For 30 years, the National Lottery has supported local initiatives and fostered community connections across the UK.
 
Since 2023, the BFI National Lottery Audience Projects Fund has committed to investing £6.48 million to cinemas around the country, to help grow audience engagement. 

Mums in Need is a Sheffield-based support service, focused on empowering families to heal from abuse. 
 
The charity, supporting mothers suffering ongoing coercive control after separation from an abusive partner, provides a wide range of services from counselling and well-being sessions to legal support. 

Showroom partnered with Mums in Need in 2023 to grant free tickets to Family Time films every Saturday at 11am, with funding from the National Lottery. 

“The Showroom Work Station has been a haven for our community. By providing free family film screenings, they've created a safe space where our mums can unwind, connect with their children, and experience the magic of cinema together”, said Nicola Rickwood, Casework Coordinator at Mums in Need. 
 
She continued “The heartwarming feedback from our families speaks volumes.” 
 
One mum shared, "These screenings have been a nostalgic treat for us both. It's a calming activity that we can enjoy without worrying about costs." 
 
Another expressed gratitude for the inclusive atmosphere, saying, "My kids can move around and talk without disturbing anyone. It's been a wonderful way to bond and discover new films." 

Another shared, "Going to the cinema is a nostalgic family treat. It's a calming activity and a great way to spend quality time together. We're so grateful for this opportunity." 
 
Another mum expressed, "It was a wonderful way to reconnect with my daughter after being apart for so long. The cinema provided a perfect setting for us to relax and enjoy a classic film together.” 

Nicola says, “We're incredibly grateful to Showroom Work Stationfor their unwavering support. Their generosity has made a profound difference in the lives of our families, fostering joy, connection, and unforgettable memories." 
 
The Furnival, a women’s-only community group that operates in Burngreave and surrounding areas, is another cause the Showroom Cinema supports with National Lottery funds. 
 
Julie D’Souza Walsh, Projects & Development Manager at The Furnival says, “The Showroom, Family Time films on a Saturday morning have been a fabulous addition to the lives of many of the families who are part of The Furnival community. Many of the families had rarely or never seen a film in a cinema prior to the provision of the free tickets on a Saturday morning, so this is a great opportunity. It provides a lovely family activity and an opportunity to listen to the English language, as all our families are learning English as an additional language and most speak their native language at home.” 
 
One Furnival member said, “It was a great time with my kids, visiting the Showroom. All the films have been wonderful. We all love it and I would advise anyone to attend the Showroom.” 

Thanks to the National Lottery’s support, Showroom Cinema has transformed Saturday mornings into a treasured time for families from all across Sheffield. 

With tickets at £5 for all ages, and a relaxed, accessible atmosphere (including subtitles and low-level lighting), Family Time is the perfect way to introduce the kids in your life to old favourites and the magic of cinema in a comfortable, welcoming environment. See upcoming screenings here.