We are celebrating MediCinema's BAFTA win, honouring its profound impact on patient well-being through the magic of film.

MediCinema, the charity that brings specially designed cinemas into hospitals and care settings to enhance patient well-being, has been honoured with BAFTA's Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema award at the 2025 EE BAFTA Film Awards.

Serennu Children's Centre proudly hosts Wales' only MediCinema - it is a fully accessible, inclusive space where children with additional needs can experience the joy of the latest film releases in a safe and supportive environment.

As one of BAFTA's highest honours, this special award celebrates individuals or organisations whose work has made a significant impact on film. This year, it recognises MediCinema's transformative role in enriching the lives of countless patients through the power of cinema.

We are so proud to be able to provide this fantastic facility to our families in partnership with MediCinema.
 

For many families supported by Sparkle, a trip to a mainstream cinema is not an option. Physical barriers, sensory sensitivities, and social stigmas can make what should be an enjoyable family experience challenging or inaccessible, leaving many families to avoid it. 

In the past year alone, Sparkle's MediCinema has welcomed over 4,300 attendees from across Gwent, giving hundreds of families the chance to enjoy a special day out at the cinema together - an experience they might not otherwise have. 

Jon Jones, a former attendee of Serennu Children's Centre who visited for medical appointments, leisure activities, and regularly enjoyed MediCinema screenings, is now employed as a MediCinema Technical Assistant at Serennu.

Speaking about the achievement, he said: 

"There is a lot of care and dedication that goes into each screening, and it is fantastic to see MediCinema being awarded for all the work that everyone does. 

We are a lovely little community in the Serennu Children's Centre MediCinema, as we do everything we can to ensure a very happy and relaxing environment for families.

This is a really special place where families who may not be able to access mainstream cinema can just be themselves, and that is an absolute joy."

Paul Giggal, Chief Operating Officer of MediCinema, said:

"The award belongs to our entire team and all our amazing partners, like Sparkle. We couldn't deliver the impact we have without the dedication of amazing people and partners such as the Sparkle team, so a part of that statuette firmly belongs in South Wales!"

MediCinema's BAFTA win is a testament to the power of film in enhancing well-being for families, and at Serennu, that impact will continue.

Through its partnership with MediCinema, Sparkle remains committed to providing weekly screenings for registered families - ensuring every child has the chance to experience the magic of the big screen.

 

From 1st April 2025, we will be introducing a mandatory registration fee for all families that access leisure services and family activities e.g., family swim, family events, private bookings. Also holiday activities, all clubs, and swimming lessons. This includes those on the waiting list for any activities.

However, if a family only wishes to access MediCinema and no other family/child activities, this fee does not apply, as per MediCinema charity registration.

Existing families and new users will be required to pay a registration fee of £48.00 a year, this amount equates to supporting the charity £4 per month.

 

Q&A

 

Why is there a need for a mandatory annual fee?

The fee is intended to cover the costs of providing specialist equipment, fully trained staff, and accessible facilities to ensure that children, young people and families can fully experience leisure services.

 

How does the fee support the running of clubs and the future of the charity?

The fee helps ensure that clubs have the necessary resources to operate effectively, including funding for staff, equipment, and facilities. It also contributes to the long-term sustainability of the charity, allowing it to continue offering valuable services and expanding its reach to more children in need.

 

Are there any exemptions or discounts available?

Yes, there may be exemptions or discounts for families with financial hardships. If families only wish to be registered for MediCinema, and no other family/child activities, this fee does not apply, as per MediCinema charity registration.

 

How can parents apply for financial assistance?
Parents can apply for financial assistance through Sparkle's hardship policy. Please email for more details.

 

What leisure services does the fee apply to?

The fee covers all Sparkle leisure services, including family activities e.g., family swim, family events, private bookings. Also holiday activities, all clubs, and swimming lessons. This includes those on the waiting list for any activities. However, if a family only wishes to access MediCinema and no other family/child activities, this fee does not apply, as per MediCinema charity registration.

 

Will the fee affect the quality of services provided?

The goal is to enhance the quality of services by ensuring that there are sufficient resources to meet the needs of our families. The fee will support the delivery of leisure services and helping to secure the future of the charity.

 

Is this fee refundandable, if we no longer wish to access Sparkle leisure services?

This fee is non-refundable due to increasing overhead costs and is essential for the charity.

 

What if a child/young person is unable to attend activities?

The fee is typically structured to cover the entire year, regardless of the number of activities attended. 

 

How will annual club re-allocation affect this fee?

The annual re-allocation of clubs will not affect the fee, as this fee remains mandatory for all families registered to leisure activities and/or on a waiting list.

 

Is this fee still required if we are already paying for club sessions or family activities?

Yes, the fee is mandatory for all families to annually register for all Sparkle leisure services. 

 

How can parents provide feedback or raise concerns?

Parents can provide feedback or raise concerns through Sparkle's putting things right policy.