My name is Sr Siobhan O’Keeffe. I am a Sister of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary (Chigwell Sisters). My ministry is the support of younger people with early onset dementia. As you are aware, society is becoming increasingly concerned about the rising incidence of dementia and the challenges faced by people living with dementia, carers, service providers and third sector organisations.

As a Christian community, we in the Catholic Church desire to reach out and support all living with this physical disability in every way that we can through the lens of the Gospel. In response to a pastoral need, I have written a book of prayers and reflections for people with dementia and their carers. Each prayer is supported with appropriate scripture references. It is entitled ‘Petals of Prayer’ and has been published by Kevin Mayhew. It is available to view on their website www.kevinmayhew.com. The book also contains factual information about dementia, resource lists and signposting to helpful organisations. It costs £9.99.

I have also compiled a CD of some of the reflections in the book and these are backed with gentle reflective music. The cost is £9.99 plus £1.50 postage and packing. These can be obtained directly from me at the Sacred Heart Convent, Goresbrook Road, Dagenham, Essex, RM9 6XD.