Healthwatch Round Up -11 December 2025
Welcome to this week's Healthwatch Stockport Information Round-up!
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In recent weeks, we've enjoyed attending the local network meetings to hear and share what's happening in the community and continued our deliveries of our 'What to know this Winter' booklet (see below). Look out for your copy!
Feeling Right as Rein(deer) - 'What to Know This Winter' Booklet Available
Have you downloaded or picked up your copy? Stay feeling right as rein(deer) with our super useful booklet shares tips, tricks, advice and important information to help you and your loved ones through the Winter months.
It's available digitally to download and share, or in a printed version. Many hard copies are already been distributed to libraries 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.
One in seven patients stuck in a GP referrals ‘black hole’
Healthwatch England's new research revealed that one in seven patients (14%) have been stuck between their GP and hospital teams, often due to a delay in the referral being sent, or the referral being lost, rejected, or never sent.
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.
Follow And Share Our Social Posts
Do you follow us on social media? We’re on Facebook, Instagram, Linked In and X (formally Twitter) and Threads. Give us a ‘follow’, ‘like’ and ‘share’ our posts. This helps to spread the word about local health and social care and how we, Healthwatch Stockport, can help you over the Winter months.
Cost of Living Support Service
Details from Stockport Council
If you're struggling with the cost of living and need a helping hand to navigate all of the support available, call the Cost of living helpline on 0161 474 2140, Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4pm or visit cost-of-living support.
Useful links:
Help to challenge a benefit decision
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Have you tried the Family Hubs app yet? It offers expert advice, local information, and personalised support for parents, parents-to-be, and carers. Check out its features, including the 'Share' function with QR codes for easy sharing and downloading. Your experience with the app will help you recommend it to the families you work with. Download the app
More support from Family Hubs.
Bank Holiday Pharmacy Opening Hours
Details from NHS Greater Manchester (GM)
Pharmacy opening hours for the Christmas and New Year bank holiday have been announced:
- Thursday 25 December (Christmas Day)
- Friday 26 December (Boxing Day)
- Thursday 1 January (New Years Day)
These include Boots and Asda in Stockport town centre and Heald Green pharmacy. Other pharmacies may be open, but have not notified NHS Greater Manchester.
The the most up-to-date information is on the Greater Manchester Community Pharmacy website.
We have also published an article listing Stockport pharmacies open on these days.
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 pharmacy for help with minor illnesses and ongoing care.
- Making sure you've enough medication and order 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
Take Stock of Medicines
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
With Christmas and New Year just around the corner, NHS Greater Manchester is urging anyone who has repeat prescriptions to check they have enough for the festive period when several pharmacies won’t be working usual hours. GP practices and pharmacies will have different opening hours over Christmas and New Year:
This will make it harder for patients to access medicines at short notice.
Life-saving Programme Preventing Heart Attacks and Strokes
Details from NHS Greater Manchester (GM)
NHS Greater Manchester’s preventative care programme has helped prevent around 380 serious health emergencies in the past year, including 180 heart attacks and 200 strokes.
It targets the region’s high cardiovascular disease rates - over twice the national average - by offering enhanced reviews for at-risk patients checking blood pressure, cholesterol, and improving management of conditions such as atrial fibrillation and Diabetes.
Focused on deprived areas, the programme has saved lives and reduced NHS costs by an estimated £6–8 million, demonstrating the impact of proactive, targeted healthcare in tackling health inequalities.
Preventative care saving lives | Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership
National Plan to Halve Rough Sleeping and Prevent Homelessness
Details from UK Government
The National Plan to End Homelessness has been launched today, and will support the most vulnerable people in our society.
The National Plan to End Homelessness has three key pledges to be achieved by the end of this parliament:
- halve the number of long-term rough sleepers, end the unlawful use of B&Bs for families and prevent more households from becoming homeless
- It will be underpinned by clear, ambitious goals for lasting change, including a duty on public services to work together to prevent homelessness, a boost to the supply of good-quality temporary homes.
- £3.5 billion - a £1 billion funding boost over and above previous commitments - to support rough sleeping and support services.
Read the announcement & Strategy
Get to Know Where to Go
Details from Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership
A video filmed with local health services encourages people to choose the right service to help services run smoothly this Winter.
Tips for Winter Eye Health
Details from Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership
As temperatures plummet and the days get shorter, it’s important to ensure your look after your eye health.
