11/05/2018 - Permalink

Libraries in Shropshire are highlighting Dementia Action Week 21-27 May

Related topics: Adult social care / Health / Leisure, culture and heritage

Libraries in Shropshire are highlighting Dementia Action Week 21-27 May 2018 with a series of events for local people living with memory loss.

Mental health - dementia - infographic, quoting the rising figures

Mental health, including dementia – infographic

Seven libraries are hosting ‘Tea and Memories’ sessions, featuring reminiscence activities, tea and cake, and opportunities to discover the library service’s Books on Prescription for Dementia collections as well as free, loanable Shared Memory Bags. Sessions are taking place at the following locations:

  • Monday 21 May 2pm-3.30pm             Pontesbury Library
  • Tuesday 22 May 2pm-3.30pm              Gobowen Library
  • Wednesday 23 May 2pm-3.30pm       Bridgnorth Library
  • Wednesday 23 May 10.30am-12pm   Oswestry Library
  • Thursday 24 May 10.30am-12pm       Shrewsbury Library
  • Thursday 24 May 1.30pm-2.30pm     Church Stretton Library
  • Friday 25 May 10.30am-12pm            Whitchurch Library

Lezley Picton, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for culture and leisure, said:-

“We know that there are currently around 3,000 Shropshire residents with a diagnosis of dementia and that figure is likely to grow as our population ages. Our libraries play a vital role in providing information and services to help people with their well-being: the Dementia Action Week events are just one strand of the larger health programme. Library staff are trained to offer a dementia-friendly welcome and I would encourage local people living with memory loss and their carers to call in at their nearest branch to find out more about what is on offer.”

Other scheduled events include free Dementia Friends information sessions at Ellesmere Library on Monday 21 May from 10am to 11am, and 11am to 12pm, led by Jeremy Stretton. Oswestry Library will host George Rook on Tuesday 22 May from 12.20pm to 1.30pm, when he will be talking about ‘Living With Dementia’ at a Learning at Lunchtime event (£3 per person to include tea and biscuits). There will also be an opportunity to find out more about the newly-formed Oswestry Dementia Action Alliance at an information stand there throughout the week.

For more information, contact team librarian Heather Rodenhurst on 01743 255031 or email heather.rodenhurst@shropshire.gov.uk

Related links https://shropshire.gov.uk/libraries/

                        https://www.dementiaaction.org.uk/members_and_action_plans/3176-                shropshire_libraries