Manchester Pioneers Dignity in Care

Manchester City Council is leading the way in championing dignity in the care of adults in the city.

The city council recognises dignity is a central theme in the provision of all health and social care services and is launching a pioneering campaign at the 4th Manchester Social Care Conference on October 24th at the City of Manchester Stadium.

Inspired by excerpts from the poem 'If I Had My Life Over - I'd Pick More Daisies', the campaign seeks to promote best practice for all those who look after adults in the city.

The City Council has adopted the daisy as the emblem for the campaign, using this as a signpost to people who are seeking good quality social care and to those recruiting dignity champions. It is hoped that the emblem will be adopted nationally.

Councillor Basil Curley, Manchester City Council's lead member for adult social care, will address the conference. He said: 'The government launched a debate on dignity in care last year and we are now trying to drive that forward in Manchester by encouraging as many organisations as possible to sign up as dignity champions.

'Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect and this campaign will be a major step towards ensuring there is zero tolerance of abuse and disrespect of people looked after in the health and social care system.

'The champions will form an army of volunteers working together to raise the profile of dignity in care locally. Anyone who is committed to this cause is welcome to join the champions network.'

Minister for Care Services Ivan Lewis MP said: 'I am very pleased to add my support to Manchester's work to put dignity and respect at the heart of services for older people. The Government is committed to providing leadership, dignity and respect for older people but this is a shared challenge and responsiblity and effective changes to services can only be achieved through successful partnership with organisations such as Manchester City Council who commission services. Manchester's promotion of the daisy as the emblem of their campaign is an excellent way to make the commitment to high standards clearly visible, serving both as a reminder to providers and as a visible reassurance for those seeking services.'

The campaign is coordinated and managed by a steering group that includes representatives from health and social care providers in the Manchester area.

Media contacts:

Dave Toomer / Juliet Appleby 0161 234 3237