Definitions of ‘self-care’ vary slightly depending on the authority that’s provided it and even the period of time it was given. 

 

The Women Who Self Care definition of Self-Care:

 

Self-care is a basic and fundamental human right, whereby an individual has safe access to information and facilities/ actives that enable them to care for their mental, physical and spiritual health, in order to maintain and promote their wellbeing, prevent disease and maintain a healthy life, with little to no medical intervention.

 

The WHO defines self-care as “the ability of individuals, families and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and to cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a healthcare provider”.

 

‘Self-care is broad concept which also encompasses hygiene (general and personal); nutrition (type and quality of food eaten); lifestyle (sporting activities, leisure, etc.); environmental factors (living conditions, social habits, etc.); socioeconomic factors (income level, cultural beliefs, etc.); and self-medication. Core principles: Fundamental principles for self-care include aspects of the individual (e.g. self-reliance, empowerment, autonomy, personal responsibility, self-efficacy) as well as the greater community (e.g. community participation, community involvement, community empowerment)’.

 

 

The Steering Group, working in collaboration with ‘Self Care Aware: Joining Up Self Care in the NHS’ defined self-care as:

‘…a lifelong habit and culture. It is the action individuals take for themselves and their families to stay healthy and take care of minor and long term conditions, based on their knowledge and the information available and working in collaboration with health and social care professionals where necessary’.

 

 

Women Who Self Care aims to provide information and/or access to activities that help to enhance and facilitate good health and wellbeing for women.