Free cinema event in York for people trying to stay warm this winter
York St John University teams up with York Community Energy to offer Warm Spaces film screening
York St John University is pleased to invite the local community to a Warm Spaces screening of family film favourite Paddington in Peru.
The event is being run by the Cinema and Social Justice project at York St John University in conjunction with York Community Energy. It will take place at City Screen York on Monday 27 January at 10:30am.
The screening is free to attend and aims to provide a warming community event at one of the coldest times in the year. Organisers hope it will be of particular value to anyone who is struggling to meet the cost of their energy bills.
The film will be shown in a heated cinema with free hot drinks provided. Attendees will also be able to hear a talk and get advice from York Community Energy about how to manage fuel poverty.
Latest available government data shows 17% of households in Yorkshire and the Humber are in fuel poverty, the second highest regional rate in England.
Dr Martin Hall, Associate Professor of Film and Media studies at York St John University said:
“We want to explore the potential that cinemas have in advocating for people who need support. For those who struggle with regulating home temperatures or have limited access to resources, the consistent warmth provided by cinemas can be a crucial relief. And in addition, the welcoming ambience of a cinema can help to promote relaxation and comfort, as well as reduce isolation, anxiety and stress.
“Cinemas make for ideal warm spaces and we are hoping that we can find a model that other cinemas might borrow. ”
Dr Lauren Stephenson, Senior Lecturer in Film and Media and Communications at York St John University said:
“We are strong advocates for understanding cinemas as community spaces. The cinema, if made accessible to the community, is an ideal venue to facilitate safety, enjoyment and belonging. We’re really pleased to be working with York Community Energy to bring this event to York and look forward to welcoming the community to share some cinema magic in a cosy environment.”
Tom de Simone, Director at York Community Energy, said:
“The energy crisis may have disappeared from the headlines, but many York residents are still struggling with bills and the cost of living in general. At York Community Energy, we are keen to help people in fuel poverty in any way we can, which is why we are thrilled to partner with York St John University’s Cinema and Social Justice Project to give people the chance to warm up while enjoying a film with their family.
“We will also be at the screening to offer advice on staying warm at home for less, and referring people to our York Energy Advice fuel poverty service for extra support where needed.”
The film screening is free to attend and suitable for all ages but will be ticketed on a first come, first served basis. Booking is now open, with no charge, via Eventbrite