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Lights, camera, action during Dementia Awareness Week

ByEmily

May 27, 2017

The King and I proved to be a hit at Cineworld’s dementia friendly film screening on 15 May with more than 120 people in the audience.

Staff created a safe and comfortable environment enabling people living with dementia and their carers to watch a film from the past.

Making Middlesbrough a dementia friendly town has been an ambition of Brian Rowcroft from Dementia Friendly Middlesbrough.

He said: “There is lots more going on this week as part of Dementia Awareness Week so get involved and become part of the movement to unite against dementia.

“The screening today, supported by Ageing Better Middlesbrough is a great example of how organisations are already working together to create a welcoming space for people living with dementia.”

Peter Elliot, 81, an Ageing Better Middlesbrough volunteer, uses the screenings to connect with people. He said: “It is absolutely brilliant – there is nothing else like this in the area.

“My wife has dementia and has just recently gone into a home. As someone who has gone through it, it is great to help others. You lose friends when you are caring for someone so I can support people who have been recently diagnosed and help them become part of the community.”

Matt O’Hara, Operations Manager at Cineworld, said: “It has surpassed all my expectations, people are coming from far and wide to attend.

“Other Cineworld cinemas are interested in adapting their screens to accommodate this. It is great to know that Middlesbrough is leading the way.”

Cineworld runs dementia friendly screenings every month. Today was the sixth screening and they intend to continue. To find out more go to lovemiddlesbrough.com

Dementia Awareness Week 2017 runs from 14 to 20 May. Discover what is happening in Middlesbrough at ageingbettermiddlesbrough.org.uk

By Emily