Wiltshire Sight What’s On E-Newsletter for July 2025
Find out about local notices, groups and events that are accessible to anyone living with sight loss. You can read the full What's On newsletter on this page by browsing the sections below. If you prefer, you can also download a Word document version of the newsletter.
Download the What's On newsletter as a Word document
If you find it easier to read a Word document version of the newsletter, you can download it below. The Word document follows our accessible formatting guidelines and may be easier to navigate with screen readers
7. Wiltshire Sight Whats On July 2025 (DOCX, 112 KB)
Wiltshire Sight Events and Notices
Try out smart glasses at your hub social this July
Our Digital Skills Advisor will be visiting hub socials across Wiltshire this July with a pair of Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses for you to try.
These wearable glasses can read text aloud, describe your surroundings, and even answer questions like “What are the vegetarian options on this menu?”
They’re a great example of how tech can support everyday life with sight loss and this is a relaxed, friendly opportunity to see what they can do. Come along, ask questions, and give them a try.
Our Community Sight Loss Advisors will also be there as usual to offer advice and support.
Hubs where you will find a Meta glasses demo:
Amesbury, Calne, Chippenham, Corsham, Devizes, Melksham, Pewsey, Salisbury, Tisbury, Trowbridge, Wroughton
Your voice matters – help shape services for people with sight loss
Are you living with sight loss in Wiltshire? We’re looking for people who want to use their experience to make a difference.
Join our Lived Experience Advisory Panel (LEAP). LEAP brings together people with lived experience of sight loss to help guide and improve our services.
As a member of the panel, you’ll meet four times a year to:
- Share feedback and suggestions
- Help shape new initiatives
- Advise on accessibility, communication, outreach and more
You don’t need any formal qualifications, just your experience and a willingness to speak up on behalf of others living with sight loss.
If you’d like to get involved or find out more, we’d love to hear from you, contact Glenda Prall, our Head of Services, at glenda.prall@sightsupportwest.org.uk
Could you volunteer with us?
We’re always looking for friendly volunteers to support our work across Wiltshire. Whether it’s helping at a local social group, supporting someone one-to-one with their digital device, or lending a hand at one of our events – your time can make a real difference.
Right now, we’re particularly keen to hear from people who could help in our Trowbridge charity shop. We make every effort to ensure our shops are accessible and welcoming places for people with sight loss to volunteer. If you’re interested, we’d love to hear from you. Full training and support are provided.
Find out more:
www.sightsupportwest.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer-with-us/
Or email Becs, our Volunteer Coordinator: volunteering@wiltshiresight.org
Wiltshire Sight Hubs and Social Groups
Click here for our hub and social group listings webpage.
Our monthly advice hubs offer consultations with local advisors across the region. At a hub you can get tailored information and guidance and explore accessible aids. Most hubs also host social groups where you can meet others living with sight loss. Full listings are available on our website (linked above) or by calling us on 01380 723682.
Events & Notices From Other Organisations
Internship opportunities with Thomas Pocklington Trust
Thomas Pocklington Trust (TPT) is offering paid internship opportunities for blind and partially sighted people across a range of departments this year.
Five internship roles are currently available, with more being added soon – so it’s worth checking back regularly.
To apply, you’ll need to complete both the application form and the diversity monitoring form. The deadline for applications is 5pm on Sunday 14 July.
For more information, to view current vacancies, or to apply, visit: Work at TPT webpage
If you’d like support with your CV or application, you can contact TPT’s Employment team: employment@pocklington.org.uk
Local Leisure and Sporting Activities / Events
Reach Inclusive Arts – Right Time for Art group
Come and try your hand at art at a weekly group run by Reach Inclusive Arts at the Wyvern Theatre Swindon, 10.30 – 12:30 every Tuesday (except August). The group offers accessible and inclusive artistic opportunities, for people of all ages who are affected by disability, illness, disadvantage or social isolation and new members are always welcome!
Facilitated by professional artist Billy Beaumont and supported by staff and volunteers, participants flourish in this supportive, creative and friendly environment. No previous experience is necessary, participants develop their artistic skills at their own pace.
All materials provided and refreshments available. £5 per session.
To find out more email: info@reachinclusivearts.org.uk
Or phone : 01793 520318 Mondays or Tuesdays 9 – 3.30pm (except bank holidays)
Try Your Hand at Bowls – Taster Session in Pewsey
Are you curious about bowls or looking for a new way to get active and socialise? A relaxed and friendly taster session for people living with sight loss is being planned at Pewsey Vale Bowls Club this July.
Provisional date: Tuesday 22 July, 10am – 12 noon
Venue: Pewsey Vale Bowls Club, The Recreation Ground, High Street, Pewsey, SN9 5AQ
The session will be supported by volunteer Ian alongside club members, and no previous experience is needed. All equipment will be provided.
