Healthwatch Round Up - 4 December 2025
Welcome to this week's Healthwatch Stockport Information Round-up!
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'What to Know This Winter' Booklet Available
Have you downloaded or picked up your copy? The Healthwatch Stockport team have pulled together a super useful booklet sharing tips, tricks, advice and important information to help you and your loved ones through the Winter months and colder weather.
This handy booklet is available digitally to download and share, or in a printed version. Many hard copies are already been distributed to libraries, pharmacies, and local community venues. So feel free to pick one up! To ask for a copy, contact the team:
info@healthwatchstockport.co.uk
Please share this with loved ones and your networks.
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.
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.
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.
Stockport Support Hub & Community Support
As we move towards the Winter period / Christmas, many people experience increased loneliness, isolation, anxiety, or reduced wellbeing. This season can be especially difficult for those without strong support networks, so we're shining a big spotlight on the Stockport Support Hub and the support available through Community Support.
The Stockport Support Hub, part of the Early Help & Prevention strategy, brings together a range of practical and emotional support for adults across Stockport, including:
- Community Support
- Your Support
- Home Support
- Transport Support
- Domestic Abuse Support
- Carers Support
Find out about the other services here: https://stockportsupport.com/about-us
Community Support – Their Wellbeing Engagement workers provide short-term, person-centred, one-to-one support for adults who are:
- Lonely or socially isolated
- Struggling with confidence, motivation, or low mood
- Wanting to get out more and connect with their local community and people
- Looking to build routine, purpose and independence
- Needing encouragement to join groups, volunteer, or re-engage with community life
What they offer:
- Search local activities or groups for the person to attend
- Up to 10 weeks short-term support, introducing people to the group for the first 2-3 times
- Support to build confidence and social connection
- Signposting / referring to other services and local organisations to help break barriers to accessing their local community
Eligibility criteria:
- Any adult (18+), or family units, in Stockport who are isolated and would benefit from improving wellbeing, confidence and social engagement.
- Able to leave the home independently (and be able to arrange travel for themselves), OR have 1:1/personal assistant support in place.
How to refer:
Please send referrals to https://stockportsupport.com/contact-us/referral-form
0161 804 4416 if you'd like to discuss a client first.
A single referral can make a huge difference.
Stockport Receives £56m to Accelerate the UK's Largest Town Centre Regeneration
Details from Stockport Council
Stockport is at the heart of Greater Manchester’s pioneering new model for inclusive economic growth, set to receive one of the largest allocations from the first wave of the £1 billion GM Good Growth Fund. This will unlock development that will deliver hundreds of new homes and create vibrant, well-connected and sustainable neighbourhoods in the town centre.
- £41.3m will go towards Stockport 8 - the new neighbourhood in Stockport which will deliver 1,300 energy efficient homes.
- A further £15m will help fund 245 homes on the site of a derelict office block and car park on Fletcher Street. The homes will be 'age-inclusive', designed to be accessible for all stages of life.
In all, the funding will help deliver new homes, shops and services across the town centre.
NHS Greater Manchester Publish IVF findings
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
You can read the full report on the Greater Manchester IVF Cycles public consultation, which shares findings on a proposal to standardise the number of NHS-funded IVF Cycles offered.
More than 2,200 people got involved during the eight-week consultation in June and July 2025 via surveys, focus groups and workshops, or shared their thoughts at one of the pop-up stalls.
People strongly supported standardising the number of cycles across the whole of Greater Manchester. However, there was widespread frustration and concern about changing to a GM-wide one cycle plus an additional attempt should this be cancelled or abandoned (known as the 1+ option). Many cited clinical evidence and personal experiences that only one cycle was insufficient for most women to achieve a successful pregnancy.
Some described the first IVF cycle as a “trial run” or “exploratory,” with further cycles offering the opportunity for “bespoke treatment”. The impact any change could have on an individual’s mental health was also raised, as was the price of further private treatment being unaffordable and out of reach for many couples.
These findings, along with clinical evidence, will inform the final service model. We will keep stakeholders informed on how this progresses.
You can read the full report on our website.
For more information on the consultation, visit https://getinvolved.gmintegratedcare.org.uk/en-GB/projects/ivf-consultation.
You can also contact:
07786 673762 (call, text or WhatsApp).
