Ben

This #ShareForBetterCare Week achieve a positive impact whilst you have a short wait in your day by sharing your experience of health or social care services with us. It takes as little as 3 minutes and your feedback helps services provide better care. bit.ly/BetterCareFeed…

@SelfCareForum Thanks for inviting me to take part

Thank you so very much for your terrific engagement and for your help in launching National #SelfCareWeek in such an enjoyable way. The hour has whizzed past. Watch out for more posts this week and do share yours with us too.

@SelfCareForum Let's all help each other when it comes to self care! #SCWchat #selfcareweek

Last one! Q9 who is responsible for helping people to #'selfcare - should we all be stepping it up? #scwchat #selfcareweek A9

@SelfCareForum A8 - There is loads employers can do. Wellness programs, flexible hours, and mental health support are just a few steps that improve staff well-being and productivity.#SCWchat #selfcareweek

Q8 - what role should employers play in supporting people to better #selfcare? #selfcareweek #scwchat

@SelfCareForum A7- Technology has already revolutionised self-care. Just think how easy it is to access health information and support compared to ten years ago. Its influence will only grow, but we must ensure cost and access to tech don't exclude some. #SCWchat #selfcareweek

Q7 What role do you see digital tools, apps and AI playing in supporting people's health and wellbeing? #SCWchat #selfcareweek

@SelfCareForum A6 - We can do our bit & support mental wellness by encouraging open conversations and sharing helpful resources BUT we also need better access to #NHS professional help. #SCWchat #selfcareweek

Q6 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year, what must be done to support people to protect their mental wellness? A6 #SCWchat #selfcareweek

@SelfCareForum A5 -Yes, our research shows positive signs for the success of Pharmacy First, but there is still more to do. The closure of community pharmacists is also having an impact #SCWchat #selfcareweek healthwatch.co.uk/report/2024-04…

So many fantastic comments. Let's move on to Q5 - #AYPW highlights the many services that pharmacies provide in local communities, but is the message getting through? #SCWchat #selfcareweek A5

@SelfCareForum A4 - To quote a past prime minister #Education #Education #Education, but it needs to focus more on specific communities, be relevant to them & encourage critical thinking about health information sources. #SCWchat #selfcareweek

Q4 We've already touched upon it, because it is a crucial barrier to #selfcare but how do we increase levels of #health literacy in our population? #SCWchat #selfcareweek A4

@SelfCareForum A3 - Three top priorities (1) improve healthcare access, (2) inspire healthy lifestyles through education, and (3) do more to provide affordable, nutritious food for everyone. #SCWchat #selfcareweek

Lots of great responses, let's do Q3. How do we help motivate people in their health and prevent avoidable diseases? A3 #SCWchat #selfcareweek

@SelfCareForum A2 - Promoting healthy eating and physical activity is essential, but building children's confidence, self-worth, and sense of agency is equally vital. #SCWchat #selfcareweek

Ok, Q2 how do we ensure school children and young people grow up with #selfcare skills and knowledge to help them through their life? #SCWchat #selfcareweek

@SelfCareForum A1 - Empowering yourself with the information and support you need to thrive and take charge of your health! 🌟 #SCWchat

Welcome again. Let's get on with Q1 - what does #selfcare mean to you and why do you think it's important. Answer using A1 and #SCWchat (if you remember) #selfcareweek

Poorer people find it much harder to access NHS care than the well-off and have a worse experience of care when they do get it. Our findings show a developing two-tier service, with access closely related to wealth. bit.ly/3TnHXG5 #HealthInequalities #TwoTierHealthcare

@SelfCareForum A9 it's everyone's business #scwchat

We only have 6 more minutes so i will skip to the last question - Q9 who is responsible for helping people to #selfcare? Should we all be stepping it up? #scwchat A9 #selfcareweek

@SelfCareForum A7 - they are increasingly becoming fundamental but they will not suit everyone, so we need to make sure that other options are available for those who are digitally excluded #scwchat

We are fast running out of time! Here is Q7 - what role do you see digital tools playing to support people's health and wellbeing? #scwchat #selfcareweek A7

@SelfCareForum You can find out what people have recently told us about mental health support here: healthwatch.co.uk/blog/2023-10-1…

@SelfCareForum A6 - the Major Conditions Strategy should set out a roadmap for (a) Reducing mental health waiting times for assessments, treatment, and crisis support and (b) Improving transitions from child to adult mental health services based on need, not just age. #scwchat

Q6 - 1 in 4 people in the UK experience a mental health problem, how can we support people to protect their mental wellness? #scwchat #selfcareweek A6

@SelfCareForum A5 - Yes, our research shows that confidence in being able to access timely care via pharmacists is higher than many other NHS services. However, there are still challenges, such as medicine supply shortages bit.ly/3R1RUZ1 #SCWchat

Let's talk about pharmacy and how integral it is to #selfcare. Q5 AYPW highlighted the many services pharmacies provide - is the message getting through to people about it's value? #scwchat #selfcareweek A5

@SelfCareForum More info here on our Your Care, Your Way campaign healthwatch.co.uk/your-care-your… #SCWchat

@SelfCareForum A4 - Clear, understandable information is key to help you decide about your health and care and get the most out of services. People with communication challenges need better support from the NHS. This is why the Accessible Information Standard needs updating #scwchat

Moving on to Q4 - poor health literacy is a barrier to #selfcare behaviour, leading to health inequity, how do we increase levels of health literacy? Answer with #scwchat and A4

@SelfCareForum A3 - Continue to run campaigns encouraging people to start with small steps like daily exercise and healthier food choices. But, with a cost of living crisis, we need to ensure that those on the lowest incomes can eat well and keep warm bit.ly/3jW0utx #SCWchat

We still have more to discuss! Let's get on to Q3 - 23 per cent of UK deaths are considered avoidable - how do we make it easier for people to prevent avoidable diseases? #SCchat #selfcareweek rply with Q3