Healthwatch Round Up - 5 March 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.
Healthwatch England's response to NHS England's letter on corridor care
What do women want from health services?
As the government prepares to refresh the Women Health’s Strategy, Healthwatch England share new findings on women’s top priorities. Women make up just over half of the population, and across their lives most will need support for female-related conditions, such as heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, or peri- and menopausal symptoms. They will also be regularly invited over four decades for cervical screening and, in later life, for breast screening. Yet too many say that accessing the right support is harder than it should be.
How will the new GP contract improve the experience at your local practice?
What will the new GP contract mean for your care? And how did we use your feedback to call for a contract that works for you?
Our position on NHS dentistry
Communities across England have made it clear that NHS dentistry needs to be fixed – so it’s affordable and accessible. Read more about our evidence and what changes we’re calling for the NHS and Government to make.
Read the Healthwatch dentistry article
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.
NHS Launches Talking Therapies Campaign
Details from NHS England
The Talking Therapies campaign has been launched to encourage people struggling with common anxiety conditions to refer themselves for NHS Talking Therapies treatment.
NHS Talking Therapies treatment involves talking to a trained professional about your thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Treatment can be in-person, on the phone or an online course. It gives practical skills and techniques to overcome a range of mental health conditions like obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), social anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder, body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and phobias.
Read more information on the campaign and case studies.
Reminder: New GP Contract to Improve Experiences at Practices
Details from Healthwatch England
Last month, the Government confirmed how it expects GP practices to deliver patient care from 1 April 2026. Under the GP contract for 2026-2027, they'll help recruit more GPs, deal with urgent patients more quickly and ensure GP practices deliver high-quality clinical care.
Usually, the Government consults with the British Medical Association, but this year, has sought views and evidence from Healthwatch, National Voices (a coalition of health and care charities) and professional bodies including the Royal College of GPs. This broader consultation has made patient experience a core part of government decisions on what it expects from GP practices.
1. You should not be told to ‘call back tomorrow’
2. Clinically urgent requests should get a same-day response
3. Online request systems should not cap requests during core hours
4. Practices must clearly show how and when you can contact them
5. Advice and Guidance will be used more often before referrals
6. Registration goes online, and vulnerable people won’t lose their registration
Reminder: Improved Access to Dental Appointments
Details from UK Government
Patients across the country will have better access to NHS dentistry.
- New figures show the Government and NHS are on track to deliver millions more dental appointments this year, with 1.8 million additional treatments already delivered seven months in
- Broadening scope of extra urgent appointments will increase access to NHS dental treatment boosting earlier intervention, prevention, and continuity of care
- Alongside dental reforms which prioritise those with the greatest need, and supervised toothbrushing programme
From April 2026, high street dentists will be required to offer a minimum number of urgent or unscheduled appointments, which could include patients who are new to the practice.
Stockport MDC Expansion Approved, Unlocking Next Phase of Regeneration
Details from Stockport Council
Parliament has approved the expansion of the Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC), extending its boundary to cover the whole town centre.
This gives the MDC - the organisation driving the regeneration - the ability to take a more joined‑up approach and speed up the plans already underway to bring new homes, jobs and public spaces to the area.
What this means for residents: Over the coming years, the expanded MDC will help deliver:
- 8,000 new town centre homes by 2040, including affordable homes
- A new secondary school in the town centre
- A new health hub
- More community spaces
- More green space woven throughout the town centre
- More jobs and more investment
Live Well Warm Spaces Now Closed
Details from Stockport Council
Stockport's Live Well Warm Spaces closed last weekend. Funded by the council working with Sector 3, these spaces, alongside our libraries, have once again offered comfort and connection throughout the colder months. Thank you to the staff and volunteers who make these spaces such welcoming places..
You can still find a warm welcome at Stockport’s libraries, community centres and local groups, with free events and activities. Youth nights, designed with and for young people, remain open throughout March.
Visit the events calendar to explore what’s on.
March is Autoimmune Disease Awareness Month!
Details from the Arthritis Foundation
This month helps shine a light on autoimmune conditions — including autoimmune forms of arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, juvenile arthritis and more.
- Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells.
- Autoimmune arthritis can cause pain, swelling and stiffness that impact daily life.
- Early diagnosis and appropriate care can make a meaningful difference.
Awareness and support help reduce isolation and improve understanding. Learn about autoimmune forms of arthritis and why awareness matters.
Visit the Arthritis Foundation website here
Calling Stockport Men! Book Your AAA Screening
To find out more about AAA screening, the team here at Healthwatch Stockport produced a handy screening fact sheet last year to help you find the information you need.
AAA screening fact sheet and advice
HAF is Back for a Week of Eggtra Exciting Fun!
Details from Stockport Council
The Holiday Activity and Food programme (HAF) booking system will be live from next Tuesday 10 March. You will receive your email from hello@holidayactivities with your child’s unique voucher code and link to the booking system.
All clubs are as inclusive and accessible as possible but we also have some SEND specific clubs, including 1:1 supported clubs. Some of our mainstream clubs also offer 1:1 support.
