Residents and staff at Morris Care Centre, Wellington, were lucky enough to have an exclusive performance from an inspiring group of young adults from Derwen College, Gobowen, ahead of Dignity Action Day. The students, all from the Creative Studies department, call themselves ‘Derwen on Tour’ (DOT).

The residents at Morris Care Centre experienced Makaton, a specialist sign language that enables people to communicate through the use of signs and symbols, through a creative and exciting routine.

Lydia Tyanase, Clinical Services Manager, said “We were absolutely delighted when DOT approached us. Our residents thoroughly enjoyed the performance and we look forward to welcoming the students back again.”

The visit was in aid of the local scheme, ‘Making Waves for Dignity’, in partnership with the Telford and Wrekin Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), which aims to promote Dignity Action Day taking place on the 1st February.

Dignity Action Day promotes people’s rights to dignity within all care services. Staff at Derwen College are ‘Dignity Champions’ which means they strongly believe everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, and that this is their basic human right. It also means students understand and experience the true meaning of dignity and its value.

The CCG developed the scheme to promote awareness of Dignity Action Day. They are encouraging people to join in with them by making a wave, small or big, and sending them a short clip or image.

DOT is not only a fantastic way for students to have some fun and express themselves, it also teaches them important life skills such as effective communication, team work, self-discipline and commitment. The students are dedicated to their creativity and get together to rehearse once a week.

Derwen College is one the largest independent colleges in the country and it has been graded ‘Outstanding’ in the last three consecutive Ofsted inspections. The college has a Beacon status and is a Makaton Centre of Excellence.

“This is why we were so honoured to host such an energetic and heart-warming initiative. At Morris Care, we really value the importance of dignity and ‘Making Waves’ is a great way to highlight this” added Lydia.

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