Individuals and projects that promote a self-management approach to living with long-term health conditions are to be recognised in with awards
Living with a long-term health problem like asthma or arthritis doesn't have to bring down your quality of life.
Projects, people and partnerships that understand that self-mangement can ensure a good quality of life for people with health problems are set to be recognised during Self Management Week this autumn.
In Scotland, the increasing number of people living with one or multiple long-term conditions is greatly contributing to the current pressures on health services. People living with multiple conditions are more likely to be admitted to hospital, more likely to be prescribed drugs and to have a poorer-quality of life. Self management is key to improving outcomes for individuals with long term conditions. allowing people to live their lives better by being more informed, better prepared for everyday challenges and with access to support when they need it.
Self management is just the way to get the best out of my life and what I live and do every day - Elspeth Kerr
That's why entries are now open for the Self-Management Awards, which will be help celebrate success during Self Management Week, which this year runs between Monday 3 and Friday 7 October.
Marianne Brennan, development officer for the Health and Social Care Alliance's self management partnership and practice programme, said: "The Self Management Awards will be celebrating powerful partnerships across Scotland; highlighting organisations, projects, health and social care workers and individuals who embrace the challenge to do things differently. Working in partnership with people who use support and services empowers individuals to become more confident in managing their health care and can reduce demand on health services."
Last year's winner of the Inspirational Person of the Year Award was Elspeth Kerr.
She said: "I was totally overwhelmed to win the award for Inspirational Person of the Year as self management is just the way to get the best out of my life and what I live and do every day. My family and community were really proud of me and it brought home to me how much they support me in order to help my self management to work.”
Entries for the Self Management Awards are being sought for Management Supporting Health and Social Care Partnership of the Year, Self Management Project of the Year, Self Management Supporting Community of the Year, Best Self Management Resource, Individual Transformational Story of the Year and Innovative Partnership Idea of the Year.
The deadline for submission is 5pm, Friday 5 August and winners will be announced on Tuesday 4 October at the awards ceremony at the Scottish Parliament.
