DementiaRoadmap Wales

A new chapter in the fight against dementia in Wales has begun, with the launch of Reading Well Books on Prescription for dementia providing a unique range of books via public libraries, aimed at fostering a better understanding of the disease. Funded by the Welsh Government, the specially created list of books is delivered by The Reading Agency in partnership with the Society of Chief Librarians Cymru and is endorsed by health professionals. The charity is working with the Welsh Books Council to make the books available in Welsh, for the first time. The Reading Well for dementia books include information and advice for people living with dementia and their carers, or anyone worried about their memory, and include fiction/photographic books used in reminiscence therapy. The scheme has been endorsed by people with experience of dementia and their carers, health professionals, leading dementia charities and government ministers, as a helpful community-based health service. Anyone can be recommended a title by a health professional or access the books free from their local library. All library authorities in Wales stock the books and in a Wales first, the majority of the books on both lists are being translated into Welsh language. This represents the biggest Welsh language publishing project ever undertaken and a big step forward for the Welsh language. Leaflets will be available at leisure centres, GP surgeries, local community and / or information hubs to promote the scheme (in English and Welsh). For further information, go to www.reading-well.org.uk/wales