Healthwatch Round Up - 30 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 our Prostate Cancer Risk Programme Fact Sheet!
Prostate cancer affects the prostate gland under the bladder and usually happens to men over 50 years old. There are different treatments and it can often be cured if diagnosed early.
There's no single, definitive test for prostate cancer, however if you have symptoms that could be caused by prostate cancer, you should visit your GP. To help you access the information you need around prostate cancer testing, we've shared our fact sheet below.
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.
Prostate Cancer Support Group, Stockport
Prostate Cancer Support are a Stockport-based, England-wide charity. They support prostate cancer patient support groups throughout the North West and beyond, both financially and also by providing the facility for testing.
In Stockport, the support group meets on the second Wednesday of every month. It offers emotional and practical support and the chance to speak to others with shared experiences.
07723 362 913 (Richard) or 07940 566 604 (Steve)
Dunelm Restaurant, St. Marys Way, SK1 2HU
They also provide a patient operated 365-day helpline for both those affected by prostate cancer and their families. Their website offers useful videos on treatments and more. Contact the local organiser for more information.
helpline: 0800 774 7560
info@prostatecancersupport.org
Menopause Included in NHS Health Check
Details from the British Menopause Society
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has announced that women across England will benefit from the menopause being included in routine NHS health checks for the first time.
Routine appointments will now ensure that women experiencing perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms get the right information and support, while also raising awareness earlier so more women recognise the signs and seek help sooner if needed.
Women getting the checks - offered to adults aged 40 to 74 every five years - will be asked about the menopause and possible symptoms from next year.
Morning After Pill Free at High Street Pharmacies
Details from NHS England
Women can access the morning-after pill free of charge on the NHS in high-street pharmacies across England. The oral emergency contraception pill will be available at almost 10,000 pharmacies without needing to see their GP or get an appointment at a sexual health clinic.
Hailed by officials as the most significant change to sexual health services since the 1960s, this move is estimated by NHS England to benefit tens of thousands of women.
NHS Lung Health Checks in Stockport
The NHS is offering free lung health checks to more current and former cigarette and shisha smokers aged 55-74 who are registered with a GP in Stockport.
The free checks are available to people based at the following practices (Stockport East and South Primary Care Network):
Marple Bridge Surgery SK6 5AA
Marple Cottage Surgery SK6 6BW
Beech House Medical Pract SK7 4QR
Chadsfield Medical Practice SK6 4QR
Marple Medical Practice SK6 6AB
Springfield Surgery SK7 4AA
High Lane Medical Centre SK6 8DR
Archwood Medical Practice SK6 1ND
Look out for an invite in the post or via text. Checks are quick, free and could ultimately save your life. Most visitors will get reassurance that everything is OK.
If you have already received your invite but missed your appointment, contact the bookings team on 0161 529 0900.
SPARC Therapy Groups
The counselling service at SPARC (Stockport Progress And Recovery Centre) are happy to announce that face to face groups will be resuming. Details of the groups can be found below.
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:
Don't Brush it Under the Carpet
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
As part of Greater Manchester's ‘Don’t Brush It Under the Carpet’ campaign, NHS Greater Manchester have been working with the Mature Minds Matter's lived experience group to develop two new booklets to support older adults who may self-harm, and support carers, loved ones, and professionals in starting important conversations.
Greater Manchester Falls Lifting Service
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
From 4 November, the Greater Manchester Falls Lifting Service will support any Stockport resident that has had a non-injurious fall and requires support to be lifted. The team will assess and lift residents who've fallen who are not injured to reduce unnecessary ambulance callouts for non-emergency falls.
If you require assistance, you'll be able to call 0161 476 6952 for immediate support
Gambling Treatment and Support Services
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
Gambling harms are the negative consequences someone faces after gambling. These harms occur in all sorts of areas, from mental and physical health, money and relationships, to education, work and beyond.
The NHS Northern Gambling Service provides specialist addiction therapies and treatment for adults experiencing gambling harms and addiction (including their family, partners and carers).
To make a referral, professionals can use this form - Referrals - NHS Northern Gambling Service
The National Gambling Helpline is available 24/7 online and by phone - 0808 8020 133.