Places are limited, so if you’re interested or would like to find out more, please contact Jenny Spencer at Wiltshire Sight:
Email: jenny.spencer@wiltshiresight.org
Phone: 01380 723682
We’ll confirm the date soon, but you’re welcome to register your interest in the meantime.
Enjoy audiobooks? Join Wiltshire Libraries online / telephone book group
Wiltshire Libraries run a small and friendly audio book group for people who are blind or partially sighted.
The group meets via Microsoft Teams on the second Friday of each month at 3pm. You don’t need a computer – just a phone is enough to join the call.
Each month a different member chooses the book. There’s no set genre – the group enjoys everything from crime fiction to non-fiction and beyond.
To find out more or to join, call Wiltshire Libraries on 01672 512663 or email libraryenquiries@wiltshire.gov.uk
Visually Impaired Sailing
The Visually Impaired Sailing Association (VISA) has published its schedule for 2025,
Driving Experiences
Speed of Sight is running Driving Experience Days (for people with disabilities including vision impairment).
Fitness and Friendship Clubs – Age UK Wiltshire
Friendly, sight-loss aware sessions for older adults, offering gentle chair-based exercise, social time with tea and biscuits, and relaxing tai chi.
More info: Tracey – 07754 612 569 or fitnessandfriendship@ageukwiltshire.org.uk
Swindon Blind Craft Club
Swindon Blind Craft Club meets every Tuesday between 10 am and 1 pm and is run by Lou Curtis at Swindon Blind Association, Craven House, 145 Victoria Road, Swindon, SN1 3BU. Parking available and bus stop opposite. Bring your own lunch. Carers welcome. Get in touch with Lou if you want to come along and find out more: 07703 306 403.
Swindon Chat group
Last Tuesday of the month 5.15pm
Contact communityconnectionsouthwest@rnib.org.uk
Swindon Bats Sports & Social Club
Swindon Bats have a fantastic variety of groups and events taking place including Ten Pin Bowling, Showdown, Coffee & Chat, Walk and Talk and more. Contact them at: info@swindonbats.org or call their Secretary Sue Mead on 07788150487. You can check their website for details of all their upcoming events and groups Swindon Bats Website
Bowls Club in Chippenham
The Bowls Club in Chippenham are running a weekly indoor bowls club for people with sight loss and other disabilities. Taking place at North Wilts Bowls Club in Chippenham (near Sainsburys) each Friday 4-5pm, September – Easter. Coaching is given. The contact for this club is Maureen on 01249 657228.
Devizes PHAB Group
(Physically disabled and Able bodied) an organisation which brings people with and without disabilities together. See their program of events at Devizes PHAB meetings and events
Support Groups and Courses
RNIB Living well with sight loss courses
During August, RNIB will be running three presentations of its Living Well with Sight Loss telephone course. The four-session course is open to people with sight loss across the UK and first one starts on 1st August.
RNIB LIving Well With Sight Loss Telephone Courses
RNIB is also running a telephone course, ‘Focus on Friends and Family’ starting on 3rd September.
Local Audio Described Arts Events
Children and Young People
All Aboard Watersports
All Aboard Watersports are running a paddle taster days for 8 – 18 year olds on Sunday 13th July 10am – 12.30am for visually impaired children.
They will have various activities on offer – kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding or katakanu.
To register your interest and find out more get in touch with Jemma on centremanager@allaboardwatersports.co.uk or call 01173 018 158
New College Worcester’s Summer Activity Break
Places are still available on New College Worcester’s Summer Activity Break for vision impaired young people aged 11 to 16 years on 22nd to 24th July (apply by 27th June). Residential and daytime only options are available.
The Egg, Theatre Royal Bath, Accessible show – You Know My Mum
“You Know My Mum” is a funny, emotional show which is accessible to blind and partially sighted people, and also has an empowering message about bereavement and being neurodivergent.
The show has top-class production values and has been developed with access in mind – there is audio description and touch tour provided as standard at every show.
Hear the audio trailer: https://youtu.be/G2OXoHGDm90
The Egg, Theatre Royal Bath, Thursday 17th July (1pm & 6pm), All ages 7+
Find out more: https://www.theatreroyal.org.uk/events/you-know-my-mum/
The Outlook Trust
Click here: About The Outlook Trust Charity. Adventure Activities For Blind Children.
The Outlook Trust is the only charity for blind and visually impaired children that organises and provides activity and residential breaks for blind, partially sighted children and young people with other disabilities.
