Healthwatch Round Up - 29 January 2026
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
AI in NHS care: what’s the impact, and what do people think?
As the Government attempts to ‘make the NHS the most AI-enabled care system in the world’, the public’s early experiences show it may be causing as many issues as it aims to solve.
People struggle to access weight loss drugs on the NHS
People have told us that weight loss drugs are transformative, but that there are problems accessing them on the NHS, especially since they were made available via GPs last June.
See more about Greater Manchester below. (see information section)
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.
'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:
Update Regarding Weight Loss Drug
Between 2023 and 2024, 64.5% of adults in England were estimated to be overweight or living with obesity. In 2022, 45% of adults were trying to lose weight, with prevalence higher amongst men and women who were living with obesity (77% of women and 68% of men living with obesity).
Obesity costs the NHS about £11.4 billion each year. The NHS and public health departments provide support for weight management, including information, apps and structured programmes involving exercise and lifestyle changes, with more intensive programmes for those with the severest problems.
The introduction of weight loss drugs: People may not find it easy to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. For this reason, the decision by the NHS to roll out access to the diabetes drug tirzepatide (brand name, Mounjaro) for weight loss was welcomed. Initially, it was available only via specialist weight management services, but from June 2025, it became available via NHS GPs, for up to 220,000 patients in the first three years of a 12-year roll-out.
Important: Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) is not available to everyone right away. It is being rolled out gradually across England, starting with eligible people who meet the specific clinical criteria in cohort one (who have been determined to have the most urgent clinical need).
Eligibility is based on Body Mass Index (BMI) and certain health conditions:
- A body mass index (BMI) of at least 40, and
- At least four of the following conditions – high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and obstructive sleep apnea.
What's happening across Greater Manchester (GM)? NHS GM are following national guidelines in the prescribing and support of tirzpatide, however they need to ensure that treatments are used fairly and within the budget they've been allocated.
The service will be introduced in phases during the first year. People at greater health risk, starting with those who have a BMI of 50 or above, will be contacted and offered the service first.
This situation is not ideal as it means that some patients for whom this drug would be beneficial will not be able to be prescribed it. It may be that the uptake is not as high as GM expect and more people will be able to receive the treatment, but this seems unlikely.
Stroke Prevention Reminders
Details from Stroke.org
Did you know? Stroke Prevention Day was on Thursday 29 January – and the Stroke Association are again, encouraging everyone to check their blood pressure.
Why? High blood pressure is the biggest risk factor for stroke. It causes about half of all strokes. In the last year 11,000 people in the North West had a stroke.
For information and advice, visit www.stroke.org.uk/stroke-prevention-day
MMRV Replace MMR Vaccines
Details from NHS England
From 1 January 2026, the combined MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella) vaccine became routine in the UK, replacing the MMR vaccine at 12 and 18 months of age. It provides comprehensive protection, including against chickenpox, and is safe for children, with common side effects being mild fever or a rash.
Chickenpox is very common and can sometimes lead to serious complications, so vaccination helps reduce the risk of serious illness as children grow. You don’t need to do anything — your GP will be in touch when your child is due.
To learn more, visit: www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/mmrv-vaccine/
News About Bowel Cancer Screening
Details from NHS England
Bowel cancer screening in England is improving. Find out how FIT kits, sent to everyone aged between 50 and 74, will now checked at a lower threshold. This means smaller amounts of blood in poo samples can be spotted — helping to find signs of cancer earlier, treatment can be more successful.
It’s the same simple test, just better at picking things up even earlier.
Free Lung Checks Are Returning to Stockport
Details from Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance
The NHS will soon be offering free lung health checks to current and former smokers aged 55-74 who are registered with a GP in Bramhall and Cheadle Hulme.
Checks are free and they could save your life by finding lung cancer at an early stage before any symptoms. Most visitors to these checks will get reassurance that everything is OK.
People who are invited will talk to specialist nurse and answer some health and lifestyle questions which will determine whether they are ‘high’ or ‘low’ risk. If you are deemed high risk, you'll be offered a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan of your lungs for further investigation on the same day and be enrolled into the programme.
The checks are available to people registered at the following practices:
Cheadle Hulme Medical Group SK8 6LU
Bramhall Health Centre, SK7 2DY,
Bramhall and Shaw Heath Medical Group SK7 3EP,
Hulme Hall Medical Group SK8 6LU,
The Village Surgery SK7 2DN.
