As the NHS comes under increasing pressure, South Gloucestershire residents are being encouraged to take greater responsibility for looking after their own health.

Healthwatch South Gloucestershire and Sirona care & health are inviting people to take part in their online survey “How do you look after yourself in South Gloucestershire?”

The survey aims to find out which services people use, where they go to get advice and what hobbies and activities they participate in, to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Healthwatch would also like to speak to people in the community face-to-face to find out how they look after themselves or ‘self-care’.

Self-care is a key part of the new NHS Long Term Plan, with the aim of helping people to live longer and healthier lives, and to make savings in healthcare.

Alex Francis, Healthwatch South Gloucestershire manager, says; “Self-care can be simple, such as treating minor ailments such as coughs and colds at home. It can be making choices that help you to lead a healthier lifestyle such as walking 10,000 steps per day, volunteering or learning new skills.”

“Through this survey we want to find out if people know what self-care means and how they go about achieving this in South Gloucestershire.”

Jenny Theed, Sirona’s Director of Nursing and Operations, said: “We are passionate about listening to people and working with individuals, families and carers to make things better.

"Many things can be prevented by making small lifestyle changes and we want people in South Gloucestershire to know where they can go to get the information and support to help them achieve those changes.”

If you would like Healthwatch to speak to you and members of your group contact Dan Hull on 01454 543 402. To take part in the survey go to healthwatchsouthglos.co.uk.