Maximising people’s capabilities and giving them control over their health is crucial because it enables individuals to make informed choices, build confidence, and adopt healthier behaviours that suit their lives. When people feel empowered, they are more likely to engage with healthcare services and maintain long-term well-being. This is especially important for reducing health inequalities, as disadvantaged groups often face barriers to control and choice, which limits their ability to improve their health outcomes. Empowerment helps level the playing field by addressing these systemic imbalances.
NHS long-term plan: A new service model
A 10‑year vision to improve prevention, expand personalised and digital care, and strengthen community and primary services.
Person-centred care made simple
Guide outlining the key principles of person‑centred care and why organising care around individual needs improves outcomes.
Introduction to personalisation
Personalisation puts people at the centre of their care by recognising their strengths, preferences and need for choice and control.
What happens to us when we feel powerless
This piece explains that when people feel powerless in one area of life, they often seek control elsewhere to regain a sense of autonomy.
Improving mental health services for CYP
Review plans set out to improve YP’s mental health by reducing stigma, widening access, and strengthening joined‑up support.
Involving people in their own health and care
Guidance on involving people, families and carers in health and care decisions to improve outcomes and meet NHS duties.
A patient-centred approach
This paper shows that patient empowerment through information and education helps people take informed control of their health.
Patients Associations: Being a patient
This report highlights patients’ real‑world challenges in accessing care and offers ways to make services more responsive.
