Nottingham City Council Public Health and Nottingham City Libraries have collaborated to launch a new set of memory packs for members of Nottingham’s African Caribbean and South Asian communities living with dementia.
These specially developed packs contain sensory items and memory prompts designed to evoke positive memories and encourage conversation. The new additions complement the existing memory pack collection – including ‘In the Garden’, ‘Families’, ‘Home and Abroad’, ‘Sport’, ‘Music of the 1950’s and ‘At the Pictures’. Nottingham City Libraries also have a ‘Reading Well for Dementia’ book collection available to borrow for those living with dementia as well as their families and carers.
The launch is part of the city’s recognition of the annual Dementia Action Week, which raises awareness of the condition and celebrates the local services that help people with dementia live well. As part of this year’s activity, the Council House was lit up purple on Wednesday 21 May, recognising the over 2,000 people living with dementia in Nottingham and the wider number impacted – including families, carers, and frontline support staff.
Nottingham has a higher proportion of people living with dementia than on average across England and continues to report a higher diagnosis rate. Early research also shows that many residents in Nottingham’s diverse community experience barriers to accessing dementia support, including a lack of culturally relevant materials and services. These new memory packs are an important step in addressing that gap and ensuring everyone can access meaningful support.
Councillor Helen Kalsi, Executive Member for Adults, Social Care and Health said: “I am delighted to see these additional memory packs being added to the wider collection available to borrow from our City Libraries. It is important that our citizens understand the signs and symptoms to look for to enable an early diagnosis of dementia. It is also vital that younger people know they can protect themselves now by taking action to reduce their risk of developing dementia.
“Support is available across the city to help people quit smoking, reduce alcohol consumption, eat well, stay active, and stay socially connected. The NHS Health Check, offered every five years to those aged 40 and over, is another important tool in early prevention.”
Councillor Corall Jenkins, Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, Waste and Equalities and City Libraries Lead added: “It is vital that we support all those who are impacted by dementia in the city. Our libraries offer a wide range of free resources available for loan that can stimulate memories, spark conversations, signpost to support, and promote understanding.
“This is essential to help the rising number of people living with dementia, their carers and their families, to live well. It is a positive step to see the development of the dementia memory pack collection to better meet the needs of our African Caribbean and South Asian communities – ensuring support is accessible, inclusive, and culturally meaningful.”
Notes
- Dementia refers to several diseases that affect memory, thinking and the ability to perform daily tasks. Dementia is one of the major causes of disability and dependency among older people globally (WHO, 2023). It is estimated that one in three people will care for someone with dementia in their lifetime.
- Dementia is not an inevitable part of ageing, and although there are a number of non-modifiable risk factors (increasing age, female sex and genetic differences), there are modifiable risk factors including education, social isolation and physical activity. Evidence suggests that there are benefits to diagnosing dementia early in the progression of the disease (Alzheimer’s Society, 2023) .
- Dementia Action Week
- Signs and symptoms of Dementia
- Understanding the benefits of an NHS Health Check
- Thriving Nottingham
- Age Friendly Nottingham
Further details of all the Dementia resources available within City Libraries can be found here .
ENDS