LIBRARIES Unlimited are launching a brand-new collection of books aimed at supporting those affected by cancer.

This is thanks to a successful bid to the Peninsula Cancer Alliance.

The Cancer Care Collection consists of 43 physical books made up of a mixture of adult, young adult and children’s books.

These can be borrowed from libraries across Devon.

In addition there is also a digital collection available for free to library members on the BorrowBox app and website.

Alongside increasing physical and digital book stock on cancer information they are launching a campaign to raise awareness with the aim of making talking about cancer feel as ‘normal’ as possible and supporting communities across the county.

This will include library information displays, campaigns around national awareness days, working with local health providers to run joint events, informal discussions at book clubs or community cafes, and much more.

Steve Brown, Director of Public Health & Communities, said: Cancer is the largest contributor to ill health and premature death in Devon and will impact on many people’s lives. Promotion of screening and initiatives which help raise awareness of cancer and supports those impacted by a diagnosis is welcomed.

‘Libraries provide a trusted local place to access these new resources and help support prevention and early diagnosis’.

Alex Kittow, Chief Executive Officer at Libraries Unlimited, said: ‘Libraries are a place of information sharing and knowledge, but they are also a space for people to feel less alone.

‘We’re incredibly grateful to the Peninsula Cancer Alliance which allows us to fund this project to bring those two strands together, increasing people’s confidence and understanding whilst also sending that message – no matter how you have been affected, you don’t have to be alone in this.

‘It’s okay to learn, talk about and be aware of the signs and symptoms of cancers, but we also acknowledge that everyone’s experience is different’.