HIV Action Plan for England, 2025 to 2030
Details from
The HIV Action Plan 2025 to 2030 sets out how the government will enable every level of the healthcare system to work together to engage everyone in prevention, testing and treatment, tackle stigma, and reach their ambition to end new HIV transmissions by 2030. The plan sets out a framework for action, focusing on 5 core priorities:
- Prevent - prevent HIV transmission through equitable access to HIV prevention services.
- Test - scale up testing to reduce transmission and protect people’s health.
- Treat - rapidly linking and retaining people living with HIV in care, ensuring people can live healthy lives and cannot pass it on.
- Thrive - address stigma and improve the quality of life for people living with HIV.
- Collaborate - strengthen healthcare to improve HIV and wider sexual health.
These priorities cover a range of actions, including commissioning a new national HIV Prevention England programme and expanding HIV testing through a trial in the NHS App.
Read the full article and plan
Announcement: End-of-life & Palliative Care Policy
Details from Healthwatch England
It has been announced that the government will publish a Palliative and End-of-Life Care Modern Service Framework (MSF) by Spring 2026 "to deliver a fundamental improvement to the care provided".
The announcement was followed by a new report, which reveals that patients and their next of kin struggle to navigate a complex and fragmented system for palliative and end of life care.
The report referenced Healthwatch England's evidence, which shared evidence of long waits to access care, but also described the enormous value it brings people once they do get it.
This government recognises the increasing numbers of people living with multiple complex conditions, the increasing ageing population and that there are thousands of children and young people with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions.
They acknowledge the significant challenges currently facing the sector, including:
- Delays in early identification of individuals approaching the end of life.
- Inconsistencies in commissioning practices across integrated care boards (ICBs).
- Workforce challenges in both universal and specialist services.
- Gaps in 24/7 palliative care provision.
- Limited uptake and integration of personalised care and support planning, including advance care planning.
Check out the Brand New 'The Hub'
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
A new online resource called The Hub has launched on the Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership website, offering young people across Greater Manchester easy access to trusted information about their health and wellbeing.
Reminder: Warm Spaces Across Stockport
Details from Stockport Council
Stockport residents can find a warm welcome across the borough this Winter, with plenty of free places now open to provide comfort and support during the colder months.
Warm spaces at libraries: Library opening times are available on our libraries directory. If you're unable to make it in person, why not join the free Home Library Service?! The service is open to people of all ages as well as full-time carers.
Warm spaces at Stockroom: Every Monday, enjoy a free hot drink at Stockroom’s Winter board games get together, from 10am to 12 noon. Visit the Stockroom website to find more free activities.
Warm spaces at community hubs: Life Leisure is offering free Brew and a Biscuit sessions across the borough, as well as community clubs at their Brinnington Park Hub.
Visit the events calendar to find these and more warm spaces. More Live Well Warm Spaces will be opening throughout winter. Details to follow.
Resident Doctor Strike (17 - 22 December)
Details from the British Medical Association
Resident (junior) doctors across England are taking part in industrial action from 7am on 17 December until 22 December.
During this time, patient safety remains a 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 for urgent medical advice when it’s not life-threatening.
- Contacting your GP or local pharmacy for help with minor illnesses and ongoing care.
- Making sure you have enough medication and order repeat prescriptions in good time.
While some disruption is expected, the NHS will work hard to keep essential services running.
For updates and local information, visit the NHS Greater Manchester website
The Vaccination Van is Touring Stockport
Details from Stockport Council
The NHS roving vaccination van is offering free COVID-19 vaccines to eligible residents. You don't need an appointment, just drop in between 9am and 3pm.
10 December - Moya Cole Hospice, St Ann’s Road North, Heald Green, SK8 3SZ
17 December - Merseyway Shopping Centre, Stockport, SK1 1PD
Visit the events calendar for more dates, times and locations: https://orlo.uk/OAfBy
You can get the COVID-19 vaccine if you:
- are 75 or over, or will be by 31 January 2026
- are aged between 6 months and 74 years and have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment
- live in a care home for older adults
The vaccine is our best defence against COVID-19, which can cause serious illness for some people. Getting vaccinated helps protect you and the people around you.
