Our Customer Delivery staff are at the heart of creating welcoming spaces for everyone, and they’ve recently taken an important step in making our libraries more dementia friendly.
About a year ago, Ngaaruawaahia Library Coordinator Cheryl Maskell noticed that some regular visitors were finding things tricky and wanted to see how the library could better support them.
Cheryl got in touch with Dementia Waikato to learn more. That’s when she found out about the pathway to becoming recognised as Working to be Dementia Friendly.
Alzheimer’s New Zealand supports people living with dementia, as well as their whaanau and communities. Its Dementia Friendly Programme helps organisations across Aotearoa better understand dementia, train their people and make practical changes that can make a real difference.
Cheryl says, ‘Working towards becoming a Dementia Friendly Library is something I feel very passionate about, both professionally and personally. Our libraries are more than just places to borrow books. They are welcoming community spaces where people connect, learn, share stories, and feel a sense of belonging.’
As part of the process, our Customer Delivery Team Leaders signed a commitment letter on behalf of their teams. All Customer Delivery staff also completed an online dementia awareness course.
What began as a way to meet a growing need has become a really positive journey for our library service; in learning more about how to support people living with dementia, and ensuring our libraries are welcoming and inclusive for everyone.
