A monthly Nostalgic Family Cinema event is about to begin at Seaton's Gateway Theatre.

The first Home Instead sponsored screening is on December 12, and will show the 2003 film ‘Elf’. This will be followed monthly – on the third Tuesday of each month by Summer Holiday (January), and Sister Act (February).

Run by Home Instead East Devon in partnership with The Gateway Theatre, Seaton, the new event hopes to offer community members of all ages an occasion that they can enjoy together, including those living with dementia.

The event will create a welcoming environment for all, dementia friendly cinemas have proven to be hugely therapeutic for those living the symptoms of dementia, and their care givers alike. In addition to stimulating the brain and awakening emotions, being an active part of an audience can help attendees to feel less isolated within their community, challenging the stigma associated with the condition.

Under the guidance of Home Instead, The Gateway Theatre team the cinema atmosphere will include relaxed table seating, refreshments served throughout the screening, subtitles to assist full enjoyment of the film by any members of the audience who are hard of hearing, a slightly lower volume and soft lighting.

Home Instead owner/MD Mark McGlade said: “We are thrilled to be supporting The Gateway Theatre with this new Nostalgic Family Cinema for Seaton. It’s the ideal setting and a great venue. We work with a number of fantastic support and social groups across the area, and we know that this could be a wonderful opportunity for members to connect. With an older than average population in East Devon, creating welcoming environments for those in later life really matters – both for our clients, and the wider community.”

“As a Company, we are passionate about highlighting awareness around dementia, and our team are dedicated to opening minds, and doors, with regard to this - making sponsorship of the Seaton Nostalgic Family Cinema perfect for us at Home Instead.”

Sophia Moseley, Theatre Manager said: “We are very pleased to be collaborating with Home Instead to run a series of dementia friendly film afternoons as part of our fully inclusive programme of events. The Gateway Theatre has a very strong community connection and the programme of Nostalgic Cinema screenings for those living with memory problems, is not just about providing a calm therapeutic environment that will help people reconnect to their past, but it is also an opportunity for family, friends and caregivers to enjoy a social event, so they still feel part of the community. Raising awareness of dementia and its impact is becoming increasingly essential, and being able to offer a warm welcome in a safe environment will make a big difference to many people, and that is what the Gateway Theatre has and always will be about.”

To reserve tickets for this event and others call the box office on 01297 625699