Dementia-friendly communities role for libraries
As Dementia Awareness Week approaches (18-24 May 2015), Shropshire Libraries has signalled its clear commitment to an active role in the development of dementia-friendly communities across the county.
The library service has recently signed up to the National Dementia Declaration for England and become a member of the Shropshire Dementia Action Alliance, along with organisations such as Shropshire Partners in Care and the Diocese of Lichfield. Membership obliges the library service to carry out practical actions which will help to make its branches welcoming and helpful to those with dementia.
In another positive initiative, the service’s mobile libraries will be providing information days to support people living with dementia and their carers in rural Shropshire. David Latcham, an Alzheimer’s Society Information Worker, will be travelling on three of the mobile libraries throughout April 2015 and will provide advice and support.
Mirka Duxberry, library commissioning manager for health & well-being, said:
“With the right support, we know that people with dementia can live well. Our libraries are well-placed to offer support, information and a welcoming space, while our mobile libraries can reach communities in all four corners of our large county. Becoming a member of the Shropshire Dementia Action Alliance and working with partners such as the Alzheimer’s Society will maximise our dementia offer.”
Details of the dates can be found on:
http://new.shropshire.gov.uk/libraries/news/mobile-library-dementia-information-days/
All libraries in the county offer the new Reading Well Books on Prescription for Dementia leaflet, which provides a list of books helpful for those living well with dementia, as well as support for relatives and carers, ideas for therapeutic activities and personal stories. For more information contact 01743-255031 or email mirka.duxberry@shropshire.gov.uk.
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