Lights, camera, action: Colne View supports town’s dementia cinema

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Jun 18, 2018

Colne View has been working with a local cinema to host monthly dementia-friendly screenings for the community.   

Colne View and the Empire Theatre on Butler Road, have devised a programme of films suitable for people living with dementia which will run until November – the first of which took place earlier this month. 

The special screenings are designed for people in Halstead and the surrounding areas and enable attendees to not only experience a film at the cinema, but also provide an opportunity for carers and their loved ones to spend valuable time together in a friendly, accessible environment. 

Unlike regular film screenings, there is an interval half way through the film, and the house lights remain on during the performance. The sound is also lowered to ensure a comfortable level for attendees. Entry to the events are free, and include complimentary tea, coffee, biscuits and cake.

Customer relations manager at Colne View, Kim Richardson, said: “It was fantastic to welcome local people to the Empire Theatre for the very first dementia-friendly screening here in Halstead. We have been working hard with the cinema to develop an inclusive programme of events which we hope will bring local people together in a warm, welcoming setting. 

“We’d like to thank the Empire Theatre for their support, and we look forward to watching the initiative grow over the coming months.” 

Mike George, deputy chairman at The Empire Theatre, said: “The first Dementia Friendly Cinema event was a great success, and it was wonderful to be joined by residents from Colne View and members of the local community. 

“Going to the cinema may seem like a simple activity, however for people living with dementia it can be a daunting experience, which is why we wanted to work with Colne View to make it an enjoyable experience for all. 

“We’ve received such lovely feedback from the community following the first event so we’re looking forward to welcoming lots more people to our second event next month.”