Healthwatch Round Up - 15 January 2026
'What to Know This Winter' Booklet Available
Don't forget to pick up or download your copy of our 'What to Know this Winter' Booklet, which shares tips, tricks, advice and important information to help you and your loved ones through the Winter months.
To ask for a copy, contact the team:
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.
NHS announces conditions for treatment at online hospital
Our response to new findings on corridor care
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.
Cervical Cancer Screening Fact Sheet
January is cervical cancer awareness month. If you've had your reminder to book your cervical screening, use this as a nudge to book your appointment. It could save your life.
Very early-stage cervical cancer may not cause any symptoms. It is usually found and treated because of cervical screening tests (this includes a smear test)
Healthwatch Stockport Cervical Screening Fact Sheet: Don't forget to check out our fact sheet on our website. Our fact sheet is designed to give you quick access to the information you need.
How Healthy is Your Lifestyle?
Details from NHS England
The NHS Healthy Choices Quiz is a health and wellbeing quiz brought to you by the Department of Health and Social Care. It suggests apps and resources, based on your answers, to help you live a healthier life.
The quiz asks about eating, alcohol, movement, smoking and vaping, your mental health and sleep.
This quiz is for adults aged 18 and over.
Do not use this quiz if you:
- are aged 17 and under
- have an existing health condition, like diabetes or heart disease
If you're worried about your health, speak to a GP.
If you're pregnant, speak to a midwife or GP about this quiz. You can also visit the NHS Best Start in Life website for advice and support during pregnancy and for when your little one arrives.
Norovirus and Where to Get Help
Details from NHS England
Norovirus is a stomach bug that causes diarrhoea and vomiting, and cases are currently rising. It can be very unpleasant, but usually goes away in about two days.
You can usually treat yourself at home, but the most important thing is to rest and have lots of fluids.
Visit www.nhs.uk/norovirus for more advice
New Resource for People Seeking Asylum: Reporting Hate Crime and Getting Support
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
We’re sharing an updated resource from NHS Greater Manchester to support people seeking asylum in Greater Manchester.
Seeking asylum can be especially challenging during periods of heightened tension and anti-migrant hostility. This poster acknowledges these concerns, provides clear guidance on how to report a crime, and signposts support for anyone who has witnessed or experienced crime.
The poster will be displayed in asylum accommodation, but please continue to share this further within the community. It is available in 11 languages including Albanian, Amharic, Arabic, English, Farsi, French, Kurdish, Pashto , Somali, Tigrinya and Urdu
The QR code links on the poster to further support on the GMCA website
Extended Free Bus Travel for Older & Disabled Pass Holders
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
Greater Manchester is planning further action to make public transport more affordable and accessible, with potential benefits for patients and services across primary care.
Subject to budget approval and consultation, the 9.30am weekday restriction on concessionary bus passes would be permanently removed from Sunday 1 March 2026.
This would allow older and disabled residents to travel free on Bee Network buses at any time, supporting access to healthcare, social activities and community support.
In addition, all bus and Metrolink fares are set to be frozen throughout 2026, extending cost-of-living support and helping reduce transport barriers that can contribute to health inequalities.
HealthHarmonie Paediatric Audiology Services
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
HealthHarmonie is now working in partnership with NHS Greater Manchester to help reduce hospital waiting lists for Paediatric Audiology Services for patients aged 16 and below (25 and under for SEND patients), with a Stockport GP.
Service Highlights
- Community-based elective paediatric audiology services
- Patients aged 16 and below (25 and under for SEND patients)
- Hearing assessments, which include Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA), play audiometry, pure tone audiometry, tympanometry, and otoscopy.
- Hearing aid provision, with hearing aid fitting tailored to the patient’s needs.
- Ongoing hearing aid support, inlcuding follow-ups, reviews, repairs, and earmould replacements.
- Monitoring of at-risk patients, with regular surveillance for those with conditions or histories that increase hearing-related risk.
- All referrals clinically triaged within 48 hours
A full list of inclusions, exclusions and procedures is available here.
First New National River Walk Announced Along the River Mersey
Details from Stockport Council
Residents in Stockport and Greater Manchester are set to benefit from a new National River Walk, stretching 21 kilometres along the River Mersey.
This walk is the first of its kind and is part of the government’s pledge to create nine new walks, one for each region of England.
The Mersey Valley Way will offer a boost for local businesses by increasing visitor footfall, complementing wider regeneration work in the area as part of a plan for national renewal.
