Healthwatch Round Up - 6 November 2025
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Healthwatch Findings Inform Government's Men's Health Strategy
This week, Healthwatch England (HWE) published findings from their research on men’s health, to help inform the Government’s forthcoming men’s health strategy.
The data shows that social media and AI tools are becoming a popular source of information on how to stay healthy for men, especially for younger men and those from ethnic minority communities. Healthwatch have called on the NHS to use this as an opportunity to improve their digital visibility.
Read their blog about the issue: www.healthwatch.co.uk/blog/2025-11-05/ai-and-algorithms-healthcare-what-are-risks-and-opportunities-nhs
The full report can be found here: Men's Health: How to improve health outcomes, knowledge and behaviours | Healthwatch
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 Screening Fact Sheets!
Earlier this year we produced a series of screening fact sheets. In this ‘Round Up’ we’re sharing two of those; Diabetes eye screening and the Prostate Cancer Risk Programme to help you access the information you need. #DiabetesAwareness #ProstateCancerAwareness
Diabetic Eye Screening: Diabetic eye screening is a test to check for eye problems caused by diabetes and is an important part of your care. Screening is important to identify any issues and reduce or prevent damage to your sight.
Diabetic eye screening fact sheet
Prostate Cancer: 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.
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.
Tadpoles & Diabetes U.K.
Stockport Tadpole Group provides help and support to children, their families and carers, living with diabetes in the UK.
Based in Cheadle, they are "under the umbrella" of Diabetes UK and part of their Voluntary Group Network. They give the children and their parents an opportunity to share experiences and offer support for newly diagnosed children to help them cope with their diabetes.
Diabetes UK - the leading UK charity supporting people with diabetes, so whether you're looking for diabetes information, or just someone to talk to – they are there to help you.
Their supporters help them to provide a helpline, local support groups in Stockport (Tadpoles), Tameside and Trafford, Type 1 events, an online Learning Zone, and even insurance - to name just a few.
Contact Details:
0345 123 2399 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm
Flu Vaccinations: Are you Eligible?
Details from NHS England
The flu season has hit the NHS more than a month earlier than usual, with cases three times higher than this time last year.
The UK Health Security Agency’s (UKHSA’s) latest surveillance data published today shows cases have increased this week from 6.1% up to 8.2% – largely driven by a spike among school-aged children – and is up from 2.9% this time last year.
NHS teams are further driving its autumn/winter flu vaccination campaign to prevent further spreading of the virus,
'Let’s Move' - Government Launches New Campaign
Three in five parents say their children's physical activity levels will dip during Autumn and Winter. NHS guidance is that kids get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day.
The Government have launched ‘Let’s Move!’, a new campaign supported by Sport England, to help keep families active together all year round.
The campaign is backed by Alex and Olivia Bowen, Max Whitlock, Beth Tweddle, and Joe Wicks, who has shared top tips for parents getting active with children, as research uncovers impact parents have on their children’s activity levels.
Find simple ideas to get active together at www.nhs.uk/letsmove.
Reminder: 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.
Stockport County to Launch Health Research Project With NIHR & Stockport NHS Foundation Trust
Stockport County Community Trust (SCCT), the official charity of Stockport County Football Club, is launching a dedicated programme for people to take part in health and care research at the club’s Edgeley Park stadium.
The community to visit and take part in NIHR-supported studies which align with the health challenges facing Stockport and its areas of deprivation, including Stockport Central, Brinnington, Lancashire Hill and Reddish.
Health and care research is key to developing new treatments, finding better ways to manage health conditions and providing better care.
Initially taking place over 12 months, activities will include engagement events on Stockport County matchdays to raise awareness and promote participation in research.
British Muslim Trust Helpline Launched
Details from Sector 3
The British Muslim Trust (BMT) has launched its new helpline service in the wake of increased anti-Muslim hate in the UK. The helpline will be used to support victims to help them report their experiences in a safe environment.
All calls are handled by Muslim staff to ensure cultural and religious understanding of the context of these incidents. All communications and personal information shared with the helpline are treated with strict confidentiality to ensure victims feel safe and protected when reaching out for support.
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.
Received your invite but missed your appointment? Contact the bookings team on 0161 529 0900.
Stockport's L!STEN Youth Alliance Receives Award
Details from Stockport Council
Congratulations to Stockport’s L!STEN Youth Alliance who've been honoured with the British Citizen Youth Award 2025 for making a significant impact on their community.
The award was presented at the Roll of Honour ceremony at the Palace of Westminster, celebrating the group’s outstanding commitment to improving the wellbeing and lives of young people across Stockport.
L!STEN is a partnership between Stockport Council and social enterprise PIE: Pursuing Individual Excellence, to amplify youth voices, address key issues, and ensure feedback informs decision-making across the borough.
