The Friends of the Picture House are celebrating 10 years of Making Friends, which helps people and families seeking sanctuary feel part of the Calderdale community. This work has been central to Hebden Bridge Picture House (HBPH) becoming the UK’s first Cinema of Sanctuary.
The Friends is a voluntary group that supports the 105-year-old cinema and acts as a link between HBPH, its owner Hebden Royd Town Council and the wider community.
Since 2016, Friends members Moya O’Donnell and Kate Higham have helped shape Making Friends alongside a dedicated team of volunteers. 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.
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.”
Making Friends has grown to include visits to local attractions, creative workshops, shared meals and the collection and distribution of furniture, bicycles and other essential items. The Friends also run Making Friends Kitchen, where people living in asylum accommodation can meet, cook and share food in a safe and welcoming space.
Cllr 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 City of Sanctuary movement encourages organisations and communities to welcome and support refugees and people seeking sanctuary. Its values include inclusiveness, openness, participation, integrity and inspiring others.
About Making Friends
Established in 2016, Making Friends is a project run by the Friends of the Picture House, offering friendship, practical support and social activities to people and families seeking sanctuary across Calderdale.
Past and present funders and supporters include National Lottery Awards for All, the Southall Trust, the Wharfedale Trust, the Community Foundation for Calderdale, Bentley Motors, Scurrah Wainwright Charity, the Swan Mountain Trust, The Blue Thread and the Maggie Black Trust. Together We Grow also donated its remaining funds to Making Friends when the organisation closed.
About Hebden Bridge Picture House
Hebden Bridge Picture House is a not-for-profit, single-screen cinema proudly owned and operated by Hebden Royd Town Council. Opened in 1921, the Grade II listed building continues to offer a wide-ranging programme of film, live arts, special events and community screenings.
