Insight Gloucestershire 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. Insight Gloucestershi July 2024 (DOCX, 94 KB)
Insight Gloucestershire Events and Notices
Your Voice Matters – Help Shape the Future of Services for People with Sight Loss
Are you living with sight loss in Gloucestershire? 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 advise on how we deliver and improve our services.
As a member, you’ll meet quarterly 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 your willingness to speak up on behalf of others with sight loss.
Interested in having a bigger say in the direction of the charity?
We are also looking for new Trustees to join the Insight Gloucestershire Board. Trustees are responsible for the strategic direction and governance of the charity—helping to ensure we remain focused, accountable, and effective in our work.
This is a great opportunity to contribute your lived experience at a leadership level.
If you’re interested in joining LEAP, becoming a Trustee, or just want to learn more, please contact glenda.prall@sightsupportwest.org.uk or mike.silvey@sightsupportwest.org.uk. We’d love to hear from you.
You’re Invited – General Meeting at Insight Gloucestershire
We’ll be holding a General Meeting on Thursday 14th August at 2pm, at our Cheltenham office.
At the meeting, we’ll be discussing a proposal to convert Insight Gloucestershire from an unincorporated charity to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). Members will also be asked to vote on the change and the proposed new CIO constitution.
Everyone is welcome to attend, but we especially encourage people with sight loss in Gloucestershire to come along and have their say.
If you have any questions or need assistance getting to the meeting, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Join us for a theatre trip to The Talented Mr Ripley
We’re excited to be partnering with The Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham to offer discounted seats for a special performance of The Talented Mr Ripley on Saturday 13 September at 2pm.
The trip will include a touch tour before the show and there’s also the option to join us for lunch at the theatre beforehand – a great chance to socialise with others.
We’ll be sending out full details to everyone on our Theatre Trips mailing list at the end of July. If you’d like to be added to the list and be among the first to book, please give us a call.
Contact us on: 01242 221170
Insight Gloucestershire Hubs and Social Groups
Click here for our hub and social group listings webpage.
Our sight loss advice hubs provide a space for consultations with your local advisor, offering information, guidance, and advice on all things sight loss related. You can explore a selection of helpful aids at the hub and your advisor can suggest what equipment and technology might be useful to help you meet the challenges sight loss can pose. Additionally, some hubs host social groups where you can meet others, share tips and tricks, and enjoy a chat.
For full details of our sight loss advice hubs and social groups, see our website which has the latest information, or you can call our office on 01242 221170. See our hub and social group listings. You can put your postcode in the search bar to find your nearest hub.
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
Inclusive cycling sessions across Gloucestershire
Goals Beyond Grass (GBG) runs adapted cycling sessions for people of all ages and abilities, using a range of inclusive bikes. Weekly sessions take place in Cheltenham, Gloucester, and the Forest of Dean. The cost is £5 per rider, with parents, carers, and guardians joining for free. Sessions are friendly, welcoming, and supported by trained volunteers.
To find your nearest location, check dates and times, or contact the team with accessibility requirements, visit the GBG Bikes page on their website: www.goalsbeyondgrass.co.uk/gbg-bikes or contact them on 01452 245771 / info@goalsbeyondgrass.co.uk
Sailability at Whitefriars Sailing Club
Sailability at Whitefriars offers accessible sailing for disabled people and those with limited mobility. With adapted boats, on-water support, and trained volunteers, the club enables people to enjoy sailing for leisure or even compete. Family participation is encouraged, and the sessions offer therapeutic benefits as well as skill-building. Sessions run every Wednesday from April to October, with full access to club activities for members. Volunteers are always welcome, no sailing experience needed.
To find out more about joining or volunteering, visit:
www.whitefriarssc.org/sailability
Nature in Art near Gloucester launches project to make art accessible
Nature in Art museum (located near Gloucester) has recently been awarded a Small Open Grant from Museum Development South West, with thanks to support from Arts Council England. This is to support our project ‘Art for Every Sense’, which aims to remove barriers for blind and visually impaired people to engage with art. We are planning to use audio commentary and tactile prints of our paintings to do this.
If you are interested in supporting this project through feedback, testing or other means, please ring 01452 733 942 or email Hattie Revans at keeper@natureinart.org.uk
England Men’s Mixed Disability Fixture
On Thursday the 3rd of July England men’s mixed disability team will be playing India at the Seat Unique Arena.
The fixture is free and open for all to attend.
Our friends at the Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation will also be running an activity afternoon before the game starts. Please read the schedule below.
Schedule
- 3pm arrival
- 3:30pm – 5pm, Cricket activity. On the outfield and the Nursery nets.
- 5pm – 6pm We will run activities around the ground that people could join
- 6:30 pm Match
Anyone can join in at any time during the event.
If you are thinking of attending, please complete the from to let Jeanette and the team know.
England v India T20 PAN disability Registration Form
Support Groups and Courses
Macular Groups
See list below, but please contact before attending, as groups may have an alternate venue, or an outing planned.
Call 0300 30 30 111
Gloucester Macular Group
Meet on the first Wednesday of each month, 10am to 12pm at Gloucester Deaf Association, Colin Road, Barnwood, GL4 3JL
Cheltenham Macular Group
Meet on the third Wednesday of each month 2pm to 4pm at Christ Church, Malvern Road, Cheltenham, GL50 2JH
Stroud Macular Group
Meet quarterly, 10am to 12pm in March, June, September and December
At Stroud Hospital, Trinity Road, Stroud, GL5 2HY
See Differently Support Group
An 18+ support group for the blind and visually impaired, along with their family members and / or carers. Come along to chat, socialise and maybe play a few games or two.
Takes place every other Tuesday, 1-2.30pm
Location: The Redwell Centre, Matson, GL4 6JG
Email Harvey on: seedifferently@hotmail.com
Stroud Visually Impaired Club
Meets on the first Thursday morning of the month in Sherborne House, Stonehouse. Members come from the Stroud area and Cam and Dursley. Transport maybe available.
Please contact Celia on:
07770 146 536 or email: celiakelly1961@gmail.com for more information.
Local Audio Described Arts Events
The Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham
The Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, is delighted to be offering audio described performances for the following shows.
- Inspector Morse on Thursday 6th November at 2:00pm
- Robin Hood and his Merry Men on Friday 12th December at 2:00pm
Robin Hood and his Merry Men Website
Touch Tours on stage at 11.30am (unless otherwise stated)
- They’re also staging Dad’s Army Radio Show – while not audio described, this production is particularly suitable for blind and partially sighted audiences due to its rich sound effects and strong vocal performances. Find out more on their website – https://www.everymantheatre.org.uk/shows/dads-army-radio-show/
Contact Sally-ann if you would like further details, to book the touch tour or tickets, or to receive the season’s brochure: on 01242 695574 sally-ann.rhodes@everymantheatre.org.uk
(Please note: these events are not organised by Insight Gloucestershire, please call us if you would like to be added to our mailing list for our theatre trips on 01242 221170.)
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 carersof 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