First new National River Walk announced along the River Mersey - Stockport Council
Stockport Plaza Showcases Fostering Short Film
Details from Stockport Council
Stockport Plaza is running Stockport Council's short film about the life-changing impact of foster care. The film, called the Run, will be shown at Stockport’s iconic, art-deco cinema and theatre throughout the year.
Produced in partnership with Stockport Council and other local authorities nationwide, the film aims to raise awareness about fostering and encourage people to consider becoming foster carers.
For more information about becoming a foster carer:
Visit Stockport Council's website
0300 303 0321.
Nominate your Stockport SEND Superstars!
Details from Stockport Council
Stockport Council want to celebrate the incredible people, teams and projects making a real difference for children and young people with SEND in Stockport. From teachers and volunteers to creative projects – if someone has helped your child feel valued and included, nominate them today!
Their new award logo, chosen by young people from designs submitted by young people, will feature across the SEND Superstars Award all year.
Congratulations to its creator, Louie at Pure College!
Stockport SEND Superstars Award – Nomination Form
Reminder: Menopause & Prostate Conditions Prioritised for NHS’s New Online Hospital
Details from NHS England
The NHS has selected nine different conditions in total for the service which will be available through the NHS app in 2027.
The service, which was first announced in September, will allow patients to have assessments, check-ups and follow-up appointments online and will have its own dedicated team of doctors.
The aim is to carry out 8.5 million appointments in the first three years – four times more than the average NHS trust.
The nine conditions that will be prioritised initially are:
- glaucoma
- conditions affecting the retina at the back of the eye (including age-related macular degeneration)
- cataracts
- inflammatory bowel disease
- iron deficiency anaemia
- prostate enlargement
- raised PSA levels (not cancer diagnoses)
- menopause
- menstrual problems which may be a sign of endometriosis
The expectation is more conditions will be added to this list in the future.
NHS Online is a flagship reform programme at the heart of efforts to modernise the health service. It will harness digital technology to fundamentally change how people are able to access healthcare.
The government and NHS England believe the service will provide quicker access to care for patients and help relieve the pressure on in-person appointments, helping to cut waiting lists in the process.
Winter Skin Health Care
Details from Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance
Cold or hot, sunny or not, it’s important to check your skin all your round. Skin cancer can develop at any time of the year – it doesn’t take a break.
Make sure to check your skin for any changes like new marks on your skin which don’t go away after a few weeks or a mole that’s:
- changed size, shape or colour
- painful or itchy
- inflamed, bleeding or crusty
If you notice anything you are worried about, your GP wants to hear from you. The chances are it won’t be skin cancer, but if it is finding it early can make all the difference.
Find out more – Melanoma skin cancer – Symptoms – NHS
Do You Struggle With Cold Hands & Feet?
Details from the ME Association (MEA)
The ME Association has published a booklet around 'cold hands and feet, which includes information about Raynaud's.
In this booklet, they explore problems with temperature control (also called disturbed thermoregulation) which are very common in ME/CFS and include sensitivity to both heat and cold.
https://meassociation.org.uk/jseb
Please see the MEA Medical Matter's information on how to keep warm here:
Symptom: Cold Extremities - The ME Association
Alcohol Support Available
Details from Stockport Council
Better sleep, boosted energy, fuller wallet? If cutting back on alcohol is on your New Year’s resolution list, the free Try Dry® app makes it easy to stay committed through January—and beyond. You can download this from the App Store or Google Play.
For local support to cut down on or give up alcohol, Stockport Council's supportive advisers at START can help.
0161 474 3141
Stay Warm & Well This Winter
Details from Stockport Council
The One Stockport Warm & Well initiative is all about helping you to stay safe, happy and healthy over the Winter months.
Visit the website to explore what's available – from support with the cost of living and practical advice to help you look after your home, to warm spaces for you to shake off the cold and local groups where you can connect with your community.
Funding: SKylight Community Fund Now Open!
Details from Stockport Homes
Apply for up to £2,000 for your community group to support Stockport Homes tenants and their neighbourhoods. The fund is available for grassroots* groups focusing on one of five aims:
- Older people
- Young people
- Community Spirit
- Health & wellbeing
- Digital Inclusion
Applications close at 5pm on Friday 23 January 2026. Early applications are encouraged. They reserve the right to close applications earlier should the funding limit be reached.
To apply, visit: www.sk-y-light.org/funding/community-fund/
Life Leisure's 'This is How it Feels' Campaign
Details from Life Leisure
The ‘This Is How It Feels’ campaign focuses on the emotional aspect of movement and how being active makes you feel.
