Derian House is a hospice in Chorley, Lancashire which helps over 400 children and young people, whose lives are too short. They make happy memories in an environment of fun, respect and above all, high quality care through facilities such as a hydrotherapy pool, sensory room, soft play, large inclusive playground suitable for wheelchair-users, and a sensory garden full of the sights, smells and textures of nature.
Back in 2014, Stephen Nevision of Intuitive Homes contacted them to offer his services for an installation. At the time there wasn’t a suitable project, but when Stephen made contact again in 2018 they were at the initial stages of planning a cinema room with Together for Cinema; which was the perfect project!
Stephen contacted us to see if we were happy to help with the programming, in addition to speaking to many industry suppliers to secure equipment including Arcam, Artcoustic, Crestron, Epson, Kaleidescape, Lutron, Middle Atlantic, Projector Point and Starscape. It quickly became the highest value install that Together for Cinema had taken on.
With Together for Cinema, Stephen designed and installed a state of the art cinema room at the hospice and now children and young people confined to wheelchairs, or even hospital beds, will be able to enjoy the full cinematic experience alongside their family and friends, without leaving the building.
It was imperative that touchpanel was easy to use. So Mike, our graphic designer and programmer for this project, created a brilliant custom Crestron Interface, which combined simplicity with a childish flair to ignite their imagination. The end result seamlessly integrates with its surroundings, while encouraging the children to interact with the system.
Ian Morrish, founder of Together for Cinema, said: “This was a hugely ambitious project that has been achieved with the help and generosity of many within the audio visual industry. We hope that the children, their families and of course the staff enjoy the new facility for many years to come.”
The ribbon was cut to officially open the new cinema on Thursday 29th August, by Wigan actor Ben Batt – who appeared in Channel 4 comedy drama Shameless and Marvel blockbuster Captain America: The First Avenger.
Stephen was delighted with the end result: “I'm incredibly proud of the results we have achieved and can't wait for the children and families to use it. This has been an amazing experience so far and more rewarding that I could have imagined and I'm looking forward to the years of supporting and working with Derian House in the future.”
We are thrilled that we were able to make a small contribution to such an important feature in Derian House, and that many children and young people will now have access to the excitement of a full cinematic experience.
