Dementia Friendly Performances Named Best Dementia Friendly Project By Charity

Irwin Mitchell has revealed its delight after a West Yorkshire Playhouse initiative which the firm sponsors and supports was among the winners at the Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Friendly Awards this week.

The Leeds theatre’s Dementia Friendly Performances were named the Best Dementia Friendly Project at the ceremony held at Trinity House in London on Wednesday (September 16th).

West Yorkshire Playhouse’s accessible performances aim to provide an inclusive theatre experience for audiences with differing needs (including Audio Described British Sign Language interpreted, Captioned, Relaxed and Dementia Friendly Performances) ensuring theatre is accessible to all.

As the venue’s Access Partner, Irwin Mitchell is a proud supporter of the initiative and sponsors the access performances.

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“We are absolutely delighted that the West Yorkshire Playhouse’s fantastic Dementia Friendly performances have been recognised by the Alzheimer’s Society.

“Through our work on behalf of families with children with disabilities, we have long campaigned on accessibility and to ensure that vulnerable members of society are able to enjoy the experiences that many take for granted.

“We have been a long-term partner of the West Yorkshire Playhouse and have seen first-hand the fantastic work which is done on these special performances. We want to send huge congratulations to the venue on its success.” Paula Myers - Partner

West Yorkshire Playhouse Artistic Director James Brining added : "The Playhouse has been at the forefront of creative activities with older people for over 25 years but the development of work with people living with dementia has been a more recent and particularly inspiring development.

"We would like to thanks our sponsors, Irwin Mitchell, the Playhouse’s Access Partners, whose support is invaluable in helping us deliver this important work."