They've included real members and their real quotes to bring this campaign to life, and it's something they're really proud of. You’ll start to see this appear across our hubs, digital channels and even a billboard on the A6 near Stepping Hill Hospital!
You can view the press release on their website here or attached below. This features Sue, one of the members, and her inspiring journey to becoming more active after suffering loss.
Have Your Say: AI in Healthcare
Details from the Patients Association
AI is mentioned frequently throughout the 10 Year Health Plan, and is set to play a major role in the way that healthcare is designed and delivered. It is therefore crucial that patients' voices are heard in shaping how this technology is regulated and implemented.
The Patients Association is looking to gather patient feedback and views on AI regulation. These views will help inform their response to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency’s (MHRA) call for evidence on the regulation of AI in healthcare.
The survey will capture the views, concerns, and priorities of patients and the public regarding AI in healthcare. The survey takes approximately 10 minutes.
Take our survey on the regulation of AI in healthcare
Closing date: Friday, 23rd January.
Have Your Say: SAFE PATHS
Details from National Institute for Health & Care Research (NIHR)
The University of Manchester’s School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work is conducting a study SAFE PATHS Improving Access and Care for South Asians with Psychosis, exploring the views and experiences of people from South Asian backgrounds about getting help for psychosis and attending ‘talking therapies’.
More information is available via the NIHR website: https://fundingawards.nihr.ac.uk/award/NIHR206951.
See the attached poster.
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.
Have Your Say: What Matters Most to you About Local Policing?
Details from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Your feedback helps us ensure policing meets the needs of our community.
Have Your Say: Future Transport Plans for Greater Manchester
Details from Stockport Council
People who live, work, travel, visit, or study in Greater Manchester are being asked to help shape the future of travel through to 2050, by giving their views during a public consultation.
The Greater Manchester Transport Strategy and Delivery Plan outlines how our region will deliver a world-class, joined up transport system – better connecting people with places, new jobs, opportunities, homes and services, including healthcare and education. The plans are backed by £2.5 billion funding from government to deliver transport projects through to the early 2030s.
Find out more and get involved by filling out the survey before Monday 9 March 2026.
More information is available at gmconsult.org along with details of drop-in sessions being held at public venues in every local authority area of Greater Manchester.
Have Your Say: Dementia &/or Psychosis Research
Details from Dementia United & Greater Manchester Integrated Care
The University of Manchester are looking for people with lived experience of Dementia and/or Psychosis to be involved in an important research project.
The research focuses on understanding the care needs and care pathways of people living with both Dementia and Psychosis. This involves:
- Attending 3–4 meetings per year (online/in person, dependant on what works for you)
- Each meeting lasting approximately one hour
- The PhD will run over four years, with an estimated total of 12–16 meetings
- There is no expectation to attend every meeting
- Payment of £25 per activity
If you're interested in taking part or you'd like to find out more, contact Kate at kate.stalker@manchester.ac.uk.
See the attached poster
Make it a 'Brew Monday' Event!
Details from Pure Innovations
Great Minds Together are holding a ‘Brew Monday’ coffee morning on 19 January.
This will be a great opportunity for people and services to come together, enjoy a warm drink, and connect through friendly conversation in the spirit of Brew Monday.
Monday 19 January, 10am to 11am
Fifth Avenue Hub, 247 Wellington Road South SK2 6NG
Free places - Brew Monday Tickets, Mon, Jan 19, 2026 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite
https://greatmindstogether.co.uk/5th-avenue-community-hub
Reminder: Adoption Counts' Online Events
Details from Adoption Counts
A new year always feels like a fresh chapter and a chance to think differently about what life could be.
If you've been thinking about adoption, Adoption Counts run regular, online information events which give you a chance to find out if adoption might be right for you. You can learn more about the process, the types of children waiting and hear from other adopters.
Register online via their website: https://www.adoptioncounts.org.uk/our-virtual-information...
Reminder: Werneth Carer Event
Reminder: Wills & Trusts Q&A Session
Details from Stockport Advocacy
Reminder: SENsitive Parents Group
Further Events & Community Activities across the Borough
Training: Empowering Parents
Training: Guide to Online Harms
Training: Think Carer!
Signpost for Carers have recently been awarded funding through the Economic Inactivity Trailblazer Stockport VCFSE Work & Skills Fund 2025/26, a UK Government–funded initiative delivered in partnership with Sector 3, Stockport Council, Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
This funding enables them to deliver our new, Think Carer – Carer Champion Workplace Training Programme — a CPD-accredited course designed specifically to help Stockport businesses identify and support unpaid carers within their workforce.
