Former Birkenhead camera shop owner appointed dignity champ

Apr 25 2012 by Helen Hunt, Bromborough and Bebington News

A PENSIONER who spent his working life behind the lens has now got his sights set on making a difference to elderly residents in his care home.

Jack Fair, who lives at Birch Tree Manor care home, in Port Sunlight, and used to own Fair’s Cameras, which has been in Birkenhead for 60 years, has been officially appointed as a Dignity Champion.

It means that Jack, 90, who lives at the care home with his twin brother Bill, will work with residents to encourage them to talk about how they think services at the home could be enhanced.

A Dignity Champion is an element of the Dignity in Care Network, which is organised by Social Care Institute for Excellence.

Staff from the home say it is quite rare to have a resident as Dignity Champion as the title is usually awarded to staff members.

Mr Fair, who also writes a local newsletter, said: “I enjoy life at Birch Tree Manor and being a Dignity Champion. It gives me the chance to speak on behalf residents who perhaps wouldn’t speak up for themselves about suggestions for the home.”