New dementia resource launches at Church Stretton Library to mark Dementia Action Week
A collection of resources to help people whose lives are affected by dementia was launched this week at Church Stretton Library as part of Dementia Action week (Monday 13 May to Sunday 19 May 2024).
Dementia books
Dementia books
The collection was purchased for the library by two local charities: Friends of Church Stretton Library and Stretton Dementia Friends.
Dementia books
The launch took place at the Memory Café run by Stretton Dementia Friends, which meets once a month in the library. Pete Banford, Shropshire Council’s head of culture and communities, attended the launch with Rawden Parslow, Shropshire Council’s library area manager, and met with regular attendees of the Memory Café.
Dementia books
The contents of the collection have been carefully selected to provide information and resources relevant to a wide range of the community, and not only those directly affected by dementia. It includes:-
Reading Well books: a collection of books approved by the NHS and dementia charities to provide information about dementia, practical advice for families and carers and inspiring personal stories written by people affected by dementia.
Books for children and young people: that aim to increase understanding about dementia and how they can help if one of their relatives has dementia.
Picture to Share books: which provide beautiful high-quality pictures combined with short large print texts to help stimulate memories and conversation for those in the mid to late stages of dementia.
Relish jigsaws: designed with a small number of pieces suitable for those with dexterity difficulties, pictures which stimulate memories and spark conversation and illustrations with vibrant colours to help with visual impairment.
These can be taken out on loan from the library for free.
Sheila Davies, chair of Friends of Church Stretton Library, said:-
“We were delighted to help fund this resource, which would have been so useful to me personally when my mother was first diagnosed with dementia. This initiative will mean Church Stretton residents get helpful information early on and find out about resources that can help. I think all libraries should house a similar collection.”
Dementia books
Vicky Munro, chair of Church Stretton Dementia Friends, said:-
‘This collection is such an important resource and exemplifies our commitment to increasing awareness of, and information for, those living with dementia in our community. I’m proud to be formally launching this collection during Dementia Action Week, when we are running over 14 activities for those with memory issues.”
Dementia books
Robert Macey, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for culture and digital, added:-
“We are delighted to launch this new dementia resource collection at Church Stretton Library, which will provide valuable information, support and stimulation for people living with dementia and their families.
“This is a great example of how local charities and the library service can work together to make a positive difference in our community.”
David Evans and Hilary Luff, local Shropshire Councillors for Church Stretton and Craven Arms, said:
“We welcome this new adventure to Church Stretton Library. It’s fantastic and gives an opportunity to help so many people. Another service in a well-used library: we fully support this service.”
