New Health and Social Care Career Academy Launched in Stockport to Strengthen the Care Workforce

by Trafford and Stockport College Group

Trafford and Stockport College Group in partnership with Stockport Council and local sector employment organisations, has announced the launch of the new One Stockport Health and Social Care Career Academy.  

Officially launching at the beginning of December, marking a significant milestone in the shared commitment of TSCG and Stockport Council to create a sustainable, skilled, and community-focused care workforce. The Academy’s first cohort of learners will begin January 2026. 

Developed collaboratively to address both local and national recruitment challenges in the sector, the Academy offers an accessible route for people who want to start or progress their career further in health and social care.  

By bringing together the expertise, networks, and resources of both the college group and Stockport Council and partners across health and social care, the initiative ensures learners receive high-quality training which closely aligns with employer needs across the area. 

Gareth Burrow is Director of Curriculum for Industry Partner & Skills at Trafford and Stockport College Group says, “The launch of the One Stockport Health and Social Care Career Academy marks a huge step forward in how we prepare, support and inspire the workforce of the future. 

“High-quality training, practical experience and strong employer partnerships create pathways into the sector that are vital for our community. 

“Importantly, the Academy will help meet not only the national demand for skilled care professionals but also support workforce sustainability for the sector in Stockport and the wider region. 

“We’re proud to play a part in shaping a stronger, more resilient care workforce for our area.” 

The academy will bring together current One Stockport workforce programmes supporting the sector, alongside new developments including a pre-employment course, this provides a flexible and comprehensive portfolio of training opportunities on offer by partners across Stockport’s health and social care system. 

Supported by a shared Skills Advisory Board and powered by strong partnership working, the Academy will offer accredited learning, hands-on experience, employability skills, guaranteed interviews, and tailored job-matching.  

It will serve both new entrants and the existing workforce, opening routes into leadership jobs, specialist roles in the sector, and ongoing professional development. 

Cllr Helen Foster-Grime, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care, “I am delighted to see the launch of the One Stockport Health and Social Care Academy. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to building a sustainable, future-ready workforce for our borough. 

“By bringing together local employers, education providers, and support agencies, the Academy will open new doors for people of all backgrounds - whether they are starting their careers, seeking a change, or looking to progress further in health and social care. We are proud to offer accredited training, hands-on experience, and real opportunities for advancement, helping to ensure that Stockport remains at the forefront of compassionate, high-quality care. I encourage everyone interested to find out more and join us in shaping the future of care in our community.”

Applications are now open for the Academy’s inaugural cohort, with places available for individuals considering a career change. 

Referral partners and community organisations are encouraged to work with TSCG and Stockport Council to identify candidates who would benefit from the opportunity. 

Strong festive footfall in Altrincham

Picturesque Altrincham town centre is seeing increased visitor numbers this festive season as its reputation as a happening destination continues to grow.

Altrincham has seen a huge turnaround in the past decade thanks to the hard work of partners, traders and the Altrincham BID (Business Improvement District).

Managers of the regenerated Stamford Quarter shopping area say half a million more visitors have visited so far in 2025 – a 14% increase on 2024 – with numbers ramping up further in the run-up to Christmas Day.

Property company Bruntwood has counted more than 4m visitors since January, drawn in by the town’s mix of independent shops, national brands, eateries and services.

Altrincham BID says 2024/25 saw 8.4m visitors to the high street representing a 5.7% increase on the previous year after similar rises, year on year, from 2016. 

Central to Altrincham’s newfound success is a juxtaposition of old and new retailers, independent and national chains – all pulling together with the BID to help stage events and special attractions all year round, never more so at this time of year.

Jo Hill, owner of Hill & Hill The Jewellers, whose light-festooned display won the title of the town’s best Christmas window via social media votes, said: “As Altrincham is a wonderful destination town, we attract customers from right across the North West, and we’ve just had our busiest year yet.

“A town only works if the Council and partners are proactive, by providing great transport links, parking, and lovely well-kept and clean communal areas, so that's why Altrincham has grown into the successful place it is. Supported by the fantastic Altrincham BID, huge amount of work goes into attracting more people into town.”

Jake Shoes recently celebrated 50 years trading. Set up by the Bland family, who wanted to bring quirky London styles to the north, the shop continues to thrive. Owner Maisy Bland said: “It has been lovely over recent years to see more and more shops opening around us, bringing a whole host of new faces into our town. 

“We are excited to continue trading in Altrincham and to be part of such a welcoming community who have truly embraced us and continue to support us every day.”

One such new business is Nell’s Pizza. Manager Thomas Markiewicz said: "We've just celebrated our first birthday in Altrincham. We were drawn in by the regeneration and rejuvenation of the Stamford Quarter which is a great, family-friendly place for us that really champions independent businesses. 

"We get such a varied crowd and people really appreciate what we do. The businesses here work together to put on events and happenings and make sure there is a community feel. No business is just out for themselves.”

Another new business is Share Your Story, which works with local people to help them do just that in photos, video, audio or writing.

Owner Simon Hepburn said: “Recently there’s been a huge increase in Altrincham’s cultural and creative offerings. For example, you can follow an art trail from the Town Hall across 37 town centre locations, visit our galleries, cinemas and theatres, and take part in many creative activities, from pottery to sewing, film photography to cartoon drawing.  

