Show your support for Dignity Action Day 2018

East Riding residents who are receiving care services, and those who are employed in the health and social care sector, are showing their support for Dignity Action Day this week.

Dignity Action Day takes place on 1 February giving everyone the chance to uphold and promote people’s rights to dignity and provide a truly memorable day for people who use care services.

On and around 1 February health and social care staff, as well as those who access day services in the East Riding, will be showing their support for the campaign by hosting a range of events and activities.

Waterview Lodge Day Centre, in Driffield recently held a one-day ‘Dance for Dignity’ event which was enjoyed by those who attend the day centre, their friends, families, carers and staff who took part in a line dancing class, a pom-pom session and a disco.

Bridlington Day Services plan to host a ‘Dignity Ditty’ on Thursday 1 February featuring a range of fun activities plus an afternoon cream tea.

Councillor Richard Harrap, East Riding of Yorkshire Council portfolio holder for adult and carer services, will be attending the ‘Dignity Ditty’ and said: “Everyone, regardless of age or ability, should be treated with the dignity and respect they deserve and Dignity Action Day is a perfect opportunity to celebrate that.

“It provides an opportunity for everyone, whether they are working in the care sector, receiving care services, or caring for someone to play their part in promoting Dignity in Care.

“It is fantastic to see everyone, whether they attend one of our day centres or work in the care sector, getting involved in this year’s campaign and I would encourage as many people as possible to get behind the day and show their support”

In 2016/17 over 12,000 people living in the East Riding were assessed by the council for care and support needs, including the provision of services or equipment.

There are approximately 3,100 registered carers providing at least one hour of care a week, and an estimated 38,000 unregistered carers, living in the East Riding.

Dignity Action Day is part of the national Dignity in Care campaign which aims to put dignity and respect not only at the heart of care services but also in the hearts, minds and actions of everyone.

The campaign also encourages people to become Dignity Champions who form part of a national network of over 90,000 people and organisations who are all working to put dignity and respect at the heart of UK care services to enable a positive experience of care.

Dignity Champions have all pledged to challenge poor care, to act as good role models and, through specific guidelines issued by the campaign, to educate and inform all those working around them.

By supporting Dignity Action Day you will raise awareness of Dignity in Care; give someone an extra special day; demonstrate that everybody in the community has a role to play in upholding Dignity in Care; remind the public that staff have a right to be treated with dignity and respect too; and provide a great community networking opportunity.

Further information, including how to become a Dignity Champion, is available online at www.dignityincare.org.uk

There will also be lots of social media activity around the day using the hash tag #DAD2018.