Kindness of Derby’s Dignity Champions celebrated on Dignity Action Day

Published: 2 February 2024

Organisations and individuals that work to promote and protect dignity in Derby have been recognised at a special event. The Derby Annual Dignity Tea was held by Derby Safeguarding Adults Board to mark Dignity Action Day, which takes place every 1 February. 

Dignity Action Day is an annual opportunity for health and social care workers, and members of the public, to uphold people's rights to dignity and provide a truly memorable day for people who use care services. Everyone who uses care services should be treated as individuals and given choice, control and a sense of purpose in their daily lives. 

The Dignity Tea at the Council House saw a wide range of professionals recognised for always upholding the dignity of the people they work with. Certificates of recognition were presented by Allan Breeton, Independent Chair of Derby Safeguarding Adults Board, and the Deputy Mayor of Derby, Councillor Ged Potter.

Among the recipients was Jane Fisher, Homelessness Safeguarding Social Worker for Derby City Council, who was put forward because of the dedication and passion she shows in her work with the city’s homeless and rough sleeping community.

Richard Keene, Rough Sleeper Response Manager for Derby Homes, nominated Jane. He said:

Jane’s contribution to safeguarding our society’s most hard to engage community cannot be underestimated. She shows outstanding professionalism and commitment to changing vulnerable lives for the better and helping to restore dignity to the rough sleeping community of Derby.

Also put forward were the team at Heron Court Care Home in Normanton, who were recognised for their holistic approach to dignity. They work with residents and their families to determine the best approach to delivering care and removing barriers for residents, with their dignity at the forefront. 

Janice Dondoyano, Clinical Lead Nurse at Heron Court, accepted the certificate. She said:

Dignity is quite complex and means different things to different people. We stay true to our values to give the best quality of care we possibly can. It’s an honour to be here today and receive this certificate on behalf of Heron Court Care Home.

Another nominee was Making Space – the Derby City Dementia Service for their work to empower people with dementia and their carers. The service has excelled in supporting people to understand their welfare rights and has also recruited and supported volunteers who have gone on to lead community projects.

Also nominated were Derby Homes’ Complex Needs Team, which supports tenants who are struggling to keep their tenancy due to complex issues like mental illness, substance misuse, trauma and abuse, or learning disabilities. The team was put forward for treating people with dignity as they help them to understand and comply with their tenancy conditions and also helping them connect with extra support.

These were just some of the teams and individuals that were recognised for their work championing dignity in Derby - in total, 21 certificates were presented.

Councillor Baggy Shanker, Leader of Derby City Council, said:

All the teams and individuals that have been recognised today are doing fantastic work within Derby’s communities to ensure people who need care are treated with kindness and dignity. Small things can make a huge difference and we can all do our bit to make Derby an even more caring and compassionate city.

Let's be inspired by these champions and remember, every act of kindness, big or small, ripples outwards, making a difference in the lives of those around us.

Derby Safeguarding Adult Board (DSAB) is a multi-agency partnership committed to working together to ensure that adults who have care and support needs in Derby are supported to safeguard themselves from abuse and can report any concerns they may have. Together with partner agencies, DSAB would like to invite everyone in Derby to think about dignity and treating each other with respect in all areas of our lives, not only in care. Find out more about Dignity Action Day on the DSAB website.

One way to get involved is to become a Dignity Champion. A Dignity Champion believes passionately that being treated with dignity is a basic human right, not an optional extra. There are already over 1,000 of them in Derby and Derbyshire.  Many of them are making changes, usually simple, which improve the services people have. To register yourself as a dignity champion, visit the Dignity in Care website.

Full list of recipients recognised for their contribution to promoting dignity:
Jane Fisher – Homelessness Safeguarding Social Worker 
Tracy Cunningham – NHS Homelessness Paramedic
Michelle Payne – Bonsall View Manager
Milestone House Team – Homelessness Hostel
Safe Space Partnership 
Derby Homes Tenancy Sustainment Service 
Derby Homes Complex Needs Team 
Derby REST Team
Anti-Social Behaviour Team – Victims Services
Family Hubs 
ASPIRE Wrestling
YMCA – Pathways for Complex Families
Food 4 Thought
Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust - MASH Health 
Once Advocacy Derby 
Making Space – the Derby City Dementia Service
Heron Court Care Home
Derwent View Care Home
Langdale Heights Care Home
Middleton Lodge Care Home

Certificate of Achievement for Derby City Dignity Award: Medequip

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