I am a dignity champion because...

Here are a few statements from existing champions about what being a champion means to them. If you want to find out what is involved in becoming a champion & signing up yourself take a look here.

Carole Wardle Home Manager Station House Nursing Home Care UK

I am passionate about fulfilling the residents and their families lives in a way in which the human approach and positive relationships are of upmost importance. I strive to assist my team to stay informed and will not tolerate any negative behaviours which affect a persons dignity in a detrimental way. Focus is on the little things that make a difference. My deputy has recently said to the staff team " It is a privilege for you to work here each day. You are coming into someone else's home and are afforded that privilege of supporting someone who is in a vulnerable situation". I think this sums up dignity and may we all continue to have this as a focus each and every day.

Daniel Carrasco - Health Care Assistant- Avon View - Christchurch

I am a Dignity Champion because I support service users in my organisation by maintaining dignity and respecting their privacy when I am doing personal care and listening to their needs with due respect, offering them a person centred care by offering them the choices and time to decide what they want to do in their life.

Dr J A Adiotomre Consultant Physician

I am a dignity champion because I am passionate about the care of Adults especially Older People who should be treated with dignity and respect. In my role as Consultant Physician with special interest in the Care of Older People and Lead Clinician for the National Service Framework for Older People in the Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, I am actively involved in promoting the care for Older People and ensuring that Older People are treated with respect, dignity and according to their clinical needs and NOT based on their age. The attitude to the care of Older People is gradually changing for good but there is still much work to be done with the Dignity Campaign under the leadership of the National Dignity Ambassador, Sir Michael Parkinson.

Barbara Cochee, Northern Doctors Urgent Care, Head of Service Development

I am a dignity champion because I work for an out of hours provider of primary care services in the North East of England. My role is service development and I am keen to support and develop our workforce in terms of delivering the highest levels of care relating to dignity and respect for all of our patients. Being involved with this campaign will ensure that I am in the best position to be able to undertake this work.

James Darby, i.s.s, transport manager

We all get older and sometimes ill. If we all treated each other as we would like to be treated when we are not our best, it would be a better world.

Jason Mclean, Southern Cross, a.s.c and shop steward

I am a dignity champion because I love to care for residents in the way I treat my own parents and grand parents, no matter where they come from as we are all related through God

Sarah Gimson, Birmingham City Council, Lead Manager, Service Modernisation and Planning

I am a dignity champion because I have a strong belief that all members of the human race have a natural born right to be equal. This coupled with the amazing relationships that I have had over the years with people who have a disability. I have gained more than I have given. I have such respect for what people have been through and have overcome. I am honoured that I have been allowed to be a part of their lives.

Teresa Day, SHIELD Lead, Health Promotion Specialist

I am a dignity champion becuase I work as a Health Promotion Specialist - sexual health for people with learning disabilities and they are not seen as sexual beings. Sexuality is a facet of our personality and people with learning disabilities are not just socially excluded but denied the Human right article 8 - right to private and family life! SHIELD (Sexual Health Innovative Education for Learning Disabilities) is an award winning programmed that I developed to identify and meet the sexual needs of these people and their staff, carers and parents. Sexuality is not about the mechanical act its about the whole person. It is not about sexualizing vulnerable people - it is about supporting their needs in relationships and social inclusion. The SHIELD programme is sought after nationally but until we have a national commitment to support sexuality of people who have learning disabilities it will stay within its current confines.

Jasper Bateley, Bristol City Council, Transformation Project Manager.

I decided to become a dignity champion becuase I think everyone has a responsibility to actively protect vulnerable people. Every person deserves respect and kindness. When I go to work, I cannot just leave my moral obligations at home, I take them with me wherever I go.

Chris Born, NHS North Somerset, Chief Executive

I decided to become a dignity champion becuase I believe if we can get dignity right, then everything else (quality, responsiveness and equality) we need to do with patients and their carers will follow

Tas Bhatti, Healthcare Training (UK) Ltd, Operations Director

I decided to become a dignity champion becuase we, as a company, and personally, act as good role models by treating other people with respect, particularly those who are less able to stand up for themselves. We appreciate and understand the right of all individuals to be treated as equals in all ways.

Tell us why you are a dignity champion by emailing dignitywebsite@dh.gsi.gov.uk