“We’re excited that Share Your Story is at the heart of this change, helping people start their creative journey with the latest equipment, courses and a Creative Hub that offers space for photography, podcasting and video creation.”

Stalwart brands such as Boots help to complete the picture. Sharon Hulme, manager at the Altrincham store, said: "I have worked for Boots all over Greater Manchester and Altrincham is my favourite place. It's the nicest community of all the ones I've spent time in - and our customers are adorable. 

"The vibe in the town is just really relaxed. People can come here for whatever they want and need instead of going into the city. People talk about the independent shops but the chain stores too are a central part of the community.

"We are proud of our community pharmacy work, we support the NHS by doing blood pressure checks, we raise money for charity and we work with the police to keep the town centre safe for everyone who comes here."

The success of Altrincham as a shopping and leisure destination fits in with the Council’s priority for a thriving economy and top-class leisure and culture for all. 

Cllr Liz Patel, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration, said: “Altrincham is a great place to visit and stay a while but that doesn’t happen by itself – it’s down to the hard work of the retailers and businesses here, with the support of the BID and the Council and other partners. We’re delighted to see the ongoing success of the town.”

Thomas, Nell's Pizza

Santa makes special appearances on Northern trains

Father Christmas made special appearances on a number of Northern services, to spread some festive cheer and hand out a few presents.

He received a warm welcome from children travelling on trains across the North of England in Cheshire, Greater Manchester and Yorkshire in early December.

Dozens of volunteers, who work with Northern to promote and improve train travel, organised the visits and were there to hand out sweets and mince pies to passengers.

On the Saturday, Father Christmas was spotted on a service running from Ashley to Hale and a train travelling between Glazebrook and Irlam.

More than 100 children also paid a visit to Santa’s grotto, which was set up by Friends of Irlam Station.

David Ollerenshaw, chair of the volunteer group, said: “It was fabulous. The weather wasn’t the best, but it didn’t put anyone off.

“The kids loved it. All of their faces lit up and it was tremendous to see. We had more than 100 children come to the grotto and visit Santa.”  

Saint Nick also travelled on trains between Brough, Hull and Scarborough on the Saturday, as part of an event organised by Yorkshire Coast Community Rail Partnership.

Community rail officer Rachel Osborne said: “We love doing the Santa special trains as it is magical to see the joy on the children’s faces as they meet Santa. 

“These trains are a great way to encourage families to try the train and it is always good to see people travelling for the first time and enjoying the experience.”

Northern, which provided funding for the events, has made dozens of stations across the North more festive, putting up Christmas trees and decorations in waiting rooms.

Richard Isaac, regional community and sustainability manager for Northern, said: “There’s always a lot of excitement when Santa shows up on our services and it’s fantastic to see him put a smile on so many faces.

“We would like to thank the volunteers for helping to organise these visits and for all of the work they do throughout the year – it makes a big difference for our customers.”

Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK, with 2,650 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.

Sale Care Home Journeys Into Christmas Past

Old festive traditions came to life at a care home in Sale, where residents enjoyed a day of seasonal activities. 

Care UK’s Oakfield Croft on Oakfield, hosted a festive celebration to revisit customs from Christmas past.

The event was part of Care UK’s ‘Step into Christmas’ initiative, which aims to revive residents’ festive traditions, encouraging them to share memories. 

By blending storytelling, crafts and carol singing, the events create a space for meaningful connection. 

On the day, residents were immersed in the sights, sounds, and flavours of Christmases past. Shetland ponies dressed in festive attire brought smiles and sparked memories of winter celebrations and family outings.

Residents also enjoyed a traditional hot chocolate bar, before getting creative, making classic handmade paper chains and colouring wooden decorations to hang on the home’s Christmas tree – activities many remembered doing with their families as children.

The celebration concluded with carolling by a visiting group, who filled the home with much-loved Christmas songs, followed by a pantomime performance of Jack and the Beanstalk.

94-year-old resident, Enid Docherty said: “The panto was brilliant – we had such a laugh. Seeing the ponies again was very special too; it reminded me of winters from years ago. It felt like a proper old-fashioned Christmas.”

Roxanne Walsh, Home Manager at Oakfield Croft, said: “Christmas is such a special time of year, and this event allowed us to honour those memories by recreating festive traditions.

“From making decorations and singing carols to enjoying a pantomime and festive treats, the day really captured the magic of Christmas past. It was wonderful to see residents reminiscing, sharing stories and enjoying those familiar moments together.

“Events like this are incredibly important, as they help residents feel connected to their memories and to one another, while creating new joyful moments at the same time.”

For more information about Step into Christmas, visit: careuk.com/Step-into-Christmas  

Oakfield Croft provides residential, dementia and respite care, and has been rated ‘good’ in all five areas by the Care Quality Commission. The home is designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilling lives, while also promoting independence, and incorporates plenty of space for leisure activities and hobbies. The layout of the home is configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge/dining room to facilitate the creation of close-knit communities, and also boasts facilities such as a cinema, café and hair and beauty salon.

To find out more about Oakfield Croft, please contact Customer Relations Manager Amber Williams on: 0161 820 4019, email: amber.williams@careuk.com or visit: careuk.com/oakfield-croft.

Oakfield Croft resident taking part in carol singing.

Oakfield Croft resident Enid Docherty enjoying a special visit from a Shetland pony.