One of the Strand’s favourite projects is the weekly dementia-friendly Silver Screenings for older people. Tickets are just £4 (carers go free), audiences get a cup of tea or coffee on arrival and reminisce about films they have seen and picture houses they attended in the youth. This is followed by a screening of a classic movie chosen with this target audience in mind (eg) MGM musicals, westerns, film noir and romantic comedies. Audiences are handed a sheet of ‘talking points’ to continue the discussion after their visit including a summary of the film, and music and notable events from the era.

Thanks to funding from Arts & Business Northern Ireland and Arts Council Northern Ireland, the Strand has been able to provide free transport to and from the venue for residents of local nursing homes. Carers have reported back on how the Silver Screenings is the highlight of the week for their residents – and adds to their own personal job satisfaction.

“For many of our tenants it’s a rare opportunity to go out. Even the drive up has become an experience as it has brought up memories of east Belfast.” Paula Tabakin, Fairholme Nursing Home

“The dementia friendly screenings have been so enjoyable for my father who is badly impacted by the condition. It is the only time that he seems to concentrate, and he has loved meeting the other people attending.” Audience member