Self Care Week (18-24 November 2013)
Communications Overview
Background
Self Care Week is an annual national awareness week that focuses on embedding support for self care across communities, families and generations. It runs between 18-24 November. The theme for 2013 is: Self care for life – take control.
The Self Care Forum is working with NHS England to inspire people to take control of their health and ultimately take control of their life. By becoming more health literate, we hope people will understand how to look after their health for life, taking care of their own minor ailments, managing more serious conditions and choosing healthy options that will impact positively on people’s physical health as well as their mental wellbeing and self-esteem.
Key messages
We have devised a bank of key messages to help with your campaign. These are themed around Self care for Life – Take Control with a physical and mental health focus; including the careful use of health services.
How can my organisation get involved?
A lack of resource should not be a barrier to involvement. There are many ways you can support Self Care Weekand bring these key messages to life.
If your resource is limited, you could simply add the web banner to your internal and public facing website. Or tailor, print and display posters in patient/staff areas.
It is widely acknowledged that self care not only empowers the individual, it also lessens demand on the NHS. Why don’t youlaunch a self care initiative aimed at the general public and invite local media along?
To get a flavour of the type of activities organisations have been involved with previously, please visit the Self Care Week 2012 review at:
Why run Self Care Week?
This is a good time to raise awareness of what people can be doing to take care of themselves better, particularly those with long-term conditions. The time leading up to the winter months can prepare and inform the whole population at a time when seasonal illness tends be more prolific. The Week fits with existing national initiatives, including the National Pharmacy Association’s 'Ask your Pharmacist Week’ (4-11 Nov) and the European Antibiotic Awareness Day(18 Nov), which makes the link with self care support for colds and flu.
Marketing Collateral
We have provided a generic communications toolkitincluding national campaign tools, resources and messaging, for local organisations to develop their own approaches to promote self care initiatives.
The Self Care Forum’s website act as a portal to promote a range of freely available Self Care Week information and resources, including web buttons, banners, amendable posters and public-facing leaflets with Self Care Week messages. Post-campaign, the website will also act as a channel for local evaluation and success measure.
Here is a list of leaflets and posters available to support self care that can be displayed or handed out during Self Care Week. They can be ordered from the DH Publications Order line by calling 0300 123 1002 or visit
Please quote the product code when ordering:
- 296717Help and Advice for living life well with a long term conditions – patient leaflet
- 299425Do you or your child have a long term condition? – care planning patient leaflet
- MHFSCW09Self care for minor ailments Haynes manual (for men)
- 403298PTThe Pain Toolkit
- 3011175 A day: what’s it all about – leaflet
- 294348Guide to Pharmacy Services – How to get the most from your local pharmacy
- 279234Questions to ask: getting the most out of your appointment
Helpful website links:
- NHS Choices – Self Care Week
- NHS Choices – About health costs
- Department of Health website
How can I get in touch?
Please contact: