Libraries across Worcestershire are becoming more dementia-friendly thanks to expert training from the University of Worcester.
Members of the University’s Association for Dementia Studies, which specialises in helping people live well with dementia, delivered sessions with select library staff from different parts of the county. These ‘dementia ambassadors’ have now been tasked with looking for ways to enhance their libraries’ environments and activities.
Dr Catrin Jones, Senior Lecturer in Dementia Studies within the Association for Dementia Studies, who led the training, said: “We gave staff the confidence to support people living with dementia. This can be achieved through considering how we can make the arrangements supportive, so people feel welcome and encouraged to join in the sessions provided in the libraries. For us as a team it was a great opportunity to share our research and hopefully in the future develop more programmes in the community.”
The sessions covered understanding symptoms, the different ways that dementia can impact on people, potential barriers to inclusion, and the importance of communication and support. Participants also heard from people who have set up successful programmes to support people living with dementia and their carers and a writer sharing their experience of living with dementia.
Since the training, ambassadors have begun applying their learning – from visiting care homes to promote dementia resources in libraries, to launching story telling sessions for adults. Several libraries have also requested materials created through the Association’s ‘Crossing the line’ research, to support people providing personal care for people living with dementia, to put on display.
Stephanie Jones, Manager of The Hive library in Worcester, said: “It was extremely helpful, and the key thing we realised is this is a really sensitive and delicate part of our service that we want to grow.”
Stephanie added: “It has been valuable and useful for staff to be trained by the experts because it means that our responses and resources has been peer reviewed to make sure our approach is consistent with the NHS and those caring for people with dementia.”
Dr Catrin Jones said: “Libraries are neutral spaces. Someone with undiagnosed dementia might not seek help elsewhere, but they may still visit a library. That’s where support can quietly begin, without any perceived stigma.”
“We’re really keen to develop a dementia-specific guide designed especially for libraries,” she added. “It’s a project that could reach services across the country. If we can share our knowledge beyond Worcestershire, it could have a huge impact.”