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Help bring the magic of cinema to children with learning disabilities

Local charity Leeds Mencap is appealing for financial support to help bring the magic of film to children with learning disabilities.

For most families, a trip to the cinema is a great way to relax and spend some quality time together. However, for many children with a learning disability it’s not so easy.

Cinemas can not only be too bright and too noisy … but 70% of parents have said they have felt unwelcome in public with their child who has a learning disability (according to Mencap research).

To help combat this, Leeds Mencap is planning a private cinema event to reduce the social isolation these families feel and to give the children with learning disabilities a chance to enjoy the wonder of the big screen.

The charity is organising a special, relaxed screening of The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part, where the lights will be dimmed, the sound lowered and everyone will be free to move around and make noise without being made to feel uncomfortable.

“We are asking the good folk of Leeds to support the event by buying a place for one of our children (which includes a drink and a snack) for just £30. This donation will also help to fund our Family Support Service which provides vital emotional and practical support to children and parents, so they can just get on with being a family,” said Sarah Hooker, Head of Fundraising at Leeds Mencap.

“We are looking for donations from companies and individuals alike and people can pay for one child, a whole family or a full row of seats – it’s up to them!”

Created in 1953, Leeds Mencap now provides services and activities to improve the lives and opportunities of local children and young adults with a learning disability.

It is a completely independent charity, working only in Leeds, which needs to secure all its own funding each year to continue its vital work.

To find out how to make a donation to the cinema event, please contact nicky.massen@leedsmencap.org.uk or call 0113 2351331.