From the Council:

Stockport Council, on behalf of the Stockport Partnership, has commissioned a research and engagement project, to review employment and skills issues, and improve awareness of support services in the Town Centre residential area.

The Neighbourhood Renewal Team will be carrying out this work. They have extensive knowledge and experience of worklessness and a proven track record in engaging with local communities and stakeholders.

The work will include consultation with local residents and employers in these areas. It is anticipated this piece of work will provide a blue print for future consultation and engagement on economic drivers in other Priority 1 areas of the borough.

For further information please click here (pdf) or contact Liz Madge on 0161 476 1262 or elizabeth.madge@stockport.gov.uk.

The Better Safe Than Sorry Event will be held on Friday 25 June 2010 9.00am - 3.30pm Merseyway Shopping Centre, Stockport (outside Westgate Store)

To support the valuable work of Age Concern Stockport’s ‘Safeguarding Older Adult Project’ (SOAP) you will find over 20 stalls providing free information and advice on services available in Stockport.

For more information please contact Ann Smith on 0161 480 1211.

For the first time, Manchester Harriers are holding parent’s cross-country races on Saturday 6th February, and there’ll be prizes!

Harriers run the Primary Schools Cross Country League at William Scholes Field, Gatley on Saturday mornings from 10am.

The remaining dates of the season are Saturday 6th February and Saturday 6th March.  The league has been in existence for over 30 years and there are about 300 runners at each race meeting.

There will be two parents’ races - one for ladies, one for men, running from 10.30am on Saturday 6th February.

There’s also a primary schools relay event after school on Thursday 25th March, starting at 4pm, with trophy presentations at 5pm.

Contact Ian Burnett for more information at i.b.burnett@googlemail.com or by calling 0161 485 2155.

Dignity in Care programme

Three of the seven areas inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) were judged to be “performing excellently” and four were “performing well.” In addition the CQC said that all Stockport’s services for older and vulnerable people in 2008-09 consistently delivered above minimum requirements for local residents, were cost effective, and contributed to a better quality of life for local people and communities.

Strong partnership working with NHS Stockport was highlighted and the Council was also praised for its leadership and commissioning and use of resources. To view the full report please visit the CQC website.