- Keep Moisture in
- Don’t forget your sunglasses
- Take a break from digital devices
- Make Smoking History
Concerned about your eye health? Visit your local optometry practice if you have any concerns about your eye health.
The Greater Manchester Urgent Eyecare Service can help if you have any of the following problems – avoiding a trip to A&E or your GP!
- A red or painful eye
- Something in your eye that won’t come out
- A sudden change in vision
- Flashes or things floating across your eyes (not provided by all opticians)
Don't Forget Your Flu Vaccine!
Details from NHS Greater Manchester (GM)
As the festive season approaches, NHS GM are encouraging the public to get their flu vaccine to protect themselves and their loved ones, especially at a time when social gatherings make flu more likely to spread.
A list of walk-in clinics are available on their website. No appointment is needed – people can simply turn up. Local pharmacies also continue to offer both walk-in and bookable flu vaccination appointments.
Flu can both be serious and changes every year, so it’s important to get the vaccine every year. The vaccines are safe, effective, and help protect those most at risk.
Measles Cases on the Rise
Details from NHS Greater Manchester (GM)
Health officials have confirmed measles cases in Manchester, prompting renewed calls for the public to stay alert to symptoms—such as fever, cough, and a blotchy rash—and to ensure children are fully vaccinated with the MMR jab.
Parents and carers can check their child’s vaccination status in their red book. Vaccination remains the most effective protection against measles.
Measles | Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership
In Need of Urgent Dental Care?
Details from Mastercall Healthcare
Are you worried about what to do if you need urgent dental care and you don't have a dentist or your practice is closed?
Contact the Greater Manchester Urgent Dental Care Service: 0333 332 3800
Spring Planting Initiative Supports Community Wellbeing in Stockport
Details from Groundworks
Over 14,000 spring bulbs have been planted across Stockport as part of Groundwork Greater Manchester's ongoing 'Wild About Stockport' initiative.
Local volunteers, including adults who had been referred to Groundwork for wellbeing support, have been busy supporting the project at a series of events through the Autumn. Activities included bulb planting opposite the former Debenhams store, on St Peters Square with pupils from St Joseph's RC Primary School, and at Great Egerton Street next to the Redrock car park entrance.
Volunteers also made bug hotels and replanted the planters on Suffragette Square. Around 8,000 bulbs were planted at Great Egerton Street thanks to Groundwork employees and community volunteers.
Wild About Stockport was set up in 2024 to re-wild the town centre, increase local biodiversity, and connect adults and children to nature in the heart of the town.
The project has been funded by the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund and is being delivered by Groundwork in partnership with Stockport Council, Totally Stockport BID, and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA).
To get involved:
Visit Groundwork Greater Manchester
greatermanchester@groundwork.org.uk
0161 220 1000.
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 consultation in June and July 2025.
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.
Read the full report on our website.
For more information, visit https://getinvolved.gmintegratedcare.org.uk/en-GB/projects/ivf-consultation.
You can also contact:
07786 673762 (call, text or WhatsApp).
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.
17 December - Merseyway Shopping Centre, Stockport, SK1 1PD
Visit the events calendar for more dates and locations: https://orlo.uk/OAfBy
You can get the COVID-19 vaccine if you are 75 or over by 31 January 2026, between 6 months and 74 years and have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment or live in a care home for older adults.
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. This time, focusing on the generic signs and symptoms of cancer / red flags, as well as busting some cancer myths.
The aims are for residents to know what to look out for, so that more cancers are diagnosed earlier. The van will be visiting Stockport before Christmas, continuing in 2026
- 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. Checks are available to people aged 55-74 registered with a GP 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.
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.
Missed your appointment? Contact the bookings team on 0161 529 0900.
For more information, visit: mft.nhs.uk/lunghealthcheck
Look out for our Family Support Vouchers
Details from Stockport Council
Stockport Council are sending Family Support Vouchers to help you pay for household essentials. You’ll automatically receive a voucher worth £75 per child ( if registered to receive income-based free school meals and/or local Council Tax Support on 21 November 2025).
As part of their digital-first approach, vouchers are being sent by email. That means you might get your voucher by email even if you’ve received it by post in the past.
Find out when and how you can expect to receive your vouchers via the website.
