Hebden Bridge Web

Dementia Friendly Cinema Screening

29th April 2024

Hebden Bridge Picture House is proud to support the Alzheimer's Society Dementia Action Week (13-19 May 2024) – an annual national event that encourages people to take action to improve the lives of people affected by dementia.

Picture House Manager, Pete Berrisford, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, "Our Dementia Friendly monthly screenings, in collaboration with Calderdale Dementia Hub, are designed to accommodate the specific needs of individuals living with dementia, while remaining inclusive for all our customers. Our goal is to ensure that the cinema experience is accessible to everyone."

These screenings offer a welcoming and comfortable environment, with tailored adjustments including:

• Prompt start of films, without adverts or trailers.
  
• Low lighting and adjusted sound levels to accommodate the audience.
• Clear and accessible signage throughout the premises.
• Encouragement for customers to converse, sing, and move around freely during the screening.

Furthermore, attendees are invited to enjoy complimentary tea, coffee, and biscuits half an hour before the film, to give people the chance to meet and socialise with others, and to familiarise themselves with the cinema space.

The next dementia friendly screening is Mary Poppins, celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. Winner of five Academy Awards, this super-cali-fragil-istic-expi-ali-docious family favourite starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke is particularly perfect for the big screen in every way.

Tickets are now on sale for the screening on Monday 13 May at 1pm.

Neil Courtman, Service Manager for Calderdale Dementia Hub said, "Through Dementia Friendly Screenings people with dementia and their carers experience the joy of cinema again, and in the case of the Picture House a welcoming community space. We've already heard that people have come back to the cinema after many years because they feel safe, supported and accepted".

Following this screening, Hebden Bridge Picture House is committed to providing monthly dementia-friendly screenings on the 3rd Monday of every month, with tickets priced at £7.50. Additionally, complimentary carer tickets are available as part of the CEA card scheme.

Hebden Bridge Picture House is a thriving independent cinema owned and run by Hebden Royd Town Council for the benefit of the community and visitors alike.

Built in 1921 and seating over 500, it shows an eclectic mix of independent, blockbuster, foreign language and classic films. Open daily. Tickets starting from £5.50.

Book now at www.hbph.co.uk • 01422 842807