South Gloucestershire Council

Published: 20/02/2015

The latest Reading Well Books on Prescription scheme has launched in South Gloucestershire, and all of the books on the recommended reading list are now available to borrow from your local library.

The Reading Well Books on Prescription for dementia scheme has been developed to support people with dementia and their carers. There are 25 titles on the scheme’s reading list, which have been 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.

Supporting the launch of the scheme Communities Chair 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.”

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 on our website www.southglos.gov.uk/booklist