Look out for an invite in the post or via text message.
Received your invitation but missed your appointment? Contact the bookings team on 0161 529 0900.
Reminder: Jess’s Rule to be Advertised in GP Surgeries
Details from Gov UK
All GP surgeries in England will receive Jess’s Rule posters from this week, displaying the safety drive to GPs, primary care staff and patients in thousands of consultation rooms.
Jess’s Rule asks GPs to take a ‘fresh eyes’ approach and think again if, after 3 appointments, they have been unable to offer a patient a substantiated diagnosis or their symptoms have escalated.
The initiative, announced in September 2025, is named in honour of Jessica Brady, who died of cancer in December 2020 at the age of 27. It will help avoid tragic, preventable deaths as GPs are supported to catch potentially deadly illnesses sooner.
Pensioner Assist Network
Details from Stockport Council
If you’re of State Pension age and need a helping hand with the cost of living, our Pensioner Assist Network (PAN) is here to support you. They can work with you directly in your own home to guide you through the financial support available, check what benefits you’re entitled to and help you claim them.
Call the team on 0161 474 2140. The line is open Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4pm.
Looking After Yourself and Others
Details from Stockport Council
Have you explored our Live Well directory? It brings together local support and things to do in your community, so it’s easier for you get the help you need for yourself, your family and the people you care for. From parenting help and financial advice to opportunities to gain new skills, it’s a great place to find the brilliant everyday support available in your neighbourhood.
Get Support With Infant and Child Sleep Issues
Details from Stockport Council
Stockport families have access to fantastic free resources:
1. Explore the Family Hubs App: The App offers articles and videos on emotional development for all ages. Search ‘sleep’ for instant advice at your fingertips. If you haven’t discovered this incredible free app yet, get started here.
2. Learn online with NHS experts: Free online learning to understand the link between emotional health and sleep and get advice and resources to manage common sleep challenges. Learn at your own pace with Togetherness. Use code redrock for free access.
3. Visit Best Start in Life website: For practical advice on helping babies sleep, including tips for establishing routines, teaching day-night differences, safe sleeping practices, and understanding that sleep patterns vary widely among babies, visit Helping your baby sleep.
4. Join a virtual parenting session: In this session, on 5 February, their Parenting Team cover sleep cycles, bedtime routines and supporting children’s sleep for ages 2 to 10.
Learn more and book your place.
Domestic Abuse Support
Details from Stockport Support Hub
The Domestic Abuse Support team offers confidential and respectful advice to help you understand your options and protect your safety.
If you are concerned about your own wellbeing or the safety of someone close to you, fill out a referral form: https://stockportsupport.com/contact-us/referral-form
Nominations for Stockport Rocks! - Opening Soon
Details from Sector 3
Stockport’s official Volunteer Awards, Stockport Rocks!, is back for 2026. Get ready to submit your nominations to raise awareness of, and say thanks to, the incredible people in Stockport who go out of their way to help others.
There are 11 categories to choose from including Proper Good Business for businesses who have helped make a difference locally.
Nominations are open: 2 February - 16 March.
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
Run for Signpost
Details from Signpost for Carers
Have Your Say: SEND Services in Stockport
Details from Stockport Council
Parents and Carers Together Stockport (PACTS) invite parents and carers of children and young people aged 0–25 with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) to take part in their local SEND survey.
This survey is for families who live in Stockport, or who accessed education, health, or social care services for their child or young person in Stockport during 2025.
Participants who provide their contact details have a chance to win a £25 shopping voucher.
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 is 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.
Easy‑read version: Preparing For Adulthood Strategy
Have Your Say: Stockport Youth Offer
Details from Stockport Council
Stockport’s Listen! Network are seeking the views of young people (aged 8 up to 25 with SEND) on what they want from a Stockport Youth Offer.
This means, understanding how safe they are, how easy it is to get around Stockport, what types of activities they want and more.
They will use the information to plan the 2026 Youth Summit, co-create the youth-led youth-offer for young people, as well as using the findings to understand the specific needs of young people who need extra help from services.
Please share this survey with any young people you're caring for/ working with and,support them if needed.
