A dementia friendly cinema is reopening in a much-loved theatre in Bungay this autumn thanks to funding provided by East Suffolk Council.
Starting in October, the Fisher Theatre on Broad Street will be running relaxed and accessible matinee screenings once a month for people and carers of anyone living with dementia.
Support for the Dementia Cinema has been provided by East Suffolk Council’s Beccles, Bungay, Halesworth and villages Community Partnership which provided £2,336 in funding, along with funding given by councillors Toby Hammond and Anthony Speca who provided £2,536 in funding from their Enabling Communities Budgets. The funding will help the theatre to run the Dementia Cinema for free over the next 12 months.
On the first Tuesday along of every month a different film will be shown, and visitors can enjoy a light lunch that includes a soup and a sandwich. The first film to be shown will be Seven Brides for Seven Brothers on Tuesday 6 October at 1pm.
Cllr Caroline Topping, Leader of East Suffolk Council and Chair of the Beccles, Bungay, Halesworth and villages Community Partnership said:
“We were delighted to support the Fisher Theatre in bringing back their popular Dementia Cinema to the community. These special screenings offer anyone living with a dementia along with their carers an opportunity to enjoy their favourite films in a relaxing, safe and supportive environment, while also helping them to connect with others who may be experiencing similar challenges.”
Frances Betts, Trustee of the Fisher Theatre said:
“It’s really great to revive the Dementia Cinema. We’ve got three films planned for October, November, and December so far and everyone can enjoy a light lunch beforehand. When we’ve run the Dementia Cinema in the past, we’ve found music to be a brilliant way of bringing back a person’s short-term memory, so we’re focusing on showing musicals and classic films that have simple storylines that everyone can follow.
“We have researched how other Dementia Cinemas are run, so we’ll reduce our seating for 30 – 40 people too give people plenty of space. We’ll also keep the lights and the sound down to create a relaxed atmosphere, and all our volunteers have been given dementia awareness training.
“We hope the events will also give carers a chance to get out and about and chat together, be safe and enjoy a film. The Dementia Cinema isn’t purely limited to people living with dementia, but anyone who has a mental health issue is welcome to join us.”
The next dementia cinema will feature the Jungle Book on Tuesday 3 November and White Christmas on Tuesday 1 December.
Tickets are free but advance booking is essential to help the theatre plan catering requirements.
Book your free tickets online, or call the Fisher Theatre box office on 01986 897130.
