Chichester Cinema at New Park brings the joy of film into care homes

Chichester Cinema at New Park has launched its Cinema in a Box initiative to bring the joy of film to care and nursing home residents across the south coast who have been self-isolating during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Pam Haines at Kings Lodge after receiving the ‘Cinema in a Box’ from Chichester Cinema at New ParkPam Haines at Kings Lodge after receiving the ‘Cinema in a Box’ from Chichester Cinema at New Park
Pam Haines at Kings Lodge after receiving the ‘Cinema in a Box’ from Chichester Cinema at New Park

Kings Lodge in Chichester is the first to pilot the scheme, with residents choosing a host of films to enjoy this Christmas, from classics such as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Gone with the Wind to newer releases including biographical musical films Bohemian Rhapsody and Rocket Man.

Kerry-Ann Haley, activities manager at Kings Lodge, who has recently helped create a cinema room at the nursing home, said: “It has been such an honour to be the first care home to pilot the Cinema in a Box scheme. Our residents were so grateful to receive their box of requested DVDs, along with cakes for everyone from the amazing COOK of Chichester, which they absolutely loved. Now we have plenty of films to choose from to watch in our very own cinema room. It will make such a difference to our residents’ lives during these difficult times.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Pam Haines, a resident at Kings Lodge, said: “What a wonderful idea, I honestly can’t believe it! I am bewitched and bewildered. We have been given so many great films to watch. It is heart-warming to know that people out there are thinking of us.”

Chichester Cinema at New Park trustee David Phillips said: “We’re delighted to be delivering some festive cheer to local care home residents during these difficult times, many of whom have gone months without seeing family members and loved ones. We’re looking forward to rolling out the scheme to more homes in the coming months and welcome anyone interested to please get in touch.”

Chichester Cinema at New Park is planning to roll out Cinema in a Box to four additional care homes in the coming months. Anyone else interested to get involved should contact [email protected].

Each month, the care homes who sign up to the scheme will receive a film of their choice, alongside cakes from COOK and other goodies.