Starring role for cinema project

A Prestwick project has been shortlisted for a national award.

The town’s Dementia Friendly group and its community cinema scheme will go forward for the prize next month.

They will compete for the best dementiafriendly community initiative prize at Glasgow’s Marriott Hotel.

The pop- up cinema was launched to help those living with the condition gain access to the movies.

The group’s Julie Twaddell said: “A dementia- friendly community cinema was our first initiative.

“Everyone is welcome at our relaxed pop- up cinema.

“On the fourth Friday of every month we transform Prestwick’s Community Centre into a relaxed cinematic experience.

“We show classic films in the afternoon and we remove as many barriers to inclusion as possible. The venue is wheelchairaccessible, we show every film with subtitles and everything is free for the audience.

“The room isn’t as dark as traditional cinemas and the film isn’t as loud.

“People are free to move about or make a bit of noise without fear of annoying anyone and we serve refreshments throughout the film.”

Scotland’s Dementia Awards are a partnership between Alzheimer Scotland, NHS Education for Scotland and the Scottish Social Services Council.