Healthwatch Round Up - 13 November 2025
Welcome to this week's Healthwatch Stockport Information Round-up!
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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
Reminder: 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.
What are parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities telling us?
How can your pharmacy help you?
Did you know that pharmacies provide advice and information on minor illnesses and ailments? Find out how they can help you.
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.
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 help to raise awareness and shape better services.
National Bullying Helpline
As it's Anti Bullying Week, we're sharing this important support service, available nationally.
All bullying is unacceptable and should not be tolerated. It can affect anyone and we are all potential targets - whether we are an adult or a child, or the bullying is at school, in the community, at work, on line or at home. Most people understand bullying as behaviour by an individual or group, repeated over time, that is intended to hurt another individual or group either physically or emotionally.
The National Bullying helpline is the UK’s only charitable organisation addressing Adult Bullying and Child Bullying.
The helpline is open from 9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday, and 10am to 12pm on Saturday.
Contact Details
Freephone: 0300 323 0169 Phone: 0845 225 5787
help@nationalbullyinghelpline.co.uk
Junior Doctor Strike (14 - 19 November)
DetaIls from NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care
Resident (junior) doctors across England are taking part in industrial action from 7am on Friday 14 November until 7am on Wednesday 19 November.
During this time, patient safety remains our priority across Greater Manchester. Emergency and urgent services will continue, but some routine (planned) care may be postponed. You will be contacted if your appointment is affected; otherwise, please attend as normal.
You can help to keep services running smoothly by:
- Calling 999 only in a life-threatening emergency.
- Using NHS 111 online or by phone for urgent medical advice when it’s not life-threatening.
- Contacting your GP practice or local pharmacy for help with minor illnesses and ongoing care.
- Making sure you have enough medication and ordering any repeat prescriptions in good time.
While some disruption is expected, our teams are working hard to keep essential services running and to support patients across the region.
For updates and local information, visit the NHS Greater Manchester website
Safe & Effective Pharmacy Care: Strategy Published
Details from the General Pharmaceutical Council
The General Pharmaceutical Council have published their Putting our strategy into action: our delivery plan for 2025-2030, outlining how their 2025-30 strategy will be delivered.
Their strategy sets out how they will uphold safety, quality and public trust in pharmacy. The delivery plan shows what they will deliver, why it matters and how progress will be measured. It also connects long-term ambitions to actions, setting clear priorities for 2025-26 and presenting the direction for future years.
It focuses on what matters to patients, pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacy owners, and how they'll improve support, drive greater consistency and invest in the areas that make the biggest difference to safety and public confidence.
The delivery plan sets out how they will put into practice their strategic aims to:
- empower pharmacists and technicians to provide trusted, safe, effective pharmacy care
- protect those using pharmacy services by working collaboratively with healthcare regulators and other organisations; and
- build a skilled, agile and inclusive organisation to carry out our regulatory responsibilities.
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,
Anti Bullying Week
Details from Stockport Council and Greater Manchester Integrated Care
Anti-Bullying Week 2025 runs from 10–14 November with the theme Power for Good, encouraging young people to speak up when they see bullying - online or face to face.
If you or someone you know is experiencing bullying, we have shared some amazing organisations on our website.
Visit Healthwatch Stockport website
Head to our 'Training' section of this Round up for a new cyber-bullying webinar.
Reminder: British Muslim Trust Helpline
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.
Community Diagnostic Centre Celebrates First Anniversary
Details from NHS Stockport Foundation Trust
Staff at the South East Manchester Community Diagnostic Centre based in Denton recently celebrated their first anniversary of serving the populations of both Stockport and Tameside.
The centre provides diagnosis and treatment of a range of conditions, including cancer and heart disease.
Stockport NHS Foundation Trust and Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust opened the centre in partnership with InHealth, the UK’s largest specialist provider of diagnostic solutions.
In the past year they have seen over 28,000 patients and carried out over:
- 9100 CT scans
- 6600 MRI scans
- 3800 echocardiograms
- 2700 DEXA scans
- 1500 ultrasound appointments
In doing so they’ve helped to reduce waiting times, and improve access to vital diagnostics for patients. The anniversary celebrated this success for patients with partnership working.
Improving Communication for Patients
Details from NHS Stockport Foundation Trust
Stockport NHS Foundation Trust has gone live with CardMedic across the organisation, enabling its workforce to communicate more clearly and confidently with patients who face language or communication barriers.
CardMedic is a digital healthcare communication platform that allows staff and patients to communicate safely and effectively irrespective of language barriers, cognitive impairment or literacy.
The platform provides instant access to live interpreters in 200+ languages via Language Line, alongside thousands of clinically validated scripts in multiple languages and formats, including British Sign Language (BSL), Easy Read, and Read Aloud. It also supports health literacy for same language patients by explaining information in plain language, clearly and succinctly.
Stockport Foodbank Reverse Advent Calendar
Details from Stockport Foodbank
Self Care Week is Coming!
Details from Stockport Council
November 17 - 23 is Self Care Week but why not make it every week!
Small changes can make a big difference. Making time for yourself is key – whether that’s finally reading that book with a brew or taking the free NHS Healthy Choices Quiz for personalised tips to boost your wellbeing.
