Books on Prescription scheme launching at Rochdale Central Library

Books on Prescription scheme launching at Rochdale Central Library

Twenty five new titles in a new Books on Prescription for dementia scheme will be officially launched during an event at Rochdale Central Library on Thursday 12 February as part of a national scheme to support people with dementia, their carers and their families.

The event, running from 10am to 2pm will include local Dementia and Carer organisations who will be answering questions and providing information about their services. There will also be a Dementia Friends session and a workshop/discussion where anyone affected by Dementia can come and share their experiences. The launch event will also include a live performance by the Carer’s Choir. Everyone is welcome.

The Reading Well Books on Prescription scheme is a new list of 25 titles that provide dementia support and advice. Health professionals will use the list to prescribe books to their patients and the titles will be available for anyone to borrow free of charge from their nearest library.

The scheme already helps people with common mental health conditions feel better through self-help reading, but it’s the first time they’ve offered support for dementia care in the UK.

Councillor Cecile Biant, our Cabinet Member for Public Health said: “We are inviting people to come to the launch, where they’ll be able to get advice from professionals, take a look at the new books and speak to other people who have been affected by dementia. It’s a 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. Making these self-help books available in all libraries across our borough offers people a vital lifeline on their doorsteps.”

Following the launch the books will be available in the boroughs 17 libraries, to build understanding and awareness of the condition as well as provide help for people living without a formal diagnosis who may be worrying about symptoms and wanting to find out more.

The titles on the dementia list have been recommended by health experts as well as people with life 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.

Places on the Dementia Friends session and the workshop are limited - email:

library.service@rochdale.gov.uk