Welsh cinemas screen dementia-friendly films to help people reconnect with memories

Independent cinemas and art centres in Wales are holding dementia-friendly screenings to mark World Alzheimer's Month.

Dementia-friendly film screening at The Dukes in Lancaster

The screenings, which are being shown this month, encourage people with dementia to enjoy an ‘ordinary’ social event alongside members of the public, in a specially adapted environment.

Staff at the cinemas have undergone Dementia Friends training to recognise the needs of people living with the condition, and adjustments to signage, lighting and doors ensure the venues are accessible and ‘less daunting’.

Sue Phelps, director of Alzheimer’s Society Cymru, said: “Dementia will affect everyone in every sector and every industry, from customers to employees. Creating a social space in cinemas where people living with dementia can enjoy a simple leisure activity with their friends, family and carers is so important, and helps to create a more inclusive society for all.

Cinema can be a bewildering, frightening experience

“Cinemas can make a huge difference to people living with dementia by making simple changes such as installing additional signage and by raising staff awareness. Allowing audiences to move around, chat and sing along if they want to, with an opportunity to socialise afterwards, creates a much more relaxed atmosphere.”

The emotional and physical toll of dementia can often be devastating and isolating, both for those with the condition and their loved ones. It currently affects around 43,000 people in Wales.

Activities such as cinema-going that offer a change of scene, the chance to elicit and revisit memories, and an opportunity to bond with others, ‘can be invaluable’, says Ms Phelps.

Venues offering dementia-friendly screenings to mark World Alzheimer's Month include: The Memo Arts Centre in Barry, Chapter Arts Centre in Cardiff, the Newbridge Memo, Theatr Colwyn in Colwyn Bay, Theatr Clwyd in Mold, Cell B in Blaenau Ffestiniog and Pontio Bangor.

They will be showing classic films - such as Guys and Dolls, Singing in the Rain and Miracle on 34th Street- throughout September, in the hope to trigger memories in those living with the condition.

A shared experience

In recent years, more cinemas across the UK have been holding regular screenings for those living with dementia, their carers and family members.

‘A Life More Ordinary’ is a three-year programme led by The Dukes in Lancaster. The charity offers regular film screenings and creative workshop activities, creating a supportive, caring experience for loved ones and families to enjoy together.

The programme responds to research by Age UK Lancashire, entitled ‘Linking Communities’ in 2012. The research highlighted the need for more inclusive activities for people living with dementia and their family members who often exclude themselves, or feel excluded from events in which they had previously participated together.

Gil Graystone, inclusive film and theatre officer, previously said: “Coming to The Dukes is an extension of home. The film screenings are in a friendly, relaxed environment where people can come and meet with others, chat and feel supported.

“Our screenings enable people with dementia, their partners, family members and carers to enjoy a shared experience in a public space which can sometimes be bewildering or frightening for someone living with the condition.”