Self care matters public report

In November 2016 Healthwatch Bromley and Healthwatch Lewisham held a joint Self Care Matters event. The aim of the event was to raise awareness of Self Care Week and the importance of self-care and the self-management of health conditions. The event was preceded by the Healthwatch Bromley and Healthwatch Lewisham Annual General Meeting.

The event included four separate workshops focussing on particular self care issues: diabetes, eye care, respiratory diseases and mental health. The presentations provided a more in depth, focused information on all four topics.

The Self Care Matters event was attended by over 60 people. Attendees were asked to leave their feedback on several interactive feedback boards. Long term conditions and mental health were of most interest to participants, followed by eye health. Information on winter readiness, minor illnesses, activities and sexual health were also considered useful.

The event provided an opportunity for participants to feedback on SLaM’s enquiry into the integration of mental and physical health. The feedback received was in relation to providing support groups, physical checks for people with mental health issues, and help to maintain a healthy lifestyle.