Questions about the vaccine? Find out more on the NHS website: https://orlo.uk/0243h
This Van Can & Get Cancer Clever
Details from Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance
The latest “This Van Can” is continuing its tour of Greater Manchester. This time, focusing on the generic signs and symptoms of cancer / red flags, as well as busting some cancer myths.
It’s accompanied by a sister campaign “Get Cancer Clever”. The aims are for residents to know what to look out for, so that more cancers are diagnosed at an early stage.
The van will be visiting Stockport before Christmas before continuing in 2026
- 11 December – Asda, Hazel Grove
- 12 December – Stockport Market
- 13 December – Morrisons, Bredbury
- w/c 5 March – (three events, dates & locations TBC)
Could you spot the signs? The earlier cancer is found, the easier it is to treat. The NHS wants everyone to know the key symptoms to look out for, including:
- A lump or swelling anywhere on the body
- A cough or breathlessness lasting more than three weeks
- Unexplained bleeding (in pee, poo, or between periods)
- Heartburn that lasts for three weeks or more
- Unexplained tiredness, pain, loss of appetite, or weight loss
Free Lung Health Checks Across Stockport
Details from the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance
The NHS is offering free lung health checks to more current and former cigarette and shisha smokers. These checks are available to people aged 55-74 registered with a GP based at the following practices (part of Stockport East and South Primary Care Network):
Marple Bridge Surgery SK6 5AA
Marple Cottage Surgery, SK6 6BW
Beech House Medical Practice, 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 message.
The checks are quick, free and they could save your life by finding lung cancer at an early stage before you may have symptoms. Most will get reassurance that everything is OK.
If you've received your invitation but missed your appointment, contact the bookings team on 0161 529 0900.
For more information, visit: mft.nhs.uk/lunghealthcheck
#GMLungHealthCheck
NHS GM’s Guide to Primary Care is Back!
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
Over 40,000 copies of NHS GM’s ‘Primary Care: Get To Know Where To Go’ publication have been delivered across Greater Manchester to locations including GP practices, pharmacies, libraries, family hubs, health centres, and hospitals.
The Get To Know Where To Go page on the NHS GM website has more information on local health services. All pages on our website can be translated into a range of languages using Recite Me – look out for this logo.
Benefit Changes
Details from Citizens Advice Stockport
The government have announced changes to Universal Credit that will affect everyone from April 2026. This is the result of the ‘Universal Credit Act 2025’. The 'limited capability for work and work related activity' (LCWRA) element of Universal Credit is changing from April 2026, under the Universal Credit Act 2025.
They encourage people who are thinking of starting the LCWRA process to take action as soon as possible, for the best chance of qualifying for the higher rate of LCWRA before the changes take effect.
To find out more on the changes, how they'll impact disabled people and those suffering with long term health conditions, and their concerns about a two-tiered approach to support, visit their blog:
Greater Manchester Blood Donation
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
As hospitals across England work hard to reduce surgery waiting lists in the run-up to Christmas, they’re ordering almost 400 extra units of blood each week.
They especially need O negative, B negative, and Ro subtype donations to help meet demand. Just one hour of your time could save up to three lives.
Book an appointment today:
our website or GiveBlood app
0300 123 23 23.
Action for Happiness Calendar
Details from Action for Happiness
To help incorporate wellbeing into every day, Action for Happiness produce helpful calendars every month. This time, the focus is on doing something good.
Support From One Stockport Family Hubs
Details from One Stockport Council
Family Hubs are networks of support that bring together existing services and offers in local neighbourhoods to provide a 'one-stop-shop' of accessible information, help, and advice They support families from pre-birth up to age 19, or 25 for young adults with special educational needs and disabilities.
There are three Family Hubs in Brinnington, Adswood and Reddish open to all families in Stockport. Additionally, trained staff provide information and support in all local libraries, Life Leisure Hubs and at Stockport Homes.
The Family Hubs website and Family Hubs app offer access to information and support 24/7 and over 1,500 families have now downloaded app.
See the latest edition of our Family Hubs newsletter. This newsletter is intended for people who work with or are involved with families, not for families themselves. Subscribe here.
Support for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
Details from Stockport Council
- The online Local Offer is the go-to place for families looking for answers to questions about support for children and young people with SEND, from EHCPs and school admissions to mental health, therapies, and preparing for adulthood.
- Find support sessions and a wide range of social events including play events, inclusive sports and social hangouts, for all via the SEND and ND events calendar.
- December 2025 SEND & Inclusion Newsletter. This newsletter is for everyone including families. Subscribe here
- Stockport SEND Local Offer Facebook has reached 1,000 followers! A huge thank you to every parent, carer, young person and professional who’s followed the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Facebook.
Greater Manchester School Attendance Campaign
Details from the SEND & Inclusion
The Department for Education and GMCA have launched a new ‘School is more than schoolwork’ campaign to boost school attendance. The message is simple: school isn’t just about lessons, it’s where children build friendships, confidence, and life skills.
The campaign website provides support for families including top tips to reduce absences, with a different theme each month:
- December: Winter wellness tips
- January: Back-to-school jitters
- February: Life lessons - social skills and confidence
The campaign is endorsed by SEND partners and includes a case study showing how extra support improved attendance for a child receiving SEND support.
Wellspring Christmas Appeal
Last Call - Present for a Pensioner This Christmas
Details from Care Your Way Stockport
Care Your Way Stockport are running their 'Present for a Pensioner' initiative to deliver Christmas hampers to pensioners who may otherwise spend the holidays alone.
They need your nominations: If you know a pensioner through hospital discharge, step-down services, community support, hospice care, or your day-to-day work — who may be:
- isolated or living alone
- struggling financially
- without family nearby
- in need of a little Christmas kindness
…Care Your Way Stockport would be honoured to deliver a hamper to them.
Closing date for nominations: Friday 12 December.
Nominate here
Donations welcome: Care Your Way would welcome donations to help them create each hamper. Even the smallest contribution can help:
Donate a tin of baked beans or soup, tea bags, snacks such as biscuits, a hot water bottle, throw, socks, gloves or some festive surprises and treats.
Drop off donations: CareYourWay Stockport, Office Suite 0, The Mailbox, 1 Exchange Street, SK3 0GA https://maps.app.goo.gl/QJ3VoBrRpFRAbC9r9 from Monday - Friday 9am – 5pm.
Sponsor a full hamper for £35 by completing the form: https://careyourway.co.uk/contact/
Stockport Libraries Accepting Foodbank Donations
Details from Stockport Council
You can now drop off donations for Stockport Foodbank at Edgeley, Hazel Grove, Offerton and Bredbury libraries, and for re:dish at Reddish Library. They’re accepting non-perishable items like tinned foods and biscuits, which will help people in crisis across Stockport.
A big thank you to everyone for your continued kind donations, and to the amazing staff and volunteers who give up their time to support our community.
Visit our website if you need help getting food this winter, or call our friendly cost of living team on 0161 474 2140, Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm.
Pure Innovations' Local Talking Therapy Service
Details from Pure Innovations
The team are currently accepting referrals for Low Intensity, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). The service is available to anyone aged 16+ living in Greater Manchester and offers quick access with minimal waiting times.
Offering free, confidential, and accessible support is designed for individuals experiencing common mental health difficulties, including low mood, anxiety, panic, stress, sleep difficulties, depression and phobias.
- Support is delivered by trained Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners (PWPs) using evidence-based interventions.
- Sessions can be accessed remotely (telephone or video) or in-person, depending on individual preference and need.
This service is particularly suitable for people who may benefit from guided self-help, psychoeducation, and support in developing effective coping strategies.
How to Refer: Individuals can self-refer directly, or organisations can share the service information with clients during support sessions. Referrals can be made via the website:
www.pureinnovations.co.uk/wellbeing/stockport-therapy-services/
If you have any questions, contact TalkingTherapies@pureinnovations.co.uk
Concessionary Bus Pass Trial - Do You Like it?
Details from Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Have your say on older person’s concessionary bus pass trial. In November, Greater Manchester trialled 24-hour use of the older person’s concessionary bus pass, meaning that there were no restrictions before 9.30am.
This pilot is being evaluated before a decision is made by Mayor Andy Burnham on whether to the change should be made permanent.