Helping The Local Community
Details from One Stockport & The Wellspring
Vernon Christmas Appeal: The Vernon Building Society has launched its Christmas Appeal 2025, aimed at supporting families across the region. The Appeal has a new charity partner: Chelwood Foodbank Plus - a charity providing essential support across the Stockport region with foodbanks in Cheadle Hulme, Brinnington and Edgeley.
The Vernon is calling on people to donate unwrapped gifts for children and adults, such as toiletries, socks, pyjamas, toys; mince pies, Christmas puddings and crackers, and food gift items such as luxury biscuits and branded teas and coffees.
Collection points are at Vernon’s six branches in Stockport: Hazel Grove, Poynton, Marple, Reddish and Bramhall until Friday 28 November.
The Wellspring Rucksack Project and sleeping bag appeals: The Wellspring are asking the community to get behind them and make some urgent donations.
Rucksack Appeal: 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, to people facing unimaginable challenges. Donations can be:
Drop off at The Wellspring, Harvey St, SK11YD. Opening hours: 8am-4pm weekdays and 8am-2pm at weekends.
Online via https://givetoday.co.uk/thewellspring/
Callout for Artwork from Young Artists
Details from Arc, Arts and Mental Health Charity
To celebrate ARC's 30th birthday they're inviting young visual artists aged 18–30 who live, study or work in Greater Manchester, to respond creatively to the theme ‘FELT’.
They’re looking for artwork that explores lived experience of mental ill-health and aligns with ARC's ethos that creativity is key to wellbeing!
Selected artwork will be showcased as part of an open exhibition in January at their historic space inside the Hat Works — a symbol of Stockport’s industrial felting past, this 1800s mill is now home to Arc’s creative programmes, hub and café.
They’re especially keen to hear from artists who are new to exhibiting or sharing their creative process publicly.
New Flexible workspace at Stockport Art College Site
Details from Stockport Council
The Grade II-listed former Stockport Arts College, located next to the War Memorial Art Gallery on Greek Street, will be transformed into Cheers & Smith, a flexible workspace and social hub for local businesses.
Regeneration specialist Cityheart has now been granted planning permission for the development. It will form part of Stopford Park - a new neighbourhood set to bring 442 new homes and a landscaped ‘Art Park’.
Safety Campaign: Bonfire & Halloween Season
Stockport council has teamed up with partners - including the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) - to help people and communities stay safe over the Halloween and Bonfire Night period.
The 'Bang Out Of Order' campaign got underway recently providing top tips on staying safe and having fun, whilst aiming to prevent, tackle and protect against anti-social behaviour (ASB), criminal damage and other harm.
As part of the campaign, GMFRS crews and outreach team are visiting schools across Greater Manchester to share safety advice around bonfires, fireworks and responsible behaviour.
Join the Movement for Men’s Health This Movember!
Details from Stockport Council
Movember is changing the face of men’s health by raising awareness and funds for vital causes including mental health, suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer. Whether you grow a Mo (natty moustache), take on a physical challenge, or bring people together for a Mo-ment, it all contributes to saving lives.
Getting involved is simple — choose your challenge, sign up, and spread the word. The funds raised support groundbreaking research and community programmes helping men live happier, healthier, and longer lives. Let’s come together this Movember for our brothers, dads, partners, mates and sons.
Best Start in Life: Funded Childcare
Details from One Stockport Family Hubs
Did you know that 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. For the term starting on or after 1 January, parents and carers should apply before 31 December deadline.
Trained staff at One Stockport Family Hubs in your community can also help you apply.
If you visit the 'Best Start in Life' website, you'll see more information and support from pregnancy to childcare right through to starting school.
Mastercall Secures Three National Awards!
Details from Mastercall
Congratulations to Mastercall, who've picked up three national awards at the 'Urgent at Health UK Awards 2025' including two Golds and one Bronze.
Based in Stockport, Mastercall are a patient-centred healthcare organisation, providing innovative, safe and effective high quality care and support the NHS to deliver their strategy for ageing well/living well. They help prevent hospital admissions wherever possible.
Read the full press release attached
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.
Remembrance Events Across Stockport
Details from Stockport Council
Commemorative services and events are taking place across the borough for Remembrance Sunday, 9 November and Armistice Day.
