Suffolk Libraries is launching a new project to provide support, companionship and resources to anyone in Suffolk affected by dementia.
Reading with Dementia is an exciting and vital new initiative delivered by Suffolk Libraries which is being funded as part of the Reading Well Community Champions project delivered by The Reading Agency. This is part of a wider Reading Well activation programme funded by Arts Council England and delivered in partnership with Libraries Connected
The project will involve new groups being set up in Ipswich County, Lowestoft and Newmarket libraries. The sessions will offer access to books recommended by the Reading Agency which are designed to trigger open discussions about dementia and activities for people who come along. The groups are open to anyone living with dementia, including their families and carers.
There is no need to register or be referred, you can attend the sessions as often or as little as you like. There’s no obligation to get involved in discussions until you feel comfortable doing so and there’s always a hot drink and a listening ear waiting for you.
The new groups will be starting as follows from Monday 13 May to mark Dementia Action Week:
If needed the groups may expand to 1.5 hours in future.
The project is being led by Suffolk Libraries' new Community Champion Coordinator Kayleigh Kent.
Kayleigh said:
"Dementia is a condition which affects thousands of people in the UK and as a county with a higher than average proportion of over *65s, many people in Suffolk are living with dementia. We hope that having access to support groups, information and books on the subject will help many people and their families. As with many of these very serious and life-changing conditions – having a forum to talk to others in your situation can make a big difference and make a big difference in the impact it has on your life."
Research shows there are nearly 950,000 people in the UK with dementia and 1 in 11 people over the age of 65 have dementia in the UK.
Suffolk Libraries is keen to engage with people from minority ethnic groups, anyone with a learning disability and the LGBTQIA+ community.
For more information about the groups or the Reading with Dementia project, please contact Suffolk Libraries’ Community Champion Coordinator at kayleigh.kent@suffolklibraries.co.uk.
Suffolk Libraries is also keen to hear from anyone interested in volunteering to support the sessions. Anyone interested can download a volunteer role profile for more information.