Need local support? Stockport’s START team will talk to you on a one-to-one basis, and can guide you towards the support that's best for you. You can also call them if you'd like more information or advice on:
- quitting smoking
- getting more active
- healthy weight
- drugs
- alcohol
Reminder: 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.
Have Your Say: Shape the Future of Continence Care
Details from Urology Trade Association
14 million people in the UK have some degree of urinary incontinence. The Urology Trade Association (UTA), The Urology Foundation (TUF) and the Spinal Injuries Association (SIA) have launched a joint survey on patient dignity, experiences, and outcomes, aimed at improving continence care across the UK.
They'd like to understand people's experiences with urinary continence care, including how it affects your day-to-day life, dignity and how well the care and products work for you. The survey is aimed at adults who experience continence issues and/or their carer/family member.
The insights will be instrumental in shaping better services and informing future policy to support patients living with continence issues.
The deadline has been extended to 30 November.
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: Kidney Disease Social Prescribing
Details from Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust
Queen's University Belfast are conducting a study to explore how people with kidney disease can be supported with social prescribing.
Social prescribing connects people to community-based activities, groups, and services to address practical, social, and emotional needs that impact their health and wellbeing.
They're asking people who've been diagnosed with kidney disease, social prescribers, link workers, and organisations providing socially prescribed activities or services, to complete a short survey.
Taking part is voluntary and anonymous, and participants do not need to have prior experience of working with kidney patients.
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.
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.
Stockport Proper Good Shopping Showcase
Get ready to shop, support, and boogie! This November, the Proper Good Pop-Up Shop is coming to the Pop-Up Space in Stockport's Merseyway Shopping Centre.
Running from 18 - 23 November, the shop will offer a mix of local social enterprises, offering unique products including arts and crafts, gifts, plants, and more, just in time for the festive season. You can have a dance to the fantastic Dementia Disco too!
Every purchase made at the Proper Good Pop-Up Shop goes towards supporting Stockport residents, with money reinvested into community wellbeing, local jobs and greener neighbourhoods.
Voicing Grief Workshop
Details from NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board
Greater Manchester Mature Minds Matter are running a grief workshop enabling people to explore grief and loss in a safe space, learn new skills and have meaningful conversations.
This workshop is for people aged 50+ and lunch will be provided. The purpose of the network is to ensure the voice of older people with lived experience of mental health are able to influence the transformation of mental health support across Greater Manchester.
1 December, 10am - 4:30pm
St Thomas Centre, Ardwick Green North, Manchester, M12 6FZ
Spaces are limited, sign up using the link provided or calling 0161 834 9823
Transport support is offered for attendees if required, email gmopn@macc.org.uk
Stockport Connect Hub Drop-in
Stepping up Greater Manchester
Details from M Women Together
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.
Direct Payments - Fortnightly Drop Ins
Details from Stockport Council
Stockport Council are running fortnightly community drop-ins for anyone that would like to know more about Direct Payments and for new and existing service users. The next drop in will be on:
21 November, 2pm - 4pm
High Lane Library, Buxton Road, High Lane, SK6 8DX
The Direct Payment team and a social work practitioner will be attending all drop-ins to support you with any questions. Maybe you:
- want to find out more about Direct Payments
- are in receipt of a Direct Payment from Stockport Council and want to discuss or be supported with this
If you have any questions, you can contact the brokerage team:
0161 218 1411
See the attached flyer for more details and follow the website for future dates.
Find out more about Direct Payments: www.stockport.gov.uk/direct-payments
Further Events & Community Activities across the Borough
Become a Member of Stockport NHS Foundation Trust
Details from Stockport NHS Foundation Trust
Help shape our services! As a member, you'd have an opportunity to shape the future and ensure services are developed to best meet your and your family’s needs. Membership is completely free, and open to anyone over 16 years old.
What would I have to do? You can choose how much you want to be involved; this can range from receiving quarterly newsletters to standing for election as a governor during the election process, attending members health events or completing short surveys.
What are the benefits? Membership gives you the opportunity to provide feedback and ideas on the health issues that matter most to you.
In addition, as a member you can sign up for discounts at the free to join online discount scheme site www.healthservicediscounts.com, offering discounts, cashback and vouchers across a wide range of retailers.
Join for free:
To become a member, complete the online form here
For further information or questions, email: membership@stockport.nhs.uk
Or visit our website: Become a Member - Stockport NHS Foundation Trust
Webinars: Free Smartphone Safety & Cyberbullying Webinars
Most 11-year-olds have a mobile phone, but do they know how to protect themselves from cyberbullying? Kooth is inviting parents and carers to join them for a free 45-minute webinar on Thursday November 20.
It will share practical tips on how to help children deal with potential problems, how to spot signs of cyberbullying and what action to take.
Included will be information on:
- How their phone grabs and holds young people’s attention
- The pressure they may feel to be online
- What cyberbullying might look like
- The impacts of social media and bullying
- How you can help young people stay safe
- How they can build a positive online space
Careers: Pure College Open Evening
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 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
Greater Manchester Moving
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.
