A self-care charter for Australia consumers to take action for better health, has been launched today for International Self-Care Day.
International Self-Care Day, held on 24 July, is an annual opportunity to highlight the benefits of self-care both for individuals and Australia’s healthcare systems.
The Self-Care Charter has been released by the Australian Self-Care Alliance, Australia’s peak self-care organisation for health. It offers a guide for consumers on actions to live well and create better health outcomes for themselves and their families.
The charter sets out 10 principles for the delivery of self-care policy and practice in Australia, including access, choices, opportunities, low cost care and healthcare workers.
Self-care in health is a comprehensive, evidence-based, and complementary component of good health that includes the actions individuals can take to directly prevent, diagnose, monitor and treat disease, as well as other behaviours that help to maintain or improve health and wellbeing.
Developed in collaboration with Lived Experience Australia, and an extensive consumer and patient advocate consultation, the charter has been endorsed by 34 of Australia’s peak health bodies and patient organisations including the Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association.
It acknowledges that self-care needs to be an accessible option for all Australians, no matter their health status, age or gender.
The Self-Care Charter is available for download HERE