Running from November 2025 to March 2026, this fully funded opportunity will allow up to 300 local employers to nominate a member of staff to become a Carer Champion or for larger organisations one per department. Champions will gain the knowledge, tools, and confidence to:
- Recognise and support colleagues with caring responsibilities
- Promote carer-friendly policies and culture within their workplace
- Improve staff wellbeing, retention, and inclusion
As part of Stockport’s Live Well initiative, this project supports local employers to reduce inequalities in access to work, strengthen inclusive recruitment, and build stronger connections with the voluntary and community sector.
This is a fantastic, fully funded opportunity to take positive action for your workforce and help make Stockport a more carer-aware borough.
Places are fully funded but available only until March 2026, dates until February 2026 are available now to book.
Book your free Carer Champion place today via Eventbrite:
www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/signpost-for-carers-111081186161
Careers: Stockport's Job Fair
Training: Support Conversations about Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
Details from Stockport Council
If you potentially come into contact with people in distress, please take some of these free online learning opportunities:
Suicide Awareness (suitable for anyone, not just professionals): Evidence-based training developed by 4MentalHealth and delivered in ½-day classroom or Zoom sessions by local Stockport trainers.
Helps delegates understand how distress develops and how people can be best supported.
Email info.wellbeing@stockport.gov.uk for more information.
Zero Suicide Alliance - short online training units on suicide awareness
The Zero Suicide Alliance - online training modules including general suicide awareness, awareness for people with autism, university students and a veteran and prison edition.
The suicide awareness training is a 30-minute online course aimed at anyone aged 16 and over. The course includes coached scenarios sharing approaches for how you can talk to someone you’re worried about.
MindEd: MindEd offers free online training around suicide and self-harm prevention for people working with adults and children.
Healthy Minds Greater Manchester online course: The Royal Society for Public Health offers an online course for anyone living or working in Greater Manchester. At the end of this one-hour course you will better understand:
- the difference between mental health and poor mental health.
- the things we can do to help us cope with our negative thoughts and feelings.
- the benefit of talking and sharing our thoughts and feelings with someone we trust.
Samaritans online advice: Not a training course, but useful reading on what anyone can do if worried about someone else, including supporting someone with suicidal thoughts, and a section on myths about suicide, and one on active listening tips.
And don’t forget to look after yourself too:
NHS Every Mind Matters provides simple tips and advice on looking after our own mental health: https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/
Careers: Live Well, Work Well
Training: Connect 5 Mental Health Sessions
Details from Stockport Council
Stockport Council is offering new dates for the popular Connect 5 training, which is free of charge for anyone working or volunteering in Stockport.
New Session 1 dates have been added for March, all Session 2 dates are currently fully booked but they hope to have some new dates soon.
To book a place for any of the sessions, please CTRL & click on the following link
Course Details: Delivery Time: 3 Hours (Sessions 2 and 3 are approx 3.5 Hours)
Connect 5 is a free mental health training programme that aims to change the way we have conversations about mental wellbeing across Stockport. It's designed to increase confidence and skills so that you can have better mental wellbeing conversations, whatever your role.
How it Works
Session 1: Brief wellbeing advice: Looks to increase confidence and skills to have brief conversations in which we can help a person to consider ways they can take action to improve their mental wellbeing.
Session 2: Brief mental wellbeing intervention: Builds on the skills learnt in session 1 and develops further skills to enable conversations in which we and the person we are talking with can develop a shared understanding of their mental wellbeing needs.
Session 3: Extended mental wellbeing conversation: Builds on skills learnt in sessions 1 and 2 and develops further skills to empower a person to make changes that address their mental wellbeing needs.
For further information, email info.wellbeing@stockport.gov.uk
Training: Shift Click, Free Coding Course
Details from MadLab
MadLab is running a FREE 4-week Intro to Web Development Course for Stockport residents aged 18–30.
This blended learning course covers HTML, CSS, JavaScript and GitHub, and will take students from zero experience to building interactive websites and creating a relevant skills portfolio.
The course also covers careers advice, an insight into working in the digital industry and building relevant experience that can increase chances of a successful career.
21 January - 12 February (four weeks), 10am-3pm. Every Wednesday and Thursday, plus approximately 6 hours of self-study at your own pace
Where: Stockport Museum (Staircase House)
For full details and to apply, visit the Shift Click website.
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:
Diabetes UK
For Men to Talk
King's Trust
Upcoming courses from The King's Trust
One Stockport SEND & Inclusion Newsletter
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.