31 March Childcare Deadlines
There are two childcare offers with a deadline of 31 March. You can also find more information and support by visiting your local One Stockport Family Hub or Best Start in Life.
- September 2026 nursery places (all 3‑ and 4‑year‑olds)
All children born between 1 September 2022 and 31 August 2023 are entitled to 15 hours of funded early education per week, regardless of family circumstances.
Learn more & apply - Funded childcare for working parents
Eligible working parents with children aged 9 months to school reception age can receive 30 hours of funded childcare per week, for 38 weeks per year. You must reconfirm your eligibility every term to keep your child’s place. Applications are now open for the term starting on or after 1 April.
Learn more & apply
New Life Leisure Campaign: The Power to Glow
Details from Life Leisure
Life Leisure has launched their new campaign, 'The Power to Glow', which was an idea inspired by International Women's Day. 'Power to Glow' promotes:
- Power to Grow — empowering women to grow in strength and confidence, and also helping others to understand and respect the issues that women face.
- Glow — encouraging overall wellbeing, health, happiness, and confidence. When you look after yourself mentally and physically, you’ll glow, becoming a happier and healthier version of yourself.
To mark this, the team at life Leisure have published a blog post on the evolution of female fitness over the last 100 years. It’s a fascinating look at how opportunities, attitudes, and activities for women have changed.
You can read it here.
Keep your eyes peeled for some 'special campaign activity'. If you're in the Merseyway on Sunday 8 March around 1pm - all will be revealed.
Competition: They're also launching a competition on their Facebook and Instagram pages where two lucky winners will each receive a place on Life Leisure's next women's weightlifting course. Follow their socials on Sunday 8 March to get yourself in the draw.
Have Your Say: Experiences of the NHS
Details from the Patients Association
The Patients Association works directly with patients to inform recommendations that influence health and care policy, hold decision-makers to account, and improve how services partner with patients.
They want to hear about patients’ experiences with NHS services over the last six months: what’s working well, what isn’t, and what needs to change.
These responses will be used in a report to support their campaigning and advocacy work and to make the strongest case to government, the NHS, and policymakers for improvements patients need and deserve.
www.patients-association.org.uk/share-your-experience-in-our-patient-experience-survey
Have Your Say: Greater Manchester Older People’s Network
Details from Greater Manchester Aging Hub
The Greater Manchester Older People’s Network Team invites you to take part in their Annual Member Survey and help shape the future of the Greater Manchester Older People’s Network.
This survey is one of the main ways they can understand what’s working and what isn't, and what matters most to you and your community. What you share helps guide priorities, working groups, and the way we support older people across Greater Manchester.
Your Views Matter: Help Shape GMOPN's Future Survey
The survey closes on 20 March 2026.
Have Your Say: Family Hubs App
Details from Stockport Council
Stockport Council want your feedback on the Family Hubs App – and you could win a £20n voucher for getting involved!
Since launching the One Stockport Family Hubs app in May 2025, they've been working to make it even better, adding local updates and notifications. Your experience matters - so they'd love to hear from families who’ve downloaded the app.
You’ll be entered into a prize draw for a £20 shopping voucher!
Greater Manchester Live Well Spring Festival: Coming to a Neighbourhood Near You
More than 200 amazing community-led events are happening across Greater Manchester for two weeks, from Monday 9-23 March.
Events are popping up in neighbourhoods, in Live Well centres and spaces, community hubs, high streets, parks and online, right across all 10 boroughs.
The festival will showcase the growing and thriving Live Well movement, and the people and places that strengthen communities with everyday support across the region.
Across Greater Manchester, there will be roving Public Living Rooms, Chatty Buses, a Museum of Community Futures, Photography exhibitions, Pop up Live Well Centres, Volunteering and skills drop ins.
And locally, trails, Spring sings, gardening clubs, Communi-Tea, awards, fun days, youth film premieres, community gyms, footie and cycling, stand up comedy, discovery days, poetry and craft, and more…
Live Well Spring Festival - Greater Manchester Combined Authority
See Stockport's Live Well events
Live Well Stockport: Picnic in the Park
Live Well: Life Leisure Spring Festival Activities
Like many other organisations in Greater Manchester, Life Leisure are proudly supporting the Live Well Spring Festival, a partnership led by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, NHS Greater Manchester, local authorities and community organisations, to ensure great everyday support is available in every neighbourhood.
They'll be running three free family-friendly activities over the coming weeks:
-
Family Swim Party - Saturday 14 March
-
Community Wellness Walk - Monday 16 March
-
Padel Playground - Saturday 21 March
Book free tickets here: https://bit.ly/42XrJZ8
International Women's Day Events
Events Supporting Neurodivergent Individuals & Families
Details from Stockport Council
Two welcoming events this March offer opportunities to get information, ask questions and connect with local support in a way that works for you. Each event is different, but both are designed to be friendly, inclusive and supportive.
Talk to Stockport Council's Neurodiversity Support Teams
Family Hub in Adswood, Thursday 12 March, 10am - 12pm
Drop in for an informal chat with local professionals. Ask questions explore support available for children and families—no appointment or diagnosis needed. Learn more.