On Remembrance Sunday, the Mayor of Stockport, Councillor Kerry Waters, will lead the borough in paying respects at the Civic Act of Remembrance outside Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery.
At precisely 11am, there will be a two-minute silence, beginning with the Last Post and ending with the Reveille. The Art Gallery will be open from 9.30am on Sunday 9 November for people to pay their respects.
Find out more about Remembrance & Armistice
Dad Matters: Walk & Talk
Youth Work Week Events
Details from Stockport Council
From 3 to 9 November, Stockport joins the national celebration of Youth Work Week, which highlights the life-changing impact of youth workers.
Stockroom is hosting a celebration on Saturday 8 November. The event is free to attend, offering an afternoon of fun, creativity, and connection:
- 2pm - 4.30pm: Try your hand at drumming, street dancing, and other creative activities!
- 5pm - 7pm: Stockport Youth Council Party featuring music, games, food, and a chance to discover more about youth activities in Stockport.
During the week, Warm Spaces for young people are launching across Stockport. From November 2025 to March 2026, a series of youth nights will be hosted at the following venues, here are the dates for next week..
Monday 3 Nov, 4:30pm - 6:30pm, Lancashire Hill Community Centre
Tuesday 4 Nov, 3:30pm - 6pm, Reddish Vale Youth Centre
Wednesday 5 Nov, 5pm - 7pm, Stockroom
Thursday 6 Nov, 5pm - 7pm, Offerton Community Centre
Friday 7 Nov, 5pm - 7pm, Brinnington Life Leisure (Community Room)
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.
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.
Reminder: Walthew House Afternoon Tea
Details from Walthew House
Further Events & Community Activities across the Borough
Job Opportunity: Stockport Volunteer Hub Officer
Sector 3 are recruiting for a new role: Volunteer Hub Officer. This person will lead the development and delivery of Stockport’s Volunteer Hub, working to raise the profile of volunteering across Stockport and make it easier for people to get involved.
As the Volunteer Officer at Sector 3, you’ll be responsible for driving engagement, building accessible pathways into volunteering, and strengthening the backbone of local charities, faith groups, and social enterprises. You’ll work closely with partners to promote opportunities, celebrate volunteer stories, and champion the value of giving time.
Hours: 37 hours a week. 12 month contract, extension subject to funding availability
Volunteering: Stockport Volunteer Hub
Stockport Volunteer Hub is an online space where you can find volunteering opportunities that enable you to discover new passions, explore your potential and develop valuable skills.
If you’re an organisation wanting to recruit volunteers, head to the ‘Organisations’ section to upload your role and access support for volunteer management and recruitment.
If you’re an individual looking for a volunteer role, head to the ‘Volunteers’ section to search the diverse array of opportunities available in Stockport.
Visit the Stockport Volunteer Hub
Job Opportunity: Signpost for Carers
Details from Signpost for Carers
Signpost for Carers are delighted to offer an exciting opportunity as their First Conversation Worker. This role is pivotal in ensuring that unpaid adult carers receive timely, compassionate, and effective first-line support when they reach out to the team.
You will be the first point of contact for many carers, listening, providing information, and connecting them with the right support within the organisation and beyond.
Training: Baby & Child First Aid
Details from Manchester South Mini First Aid
Manchester South Mini First Aid is running baby and child first aid classes in November. Sessions are designed for expectant families and families with babies and young children.
Saturday 8 Nov, 9:30am - 11.30am - John Lewis Cheadle
Thurs 27 Nov, 7pm - 9pm - Heaton Moor, Signpost for Carers
Mon 8 Dec, 7pm - 9pm - Heaton Moor, Signpost for Carers
Sat 13 Dec 9:30am - 11.30am - John Lewis Cheadle
Sessions are £30 per person and will cover all the essentials in first aid knowledge that all parents need to know.
Visit the website for further details and to book: www.manchestersouth.minifirstaid.co.uk
Volunteering: Help Collect Gifts for Older People
Details from Home Instead
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
Answer Cancer
For Men who Talk
Live Well Greater Manchester
King's Trust
Upcoming courses from The King's Trust
ND Matters
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.
