Lancashire libraries take part in Dementia Action Week
Written by Danny on 09/05/2018
Lancashire libraries will be working with partners to promote Dementia Action Week and the support services available from Monday 21 May to Sunday 27 May.
Activities in Lancashire will promote the use of books to help people living with dementia, their families, friends and the carers who support them. There will be a focus on drop-in information sessions and talks.
Events will also be hosted in libraries before the national week to demonstrate the support that is available.
A performance of ‘I don’t know what I’m supposed to be doing,’ written by library assistant, Emma Decent, will take place at two Lancashire libraries on 21 May. Heysham Library, on Heysham Road, will hold a performance at 1.30pm. A performance will also take place at Kirkham Library, on Station Road, at 7pm.
‘I don’t know what I’m supposed to be doing’ has been created to be shown in libraries. Said repeatedly by writer Emma’s Mum, an ex-librarian, in the early days of her dementia, this show is a journey through time, mother – daughter love and life re-evaluation.
Tickets cost £3 to attend the performance. Tickets can either be booked in advance, or on the day.
To book a ticket to attend a performance of ‘I don’t know what I’m supposed to be doing’ email Heysham.Library@lancashire.gov.uk or Kirkham.Library@lancashire.gov.uk, or call 0300 123 6703.
Many libraries will also work with Lancashire Adult Learning offering visitors the opportunity to take part in an ‘Understanding Dementia’ session. The course is specifically designed to give people a better understanding of dementia and Alzheimer’s, including what the conditions actually are and the needs of people who are living with these conditions. Sessions are free and last for three hours. They are available to all adults over the age of 19.
Booking is essential, as places are limited. Places can be booked by visiting www.lancashire.gov.uk/events
These courses are available at the following libraries:
• Thornton Library on Monday 14 May from 9.30am to 12.30pm
• Carnforth Library on Monday 21 May from 9am to 12 noon
• Knott End Library on Monday 21 May from 9.30am to 12.30pm
• Poulton Library on Monday 21 May from 2pm to 5pm
• Rawtenstall Library on Monday 21 May from 1pm to 4pm
• Skelmersdale Library on Tuesday 22 May from 9.15pm to 12.15pm
• Haslingden Library on Tuesday 22 May from 1pm to 4pm
• Colne Library on Wednesday 23 May from 1.30pm to 4.30pm
• Brierfield Library on Wednesday 23 May from 1pm to 4pm
• Chorley Library on Thursday 24 May from 9.15pm to 12.15pm
• Ansdell Library on Thursday 24 May from 9.15pm to 12.15pm
• Nelson Library on Thursday 24 May from 1pm to 4pm
• Freckleton Library on Thursday 24 May from 1pm to 4pm
• Eccleston Library on Friday 25 May from 1pm to 4pm
County Councillor Peter Buckley, Lancashire County Council’s cabinet member for community and cultural services, said: ” Unfortunately in Lancashire the number of people living with dementia is higher than the national average, so it is important that we do all we can to raise awareness of the condition and to help those people who are living with it.
“Libraries play a significant role in helping people with dementia to feel part of their community. Importantly, they are welcoming spaces offering free and accessible support.
“The activities we are running in libraries during the week should be a valuable source of advice and information. I’ve been informed that the performance we are showing is well worth seeing and is a funny, moving, inspiring tale using poetry, theatre and library books.
“Libraries are also providing book-based support for people as we know that this can help. Since we launched the Reading Well Books on Prescription for dementia, loans of books in this scheme have increased.
“Our collection ranges from self-help books to powerful personal accounts of how the lives of people have been shaped assisting a loved one with dementia and medical information offering practical advice about the condition.
“People touched by dementia, whether living with it or caring for a loved one, can gain crucial support and encouragement to help live their daily lives from these books.
“I’m delighted that our libraries service is supporting this initiative.”
Research suggests that there are currently around 15,500 people living with dementia in Lancashire. This figure is set to rise by as much as 27% by 2026 due to population growth in the older age groups.
Dementia Action Week is supported by the Alzheimer’s Society. The Alzheimer’s Society is a UK charity which provides support and research for those affected by dementia.
You can call in at your local library to find out more and take a look at the resources that are available.
Anyone who lives or works in Lancashire can join a Lancashire library, either online or by visiting in person. Membership is free and there are no age restrictions.
More information about Reading Well Books on Prescription is available at www.lancashire.gov.uk/libraries-and-archives/libraries/reading-for-health/
For more information about Dementia Action Week, visit: www.alzheimers.org.uk/DementiaActionWeek
More information about Lancashire libraries is available at www.lancashire.gov.uk/libraries , or by calling 0300 123 6703.
More information about the show ‘I don’t know what I’m supposed to be doing’ is available at www.emmadecent.co.uk
