Dignity Champions

A Dignity Champion is someone who believes passionately that being treated with dignity is a basic human right, not an optional extra. They believe that care services must be compassionate, person centred, as well as efficient, and are willing to try to do something to achieve this. 'I have handed out Dignity Challenge Cards to all staff in my care home - each time we have a team meeting we focus on one of the 10 Dignity Challenges and discuss what we can do to meet that challenge. Each meeting results in us making changes to the way we provide care'

Dignity Champions are willing to:

• Stand up and challenge disrespectful behaviour rather than just tolerate it
• Act as good role models by treating other people with respect, particularly those who are less able to stand up for themselves
• Speak up about Dignity to improve the way that services are organised and delivered
• Influence and inform colleagues
• Listen to and understand the views and experiences of citizens

Champions are all committed to taking action, however small, to create a care system that has compassion and respect for those using its services. Each Dignity Champion's role varies depending on their knowledge and influence and the type of work they are involved in. There are many small things that you can do that can have a big impact on people's lives, as well as taking on a more active role if you have the time to do so.

Dignity Champions include health and social care managers and frontline staff. They also include doctors, dieticians, porters, care workers in care homes, MPs, councillors, members of local action groups and Local Involvement Networks (LINks), and people from voluntary and advocacy organisations. People who use care services, their relatives and carers as well as members of the public are becoming Dignity Champions.

How do I become a Dignity Champion?

• Sign up as a Dignity Champion here

Get involved on the Isle of Wight

• If you want to find out more about what Dignity Champions on the Isle of Wight are working on or would like to volunteer as a Dignity Champion advocate, then please contact Peter Garlick by calling Isle of Wight LINk on 0300 111 0102 (local rate charity number) or email isleofwightlink@makesachange.org.uk
• Email Peter Garlick directly .