The second instalment of Clapham Picturehouse’s Dementia Friendly screenings is to take place next week.

The first of the special screenings took place at the start of November and the approaching event will also be enhanced to suit the needs of people living with dementia.

To help provide a fun and safe environment for dementia sufferers, their carers and families, the lights are left on low, there are no adverts or trailers and the audience is allowed to move around or sing along to any musical numbers should they wish to.

Clapham Picturehouse will be showing Meet Me in St Louis on Tuesday, December 6 at 11am.

Free tea, coffee and biscuits are served for half an hour before the film to give people the chance to meet and socialise with others, and to familiarise themselves with the cinema space.

The staff at the cinema have also attended sessions to help them better understand what it can be like living with dementia and to respond to the needs of the people attending.

In addition to the adaptations that have been made to the environment, each cinema will begin to build up a collection of film memorabilia, including old film magazines, to support informal Reminiscence activities around the screenings.

The Alzheimer’s Society’s project panager for Dementia Action Alliances (Greater London) Esther Watts said:  “We are delighted Picturehouse cinemas are providing dementia friendly screenings.

“Organisations like Picturehouse reaching out to help support people living with dementia in the community make all the difference, providing a chance to socialise, enjoy a favourite film together and get out and about.”

Tickets are at the reduced price of £4 per person, with a free place for accompanying carers.

The event is also open to the general public.

Picturehouse initially piloted Dementia Friendly screenings at the Hackney Picturehouse and Picturehouse at FACT in Liverpool.

With support and National Lottery funding through the BFI's Film Audience Network, the screenings have now extended to 18 additional Picturehouses over October and November.