Fair Ways private screening of Paddington in Peru

In early December, children’s charity Fair Ways organised 182 children along with their families and carers to the cinema for a special private screening of Paddington in Peru, with Cineworld Cinemas where they joined the lovable bear on his adventure through the jungles of Peru.  

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the wonderful team at Cineworld Whiteley for their incredible support in making this event possible. Their warm hospitality, attention to detail, and the preparation of hundreds of boxes of popcorn and drinks ensured everyone felt welcome and cared for. This is the second year Cineworld Whiteley has hosted us, which is so appreciated, and already the Fair Ways Christmas film is seen as a special day in our Christmas event calendar. We hope it will develop into a much-loved Christmas tradition that our young people eagerly anticipate each year

In this heartwarming tale, Paddington discovers his tribe with the love and guidance of his adoptive family—a journey that reflects the power of belonging, no matter where you come from. 

Paddington, the famously small young brown bear who arrives in London in search of a family to care for him, embarks on an emotional new chapter. The Brown family, who first fostered and then adopted Paddington, guide him as he learns more about who he is and where he comes from. Their story is a testament to the beauty of chosen families and the deep bonds they create. 

For many who attended this event, the story was more than just entertainment – it was a mirror reflecting their own lives. Among the audience were foster families, children from Fair Ways’ residential homes and their carers, students from our SEN schools, and families supported by our Outreach service, which works with those who have high support needs. For each of these groups, seeing a character like Paddington, who finds himself in a new home and is surrounded by love, patience, and acceptance, resonated deeply. It wasn’t just about watching a film; it was about feeling seen, validated, and celebrated in a way that mainstream media rarely offers. 

As the lights dimmed and the adventure unfolded, the cinema was alive with roars of encouragement for Paddington from children, cheers from teens, and soft sniffles from adults who wiped away tears at Paddington’s heartfelt journey. The impact of the film was evident in the reactions of the families: 

“We don’t get to take [our disabled child] to the cinema. We can’t always guarantee they’ll manage a whole movie or that they won’t disturb others. You made this possible for us—thank you,” one family shared, their gratitude highlighting the importance of creating accessible experiences for all. 

Representation matters. For foster families, children in care, and families with high support needs, it’s rare to see stories that reflect their challenges, joys, and triumphs. Moments like these, where young people can see their experiences echoed in beloved characters, help to foster pride and a sense of belonging. They show that their journeys are not only valid but also worth celebrating. 

At Fair Ways, we believe in more than providing care—we believe in building communities. Events like these are part of our commitment to fostering positive memories, strengthening family connections, and ensuring young people feel supported and loved. “Bringing young people and families with similar experiences together for fun days like this helps them feel seen and supported. It’s an important element of our ethos,” said Mac McHugh, CEO, Fair Ways. 

Because sometimes, seeing a small brown bear on screen navigating the world with love and guidance is enough to remind everyone—children and adults alike—that they are not alone, and their stories matter.