Supporting people to live well

The first national Self Care Awareness Week takes place from the 9 – 15 November 2009 and aims to raise awareness of the information and support available to help people, and especially those with long term conditions take control of their own health and wellbeing.

Self Care covers every aspect of living a healthy life, from brushing our teeth to looking after ourselves when recovering from illness. People with long term conditions are already doing this well but some are still unaware of the choice of support and information available to help manage their condition. For instance, everyone with a long term condition can have a personalised care plan, access to courses and support groups as well as knowing about the right equipment to help live healthy and stay independent.

Activities to support Self Care Week are being held around the country; in addition, charities including Men’s Health Forum are involved in the week to inform people and those with a long term conditions that being able to self care puts you in charge of your own healthcare.

CHAIN members are encouraged to support the campaign and raise awareness locally by displaying the self care week posters in GP practices, writing about the week in newsletters and using the web buttons and banners on both online and offline materials. These are available on the Department of Health’s website at: http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_107585

People living with a health condition, or who just want to learn how to look after their self better, can ask their healthcare professional for information on the advice and support available or visit www.nhs.uk/yourhealth.

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