Dignity Action Day!
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On February 1st, 2024, the Dignity in Care Campaign promotes an entire day dedicated to focusing on how care professionals can uphold and maintain the rights of those receiving care. Those who rely on care services are often the most vulnerable amongst us and therefore deserve to be treated with the same respect, and individuality that anyone else would expect. Granting them independent choice, autonomy and allowing them to maintain a sense of purpose in their lives is of utmost importance.
The campaign was launched in November 2006 and is led by the National Dignity Council. Operating as a charity, it inspires everyone, from professionals working in caring environments to members of the public, to promote the importance of dignity as a human right for every individual, particularly those who rely on the deliverance of care services.
With over 116,000 people registered as ‘Dignity Champions’, the campaign has reached individuals from across the board including care service providers, volunteers, and members of the public.
The Ten Dignity Do’s
Developed through focus group research, the ‘Ten Dignity Do’s are a must for every member.
As outline on the Dignity in Care campaign website, a Dignity Champion should:
- Have a zero tolerance of all forms of abuse.
- Support people with the same respect you would want for yourself or a member of your family.
- Treat each person as an individual by offering a personalised service,
- Enable people to maintain the maximum possible level of independence, choice, and control.
- Listen and support people to express their needs and wants.
- Respect people's right to privacy.
- Ensure people feel able to complain without fear of retribution.
- Engage with family members and carers as care partners.
- Assist people to maintain confidence and positive self-esteem.
- Act to alleviate people's loneliness and isolation.
By participating in Dignity Action Day, care professionals can not only lead the way for everyone to understand the importance of upholding dignity in a caring environment but can also create an especially memorable experience to individuals in care. Simultaneously, members of the public are encouraged to actively promote dignity within their communities, emphasizing the shared responsibility in cultivating a culture of respect and consideration for every individual.
Dignity Action Day encompasses all the values that we at Care Show London look to promote to all those professionals working in a care environment and we hope to have inspired you to take part this February 1st!
Visit the Dignity in Care Campaign website to find out more information and access a host of free resources.
