City’s First All-Inclusive Cinema Screenings For Youngsters

Special family-friendly cinema screenings for youngsters with disabilities and additional needs will be available for the first time in Newcastle thanks to sponsorship from Irwin Mitchell.

The Tyneside Access Cinema Project has received £5,000 funding from the law firm’s Newcastle office to develop a series of sensory cinema screenings at Tyneside Cinema, based at Pilgrim Street, Tyneside.

Screenings at the independently-run cinema are open to youngsters of all ages and aim to encourage families and community groups who care for children with a range of disabilities or learning difficulties to enjoy the cinematic experience in a specially tailored environment. 

Films will be shown in a low-sensory, informal setting with the sound down and the lights up. A special chill-out room will also be provided for the pilot project, which will continue throughout the summer. 

Holli McGuire, Cinema Projects Manager at Tyneside Cinema, said: “The Cinema Access Project is ambitious, exciting and the first time a cinema in the city has offered tailored cinema screenings for young people with disabilities.

“It was inspired by Newcastle City Council’s strategy to develop new ways of encouraging the disabled community to access arts venues in the city. This was something that really sparked our imaginations at the cinema and it also complimented our existing plans to provide greater access and opportunities for younger audiences.

“We are really excited about the first screening and it’s already generating a buzz amongst the public in Tyneside. But it would not have been possible without the generous support from companies such as Irwin Mitchell, who have enthusiastically supported the development.”

The Access Cinema Project follows extensive research amongst the public.  Staff at the cinema have also received training to ensure the youngsters and their families which attend the screenings receive the best possible customer care.

Irwin Mitchell’s Regional Managing Partner John Davis, said: “At Irwin Mitchell we act for many disabled children and see the impact that disability can have on individuals and their families, so we are delighted to support this fantastic, all-inclusive project.

“It’s a brilliant idea specifically tailored to youngsters with disabilities and learning difficulties, which as a first for the city I’m sure will be extremely popular.”

The first film, The Pirates! In An Adventure With Scientists, will be shown on Sunday 3 June 2012 at 1.30pm followed by further children’s classics, such as Disney’s The Lion King and The Muppets, on the first and third Sunday of every month.