Relaxed screenings are screenings where the environment has been adapted to be more welcoming and accessible to people with additional needs.

These could be people living with dementia, autism, or other neurodiverse people. These screenings are identifiable by some adjustments such as altered lighting, volume of sound, arrangement of the venue, and usually don’t have trailers, and customers are encouraged to get up and move around, or speak or make noise if they want to/feel the need to. Screenings are usually introduced so that everyone attending realises talking and movement is allowed.

Here is a list to signpost you to some UK venues who currently host Relaxed Screenings or Autism-Friendly Screenings:

UK Relaxed Screenings

Manchester | Relaxed events at HOME

Greenock | Fun Film Club at the Waterfront

Dunoon |  Autism Friendly screenings at Studio Cinema

London |  Relaxed Screenings at BFI Southbank  

Leeds |  Relaxed Screenings at Hyde Park Picture House

Glasgow |  Take 2 Access at Glasgow Film Theatre  

Glasgow |  Access Film Club at Glasgow Film Theatre 

Belfast, Glengormley & Coleraine |  Autism friendly screenings at Movie House Cinemas 

Stockton |  Relaxed performances and screenings at ARC  

Dundee |  Relaxed Screenings at DCA

Worthing | Autism Friendly screenings at Worthing Theatres  

Neath |  Relaxed Screenings at Gwyn Hall     

Walsall, Dudley, Nottingham, Derby, Leicester & Coventry | Autism Friendly Screenings at Showcase Cinemas  

Saffron Walden |  Relaxed Screenings at Saffron Screen        

London |  Relaxed Screenings at Barbican      

Hebden Bridge |  Autism Friendly (Relaxed) Screenings at Hebden Bridge Picture House

Birmingham |  Relaxed events and screenings at Mac  

Canterbury | Accessible film screenings at Gulbenkian    

Chester | Relaxed Screenings at Storyhouse

Merlin Cinemas |  Penzance, Redruth, Falmouth, Torquay, Ilfracombe, Okehampton, Coleford, Cromer, Kingsbridge, Prestatyn  |  Autism friendly screenings at Merlin Cinemas  

The ICO commissioned this toolkit for (primarily) independent film exhibitors to support their work in making their venues and services more inclusive and accessible for visually impaired people.

Sight Loss in the UK

• It is estimated that currently, over two million people in the UK live with sight loss that is severe enough to have a significant impact on their daily lives, such as their not being able to drive.
• Every day, 250 people start to lose their sight in the UK.
• As we get older we are increasingly likely to experience sight loss, and the UK population is ageing. In addition, sight loss is strongly linked with certain medical conditions as well as lifestyle factors such as diabetes and obesity – the rates of which are both rising.
• The number of people with sight loss is estimated to rise to 2.7 million by 2030. By 2050, the current figure will double to over four million.

People living with sight loss want to enjoy the same experiences as everyone else. This includes going to the cinema and there is therefore a strong economic argument for film exhibitors to meet this demand, as well as the obvious social and moral imperatives for cultural organisations to aim to serve everyone within their community.

In addition, cinemas have a legal duty to make their services accessible to all people with disabilities, including visually impaired people, under the Equality Act 2010. People with disabilities who feel they have been refused or denied reasonable access to a service have the option to take the service provider to court.

Organisations that are inclusive and welcoming to people with disabilities gain enhanced community reputation and trust. People with disabilities are loyal to organisations which provide a consistently good and inclusive service.

Read the full ICO guide to Developing Visually Impaired Audiences, and check out their web page on Subtitling and audio description for information around screening accessibly to blind and partially-sighted audiences.

Children’s Mental Health Week

Children’s Mental Health Week in February shines a light on the importance of children and young people’s mental health, launched by Place2Be, who provide mental health support in UK schools. The theme for 2026 is “This Is My Place.” You can find lots of resources to support work around this here.

Around three children in every primary school class has a mental health problem (1). In addition, many children and young people struggle with a range of challenges such as bullying or bereavement.

Cinema and mental health

Often misrepresented, mental health stories on screen can add to stigma around mental health conditions. Taking opportunities to raise awareness, and supporting education, cinemas can screen films to broaden understanding about mental health experiences, and ignite important discussions about how we look after each other.

Screenings can be for a range of audiences, from children and young people themselves to parents, carers and professionals who work with young people. Find some ideas for film screenings and events relating to Children’s Mental Health Week on this page.

Cinema and wellbeing

The activity of visiting a cinema can be beneficial to wellbeing. You may wish to consider accessibility and support for a diverse range of audiences.

If you’re interested in running a relaxed screening, to help support audiences with additional needs in your cinema, find out more in our quick tips for running relaxed screenings. You may also find some transferable advice in our autism-friendly screenings guide. Ideally, consult with relevant groups in your area for advice and expertise on supporting audiences.

(1) NHS Digital (2018) ‘Mental Health of Children and Young People in England, 2017.” Available at: https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and information/publications/statistical/mental-health-of-children-and-young-people-in-england/2017/2017. Based on 12.8% of 5-19 year olds being identified as having a diagnosable mental health condition.