January 2017 will see the launch of a film programme of dementia friendly screenings at the Plaza Cinema on Crosby Road North in Waterloo, Sefton.
Taking place on the third Thursday of every month at 2pm, the programme will include a collection of classic movies, musicals and archive films specially selected to trigger memories.
Launching the programme on Thursday 19th January will be a showing of the classic 1953 hit musical, Calamity Jane, starring Doris Day and Howard Keel.
Staff at the cinema who have been trained as Dementia Friends will be on hand to support visitors, and the cinema is fully accessible for wheelchair users. A low level of lighting will be maintained throughout the performance, along with reduced sound volume to minimise possible sources of anxiety.
The screening will take place in Screen 1, the cinema's newly restored Art Deco screen, and the hope is it will help stimulate people's memories of going to the pictures.
The first screening will be free of charge thanks to funding from CVS Sefton4Good, and will include tea/coffee and biscuits served during an interval half way through the film.
The forthcoming programme of dementia friendly screenings is the result of a long held ambition by both the local council and the venue to provide dementia friendly activities in the locality.
Michelle Anglesea, the Adult Information Officer with Sefton Council, put forward a compelling case to introduce a programme of tailor made performances to support those living with dementia and their families, and thanks to support from the Alzheimer's Society, the Plaza now has 10 members of staff trained as Dementia Friends.
The event will be officially opened by Councillor Paul Cummins, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and lead for Sefton’s Dementia strategy.
“Of the many funding applications we received, the Plaza’s was one of those that really leapt from the page. It felt innovative and exciting, and Sefton4Good was very happy to support the project.”
Sefton4Good
For further information and to view a full calendar of future screenings visit the Plaza website ....
http://plazacinema.org.uk/blog/14038/dementia-friendly-screening-calamity-jane
To reserve seats for the launch please contact Christine Physick on 0151 928 1530 or email her at christine@plazacinema.org.uk
Source : Champion newspaper,
