Make a difference today – support activation and grow self-care

A blog to mark International Self-Care Day (Thursday 24 July 2025) by Gavin Street, Communication and Marketing Lead for Personalisation, It’s All About People Personalisation Programme

In health and care, there’s a growing recognition that self-care and patient activation go hand in hand.

Supporting people to feel more confident, informed, and in control of their health is no longer just a good idea - it’s essential. The 10 Year Health Plan for England places this at its heart, aiming to provide individuals with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to manage their wellbeing day-to-day.

This includes everything from Personalised Care and Support Plans and digital health tools to community-based support that makes self-care more accessible and meaningful.

But here’s the truth: without understanding a person’s level of activation, how can we provide appropriate support to enable them to self-care?

In a world where health information is more available and care is increasingly a shared responsibility, people need more than advice - they need support to take action.

That’s where we come in. As health and care providers, we have a vital role to play in helping people move from passive recipients of care to active, confident partners in their own health journeys.

It's not about doing more - it's about doing with people, not to them.

Activation works!

Research shows that people with higher activation levels have better health outcomes, improved wellbeing, and are less likely to rely on urgent or emergency services.

They’re also more engaged in conversations about their care, making it easier for services to tailor support and plan effectively.

Growing activation is what enables someone to go from being unengaged in their health to  understanding their choices, asking questions, and taking action.

Activated people are more likely to:

• Understand their conditions and treatment options
• Build and maintain healthy habits
• Manage their medications effectively
• Communicate clearly and confidently with their care team
• Navigate the system, and speak up about what they need.

Why it matters - for you and for the people you support

The evidence is clear: higher activation leads to better outcomes. People with higher activation scores tend to have:

• Better control of long-term conditions
• Fewer emergency admissions and hospital stays
• Greater satisfaction and well-being
• Lower healthcare costs overall

But it’s not just about outcomes, it’s about experience.

Activated people often feel more heard, more respected, and more in control. That, in turn, builds better, more collaborative relationships with us as health and care providers.

How you can support activation every day

The good news? A person’s activation level isn’t fixed. It can be supported, nurtured, and grown, especially with our help. And you don’t need extra time or new tech to support self-care. Start small and use the following in your everyday practice:

• Ask open questions that invite people to talk about what matters to them. Invite curiosity and never rush past concerns.
• Be honest and kind. People respond best when we offer both encouragement and realism.
• Recognise and celebrate small wins. Progress isn’t always clinical; sometimes it’s the first time a person brings a list of questions, or takes a new bus route to the GP.
• Use clear, non-judgmental language. The way we communicate matters! Avoid jargon and always check for understanding.
• Make decisions together. Offer options where possible, even in everyday choices, and respect people’s goals and preferences.
• Encourage self-care. From goal setting to tech tools, support people to build daily habits that foster confidence.
• Build trust. Consistent, compassionate interactions create the safety needed for people to speak up and step up.
• Use tools like the Patient Activation Measure to monitor progress and tailor your approach – find out more in the next section.

Getting started: Use the Lincolnshire Activation Tool

One simple but powerful way to support this is by using the Lincolnshire Activation Tool. VISIT Activating people to manage their health and care to read more about activation and the benefits of the Patient Activation Measure (PAM) approach.

PAM tools help you to understand someone’s current level of confidence to self-care. It gives a snapshot of how ready they are to manage aspects of their health, and helps you shape your support around what they need - no more, no less.

Whether someone is just starting out or already taking the lead, the activation tool gives you a clear, person-centred way to meet them where they are.

It’s quick to use, easy to understand, and a great starting point for meaningful conversations.

Most importantly, it helps people feel seen and supported, not judged.

Final thoughts

Activation and self-care aren’t about expecting people to go it alone - or asking them to simply do more.

They’re about recognising each person’s strengths and supporting them to take control in ways that feel right for them. That means offering the right tools, the right support, and - just as importantly - the respect to let people lead where they can.

When people feel confident and capable in managing their health, the results are powerful. Not only do individuals feel more in control and empowered, but the systems we work in benefit too, with better outcomes, more meaningful conversations, and care that truly fits.

This International Self-Care Day, let’s make a shared commitment:

• Support confidence-building in every conversation.
• Create space for self-care to be part of the plan, not an afterthought.
• Recognise and celebrate small steps people take toward managing their health.

When we work with people—not just for them—everyone wins.

So, let’s support activation. Let’s grow self-care. And let’s do this together!