Libraries create a more welcome space for people with dementia

Two Fife libraries have been recognised for the welcome they offer to people with dementia.

The Cadham and Leslie teams have joined the Dementia Friendly Glenrothes initiative, meaning all Fife Cultural Trust venues in the town, including Rothes Halls, are now involved.

Dementia Friendly Glenrothes is a partnership between health and social care services and Alzheimer Scotland, with support from Fife Council, which aims to support people with dementia to allow them to remain a valued part of the community.

Most staff at Fife Cultural Trust venues have become dementia friends and have had training to give them a better awareness of the condition.

Samantha MacDougall, service development officer for Fife Cultural Trust Libraries, said: “This has been an extremely positive project to be involved with. We want to ensure that any visitors with dementia are given as relaxed and enjoyable an experience as possible.”

Dementia Friendly project manager Ruth McCabe said the mission was to improve daily life for people living with dementia and their carers.

“By becoming a dementia friendly venue, the team now have the awareness and confidence to help make a difference to their visitors,” she said.

“Libraries like Leslie and Cadham provide a lifeline to local people who have been regular attenders and want to be able to continue to use the range of facilities on offer.

“It is vital to their ongoing ability to live well with dementia that they can do this in a space which is familiar and where they feel welcomed and supported.”