Picture House celebrates a decade of helping people seeking sanctuary feel part of the community
Hebden Bridge Picture House is celebrating 10 years since it launched a project to help people seeking sanctuary feel part of the community.
The Friends of the Picture House — a voluntary group which supports the cinema and links it with Hebden Royd Town Council — launched its Making Friends project in 2016, which aims to offer friendship, practical support and social activities to people and families seeking
sanctuary across Calderdale.
Working with St Augustine’s Centre, and with support from the Community Foundation for Calderdale and other funders, the project provides transport, tickets and popcorn for monthly family screenings.
The trips have welcomed up to 180 people at a time, some of whom are visiting a cinema for the first time.
It has also evolved to include visits to local attractions, creative workshops, shared meals and the collection and distribution of furniture, bicycles and other essential items.
Alongside a team of volunteers, Friends members Moya O’Donnell and Kate Higham have helped shape Making Friends over the last decade.
Kate Higham said: “Reaching 10 years is a fantastic milestone for Making Friends.
“It’s a joy to see families enjoying the cinema together, forming friendships and feeling part of the community.
“We’re incredibly grateful to every volunteer, partner and supporter who has helped make these experiences possible over the past decade.”
Coun Keith Butterick, Chair of the Picture House Committee, said: “On behalf of Hebden Royd Town Council, I would like to thank the Friends of the Picture House and everyone involved for the care, time and energy they have given over the past 10 years.
“The Town Council is extremely proud that the Picture House is a Cinema of Sanctuary, and there are no plans for that to change. We will continue working with the Friends and the cinema team to ensure everyone feels welcomed, included and part of our community.”
The Picture House said the Making Friends project has been central to it becoming the UK’s first Cinema of Sanctuary.
The Friends group also runs the Making Friends Kitchen, where people living in asylum accommodation can meet, cook and share food in a safe and welcoming space.