To make the programme fully inclusive and accessible, a local SEND organisation was also commissioned, ensuring that young people with additional needs are represented and supported throughout.
Help us Create Something Special for our SEND Community!
Details from Stockport SEND Local Offer
The Stockport SEND team know there’s lots to do to improve support for SEND, but also know that there are some superstars in Stockport’s SEND community - amazing people and projects who are making a real difference for families.
They're working on a special award to celebrate this and want families to help shape it from the start. Can you help?
- Choose a name for the award
- Design a logo
- Share ideas for an annual celebration event for award winners
Vernon Christmas Appeal
Details from One Stockport & The Wellspring
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 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.
Nd Matters: 'Pay What You Can'
Details from ND Matters
ND Matters is a small social enterprise and we rely on donations to keep creating free, neuro-affirming resources and community projects.
They have made available free resources including neurodiverse colouring bundles, planners, Advocacy at work packs and more. If you’re able to contribute, please make a ‘pay what you can’ donation to help this vital service.
Digital resources Archives - ND Matters
ND Matters also have an ambassadors programme, and are looking for individuals and organisations who may be interested. ND Matters Ambassadors are passionate supporters who help to raise awareness and make work accessible to more people. Find out more.
Join Movember for Men’s Health!
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.
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.
Have Your Say: Stockport SEND School Transport
Details from Stockport Council
Stockport Council is running a consultation on proposed changes to the SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) school transport service.
The consultation is open to parents, carers, schools, and anyone interested in how transport support is provided for children and young people with SEND.
Find out more and share your views
Have Your Say: The My Diabetes and Me Study
Details from Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust
Do you have Type 2 Diabetes and a Learning Disability? Perhaps you know someone who has?
Queen’s University Belfast and Northern Ireland Clinical Trials Unit are undertaking research with people who have Type 2 Diabetes and a mild/moderate Learning Disability. They'd like to understand if providing a structured education programme on managing Type 2 Diabetes and maintaining a healthier lifestyle helps participants manage their blood sugar levels.
Eligibility:
- Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes
- 18 years of age or older
- Mild/Moderate Learning Disability
- Capable of giving Informed Consent
- Living in the community
To take part, speak to Sophie Dawson on 0161 716 5460.
This project is funded by the National Institute for Health Research - Health Technology Assessment Programme.
Have Your Say: The Future of Stockport
Details from Stockport Council
Residents, businesses and community groups will be invited to share their views on the borough’s draft Local Plan, a legal document that will guide how Stockport changes over the next 15 years once adopted.
From 6 November to 21 December, they welcome your comments on this version of the local plan.
The consultation is a chance for you to review the draft proposals in detail, and tell Stockport Council what you think. Your feedback will be used to shape the next version of the Local Plan before it is submitted to the Government for review.
They want to hear what works, what doesn’t, and where alternative options and changes could be made, especially from those who live, work, study or run businesses in Stockport.
The consultation runs until 21 December 2025.
Residents can speak to the planning team at Adlington Walk, outside Stockroom, on:
- 17 and 24 November between 10.30am and 2.30pm
- 10 December between 10.30am and 2.30pm (inside Stockroom)
The planning team will be hosting drop-in information sessions around the borough from the 17 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.
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 11am, there'll be a two-minute silence, beginning with the Last Post and ending with the Reveille. The Art Gallery will open from 9.30am, Sunday 9 November for people to pay their respects.
Find out more about Remembrance & Armistice
Stockport Connect Hub Drop-in
Sensory Sync With Autisk Marple
What’s New in Parkinson’s Research?
Details from South Manchester Parkinson's Group
Our South Manchester Parkinson’s Support Group invite you to hear researcher Becky Jones share the latest research into Parkinson’s and how you might become involved.
10 November, 12pm to 2pm
Didsbury Baptist Church, Beaver Road, Manchester M20 6SX
For more information, contact Amanda Ashworth:
0344 225 9846
Mentell Meet-Ups
Mentell is a UK charity that provides groups for males aged 18+ to talk in a safe and confidential space, free from advice and judgement.
Further Events & Community Activities across the Borough
Careers: Pure College Open Evening
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
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.
Volunteering: Become a Special Constable
Details from one Stockport
Could you volunteer with Greater Manchester Police? As a Special Constable, you’ll work alongside regular officers to help keep communities safe, tackle anti-social behaviour, and support people when they need it most.
No experience is needed, just commitment and a willingness to learn. Training takes place over several weekends, and once qualified, you’ll volunteer around 16 hours a month.
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
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
Diabetes UK
For Men who Talk
Greater Manchester Aging Hub
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.
