Final Free Cinema Screening at the Parkway

The final free Cinema screening event as part of the ‘Know Your Neighbourhood’ project helping combat loneliness and isolation in people across Barnsley took place last Tuesday the 2nd of December. The screening of ‘Love Actually’ at The Parkway Cinema went down an absolute storm – almost a full house with an audience of just under 200. I am so proud to have worked on this rewarding project and have thoroughly enjoyed facilitating these free Cinema events working alongside Jennifer Robertson, the ‘Know Your Neighbourhood’ Project Manager for Barnsley Museums and Heritage Trust.  

This amazing project has been made possible by funding from Historic England. 

Over the last 2 years we have screened 12 films including, ‘Kes’, ‘Brassed Off’, ‘The Full Monty’, ‘Downton Abbey’, ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ and ‘Billy Elliot’ to name a few. During this period, we have had over 3,000 attendees and the project has even been featured nationally on BBC Breakfast TV with an audience reach of 6.5 million viewers. 

It was particularly rewarding at the screening of ‘Love Actually’, to see almost every single group that Jennifer has engaged and connected with as Project Manager over the last 2 years sitting amongst the audience supporting this final event. The groups include BIADS, NHS Stroke Recovery, B-Friend, ‘Creative Companions’, Bolton Upon Dearne Natter Group, Hoylandswaine Friendship Group, and Weavers Court – and in addition to the many regulars over this period, the final event still attracted many, many new faces. Everyone expressed how much they have enjoyed these Cinema events; audience members told me of friendships that have been made over the last 2 years and how sad they were that these free screenings were coming to an end. 

It has been such a privilege to be part of the ‘Know Your Neighbourhood’ project and to experience first-hand what a difference these cinema screenings have made to lonely and isolated people across Barnsley. 

“Coming to the cinema has given me a reason to get out of bed. Sometimes I don’t see people for days on end, but coming to these Cinema events has made me feel that someone cares. I have made new friends, and I’ve even found the confidence to go along to my local community group.” Sheila, aged 80  

Lynne Fletcher, Facilitator, ‘Know Your Neighbourhood’ Free Cinema Screenings