01 February 2013
Dignity Action Day gives health and social care workers and members of the public an opportunity to think about upholding people's rights to dignity and provide a memorable day for people who use care services.
It also aims to stimulate a national debate around dignity in care and promote zero tolerance of abuse and disrespect of adults in health and social care services.
In Jersey, the day will be marked by activities at the three day centres run by Health and Social Services (HSS):
- The Hollies in Gorey
- Sandybrook in St Lawrence
- The Poplars at Overdale
Activities will include:
- discussions around what dignity, respect and choice means to individuals and groups
- afternoon tea parties
- making of a ‘dignity tree’ with people encouraged to add ‘dignity leaves’
Health and Social Services' day centres offer opportunities for older Islanders to get support and enjoy food and company throughout the week. They also offer the opportunity for carers to have a break, knowing that their loved one will be well looked after during the day.
Rachel McBride, Older Adults Day Services Manager for HSS said "Everyone involved in Day Services wants to offer a service which is all about treating the people who use our services with dignity, and respect, which is why this annual day is so important to us. Dignity Action Day gives us a wonderful opportunity to focus on the meaning of dignity, respect, choice, independence and empowerment, and to explore with people who access our services and their carers what this means to them as individuals.
"Promoting dignity is embedded into the philosophy of the service, but it is always good to reflect on what this term actually means, and it’s great that staff who are involved in support like ours across the British Isles are also taking part in the day. It reminds us that we’re part of a much wider community."
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