Reading Well Books on Prescription to help people with dementia

The scheme, which already helps over 275,000 people across the country with common mental health conditions feel better through self-help reading, is now turning its attention to the enormous need for quality-assured support for dementia care in the UK.

The national Books on Prescription scheme supports people with book-based therapy for common mental health conditions, through local libraries.

It has played an important role in helping to meet the huge need for mental health support.

In a very successful first year, Reading Well Books on Prescription has been endorsed by the public as well as by GPs, mental health professionals and government ministers as a helpful community-based mental health service.

Councillor Roger Croad, Cabinet Member with responsibility for the library service, said: “Since the Books on Prescription Scheme began, we have increased access to quality assured health information and advice for people affected by a range of physical and mental health-related issues.

“Libraries provide a social and geographical hub for communities, and a trusted source of information and advice, so they are perfectly placed to offer innovative solutions to the changing needs of its residents.

“We’re really pleased to be including these books on dementia in our libraries, which will be available as part of a national library strategy to support the development of dementia-friendly communities and build understanding and awareness of the condition.”

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 want to find out more.

With the support of Devon Public Health, every public library in Devon will hold a full collection of Reading Well Books on Prescription for dementia books for free loan from the beginning of February. Titles in the collection will be free to reserve. More information about Reading Well in Devon Libraries including both local and national sources of information and support related to dementia can be found at devon.gov.uk/readingwell Councillor Andrea Davis, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “Reading Well has become a well established and successful scheme, so I’m really pleased that dementia has been chosen as a welcome addition to existing resources on conditions such as anxiety, eating disorders, chronic pain, depression, obsessions and compulsions, relationship problems, self-esteem, sleep problems, stress and worry.

“Dementia is becoming the most significant health issue of our time, and has a profound impact, not only on the person affected but also on family and friends. There is still an acute lack of understanding for the condition, so these books will provide a really valuable resource for sufferers and their carers.”

The county launch of the scheme takes place at Exeter Library on Monday 2 February from 1.30pm-2.30pm with a local drop-in launch also taking place at Barnstaple Library on Tuesday 3rd February 10am-12.30pm.

As part of the scheme, health professionals will be able to recommend helpful reading to support people with dementia and their carers. People can also self-refer using the booklist to 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.

The 25 titles on the Reading Well Books on Prescription for dementia list have been recommended by health experts as well as people with lived experience. 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. Ciara Eastell, Head of Devon County Council’s Libraries and Society of Chief Librarians said: “Reading Well Books on Prescription for dementia means that public libraries will play a significant role in helping to build dementia-friendly communities. “The scheme supports the National Dementia Strategy and works within NICE guidelines for dementia care. 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.”

Reading Well Books on Prescription for dementia is supported by Alzheimer’s Society, British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies, British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, The British Psychological Society, Carers UK, Dementia UK, Innovations in Dementia, National Association of Primary Care, NHS England (IAPT), Royal College of General Practitioners, Royal College of Nursing and the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

Dr Charles Alessi, Public Health England Dementia Lead, said: “Library health interventions such as Reading Well Books on Prescription will add significant value to existing dementia care as a useful support for health professionals and the general public. A dementia diagnosis can be a traumatic and disorientating experience leaving people feeling lonely and excluded from their community. Libraries and schemes such as Reading Well have a key role to play in providing help in a supportive and non-stigmatised community space.”