The Rainbow Foundation has been shining a spotlight on dignity this Dignity Action Day by creating our very own digni-tree. Celebrated each February 1st, clients and staff at The Rainbow Foundation have been responding to the question What does dignity mean to me? The answers are written on leaves which are added to the branches of the digni-tree.
Dignity Action Day is an annual opportunity for health and social care workers to uphold people’s rights to dignity and provide a memorable day for the people who use care services. We have marked the occasion by listening and supporting our clients as they discuss dignity and what this means to them.
Deputy Home Care and Support Manager Sadie Nicandros says: “Dignity Action Day is such a great opportunity for us to really shine a spotlight on dignity in care and to pause and reflect as to what it means for us all personally. We believe that people who use care services should be given choice, control, and a sense of purpose in their daily lives. Which is why we are so proud to add two more members of staff to our team of Dignity Champions who believe passionately that being treated with dignity is a basic human right, not an optional extra.”
Rainbow Support Worker and Dignity Champion Pat Hall adds, “It’s been great to have an open conversation on dignity with our clients, all of whom have a clear idea of what dignity is and what it means to them. The answers have ranged from advice to everyone, to their own personal experience.” Including:
“Being valued and respected for who you are, what you believe and how you live your life.”
“Remain independent and look after myself.”
“Feeling respected and able to hold my head up high.”
“Dignity is respect.”
“You work with dignity and live with dignity.”
Rainbow Foundation client Margaret adds: “It’s been a lovely day. It has been wonderful learning what everyone else thinks about dignity and sharing each other’s views.”
