Promise Six

A dementia-friendly screening of this year’s big Box Office hit, The Greatest Showman, is being hosted here at our Cineworld complex on Monday 21^st May.
To mark Dementia Action Week, 21^st until 27^th May, we have teamed up with the Alzheimer’s Society to plan the free event, which is part of a long-term aim of developing a Dementia Friendly Community.
Alzheimer’s Society worked with the Cineworld to make adjustments such as clear signage and adaptations to lighting and sound to create a truly dementia-friendly experience.  Staff members will also participate in a Dementia Friends Information session to raise awareness of dementia.
Louise Thompson, Marketing Manager at Dalton Park, said: “A trip to the cinema is one of life’s simple pleasures and one many of take for granted. But, with many people living with dementia lacking the confidence to get out and about it really is important we create an environment that is accessible and enjoyable for all.
“Our inaugural dementia-friendly screening of The Greatest Showman is our first step in creating a community that’s inclusive for all and hope our event will encourage conversations that will bolster future developments of these kinds of events – not just here at Dalton Park but in the wider community.”
Belinda Williams, Dementia Friendly Communities Coordinator, East Durham, said:
“We are thrilled that Dalton Park is actively participating in Dementia Action Week.  It’s not only a fantastic opportunity to see a brilliant film but also a chance to have your own say about the actions we can all take to make our communities more Dementia Friendly!”
Our work with the Alzheimer’s Society has since continued.
On 18th June the Marks & Spencer Outlet team sent some members of staff along to nearby Blackhall Community Centre to help with redecoration. Colour schemes were updated to make the centre a little more dementia friendly.

On Friday 29th June a pitch was provided on the mall which was used to bring the ‘Dementia Awareness Bus’ along for visitors to ask questions regarding dementia and to help raise general awareness.