Individuals and organisations who go above and beyond to promote dignity, compassion and respect have been recognised at a special awards ceremony in Derby.

The annual Derby and Derbyshire Dignity Tea event, part of Dignity Action Month, was held by Derby and Derbyshire Safeguarding Adults Boards (SABs) in the Better Together Café in the Council House on Monday 2 February.

The event celebrated people working across health, social care and community services who make a positive difference to the lives of Derby residents every day. The awards shine a spotlight on those who champion dignity in care by listening, showing kindness and ensuring people are treated with respect. 

Taking place every February, Dignity Action Month gives everyone the opportunity to contribute towards upholding people’s rights to dignity, respect, kindness and compassion. The month aims to ensure that people who use care services or who receive support are treated as individuals and are given a choice, control, and a sense of purpose in their daily lives. 

The Derby and Derbyshire Dignity Tea event saw a range of professionals from various care services receive recognition for upholding the dignity and care of the people they work with. Certificates were presented by the Mayor of Derby, Ajit Atwal, Richard Proctor, Independent Chair of Derby SAB, and Amanda Clarke, Independent Chair of Derbyshire.  A poem, ‘Dignity in Care’, written by Matthew Fowler, a Derby resident, was also read out.

A dignity award went to Cygnet Derby Safeguarding Champions Group, recognised for transforming how safeguarding is understood and experienced by service users and staff. An award also went to the Temporary Accommodation Team at Derby Homes who were recognised for their compassionate and dignity-led response in extremely stressful and urgent situations.

The following professionals also received awards:

  • Hayley Crossley, Palliative Specialist Nurse at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton.
  • Alana Biggs, Lead Nurse, Aitune Medical Practice
  • Sharleen Gonza, JS Supported Living Services
  • David Shardlow, Social Worker, Derby City Council
  • Rubine Sharief, Registered Manager, Waythrough
  • Steven Stockley, Staying Close, The Children and Young Adults Supportive Care Services, Derby City Council
  • Joe Michael, Derventio Housing Trust
  • Luca Marini, Social Worker, Derbyshire County Council
  • Sarah Wigley, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service

Councillor Alison Martin, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Care, said:

The Annual Derby and Derbyshire Dignity Tea event is a special time for our city to celebrate those who truly champion dignity in care by making a positive difference in the lives of those who receive care.

Together with organisations and individuals, we can work together to create a city that is kind, safe and inclusive for all. I am truly proud of the care services that Derby has and especially those who received awards today.

Derby and Derbyshire SABs are a multi-agency partnership committed to working together to ensure that adults who have care and support needs in Derby and Derbyshire are supported to safeguard themselves from abuse and can report any concerns they may have.

Together with partner agencies, Derby and Derbyshire SABs would like to invite everyone to think about dignity and treating each other with respect in all areas of our lives, not only in care. One way to get involved is to become a Dignity Champion. To find our more, visit the Dignity in Care website.