National Reading with Dementia Symposium

Join us to explore the emerging field of dementia-friendly reading across the UK. With insight from people with lived experience and organisations leading the way in this specialist area, we'll explore the practice of Reading with Dementia through presentations, workshops and reflections.

The symposium is in partership with Newcastle Libraries and the UK National Innovation Centre for Ageing, funded by Arts Council England.

Info: Welcome from Sharon Traill, Community Hubs and Libraries Manager, Newcastle Libraries; followed by keynote address from Isobel Hunter, Chief Executive, Libraries Connected.

Info: Hear about the approaches developed through the 18-month Reading with Dementia programme with Newcastle Libraries, the impact on participants' reading confidence and wellbeing, and how both historic collections and contemporary resources have been used to stimulate reading and support social connection.

Info: Panellists share their experience of overcoming barriers to reading with dementia. With contributions from readers with lived experience of dementia and creative facilitators involved in delivering Reading with Dementia in community and care settings.

Info: Hear about different approaches to dementia-friendly reading from organisations leading the way in this emerging field. Contributors include Dr Jane Lugea from the Still Reading project at Queen's University, Belfast; Nat Yates, Artist-in-Residence at Boulmer Court supported living scheme, Chester-le-Street; Alison Kirkpatrick, Psychology Research Assistant at Verbal Arts Centre, Derry; Alison Irvine, Reading is Caring Trainer at Scottish Book Trust

Info: In this facilitated workshop you'll have an opportunity to test out ideas for growing dementia-friendly reading in your organisation with other delegates and speakers. A safe space to explore potential challenges and opportunities and hopefully to leave with clear actions and next steps. Refreshments will be available during this session.

Info: Luke Burton will be in attendance throughout the day, listening to speakers and delegates.

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