Home Local News Lancashire libraries and museums support dementia awareness week

Lancashire libraries and museums support dementia awareness week

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A week-long schedule of events has been organised in libraries and museums across Lancashire to support Dementia Awareness Week and the support services available.

The events at libraries from Sunday 17 May to Saturday 23 May will promote the use of books to help people living with dementia, their families, friends and the carers who support them.

They have been co-ordinated by library staff with partner organisations including the Alzheimer’s Society, Dementia Friends and Genesis Care and include dementia friends’ sessions, a memory festival and café and coffee mornings.

Marcus Johnstone, Lancashire County Council’s cabinet member for environment, planning and cultural services, said: “Unfortunately in Lancashire the number of people living with dementia is higher than the national average, so it is important that we do all we can to raise awareness of the condition and to help those people who are living with it.

“Libraries are providing book-based support for people as we know that this can help. Since the launch of Reading Well Books on Prescription for dementia in January, loans of books in this scheme have increased.

“Our collection ranges from self-help books to powerful personal accounts of how the lives of people have been shaped assisting a loved one with dementia and medical information offering practical advice about the condition.

“People touched by dementia, whether living with it or caring for a loved one, can gain crucial support and encouragement to help live their daily lives from these books.

“I’m delighted that our libraries service is supporting this initiative.”

People will be able to find out more about events taking place near to where they live by calling 0300 123 6703.

Anyone who lives in the UK can join a Lancashire library, either online or by visiting in person. It’s free and there are no age restrictions.

For more information about Dementia Awareness Week events or libraries, go to www.lancashire.gov.uk and search under events.

Lancashire Museums will also be celebrating Dementia Awareness Week by offering memory tours and promoting their collection of memory boxes.

Clitheroe Castle Museum will hold Memory tours. These will be held at 1.30pm on Monday 18 May and Wednesday 20 May. They are free to attend but booking is essential as places are limited. To book your place or for more information telephone 01200 424568 or email clitheroecastle@lancashire.gov.uk.

Limited car parking is available for disabled visitors.

Clitheroe Castle Museum is managed by Lancashire County Council’s museum service, on behalf of Ribble Valley Borough Council.

Queen Street Mill Textile Museum, Burnley will run quiet guided tours and workshops on Tuesday 19 and Friday 22 May.

Admission is £3 for adults and £2 for concessions. Carers, Burnley residents and accompanied children go free.

Car parking is free and Queen Street Mill is fully accessible for disabled visitors, including people with guide dogs.

Queen Street Mill is run by Lancashire County Council with support from Burnley Borough Council.

For more information please telephone 01282 412555 or email queenstreetmill@lancashire.gov.uk.

Visit the Museum of Lancashire during Dementia Awareness Week to find out more about Lancashire Museums’ memory box service. Boxes will be on display and information will be available. Memory boxes are free to borrow and are available throughout Lancashire.

For more information about the Museum of Lancashire, telephone 01772 534075 or email museumoflancashire@lancashire.gov.uk.

Alternatively, please visit www.lancashire.gov.uk/museumoflancashire.

The Museum of Lancashire is on Stanley Street, Preston and is run by Lancashire County Council.

To find out more about Lancashire County Council museums visit www.lancashire.gov.uk/museums

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