Fill in the online survey on the Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) website Concessionary pass trial on buses | Bee Network | Powered by TfGM
For those unable to respond online:
Call the TfGM contact centre 0161 244 1000 (Mon to Fri, 7am to 8pm, Weekends and Bank Holidays: 8am to 8pm)
Write to Transport for Greater Manchester, 2 Piccadilly Place, Manchester, M1 3BG
Preparing for Adulthood Strategy
Details from PACTs
The Preparing for Adulthood Strategy consultation on open until 31 January. The strategy outlines how we’ll support young people with SEND aged 14–25 as they move into adulthood. We want to hear from parents, carers, young people, professionals, and partner organisations to ensure the plan reflects real experiences and delivers positive outcomes.
Changes to SEND School Transport Service
Changes to SEND school transport service consultation closes 15 December. The consultation is open to parents, carers, schools, and anyone interested in how transport support is provided for children and young people with SEND. The final online Q & A session takes place on 11 December to find out more about what’s proposed and how to give feedback.
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.
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:
- 10 December between 10.30am and 2.30pm (inside Stockroom)
The planning team will be hosting drop-in information sessions around the borough
8 December, 12:30pm to 4:30pm - Edgeley Road, Edgeley, Stockport, SK3 9NB
9 December, 10:30am to 2:30pm - Beech Ave, Hazel Grove, Stockport SK7 4QP
10 December, 11am to 7pm - Merseyway Shopping Centre, 41 Merseyway, SK1 1PW
12 December, 10:30am to 2:30pm - 367 Brinnington Road, Stockport, SK5 8EN
Have Your Say: Bereavement & Hierarchy
Details from Age UK Stockport
Dr Jennifer Dayes, from Manchester Met University is leading research around bereavement and ‘hierarchy’. It’s the idea that in bereavement situations, we prioritise the needs of one or a few people above others to avoid conflict and disagreement in families at a difficult time.
This project explores ‘hierarchy’ in bereavement and grief contexts. They’re interested in why people consider others to be more or less important after a person has died, and as a result, what needs or desires are prioritised.
Eligibility:
They’d like to talk to people who are 18+, have been bereaved in the UK in the last 10 years, and had at least one experience of ‘hierarchy’ in a bereavement and grief context. By ‘experiencing hierarchy’, we mean have seen people being ranked as ‘more’ or ‘less’ important in bereavement contexts.
They only require five people to get involved.
To get involved, email Jennie at j.dayes@mmu.ac.uk.
Mayor of Stockport’s Christmas Carol Service
To help bring in the festive season, the Mayor has announced plans for this year's Christmas Carol Service.
6.30pm on Wednesday 17 December.
Stockport Parish Church (St Mary’s) Marketplace, Churchgate, Stockport, SK1 1YG
Everyone is welcome to attend.
Information on local car parks can be found on the council’s website.
Don Your Christmas Jumper For Mental Health
Details from Tameside, Oldham Glossop and Stockport Mind
'Walking Wavers' Walking Group
Beechwood's Christmas Carol & Remembrance
Family Hubs Info & Advice Sessions
Further Events & Community Activities across the Borough
Training: NSPCC Two-Day Course
Details from Stockport Safeguarding Children Partnership
This is a new two-day course created by the NSPCC and delivered by a range of practitioners from Stockport Safeguarding Children’s Partnership including Social workers, Health Professionals Early Help and Youth Justice.
The sessions have been created following local and national rapid reviews and Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews (CSPR’s) where sexual abuse has been a factor in children and young people suffering significant harm.
Attendees will need to attend both days. The sessions will allow attendees to:
- Identify the various types of child sexual abuse (CSA)
- Utilise appropriate language when referring to or speaking about CSA
- Recognise the vast and complex issues within the research based around CSA
- Determine ways to support most vulnerable groups at risk for CSA
- Identify the ways child sexual abuse can impact children, their families, and society
- Recall the 4 R’s and understand your roles and responsibilities (Recognise, Respond, Report, Record)
- Summarise and share best practice with other professionals within their network
As this topic is particularly distressing, anyone requiring guidance or support can contact the NSPCC Sexual abuse | NSPCC or Home | CSA Centre for information, guidance and support.
You need to attend both days-dates below are sessions 1 and 2 on consecutive days.
27 and 28 January 2026
29 and 30 April 2026
3 and 4 June 2026
Training: British Sign Language (Level 2)
Training & Activities 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 Fire & Rescue
King's Trust
Upcoming courses from The King's Trust
Live Well Greater Manchester
One Stockport SEND & Inclusion Newsletter
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.
