The White Bus Limited is hosting a series of free relaxed film shows for children and their carers in Southend-on-Sea, Essex. These sessions are specifically designed for families with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to enjoy movies in a low-pressure setting.
The next event will take place on 7 March 2026 at The Old Waterworks on North Road, Westcliff-on-Sea. The screening will feature the animated film Panda Bear in Africa with showings at 10:30am and 2:00pm.
The programme is funded by Southend-on-Sea City Council through its Short Breaks Main Access Grant 2025/26, which supports short breaks and respite activities for carers and families in the local area.
To make visits easier for families, the venue runs the screenings as relaxed events — lighting is kept low (not totally dark), volume is reduced, and audiences are free to move around or leave if needed. Soft drinks and tea/coffee are provided free of charge, and the venue states there is ample on-site parking.
Families can contact organiser David Simpson for more information or to book — details are listed on The White Bus website and in the Livewell Southend directory. Livewell’s listing also notes that ‘no need to book – just turn up.’ These screenings run monthly on Saturdays from September to March and aim to provide a welcoming big-screen experience for children who may find standard cinemas difficult to visit.
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