People living with dementia and hidden disabilities have a new place to find comfort and connection at The Living Hub at Max Webber Library, Blacktown.
The community space offers people and their carers a place to stimulate their minds and share their experiences in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Blacktown City Libraries worked with Dementia Australia to design The Living Hub sensitively and include items that may help prompt conversation and memories.
Examples are memory boxes of assorted objects, robotic therapy animals, reminiscence objects and a table of interactive games designed to stimulate the senses.
Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting said The Living Hub was a response to community need.
"People living with hidden disabilities have been asking Council for a dedicated space where they can meet and be supported," he said.
"The Living Hub provides that supportive space while keeping participants in the inclusive community atmosphere of the library.
"By welcoming people with hidden disabilities to our libraries, I hope we can raise awareness of dementia and other disabilities among our wider community."
Dementia Australia Chief Executive Officer Professor Tanya Buchanan said it's important to create dementia-friendly spaces like the Living Hub, which are respectful, supportive and empowering.
"Bringing people together in a dementia-friendly space is important for reducing the risk of social isolation. It also creates opportunities for family members and carers to meet and share their experiences," Prof Buchanan said.
"Congratulations to Blacktown City Council for opening The Living Hub and supporting people impacted by dementia."
The Living Hub has regular walking and social groups to keep minds and bodies active, and there are plans for art and music therapy.
Blacktown City Libraries plans to offer programs like these across its branch network.
Anglicare is among those using the service for its clients.
Dementia Advisory Services Team Leader Vanessa Keane has been pleased with the outcomes.
"The Living Hub is a versatile, inclusive and low-stimulus space supporting a wide range of interactive uses," she said.
"We are delighted to have the opportunity to utilise this new community space for our Dementia Advisory support groups."
The Living Hub was made possible thanks to a Public Library Infrastructure Grant from the State Library of NSW.
Library staff also received training from Dementia Australia on better understanding the challenges of people living with the condition.
The Living Hub is part of the Blacktown City Disability Inclusion Action Plan, which commits Council to ensuring people have equal access to community services regardless of ability and background.
For dementia information and support, contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 or visit dementia.org.au.
