FILMS clubs and sports nights are being launched at independent living schemes in York thanks to a gift from Nestle. 

The York-based confectionery giant has donated TVs and soundbars to six independent living communities through York Cares, a charity which helps employee-volunteers to support older people.

The TVs will be used in communal areas at Lincoln Court, City Mills, Barstow House, Gale Farm Court, Alex Lyon House and Honeysuckle House.

Holly Hennell, of York Cares, said: "The TVs will be used in communal spaces to encourage interaction between residents and will be used for volunteer-led sessions to support intergenerational social connections through activities such as film clubs."

The TV at City Mills will go into the tenants’ lounge to bring residents together for sports events, film nights and computer games evenings; at Gale Farm Court it will be for popular film sessions and will replace a TV that recently broke, and at Honeysuckle House it will replace a smaller, older TV used for watching DVDs.

Cllr Denise Craghill, executive member for housing at City of York Council, said: “After the lengthy lockdowns of the pandemic I expect many residents will really appreciate coming together to enjoy this gift. My thanks to York Cares for helping add to the Independent Living Communities’ facilities and social activities.”

Cllr Darryl Smalley, executive member for communities, said: “Thank you to York Cares for arranging this donation which will help bring residents together in new ways. It’s great to know York Cares volunteers will use the TVs to support events such as film clubs or sports nights which might include family members, friends or the local community.”