Hot on the winged heels of Mental Health Awareness week (thank you to all colleagues and partners who helped get that information out there) we are promoting Dementia Awareness Week (14 to 21 May 2017), an Alzheimer’s Society initiative, in our libraries. There are so many myths around Dementia and that is why we recommend the Reading Well books on prescription dementia list.
This is a varied carefully chosen collection consisting of evidenced and researched information books, alongside fascinating and moving personal histories. It also includes a children’s picture book to help younger readers understand beloved members of their families who have been diagnosed with one of 100 conditions that come under the umbrella of Dementia. Check out the craft book for creative ways of engaging those living well with Dementia. It is a helpful and uplifting collection.
The second initiative I want tell you about is the Dementia Friends sessions happening this week which are run by a trained Dementia champion. They are relaxed and informative sessions engage that us in such a way that unhelpful fears and misinformation around the subject can be openly discussed and real facts and practical tips on creating Dementia friendly services and how to reach out and support those living well with Dementia come to light.
There is a Dementia Friends session at 1pm at Fulham Library, today Monday 15 May. If you can’t make it today, there are two sessions later this week in Westminster’s libraries:
- Tuesday 16 May, 1pm at Pimlico Library
- Friday 19 May, 11am at Church Street Library
These sessions are open to everyone and I urge you to recommend them or even come along yourself.
Kate Gielgud
Health Information Co-ordinator
LBHF Libraries and Archives 