Neurodiversity Celebration Day
Stockroom, Wednesday 18 March, 1pm - 7pm
A relaxed, accessible event bringing together services, charities and community groups. Learn about local support, meet teams face to face and build a clearer picture of what’s available across Stockport. Learn more.
Recycled Plastic Mural Trail
Details from Plastic Shed
The World's First Recycled Plastic Mural Trail, a community project by Plastic Shed based in Stockport. The trail features 10 murals made from over 2,000 recycled plastic bottle lids, created with the help of local children and the community.
Mural Locations & Navigation (what3words): The map uses what3words addresses to help you find the exact location of each mural. Here are the locations listed:
1. Edgeley (Our Lady's Primary School): mud. wizard.shirt
2. Cheadle (Abney Hall Park): vibe. tank.master
3. The Landing (Stockport Town Centre): taking. dare. front
4. Offerton / Woodbank Park: descended. charmingly.hill
5. Hazel Grove (Torkington Park): soon. basis.lived
6. The Light Cinema (Stockport Town Centre): faded. swan.proud
7. Reddish (Houldsworth Village): waits. words. rank
8. Etherow Park: emerge. create. taxing
9. Compstall / Romiley (Chadkirk Country Estate): sands. misty.vase
10. Woodley (Community Garden): neck.rails.leads
The Hidden Word Challenge: To complete the trail, find the hidden letter on each of the 10 murals. Once you have all 10 letters, fill them in at the bottom of the sheet to discover the hidden word.
Natural Features: Each location is associated with a specific insect or creature, such as the Marmalade Hoverfly and Buff-Tailed Bumblebee, encouraging walkers to look for wildlife while they hunt for the murals.
The project was funded by the UK Government, Greater Manchester Combined Authority, and Stockport Council. Credit to Plastic Shed for photo.
Visit Plastic Shed website for the details
Further Events & Community Activities across the Borough
Job Opportunity: Transport Organiser & Office Administrator
Details from Stockport Car Scheme
Stockport Car Scheme is seeking a highly organised and proactive Transport Organiser & Office Administrator to join their team at The Heaton’s Centre.
This is a part‑time position of 15 hours per week over 2 days, offered on a 2‑year fixed‑term contract, with the possibility of extension depending on funding. Salary: £26,403 pro rata
Main Purpose of the Role
To coordinate transport requests in line with Stockport Car Scheme guidelines, support volunteer drivers, maintain accurate administrative and financial records, and contribute to the effective running of the Scheme through high‑quality office and communication support.
See the full job description here
Workshops: Eating Disorder Sessions
Details from Living Well Stockport
The Charlie Waller Trust offers online workshops to parents and carers based on the New Maudsley Approach, which recognises that family/carers are in a unique position to support their loved one to tackle the eating disorder.
The aim is to lower anxiety and distress in family members and to give carers communication tools, skills and techniques to help their loved one to improve their self-esteem and develop resilience.
Courses are broken down into five, two-hour online workshops and are full of practical tips, real life scenarios and case studies.
Course Dates: (first date now passed)
- Wednesday 11 March - 9:30 - 11:30
- Wednesday 18 March - 9:30 - 11:30
- Wednesday 25 March - 9:30 - 11:30
- Wednesday 22 April - 9:30 - 11:30
This is a series and ideally participants should attend all five sessions. To book on to this course, email Gemma Howard at gemma.howard@charliewaller.org and quote GH027 in the subject line.
For more information, visit Eating disorder workshops for parents and carers
Training: Suicide Awareness
Details from Pure Innovations
New dates for the popular Stockport Council Suicide Awareness for Professionals training have been announced. Training is free for anyone working or volunteering in Stockport.
Important: Please only book a place if you can be sure to attend as this is a very popular course.
Course Details: Delivery Time: 2.5 hours
- Develops understanding and compassion.
- Tackles myths, stigma, and barriers
- Introduces concept that suicide is not inevitable – people can be helped, and module includes the latest research and evidence.
- Helps you understand how distress develops and how people can be best supported.
- Develops common language between community, services, and those in distress.
- Gives you gain the confidence and the skills practice of talking to someone in distress.
- Develops a compassionate approach for demanding and time-pressured environments.
- Equips you with the knowledge of how to use www.StayingSafe.net to make their own Safety Plan
No prior experience required.
To book a place for any of the sessions, please CTRL & click on the following link:
SUICIDE AWARENESS FOR PROFESSIONALS BOOKING FORM
Workshops: Makaton Level 4
Details from Stockport SEND
The Makaton Level 4 Workshop is designed to advance your skills in using signs and symbols, building on the knowledge gained in Levels 1, 2 and 3.
This workshop is ideal for family members, carers and practitioners who already use Makaton at home or in their work and have completed Levels 1–3. It is also an essential step toward entry for Makaton Tutor Training.
18 March 2026, from 9.25am–2.30pm
1st Floor, 1WR, 1 Wellington Road North, Stockport, SK4 1AF.
To request a place, email CTStraining@stockport.nhs.uk
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 to Talk
Greater Manchester Live Well
King's Trust
Upcoming courses from The King's Trust
Make a Difference/Stockport Women And Girls
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.
