THE latest Reading Well Books on Prescription scheme was launched across Devon's libraries on Monday, to support people with dementia and their carers.

The scheme, which already helps more than 275,000 people across the country with common mental health conditions feel better through self-help reading, is now turning its attention to the enormous need for quality-assured support for dementia care in the UK.

The national Books on Prescription scheme supports people with book-based therapy for common mental health conditions, through local libraries.

It has played an important role in helping to meet the huge need for mental health support.

In a very successful first year, Reading Well Books on Prescription has been endorsed by the public as well as by GPs, mental health professionals and government ministers as a helpful community-based mental health service.

Cllr Roger Croad, cabinet member with responsibility for the library service, said:  'Since the Books on Prescription Scheme began, we have increased access to quality assured health information and advice for people affected by a range of physical and mental health-related issues.

'We're really pleased to be including these books on dementia in our  libraries, which will be available as part of a national library strategy to support the development of dementia-friendly communities and build understanding and awareness of the condition.'

Research shows that dementia presents a key 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.

The new scheme will also help the many people living without a formal diagnosis, who may be worrying about symptoms and want to find out more.

With the support of Devon Public Health, every public library in Devon will hold a full collection of Reading Well Books on Prescription for dementia books for free loan from the beginning of February.

Cllr Andrea Davis, Devon County Council's cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said:  'I'm really pleased that dementia has been chosen as a welcome addition to existing resources on conditions such as  anxiety, eating disorders, chronic pain, depression, obsessions and compulsions, relationship problems, self-esteem, sleep problems, stress and worry.

'There is still an acute lack of understanding for the condition, so these books will provide a really valuable resource for sufferers and their carers.'

As part of the scheme, health professionals will be able to recommend helpful reading to support people with dementia and their carers.

The 25 titles on the Reading Well Books on Prescription for dementia list have been recommended by health experts as well as people with lived 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.  

Ciara Eastell, head of Devon County Council's libraries and the Society of Chief Librarians, said: 'Reading Well Books on Prescription for dementia means that public libraries will play a significant role in helping to build dementia-friendly communities. 

'We are delighted to be working together with health partners to deliver this exciting development in libraries' health offer.'

Dr Charles Alessi, Public Health England dementia lead officer, said: 'A dementia diagnosis can be a traumatic, disorientating experience leaving people feeling lonely and excluded from their community. Libraries and schemes such as Reading Well have a key role to play in providing help in a supportive and non-stigmatised community space.'