought together a local team to run a successful food drive with Morrisons Bredbury. Nancy, a volunteer reflected:
“We only moved to Bredbury/Woodley in September last year. And we’d heard that the Woodley Pantry was an important local amenity. I wanted to give something back to the community that’s been so welcoming towards my family and I.”
It’s just one example of how Live Well is connecting people in their communities, offering more ways for them to help and support each other where they live.
learn more about Stockport Live Well
Help With the Cost of Living This Winter
Details from Stockport Council
Winter can be tough for everyone, so Stockport Council are working with partners across the borough to make sure no one has to face it alone.
There’s lots of support available through One Stockport Warm & Well, including help with the cost of living and the return of our Warm Spaces. Take a look at the Stockport Live Well directory to find more support, community groups and activities near you.
If you need a helping hand this Winter, their Advice and Support team is there to listen.
0161 474 2140 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm)
Find support on the council website
Visit the NHS Mobile Van for a Free COVID Vaccine
Details from Stockport Council
The NHS mobile vaccination van is offering COVID-19 vaccines to eligible residents across Stockport. You can get the vaccine if you:
- are 75 or over, or will be by 31 January 2026
- are 6 months to 74 years and have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment
- live in a care home for older adults
You can find the van at:
Merseyway Shopping Centre, 52–54 Great Underbank, Stockport, SK1 1PD
Wednesday 5 November 2025, 9am - 3pm
Visit our events calendar to find more dates and times of rother locations
Getting vaccinated is one of the best ways you can look after yourself and others this Winter. See what vaccinations your eligible for this Winter:
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
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.
Help the Homeless This Autumn/Winter
Details from the Wellspring
The Rucksack Project is back! This initiative, run by the Wellspring, makes a huge difference to people experiencing homelessness during the colder months.
The Wellspring are asking the local community to get behind them and fill a rucksack with essentials to help someone without a home stay warm and safe. Suggested items include a warm coat or jacket, clean socks and underwear, hat and gloves, toiletries, snacks and water.
These donations are distributed directly to those in need through The Wellspring, giving comfort and practical help to people facing unimaginable challenges. Donations can be:
Dropped off at The Wellspring, Harvey St, Stockport, SK11YD
Online via Give Today https://givetoday.co.uk/thewellspring/
Don't Forget to Sign up for Flood Warnings
Details from Stockport Council
Following Flood Action Week, we’re reminding residents to sign up for free flood warnings from the UK government. Around 6.3 million homes, businesses and neighbourhoods in England are at risk of flooding – knowing your risk can help to keep you safe.
Visit the UK government website to sign up for warnings, check your risk, and find guidance on making a flood plan.
You can get more support on the council website.
Restoring Historic Site into New Neighbourhood with Care Facility
Details from Stockport Council
The transformation of the former St Thomas’ Hospital site in Shaw Heath has reached a milestone. A new neighbourhood, named St Thomas' Gardens, is being created to include the Centre for Living Well - an 82-bed intermediate care facility with eight supported housing units.
The final roof slate has been laid, marking a symbolic moment in the regeneration of a site that has stood empty for over 15 years. The development, one of the first of its kind in Greater Manchester, plays a big role in Stockport's vision to build a healthier, happier and more resilient community, helping people live well and stay connected.
St Ann's 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
Support For Parents & School Admissions
Details from Stockport Council
Nursery and school admissions for 2026 are open.
Nursery: All 3 and 4-year-olds are entitled to 15 hours per week of funded early education from the term following their third birthday up until compulsory school age. If your child was born between 1 September, 2022 and 31 December, 2022 they'll be considered for a nursery place from January 2026, if your application is received before 31 October.
September 2026 secondary school admissions deadline: Applications for September 2026 must be submitted by 31 October 2025 - the national closing date. Submit your application on time to make sure your preferences are considered.
Need a hand with your application? Their Admissions Advice line will be open until 31 October:
0161 521 8871 (Monday to Thursday: 8:30am to 4:30pm & Friday: 8:30am to 4pm)
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.
31 October, 10.30am - 12.30am at the Christie: Have you or know someone been diagnosed with breast cancer? Join the next focus group. at the Christie.
Have Your Say: Warm Homes Discount Scheme Consultation
Details from Sector 3
Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) is preparing a response to selected questions in the Government’s consultation on the future of the Warm Homes Discount Scheme.
The consultation focuses on proposals to extend and improve the scheme beyond March 2026, with the aim of supporting around 6 million low-income and vulnerable households through energy bill rebates. It also seeks feedback on eligibility criteria, administration improvements, and stakeholder insights to shape the scheme for winter 2026/27 and beyond.
They are keen to hear from priority groups across Greater Manchester, including:
- Older people
- Disabled people
- Parents with young children
- Individuals on low incomes
- People who are digitally excluded
To contribute to GMCA’s response, complete the template and return it to Tess Murphy at Tess.Murphy@greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk by 5pm on Monday 3 November
Have Your Say: 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.
Have your say on their draft standards for 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 Town Hall, greeting in Mayoral Suite and refreshments in 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
Multipurpose Group for People With Disabilities
Details from Disability Stockport/Keira's Kingdom
Join CAN (the Climate and Nature Summit)
Details from Stockport Council
The Climate and Nature Summit (CAN) is a day of inspiring workshops and community activities celebrating sustainability, creativity, and local action for the environment.
The CAN Summit welcomes residents, community groups, and organisations who want to help make Stockport a place where both people and nature thrive.
Workshops & Activities Include:
- Growing in Unusual Spaces with The Landing
- Walkshop: Exploring the Possibilities of Stockport Town Centre
- Tales Beneath the Trees: Storytime for young ones and parents
- Nature Crafting: Creative sessions for little ones and adults
- Repair, Reuse, Re-love: Exploring circular communities
Book your free place: Register on Eventbrite
Any questions? Email stockportCAN@stockport.gov.uk
Go along to Stockport’s fifth Climate and Nature (CAN) Summit – a day to celebrate, connect, and be inspired as we work together for a climate- and nature-friendly Stockport.
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
Further Events & Community Activities across the Borough
Volunteering: Help Collect Gifts for Older People
Details from Home Instead
Careers: Supporting You to Reach Your Goal
Details from Stockport Council
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
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, 1pm – 2pm
Cost: £25
To book visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/.../menopause-in-the...
Training: Living Life to the Full
Details from Open Door
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 they carry out. It’s a really varied role with many opportunities for development and impact.
Whilst this is a remote position, they’re looking for someone 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 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
Live Well Greater Manchester
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.
