St Mary’s Hospice is delighted to launch Together at the Movies, a new monthly Community Connections Hub designed to bring people together, reduce social isolation and connect local residents with support, friendship, services and activities available within their community.

The first event will take place on Tuesday, July 7, from 1.30pm to 3.30pm at the Royalty Cinema in Bowness-on-Windermere.

Bryn Tyson, Royalty Cinema Manager, said: “The Royalty Cinema has always been much more than a place to watch films.

“It is a community space where people come together, connect and feel part of something.

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with St Mary’s Hospice on Together at the Movies and to support an initiative that helps make services, information and support more accessible to local people.”

Following the launch event, Together at the Movies will take place on the first Tuesday of every month, creating a welcoming and inclusive space where people can meet new friends, enjoy refreshments, access information and discover the wide range of support available locally.

St Mary’s Hospice is inviting community groups, charities, voluntary organisations and local services to become involved in the initiative.

The hub provides an opportunity for organisations to showcase their services, engage with local residents and work collaboratively to strengthen support networks across the community.

Lynsey Lawson, Head of Community Services at St Mary’s Hospice, said: “At St Mary’s Hospice, we believe support should be available in the heart of our communities, long before people reach a point of crisis.

“Together at the Movies is about creating a warm and welcoming space where people can come together, make connections, access information and simply enjoy being part of their local community.

“One of the biggest misconceptions about hospice care is that it is only for people at the very end of life.

“In reality, we support people from the point of diagnosis, as well as carers, families and those who are bereaved.

“Our focus is on helping people live well by providing practical, emotional and wellbeing support at the right time and in the right place.

“This hub reflects our commitment to working alongside communities and local organisations to improve access to support and reduce isolation.

“We want Together at the Movies to become a vibrant community space where people feel informed, connected and supported.

“We are also keen to hear from community groups, charities, voluntary organisations and local services who would like to be involved.

“Together at the Movies provides a fantastic opportunity to showcase services, engage with local residents and help ensure people know what support is available within their community.

“Whether attending as a visitor or as a participating organisation, everyone is welcome.”

Alongside opportunities to socialise, each session will feature music, activities and the chance to meet representatives from local organisations offering advice, services and support.

The initiative aims to make it easier for people to access help earlier, build stronger community connections and improve wellbeing.