Radian has hosted a Dignity Action Day throughout its main regional offices in Windsor, Petersfield, Eastleigh and Aylesbury. Radian invited speakers, from amongst the people it assists through Radian Support, to address the staff and inform them about their lives, what it's like to have a disability and the challenges they face every day.
Corinne Adams has a learning disability and has been supported by a Radian Service Manager to write her presentation, simply entitled "My Life". In it, Corinne candidly discusses harming herself, because she felt that her previous carers did not understand her and upset her. Her presentation also revealed how Radian's Radian Support has helped her manage to progress from having to rely on 24 hour support in shared homes, to living an independent life on her own. To listen to Corinne's presentation, please visit: Corinne said: "The support I've had has helped me to learn the things I need to know to live on my own, with just 6 hours support a week. I feel confident about myself and I feel proud because I've been able to get the life I wanted for a long time." Corinne, together with Alan Dale and Stephen Boyles, took questions from the gathered audiences around the Radian regional offices; answering all queries honestly and from their own perspective. Like Corinne, Stephen used to be supported to live on his own in a flat, however unlike Corinne, he felt isolated and now lives in a shared house in Woking: "We do things together some nights, like play board games or watch films and the support workers always cook us a Sunday roast, which we eat together. It's a great place to live and I'm really pleased I'm there and the staff are really wonderful." Sue Allwright, Personalisation Lead, Radian Support, explains: "We asked some of the people we support if they would like to talk to Radian staff about their lives and how the support they have received has empowered them to achieve independence control and promoted their dignity. We recorded the presentations and screened them throughout the organisation to maximise the opportunity for staff to hear what Corinne and the others had to say." Dignity Action Day aims to "ensure people in care are treated as individuals, are given choice, control and a sense of purpose in their daily lives and provide stimulating activities", it also asks to "provide a truly memorable day for people receiving care". As such, Radian Support has managed to place people it supports in jobs and on foundation courses, attending ballet recitals, participating in karaoke days and pool tournaments and organised a visit from Pets for Therapy, as well as giving the speakers their opportunity. "I am delighted to be associated with the Dignity in Care campaign and the efforts it makes to understand and promote dignity. This is done with tenderness and generosity. Wide may its influence spread." Dame Joan Bakewell, Dignity in Care Ambassador. For more information please visit www.radian.co.uk and click on 'care & support' or go to www.Radiansupport.co.uk Photocaptions – Corinne Adams talks about the challenges she faces to Radian staff members on Dignity Action Day. Corinne Adams talked to Radian staff on Dignity Action Day about her "cool" support worker, Dawn Steer from Bracknell Floating Support. Stephen Boyles, Corinne Adams and Alan Dale with Sue Allwright, Personalisation Lead at Radian's Radian Support.