Support for people and carers living with dementia

All of our libraries are dementia friendly.

We support Dementia Action Week every year in May to help improve the lives of people affected by dementia.

Dementia Collections 

Reading Well for Dementia is a collection of recommended books you might find helpful if you have dementia, or want to find out more about the condition. The books include information and advice, help after diagnosis, practical support for carers and personal stories. These books were recommended by The Reading Agency and health professionals and were tried and tested by people with experience of dementia. Books were selected using guidelines and quality standards for dementia care from NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) and other professional organisations.

 View the 25 titles recommended on the scheme available to borrow.

Pictures to Share is a collection of books combining pictures and text for adults in a meaningful way to help stimulate conversation between families, professionals and those with dementia. The books can also be used with stroke sufferers, as well as adults with learning disabilities and people with mental health needs.

Books are available on subjects such as shopping, childhood and travelling. View the full list of titles available to borrow.

Tovertafel: magic table

Newcastle Libraries are proud to offer Tovertafel, magic table in English. The magic table projects animations onto table surfaces and allows users to interact with the light by moving their arms and hands. This innovative service offers access to life enhancing technology for people with dementia, autism and learning difficulties.

The new service is available for groups and residents to use for free on Level 3 in City Library.

If you would like a demonstration or to book a session please email the date and time to room.bookings@newcastle.gov.uk to check for availability.

For more information about the magic table please email information@newcastle.gov.uk 

Playlist for Life

Playlist for Life is a music and dementia charity that advocates the use of personal playlists for people with dementia and those close to them.

Music has the power to bring joy to those living with dementia. The 'Create the Soundtrack of Your Life' booklet helps people living with dementia to identify, with their carers, the songs that matter to them and record the memories they evoke, aiding conversation and engagement.

Newcastle Libraries have signed up to be Help Points to distribute and promote the Playlist for Life's booklet 'Create the Soundtrack of Your Life'. You can pick up a copy from any of our libraries.

The following resources offer help and advice on dementia in general and the coronavirus pandemic.

The Alzheimer’s Society has useful help and support for people affected by dementia during the coronavirus pandemic.

Dementia UK  advice for people living with dementia and their families, regarding the coronavirus.

NHS  help and support for people living with dementia.

GOV.UK  advice for people living with dementia during coronavirus.

Carers UK  advice on what support is available to you as a carer.

WHO The World Health Organization provides information and facts on dementia worldwide.