Family Support Voucher - Stockport Council
This Christmas, Don’t Let a Bargain Cost a Life
Details from Stockport Council
Many parents and carers assume that if a toy is for sale, it must be safe. Sadly, that’s not always true. Unsafe toys are increasingly sold online. With many families feeling the pinch, cheap toys might seem tempting, but the risks could be fatal. Always check safety standards before you buy:
- look for CE/UKCA marks
- buy from trusted retailers
- avoid toys with small parts for young children
The Child Accident Prevention Trust has a guide to help keep toys safe.
Local Pantry Opening Times
Details from Stockport Homes
Your Local Pantry is a great way to save on your food bills. Pantries go beyond the food bank model, creating a sustainable and long-term solution to food poverty.
Members pay a small weekly fee, typically £5.50, for which they can choose at least ten items of food each week, along with opportunities of volunteering and training.
Wellspring Christmas Appeal
Life Leisure Backs ‘Let’s Lift the Curfew’, Helping Women Feel Safer Getting Active After Dark
Details from Life Leisure
Life Leisure is getting behind Let’s Lift the Curfew, a national movement from This Girl Can, calling attention to the unwanted curfew many women feel in the darker months, when safety concerns limit their freedom to get active outdoors.
In support, Life Leisure is hosting 5k run clubs at locations around Stockport between November and March. These runs aren’t just about the exercise; they’re about solidarity and highlighting the barriers many women face when exercising outside after dark.
Read the full announcement - see attached.
If you’re joining one of the runs, be sure to log your activity on Strava, label it ‘Let’s Lift the Curfew’, and share it on social media using the hashtag #LetsLiftTheCurfew, tagging @thisgirlcanuk and @lifeleisureuk to help spread the message far and wide.
Event details: 5k outdoor run
1st Tuesday of each month at Life Leisure Hazel Grove, SK7 5JW
3rd Wednesday of each month at Stockport Sports Village, SK6 1QX
2nd Tuesday of each month at Life Leisure Grand Central, SK1 3TA
Anyone aged 16+ is welcome, including men who want to show their support. The sessions are included in membership packages for members and open to non-members on a pay-as-you-go basis.
Book as a class via the Life Leisure app or website: https://www.lifeleisure.net/
This is an independent event in support of the wider campaign.
For more information about Let’s Lift the Curfew and how to get involved, visit: www.thisgirlcan.co.uk/our-partnerships-and-projects/lets-lift-curfew
Have Your Say: Your Experiences of Stockroom
Details from Stockport Council
The Stockroom opened six months ago, and so, Stockport Council want to Hear your thoughts and experiences of using this community venue.
They're running a survey to gather your views. As a thank you for sharing your insights, you’ll be entered into a prize draw to win a £100 shopping voucher of your choice – just in time for Christmas!
Your feedback plays a vital role in shaping the future of Stockroom.
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. The planning team have been hosting drop-in information sessions with the last one taking place on:
12 December, 10:30am to 2:30pm - 367 Brinnington Road, Stockport, SK5 8EN
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.
'Walking Wavers' Walking Group
Signpost's Warm Space
Carols in the Cafe
ND Parent Support Group
Details from Stockport Council
Join our Neurodevelopmental Team for their next Parent Support Group early 2026 - an informal session for parents and carers of neurodivergent children and young people (no diagnosis required).
There are different topics discussed at each session and a chance to speak with other parents and members of the Neurodevelopmental Team. This session will focus on masking.
20 January, online.
No need to book, click the link below at the start of the session
https://orlo.uk/Join_the_meeting_c9lP7
Wills & Trusts Q&A Session
Details from Stockport Advocacy
Further Events & Community Activities across the Borough
Webinar: Supporting Child Emotions
Volunteering: Home Start Support Parents & Children
Home-Start HOST is a charity which supports families from pregnancy through to having children under 5, and they’re looking for volunteers.
See the attached poster for full details.
Training: MadLab Coding & Web Development
Details from MadLab
MadLab has announced the launch of its next free coding and web development programme, Shift Click, beginning 21 January 2026. This four-week course is open to Stockport residents aged 18–30 with little or no previous coding experience.
By the end of the course, participants will have built interactive websites and developed a skills portfolio ready to showcase to future employers.
Staircase House, Stockport Museum, with twice-weekly in-person sessions supported by six hours of self-paced online learning.
Participants will also receive a Certificate of Completion and a Training Reference
Applications are now open — and spaces are limited.
For full details and to apply:
Visit the Shift Click website
See the attached flyer
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
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.
