Cleveland Alzheimers Residential Centre Limited (Cleverarc) is set to host two Dementia Friendly tea dances at the Acklam Green Centre as part of the Dementia Friendly Middlesbrough initiative during August.

On Wednesday 1^st August and Wednesday 29^th August invited guests comprising of those living with dementia and their carers from the Middlesbrough community will enjoy a traditional tea dance in the centre’s Roseberry Hall.

Guests will enjoy entertainment from Good Vibrations Mobile Disco, who will play a selection of 50s, 60s and 70s music designed to unlock memories from years gone by, as well as a selection of cakes, scones and tea and coffee courtesy of Café Connect, Acklam Green Centre’s in-house caterer.

Brian Rowcroft, Dementia Friendly Middlesbrough Business Engagement Lead at Cleverarc, said: “The benefits of dancing and music are well known for people living with dementia to help them stay active and re-establish memories. Many people danced when they were young, so these tea dances will provide an opportunity to relive those past experiences, while enjoying company and staying active at the same time.

“Having hosted the dementia friendly film screenings at Acklam Green Centre we know it will be a perfect venue to host these dances as it meets all of the criteria as a dementia friendly venue. The space available, AV equipment and location in central Middlesbrough are also major plus points.”

For further information about Dementia Friendly Middlesbrough visit www.dementiafriendlymiddlesbrough.co.uk or email browcroft@clevearc.com

Funding has been secured to host five Dementia Friendly screenings at the Acklam Green Centre over the course of the next year.

The Tees Valley Community Foundation has awarded the funds to Actes Trust, owners of the Acklam Green Centre, following the success of two pilot screenings shown in the centre’s Roseberry Hall earlier this year delivered in partnership with Cleveland Alzheimers Residential Centre Limited (Cleverarc) who are lead for Dementia Friendly Middlesbrough project.

Feedback from the two events was very positive, so the two organisations decided they would like to host them more regularly to combat the likelihood of isolation among those living locally with dementia who find it difficult to access mainstream cinemas because of how busy they are.

Donna Smith, facilities manager at the Acklam Green Centre, said: “We are pleased to have secured funds to host five dementia friendly screenings throughout the year. The pilot events proved very popular and we are pleased to be able to host a regular event to support those living with dementia in the local community.”

Brian Rowcroft, Dementia Friendly Middlesbrough Business Engagement Lead, said: “It’s fantastic that Actes sees the importance of supporting people living with dementia in the Middlesbrough community and has gone about securing funds to host more regular screenings after the pilot events were so well received.

“These events provide an opportunity for people living with dementia and their carers to meet and interact with others, and to enjoy a trip to the cinema in a safe and comfortable environment.”

The first dementia friendly screening will take place on Wednesday 8^th August at Acklam Green Centre with the remainder scheduled in the school holidays during 2018-19. Due to size of venue the screenings are invitation only

For further information about Dementia Friendly Middlesbrough visit www.dementiafriendlymiddlesbrough.co.uk or email browcroft@clevearc.com