LTCAS (Long Term Conditions Alliance Scotland) is an independent Scottish charity. Its vision is for a Scotland where people with long term conditions enjoy, not endure, full and positive lives - free from discrimination and supported by high quality services.

LTCAS works with voluntary organisations across Scotland which helps it to reach out to the 2 million people living with long term conditions, their families and unpaid carers. It aims to help these voices to be heard.

Scotland’s first Self Management Week will be held from 4th to 8th October 2010 and will highlight support for self management across voluntary, health and social care sectors throughout the country. Self Management can be defined as the process each person develops to manage their condition; it is a person-centred approach in which the individual is empowered and has ownership over the management of their life and conditions.

Self Management Week will build upon “Gaun Yersel” – the Self Management Strategy for Scotland which was launched in 2008. The week aims to raise awareness of self management as a tool for the 2 million people living with a long term condition in Scotland.

The week will include events and publicity which will showcase examples of good practice. During Self Management Week, LTCAS will host a series of events across Scotland. They will also encourage and support organisations to host their own events.

For further information about LTCAS or Self Management week go to www.ltcas.org.uk