Reading Well in Kensington & Chelsea

 

Following the Reading Agency launch of the Reading Well Books on Prescription Dementia Collection on Monday 26 January, libraries across the three boroughs gave community and health partners, as well as members of the public, the chance to find out about our Reading Well initiatives, with collection launches at five libraries.

The first launch event was at Pimlico Library (read more on Books & the City) and the final two took place at Hammersmith and Fulham libraries (read more on LBHF Libraries). Nestled between were the launches in Kensington and Chelsea:

North Kensington launch of Reading Well – Books on Prescription Dementia Collection

 

The first Kensington launch was at North Kensington Library on 4 February, a lunchtime event with partners from the Stroke Association, Age UK, the Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster Memory Service, Open Age, West African Women’s network development and the Depression Alliance.  The Remembering Together display was on show and attracted a lot of interest.

North Kensington display including Books on Prescription core and Dementia Collections, plus Mood Boosting Books

 

Then it was the turn of Brompton Library on 6 February, led by librarian Stephanie Webb and Diane Sherlock, author of Come into the Garden. Stephanie and Diane led a discussion on Reading Well Books on Prescription over tea and scones with members of the public who shared their own experiences of caring for relatives with dementia. Kathryn Gilfoy from Westminster Arts answered questions about living well with dementia, Kathryn runs the memory cafes in north and south Westminster. Diane read some of her poems.

Five different launches in different libraries in the three boroughs, only made possible by joint working with library staff and health and community partners.

Very warm thanks to Silva, Adisa, Gaynor and Besant at North Kensington, Katie and Stephanie at  Brompton and all colleagues! Thanks to Diane Sherlock and Nell Dunn who donated their time and to Kathryn and Freya from Westminster Arts. Thanks to the Stroke Association who donate their time and resources to help prevent vascular dementia by preventing stroke.

Libraries are doing their bit for Dementia.  If you would like to join the Dementia Alliance, contact Helen.ODonovan@alzheimers.org.uk.

[Kate Gielgud]