If you have any questions, contact: donna.higgins@stockport.gov.uk or megan.mayhew@stockport.gov.uk
There is a chance to win cinema tickets!
Hate Crime Awareness Pop-Ups
For this year's Hate Crime Awareness Week, our Safer Neighbourhoods team will be holding a number of information stalls across Stockport. Come along to find out more on how we keep customers safe.
Monday 2 February 3:30pm - 5pm - Stonemill Terrace, Lancashire Hill
Tuesday 3 February 1pm - 3pm - Mottram Street Estate
Wednesday 4 February - 10am - 3pm - Merseyway Shopping Centre
Friday 6 February - 3:30 - 5pm - Heaton Norris Community Centre
Greater Manchester Asthma Friendly Schools Launch Event
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
Teachers are invited to attend a free event to help them give the best care possible to pupils who live with asthma
Thousands of children in Greater Manchester have asthma. The half-day session will see NHS clinicians give staff simple steps they can take to improve support for children.
Anyone involved in improving health, safety and inclusion for children in schools is welcome to attend. This includes local authority leads, public health teams, paediatric, respiratory and other relevant clinical professionals, children’s services leaders, commissioners and system partners.
The event takes place at:
12 February, 9.30am-12.30pm
British Muslim Heritage Centre, College Road, Manchester, M16 8BP
Signpost for Carers' Drop ins
Signpost for Carers have excitedly launched a new carers drop-in at their home, the Heatons Centre.
Join them on 2 February for their first session!
You’ll be welcomed by their team member Jennie, and for this first drop-in you’ll also be joined by Kevin, their Moneywise expert.
It's a great opportunity to relax, learn something new, and meet other unpaid carers. Enjoy a hot drink, refreshments, and a warm welcome from the Signpost volunteers.
No booking needed – just turn up on the day!
To find out more, email bookings@signpostforcarers.org.uk
Call 0161 442 0442.
Free Family Tech Sessions at Stockport Museum
Details from MadLab
MadLab is running a series of family tech sessions at Stockport Museum throughout January and February, aimed at children aged 7–12.
The sessions offer hands-on opportunities to explore coding, digital creativity and technology through playful, practical activities led by experienced facilitators.
All sessions are free, but booking is required.
Find full details and book your places via the Eventbrite page.
Boost Boxing Sessions
Sahara Memory Cafe
Veterans Walking Group
From Isolation to Empowerment: Finding Your Place in Education
Details from Autism Hands-on Approach
Join them for a powerful conversation…. about fostering belonging and inclusion in schools.
Ellie Loughnan and Finty Royle will be kicking off this series of workshops. Ellie, director of the Rekindle Foundation, has decades of experience in the education sector to transform experiences and outcomes for those most disadvantaged by the current systems.
After receiving an autism diagnosis at age 16, Finty transformed her personal struggles within the education system into a powerful platform for change. Now a fifth-year medical student, she celebrates the unique perspective her neurodivergence brings to her life and work.
Further Events & Community Activities across the Borough
Training: Welcome to Live Well Briefing
Details from Stockport Live Well
Stockport Live Well is all about connecting people in their communities and creating more ways for them to get the help they need where they live. Sessions are delivered locally in neighbourhoods, so choose which venue suits you. More dates coming soon.
Various dates
Careers: Stockport Living Well Team
Careers: Together Trust SEN Teacher
Careers: Stockport Work Well Drop Ins
Stockport's WorkWell service offers personalised support for people struggling with health conditions to start, return to, or stay in work. The team has supported over 400 people by providing one-to-one guidance, tailored wellbeing support and careers advice to help them move forward with confidence.
Watch the video and find out more
Training: Daisy First Aid for Babies
Details from Daisy First Aid
Have you struggled to find the time to attend a first aid course? Or found it hard to even get out of the house with a baby?
Join Daisy First Aid's interactive paediatric first aid training from the comfort of your own home via Zoom. No packing the nappy bag, no rushing out the door – just expert-led, engaging training designed for real parents.
- Live, interactive sessions
- Baby-friendly & parent-focused
- Learn from home
Questions? Email sian@daisyfirstaid.com
Training: Think Carer!
As a reminder - 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: Live Well, Work Well
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
Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue
New Prevention Brochure, Stockport case study and campaigns galore
King's Trust
Upcoming courses from The King's Trust
National Autistic Society
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.
