What is self-management?

Self-management and self-care are crucial skills people with either a physical or mental condition or a carer need.

On average, people living with a health condition spend just 4 hours per year with their health care team; the rest of the time they are managing day-to-day life with that condition on their own – or self-managing.

Self Management UK educates you in the knowledge, skills and confidence you need to improve your wellbeing. Self-management does not mean doing it alone. We help you make informed choices about what services and support you want and need and how to work in partnership with your healthcare team.

Why should you "self-manage"?

Self-management encourages you to:

  • find out more about your condition
  • learn new skills and tools to help you manage your health
  • work better, and in partnership, with your healthcare team
  • take charge of your healthcare and choose what is right for you
  • get support from other people in a similar situation to you

Self-management is suitable no matter what your long-term health condition(s); asthma, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, chronic pain, anxiety, the list goes on.

If you have more control over your condition, you have more choice. You can’t let your condition run your life

To see more detail on our courses, click here:

- for any health condition

- 3-week courses for any health condition

- for carers

- for young carers

- for people with diabetes

- for people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and other lung conditions