Events will be taking place across the Dudley borough to mark Dignity Action Day on February 1.

Dignity Action Day is a national event that calls on people to treat individuals who use care services with respect.

Carers for people who use care support services are invited to a Digni-Tea event at the Coffee Cups Café, on Thornhill Road, Halesowen.  It will take place from 2 – 4pm on Tuesday February 18.  Organised by Dudley Council’s Adult Social Care Community Engagement Team and Halas Homes, free tea and cakes will be available, along with the opportunity for carers to gain support and advice, as well as to discuss what dignity in care should mean.

Anyone with an interest in care services is invited to attend a tea party at Halesowen Library, on Queensway Mall, on Friday January 31, between 2 – 4pm.  As well as giving people free refreshments and cake, visitors will be asked to share with staff their thoughts on what dignity issues people in care face.  Those who attend will also be asked to consider becoming a dignity champion, to provide a steer on how to create a system that provides compassion for those that use the care service.

Another council-run Dignity Action Day event open to the public is a workshop and refreshments session, taking place at the Queens Cross Network, at 10.30am, on Tuesday February 4.  The Network, which supports people with disabilities, is based on Wellington Road, in central Dudley.  Contact the Queens Cross Network on 01384 813460 to book your place.
Various other events will be taking place for care service users and carers at council-run sheltered housing and other venues across the borough.

Councillor Dave Branwood, cabinet member for adult and community services, said:

“Everyone deserves respect and consideration.  I’m really happy to support Dignity Action Day and to use this opportunity to reflect on how to provide health and social care services that treat people as valued individuals.”

Broadcaster Dame Joan Bakewell is the Dignity in Care Ambassador.  She said:

“Dignity Action Day highlights a more respectful way of behaving towards vulnerable people.  The very old and the very young clearly need our respect, but it wouldn’t do any harm to spread the dignity message across the population then we can all benefit.”