Sheffield Hallam team's new book aims to give hope to people with dementia

Researchers from Sheffield Hallam University have worked alongside a poet and illustrator to launch a book which offers a new way of providing information to those who have been recently diagnosed.
By Julia Armstrong
Published 5th Mar 2021, 09:20 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The book, Discovering Dementia, is the result of a collaboration between Lab4Living design researcher Dr Claire Craig, illustrator Sophie Standing and poet John Killick. One of its aims is to give people who have just been diagnosed a more positive view of their future.

The book uses imagery and quotations to take the reader on a visual journey, exploring the psychological and emotional effects of dementia, while portraying of a picture of hope and potential.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Lab4Living have issued 100 copies of the book to people living with dementia, families of those affected by the disease and clinicians.

An image from the new book, Discovering DementiaAn image from the new book, Discovering Dementia
An image from the new book, Discovering Dementia

Professor Craig, who is co-director of Lab4Living, said: “Stigmatising products and certain media representations of individuals living with dementia serve to reinforce negative stereotypes which can undermine selfhood. Our hope is that this book will challenge existing genres of publication, providing an alternative picture of hope and potential.”

10 pictures to remind us how badly Sheffield has been flooded over the years

Kath Horner, chair of Sheffield Dementia Action Alliance, said: “I'm looking forward to using it because the pandemic has meant that we can't go and see people who've got dementia. That was a really important part of what we did and people are deteriorating.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"So, having something like this will aid the conversations once we're able to start talking to each other again.”

John Killick, said: “The book is free and this is important. We want this book to be in people's hands so thanks to Sheffield Hallam University our first printing is free, and we intend that future printings should also be free.

"We’re hoping to crowdfund this project and that people will apply to us for copies.”

For more information about the book, email Dr Craig at [email protected].

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor