No Life Half Lived: Why Supported Self Management Matters More Than Ever

• Written by: Paul Okroj — Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland — Director of External Engagement and Service Development, Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland
• Published: 10th September 2026

To mark the ALLIANCE's 20 year anniversary Paul Okroj reflects on the importance of supported self management.

For dozens of families across Scotland, today will be a day they never forget; 31 people will have a stroke, 41 will be admitted to hospital because of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and 16 will be diagnosed with coronary heart disease. Behind every number is a person, a family, and a future suddenly filled with uncertainty. But the diagnosis and care someone receives in those first days are only the start of the journey.

What happens next – how people rebuild confidence and adapt to new challenges- can have just as much impact on their wellbeing as their clinical care.

People consistently tell us they need more than treatment alone. They want trusted information, meaningful connections and support that helps them achieve what matters most to them.

That’s why supported self management underpins everything we do at Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS). Through our Community Healthcare Support Service, we support people to manage their condition, maintain their independence and live well in their communities.

Supported self management is often misunderstood

Supported self management is rooted in ensuring they have the knowledge, skills, confidence and support to play an active role in their wellbeing while remaining connected to services, professionals and their communities.

Simply put: it is your journey, your decisions – but you are never on your own.

At CHSS, we see it as something that should run through the entire health and care journey. By helping people set goals, solve problems and connect with others who understand their experiences, we can empower people to improve their wellbeing and feel more in control of the future. Supported self management is also acts as a vital prevention strategy for Scotland’s communities.

This approach sits at the heart of our No Life Half Lived strategy.

Why it matters now

As Scotland faces increasing pressures across health and social care, supported self management has never been more important.

If we are serious about prevention, reducing inequalities and improving outcomes, we must continue investing in approaches that help people feel connected and empowered.

This cannot be overstated, particularly with the Scottish Government’s growing focus on population health and long term conditions.

Most importantly, it reflects what people actually tell us they need.

The value of investing in people

The ALLIANCE’s Self Management Fund has played an important role in advancing this approach across Scotland.

As a panel member over the last two years, I have had the privilege of seeing firsthand the creativity and innovation that exists across the sector.

Time and again, I have seen how investment in people and communities creates lasting change. The most impactful projects embed lived experience throughout design, delivery and evaluation. The Fund is a vital resource, enabling organisations to turn ambition into action. CHSS has benefited from that support too.

With support from the Fund, we developed our Living Well with Aphasia programme. Adapted from our evidence-based Chronic Disease Self Management programme, originally developed at Stanford University, it was tailored specifically to meet the needs of people with aphasia and communication difficulties. Co-designed with and for those with lived experience, the 12-week programme helps people build the skills, confidence and connections they need to live well with their condition.

As the ALLIANCE marks its 20th anniversary, there is much to celebrate. Among its most significant contributions has been its commitment to supported self management.

The Fund has helped turn that principle into practice for people across Scotland.

As we look ahead, we must all continue backing approaches and design policies that recognise people’s strengths, value lived experience and support people to live well.

Because everyone deserves the opportunity to live life to the full.

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