Inclusive tennis at Winterbourne
Weekly tennis sessions for young people aged 8 to 18 who are disabled, d/Deaf or neurodivergent. Thursdays 5–5.45pm and Fridays 11.15am–12pm at Winterbourne Tennis Club. First session is free. Sign up via: bit.ly/winterbourneAcez
Inclusive Tennis Festival
Sunday 20th July 2025, 2pm-4pm.
Coombe Dingle Sports Complex, Bristol BS9 2BJ.
A great opportunity for disabled, d/Deaf and neurodivergent young people to try fun, inclusive tennis with local coaches. This event is aimed at individuals aged 5 to 25, families are also welcome to join in the fun! Use the link below to register: Inclusive Tennis Festival July 2025 Participant Registration Form
Check out this exciting new Acez Inclusive Tennis Festival!
SEND Inclusive Climbing
‘Clip ‘N’ Climb sessions for d/Deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent children and young people.
- Wednesdays 5-6pm
- BLOC Climbing Centre, New Gatton Road, BS2 0SH
- Children and young people aged 4-17 years
- Discounted rate of £9.90 per session
To find out more about the session and to book please see BLOC’s website here: BLOC Website Or get in touch by emailing info@blocclimbing.org.uk
To find out who the session is suitable for and to book on, please check out this website here: Bloc Climbing Website
Super 1’s Girls Only Session
Super 1s – a fantastic, free inclusive cricket programme for girls aged 12–25, including those with SEN and disabilities (SEND).
Whether you’re new to cricket or looking to sharpen your skills, this is a brilliant way to get active, build confidence, and make new friends in a supportive environment!
- Every Monday
- 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Hanham Cricket Club, 77 Abbots Road, Bristol BS15 3NP
If interested, please contact Jeanette Tate at 07432 728926 or email: jeanette.tate@glosccc.co.uk
City of Bristol Para Swimming Trials
Are you someone who thinks ‘Yes I can?’, then City of Bristol Para Squad may just be the right place for you. These are not swimming lessons, but we try to remain flexible to needs, so the following requirements are a guide.
- Ability to swim a minimum of 25m
- Be confident (safe) in deep water
- Aged 7+
- Have basic ability in 3 swimming strokes and willing to try butterfly
- Want to have some fun, meet new people?
If you or your swimmer would like to learn more about our squad and perhaps to come along for a trial session, please get in touch we would love to hear from you – email cobscpara@gmail.com (Para head coach Keira)
Surfing sessions for blind and visually impaired people
Thanks to funding from The Primary Club, Surfing England is offering accessible surfing sessions for people who are blind or visually impaired.
Led by Team England para coaches and supported by trained volunteers and para athletes, these sessions are open to complete beginners. All equipment, including wetsuits, will be provided. Three-time world champion Melissa Reid will also be attending to share her expertise and coaching advice.
The first session takes place on 1st July at The Wave, Bristol, for 10 to 13-year-olds with a visual impairment and their families.
Sign up here: https://form.jotform.com/251064100483041
RNC are running some groups during Holidays
RNC is offering a jam-packed schedule of V.I. sports and exciting activities, including a BBQ and slumber party. For just £25, they will provide engaging sessions such as blind football and goalball to get a taste of life at RNC. Everyone will stay on campus in single occupancy ensuite accommodation. Meals, parking and accommodation are free of charge. Places are expected to fill up quickly, so secure your place now.
RNC Open Day – Friday 19 September 2025
The Royal National College for the Blind is holding an Open Day on Friday 19 September, 10am – 4pm, for prospective students, families, and professionals supporting young people with a visual impairment.
Visitors can meet current students and staff, attend lesson drop-ins, and tour the campus. There will also be opportunities to discuss funding, careers, and transitions, and learn more about the College’s specialist programmes in Independent Living Skills, Mobility, ICT, and Braille.
Book online: RNC Open Day Booking Form September 2025
For queries, email info@rnc.ac.uk or call 01432 376 621.
RNC ‘Have a Go’ Activity Weekend
Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 October 2025
For young people aged 13 to 17 with a visual impairment and their families with FREE accommodation for everyone!
Join us for a fun weekend!
Try sports including goalball and acoustic shooting
Participate in activities such as bowling
Enjoy cooking and music amongst others
Apply online here:
‘Have a Go’ Weekend Booking Form October 2025
For more information either email info@rnc.ac.uk or call 01432 376 621
Online Groups / Events / Socials
- LOOK will be running two more Healthy Parent Carer Programmes for families with a vision impaired child. The twelve-week online courses will run in Autumn 2025 (apply by 1st August) and Spring 2026 (apply by 3rd November).
https://www.look-uk.org/healthy-parent-carer-programme-spring-2026/ - The Albinism Fellowship is running an online New Parents Eveningon 28th June.
