A READING scheme that supports people with dementia has been launched in South Gloucestershire.

 

The Reading Well Books on Prescription for dementia scheme has been developed to support people with dementia and their carers.

 

The scheme sees a recommended reading list of books available to borrow from your local library, with 25 titles recommended by health experts as well as people with first-hand experience of dementia.

 

The list includes a range of books offering information and advice about dementia and normal aging, support with living well after diagnosis, practical advice for carers, personal accounts, and suggestions for shared therapeutic activities.

 

Communities chairman Cllr Claire Young said: “Reading Well Books on Prescription for dementia means that libraries will play a significant role in helping to build dementia-friendly communities in South Gloucestershire.

 

“It provides quality assured information and advice, support following diagnosis and with early memory loss, practical and emotional help for carers and suggested activities to help people remain active and independent for as long as possible.

 

“We are delighted to be working together with health partners to deliver this exciting development in libraries’ health offer.”

 

The scheme is delivered by independent charity The Reading Agency, the Society of Chief Librarians and local library services with funding from Arts Council England.

 

Minister of State for care and support, Norman Lamb, said: “Dementia can be devastating and it’s vital people have as much information as possible so that they can live well with the condition.

 

“This is a fantastic project which has already helped thousands of people with mental health conditions and I hope the new dementia scheme will be just as successful in giving people and their families’ access to valuable information and support.”

 

Research shows that dementia presents a key national health challenge with a profound social, personal and economic impact on the estimated 850,000 people in the UK living with the condition, as well as their carers and families.

 

The new scheme will also help the many people living without a formal diagnosis, who may be worrying about symptoms and wanting to find out more.

 

Health professionals will be able to recommend helpful reading to support people with dementia and their carers but people can also borrow titles for free from their local library.

At a national cost average of £1 per person, Reading Well Books on Prescription is a cost-effective way of delivering community-based dementia care and support.

 

Leaflets with details of the scheme are available from all South Gloucestershire libraries and by visiting www.southglos.gov.uk/booklist.