Self-Care Week is an annual national awareness week that promotes self-care across communities, families and generations. This year’s theme is ‘Mind and Body’.

Self-care includes a range of actions to support health and wellbeing such as getting enough sleep, staying active, managing stress, knowing when to ask for help and where to find support, as well as checking you are up to date with vaccinations, including winter vaccinations, and any offered screening tests.

To support residents, Walsall Council’s Public Health team is supporting Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust’s Self-Care Management Team to deliver events across Walsall.

To begin the week, on Monday 17 November from 10am to 12:30pm, a Self-Care Event took place at Bloxwich Active Living Centre, with over 200 attendees invited and more than 20 stalls offering advice and support.

On Tuesday 18 November and Thursday 20 November between 10am and 2pm, the Self-Care Management Team will be at Walsall Manor Hospital by Costa Coffee, speaking to staff, patients and visitors about available support.

The team will also be out and about in Walsall to share tips and talk about the meaning of self-care.

“ Self-care does not have to be complicated. It is about making small, positive choices every day. Whether it is getting a good night’s sleep, staying hydrated, going for a walk, making time for yourself or simply taking a moment to breathe and relax, these steps can make a real difference to how we feel. I encourage you to reach out to the Self-Care Management Team to find out more about what they offer and access a range of local services to support your health and wellbeing. “

Councillor Gary Flint, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Health and Wellbeing
Walsall Council

“ We know that when people feel supported and informed, they’re more likely to take control of their health and feel better day-to-day. Our programmes are designed to give people the tools, confidence and support they need to live well and we’re proud to offer them free to anyone in Walsall who needs them. “

Joanne Barlow, Service Lead for Self Care Management Team
Walsall Council

The Trust’s Self-Care Management Team run four free programmes across Walsall, online and in the community to help residents manage their health and feel more in control:

• Self-Care Management Programme – For anyone living with a long-term condition
• Chronic Pain Programme – Learn ways to manage pain and improve daily life
• Diabetes Programme – Gain better understanding of diabetes and how to live well with it
• Caring for Me and You – Support for carers looking after a loved one

Residents are also encouraged to visit their local pharmacy for help with minor conditions such as colds and flu, pain relief, oral contraception, emergency contraception and advice on healthy living. It is also important to know when to seek professional medical advice for more serious or long-term issues.

Residents can get in touch with the Self Care Team by calling 01922 605490, email wht.selfcare@nhs.net or complete a short form to find out more about the team and be in the chance of winning a self-care hamper.

• Residents can access the Let’s Chat bus which visits communities across Walsall and complete their personal 8 Steps to Wellbeing plan. To find out more visit the Walsall Council website.
• To find out about local services and groups in Walsall, visit the Walsall Wellbeing Directory.
• For everyday health needs – visit www.nhs.uk, your local pharmacy, or contact your GP for advice and ongoing care.
• If you need urgent medical help (but it’s not an emergency) – use NHS 111 online at 111.nhs.uk or call 111 for clinical advice, assessment, and guidance to the right service.
• In a life-threatening emergency – always call 999 immediately.