IMPORTANT funds to help special screenings have been secured by a theatre company for 2022.

A Halstead care home has been working with a cinema to host monthly dementia-friendly screenings for the community.

Care UK’s Colne View and Empire Theatre in Halstead devised a programme of films suitable for people living with dementia.

Empire have been hosting these since June 2018, after they undertook training delivered by Colne View’s customer relations manager Kim Richardson.

This helped volunteers with the programme to have better knowledge and understanding of those living with dementia.

Unlike regular film screenings, there is an interval halfway through the film, and the house lights remain on low during the performance.

The sound is also lowered to ensure a comfortable level for attendees.

Braintree District Council’s Community Counsellor’s Fund, along with donations from Town Mayor Mick Radley and Councilor Jackie Pell, have allowed the scheme to continue.

The Empire Theatre and Care UK’s Colne View announced that the project has secured another six months funding to enable this event to continue into 2022.

Mike George, Chairman at The Empire Theatre said: “It is fantastic that we have been able to secure this extra funding to enable us to offer these screenings to the community for free.

“It is the desire of the theatre to maintain and continue to offer these cinematic experiences for free for the community.

“We will continue to source means of funding and we hope to continue the project until the end of 2022.”

Customer Relations Manager at Colne View, Kim Richardson, said: "Going to the cinema may seem like a simple activity, however for people living with dementia it can be a daunting experience, which is why we wanted to work with Colne View to make it an enjoyable experience for all.

“We’ve received such lovely feedback from the community following the first event back in 2018 so we’re looking forward to welcoming lots more people to our new programme of films in 2022.”

The next Dementia Friendly Cinema event will be on Thursday February 17 with a screening of Cats.

Entry to the event is free, with doors opening at 1.45pm, and the film starting at 2.30pm.