It’s National Self-Care Week (17–23 November 2025) and International Men’s Day (19 November), the perfect moment to shine a light on the importance of looking after ourselves and supporting others to do the same.
At Innovate Care Group, self-care sits at the heart of what we do. Whether it’s helping someone build confidence and independence in their own home, or reminding our amazing care teams to take time for themselves too, self-care isn’t a luxury. It’s essential.
What is self-care really about?
Self-care means taking steps to protect and nurture our own health and happiness. It’s not just bubble baths and spa days (though those are nice too!) – it’s about small, everyday actions that make a big difference: getting enough rest, eating well, moving our bodies, connecting with people we care about, and asking for help when we need it.
This year’s Self-Care Week theme is “Mind & Body” – a reminder that mental and physical wellbeing go hand in hand. When we care for both, we thrive.
Promoting self-care and independence for the people we support
For our clients, self-care often means regaining or maintaining independence, doing as much as possible for themselves, in a safe and supported way. That might be choosing what to wear, preparing part of a meal, or managing their own routine with gentle support from our teams.
Every small act of independence builds confidence, dignity and wellbeing. We love seeing those moments when a client realises: “I can do that myself!”
Our care teams are trained to empower, not overpower, working with people, not for them, to build the skills and confidence that make everyday life meaningful.
Caring for Care Professionals
Just as we encourage our clients to take care of themselves, we remind our staff that self-care matters for them too. Caring is a demanding, deeply human job and to give our best, we have to feel our best.
That’s why we offer a fantastic Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), complete with an easy-to-use app. It’s there 24/7 with confidential emotional, practical and wellbeing support, for whatever life throws at you. Whether you’re struggling with stress, money worries or just need someone to talk to, help is always just a tap away.
International Men’s Day: opening the conversation
International Men’s Day (19 November) celebrates positive male role models and shines a light on men’s health and wellbeing. It’s a great reminder that self-care is for everyone and that talking about how we’re feeling is a sign of strength, not weakness.
This week, let’s take time to check in with the men in our lives, friends, fathers, brothers, colleagues – and encourage open, honest conversations about health and happiness.
Let’s make self-care a habit, not a trend
Awareness weeks and hashtags are brilliant for getting us talking, but the real impact comes when we carry those lessons into everyday life.
Here are a few simple ways we can all practise self-care, mind and body:
- Take five minutes each day just for you – breathe, stretch, pause.
- Eat something nourishing, drink plenty of water, and get some fresh air.
- Reach out to a friend, connection is powerful medicine.
- Celebrate what you can do, instead of focusing on what you can’t.
- Ask for help early, it’s one of the strongest things you can do.
Together, we care
At Innovate, we believe good care starts with self-care. When we look after ourselves, we’re better able to care for others and when we empower others to take care of themselves, we build happier, healthier communities.
So this Self-Care Week and International Men’s Day, let’s all take a moment to reflect:
- What does self-care mean to me?
- What small step can I take today to care for my mind and body?
Because every act of self-care, no matter how small, helps create a world that’s kinder, stronger, and more connected.
If you’d like to learn more about how we support self care in complex care settings, get in touch with our team today: [email protected]