Retina UK runs an online Peer Support Group for the parents and carers of children with an inherited retinal dystrophy.
Research Opportunities
Help improve support for people with sight loss
RNIB is inviting blind and partially sighted people to take part in a survey about the support they’ve received and what support they feel is needed. This could include help from RNIB, other sight loss charities, NHS ophthalmology services, or local vision rehabilitation teams.
The insights gathered will help shape future services and ensure people with sight loss get the right support at the right time.
To share your views and help make a difference, complete the online survey here: RNIB Survey Link
Research Participants Wanted – Help Improve Accessible Travel with AI
A postgraduate student at Bournemouth University is exploring how visually impaired people use generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Copilot, Claude, or Meta AI – especially in relation to travel. They’re looking for adults (18+) with sight loss who have used any AI chatbot, for any purpose. The study involves a 20–40 minute online or in-person interview. All interviews are fully accessible, confidential, and anonymised.
Interested? Email b.rahmanbahram@gmail.com or message via WhatsApp: +98 936 874 8051.
Deadline 15 July 2025
Take part in a student audio documentary
A student from the University of the West of England is creating an audio documentary exploring how people relate to the concept of darkness. They are particularly keen to hear from blind and partially sighted individuals, to help challenge common misconceptions and offer different perspectives on what darkness means.
If you’re interested in taking part, contact Alex at:
cavanaghap@hotmail.co.uk
Veterans with sight loss – take part in research
Research Opinions, a UK market research agency, is looking to speak with veterans who have sight loss. The study aims to understand the experiences and support needs of veterans living with sight loss, regardless of whether their vision changes are related to their service.
Participants will be invited to a 45-minute interview via Zoom or telephone and will receive £70 for their time.
If you or someone you know is interested in taking part, visit: Research Opinions Website
Writing and sight loss – share your experience
Anglia Ruskin University is exploring the challenges people with sight loss face when writing or typing. The aim is to better understand these difficulties and find practical solutions.
They’re looking for adults (18+) who experienced sight loss in both eyes after learning to read and write.
You can take part by completing a short 10–15 minute online survey, or by arranging a phone call with Rukaiya (15–30 mins) on 07460 445124.
Take the survey: A.R.U Survey Link
Crux Product Design is seeking participants for paid research
Crux Product Design is inviting adults with colour blindness or low vision to take part in a paid research study in Bristol. The in-person session involves simulating injection devices and sharing feedback to improve usability. Your input can help shape the future of medical products.
Who: Adults with colour blindness or low vision
What: 90-minute in-person interview
Where: Crux Product Design, Flatiron Building, 332-335 Paintworks, Bristol, BS4 3AR
When: 17 July and 21–29 July 2025
Incentive: £150
To take part, CRUX Registration Form or contact takepart@cruxproductdesign.com / +44 (0) 117 300 9788
Online Events / Notices / Groups / Socials
Looking for online groups, events or peer support?
You can find many of our regular online listings, including national social groups, webinars and condition-specific support, on our website. Visit our Online Resources From Other Organisations webpage
New audiobook shares powerful stories from young people with sight loss
Infinite World of Vision is a new audiobook created by 21 young people from across the UK, sharing their lived experiences of navigating life with vision impairment.
Covering everything from changing schools and friendships to guide dogs and confidence, each chapter is written and narrated by the young people themselves. With honesty and humour, they offer encouragement and insights for others going through similar changes.
One contributor, Tig from near Bath, said:
“It’s just been a real turning point… I’m proud of what I’ve been a small part of.”
Listen now for free on Spotify Infinite World of Vision: Life Transitions for Young People with Vision Impairments
It’s also available on Apple Books and other audiobook platforms worldwide.
Act now to protect vital benefits
RNIB is urging blind and partially sighted people to speak out against proposed government changes to disability benefits, including plans to make Personal Independence Payment (PIP) harder to access.
These changes could severely affect people’s ability to afford essential items like mobility aids, assistive technology, home adaptations and accessible transport, all crucial for independent living.
MPs will be voting soon, and RNIB is asking people to email their MP using a simple online form.
Find out more and take action on the RNIB Take Action webpage.
RNIB seeks young voices for future-focused panel
RNIB is inviting blind and partially sighted people aged 18–34 to join Project 35 – a panel exploring what the next 10 years could look like for people with sight loss.
The project will run from mid-July to the end of August 2025, bringing together lived experience, trends, and fresh ideas to help RNIB shape future services.
They’re looking for curious thinkers who enjoy imagining new possibilities and considering the needs of others with a wide range of vision experiences.
Apply online: Project 35 application form
For queries, email mandy.owens@rnib.org.uk