THEATRE bosses have announced the return of a popular cinema experience designed to support residents with Dementia.

The Halstead Empire Theatre has teamed up with the Colne View home in Halstead.

The pair are bringing back the theatre’s Dementia friendly theatre experiences which are making their return after 14 months.

The cinema was closed at the Covid-19 pandemic’s outbreak but the events were a success from their launch back in 2018.

Dementia friendly cinema days are designed to provide a welcoming environment for anyone within the Halstead community who is living with dementia, or is a carer.

Volunteers working at the cinema even attended a dementia friends information session, fronted by the Alzheimer’s Society, which enabled everyone to have an understanding of what it might be like to live with dementia and how they can help.

The cinema has partnered with the care home’s Kim Richardson to source funding and provide the sessions which are free to the community.

A theatre and care home spokesman said: “There is also a meet and greet session at the beginning of the screening for anyone to socialise together and gather sources of information that are available from the team of sectors that also attend.

“We have a large auditorium, with ample capacity for larger groups as well as couples and their carers, the entry and film are free, as well as the tea, coffee, biscuits and cake.

“Spaces for wheelchairs are limited to four, so if you do wish to attend and need a wheelchair space, or you are coming in a larger group, please please call 07947 556501 to inform us of your requirements.

“Our presentations are designed to give you the best possible experience we can to make the visit a happy, enjoyable and as safe as possible, there will be careful cleaning, social distancing and more measures in place to keep everyone as safe as we can.

“We also have our houselights on low and sound at a comfortable level, plus we have staff on hand to help and assist where necessary and appropriate.

“After a long awaited period, we are pleased to announce that the doors are open once again and we are really looking forward to seeing some of our regular attendees as well as new ones.

“The first dementia friendly screening is Military Wives on Thursday 24th June at The Empire Theatre, Butler Road, Halstead. Doors open at 1.45pm, film starts at 2.30pm.

“Full programme is available online at www.empire-theatre.co.uk

“We would like to thank all of our sponsors who were so supportive in getting this project off the ground in 2018, we have been fortunate to have so many generous and supportive people within our area.”