GLASGOW FILM THEATRE (GFT) has launched a dementia friendly cinema programme, Movie Memories.
Following a successful pop-up screening of Singing in the Rain in September, GFT was awarded funding from Life Changes Trust.
The programme is designed especially for people experiencing early to mid stages of dementia, their carers and loved ones.
The Movie Memories launch event, Whisky Galore!, took place at GFT on Thursday 19 October, as part of Luminate, Scotland’s creative ageing festival.
The launch was a huge success with over 50 attendees.
The Movie Memories programme looks to encourage social inclusion with their relaxed and friendly events, accessible venue and dementia-aware staff and volunteers.
Jodie Wilkinson, GFT’s Programme Engagement Coordinator, said there is a ‘social duty’ to make sure those living with dementia are able to take part and engage.
She said: “A diagnosis of dementia should not ostracise people and so there is a social duty to make sure people still have the choice to engage.
“GFT is the first cinema in Glasgow to run this type of programme and we are working with a Movie Memories Coordinator, Agnes Houston – who was diagnosed with dementia in 2006.
“We are proud to offer people living with dementia, their families and/or carers, the choice to engage in coming to the cinema.”
Agnes Houston, MBE, GFT’s Movie Memories Coordinator, said she cannot wait for the Movie Memories festive event, White Christmas.
She said: “GFT projectionists have found the high and low spots of acoustics making it possible for me to enjoy the cinema experience for the first time in 10 years.
“Similarly with the lights being slightly brighter, I have no fear in getting around the cinema. Together, we found the barriers and then created solutions to make the GFT an enabling environment. Movie Memories means that I am included, and I am so looking forward to White Christmas.”
The Movie Memories programme will aim to reach over 1,700 people living with dementia, as well as their carers and families.
Movie Memories continues in November with a screening of Britain on Film: Coast and Sea (Thu 23 Nov) and in December with White Christmas (Thu 21 Dec).
Tickets are on sale now from glasgowfilm.org or GFT Box Office. All tickets £3.00.
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