A film screening in a relaxing environment is open to anyone living with dementia at a cinema in Canton
The needs of people suffering from dementia are at the forefront of a screening of the new release, Judy, at Chapter in Canton this Friday.
The screening will have the sound turned down quieter than usual, slightly brighter lighting and there will be soft subtitles on screen.
Adverts and trailers will not be included and there will be wheelchair access.
Ellie, who works at the theatre, said that Chapter: “Tend to choose a film that fits in with a sense of nostalgia or something that would generally chime with an older audience.”
The theatre company work with mental health nurses to “programme a dementia-friendly screening usually about once a month.”
They also have other relaxed-environment screenings that are not just for dementia sufferers, but for people who have other accessibility issues, said Ellie.
The new release, being shown at 2pm on Friday 18 October, is an autobiographical tribute to the actress Judy Garland.
Mental health nurse, Catherine Gornall, said that dementia is on the rise and there is a need for it to be managed within the community. She explained that more events like this are needed in Cardiff.
“Hospitals and GP’s are overwhelmed with complications of managing those living with dementia, especially because families and friends are usually left to care for them, without adequate support.”
“The amount of people living with dementia is expected to triple by 2050.”
The theatre company hold the dementia-friendly screenings to create a relaxed atmosphere for those with the condition, where the audience may be noisy and leave easily if necessary.
Open to the general public, the special showings are aimed at anyone living with dementia, so would make an ideal afternoon spent with a loved one.
There is an opportunity at the end to socialise along with tea and coffee, included in the ticket price of £4.50 and carers can book their tickets for free.
Visit www.chapter.org to book and find more information.
