Insight Gloucestershire What’s On E-Newsletter for September 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.
9. Insight Gloucestershire Sept 2025 (DOCX, 92 KB)
Insight Gloucestershire Events and Notices
We’re recruiting – Digital Skills Advisor
We are looking for a new Digital Skills Advisor to join our team. This new role for Gloucestershire will help many people with sight loss who are struggling with everyday technology, from using a smartphone to getting online.
As Digital Skills Advisor, you’ll train and support volunteers, run small group sessions, and offer one-to-one advice.
You don’t need prior experience of sight loss, we’ll provide full training. What matters most is strong people skills, digital confidence, and enthusiasm to make a difference. We warmly welcome applications from people living with sight loss.
Salary: £25,750 (pro rata), part-time role (21 or 28 hours).
Closing date: Monday 15 September, 5.00pm
Interviews: Week commencing 22 September, Cheltenham.
Find all the details, including the full job description and how to apply, on our Work For Us webpage
There’s still time to enter our Summer Raffle!
Don’t miss your chance to win up to £500 in our Summer Raffle. Tickets are just £1 each or £10 for a book of 10, with all proceeds supporting the work of Sight Support West of England, Wiltshire Sight, and Insight Gloucestershire.
Prizes include £500, £100, £25, and £10. The closing date is Friday 3 October, so get your tickets now before it’s too late.
Buy tickets here: Raffle tickets webpage
Full details and terms: Our Summer Raffle webpage
Eye Can Bath – 16 October
If you’re based near Bath, don’t miss Eye Can Bath – a free exhibition organised by our partner charity Sight Support West of England.
It takes place on Thursday 16 October, from 10am to 3pm at Bath Pavilion, and is open to anyone living with sight loss, along with family and friends.
There’ll be technology, equipment, services, and support on display, plus talks and advice from Sight Loss Advisors.
- 30am – What Digital Technology Can Do For You
Discover how smartphones, voice commands, and online tools can make everyday tasks easier. Learn about our digital skills support service available at hubs across the region. - 45am – Ask the Expert: Amar Shah
Amar Shah, Sight Support West Trustee and leading optometrist, will answer your questions, challenge myths, and explain support and treatment options. - 00pm – Fraud Protect Talk
Claire Bounds from Avon and Somerset Police will explain common fraud tactics and share tips on how to keep yourself and loved ones safe. - 00pm – The Digital Switchover
Sodhi Dhillon from BT will outline what the landline switchover means, how it’s happening, and the support available to customers.
Pre-registration helps us plan and is quick and easy to do. Book your free ticket at Eventbrite: https://eye-can-bath-2025.eventbrite.co.uk or call Sight Support on 0117 322 4885.
Parents Virtual Hub
With the new school year so close, this is a great time for parents of children and young people with a vision impairment to connect with others who understand their journey. Our friendly Parents Virtual Hub next meets on Thursday 18 September, 7.30–8.30pm via Microsoft Teams.
Hosted by Becky, a parent with lived experience, the group provides a supportive space to share experiences, exchange tips, and talk about the unique challenges and joys of parenting a child with sight loss.
The Parents Hub meets on the third Thursday of each month via Microsoft Teams. Our Virtual Hubs are open to anyone across Bristol, Bath, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, and Swindon, and are free to join.
We also run regular hubs for young adults, university students and working age adults.
To register, contact us on 01242 221170 or email info@insight-glos.org.uk
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.
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.
Hub updates to note
Chipping Campden hub
The Chipping Campden community hub is changing to appointment only. If you would like to see an advisor then please call to book your appointment.
Working Age Virtual Hub – cancelled for September
Please note that the Working Age Virtual Hub will not take place in September. The next session will be held on Thursday 16 October at 7pm via Microsoft Teams. We look forward to seeing you then.
Events & Notices From Other Organisations
There’s nothing in this section for now, but we’ll update you next month
Local Leisure and Sporting Activities / Events
Totally Tactile exhibition – Nature in Art
Nature in Art is hosting Totally Tactile, a fully tactile exhibition running from 16 September to 19 October 2025. Visitors are invited to engage with artworks through touch, exploring everything from realistic animals to abstract pieces, crafted in materials such as wood and metal.
Sighted visitors will be offered blindfolds to deepen the sensory experience, while visually impaired visitors can enjoy audio guides across the galleries and tablets with high-contrast images.
This special exhibition also features works from the museum’s main collection, reference library, and other items kindly loaned for the occasion.
Where: Nature in Art, A38 Twigworth, Gloucester, GL2 9PG
More info: 01452 731422 www.natureinart.org.uk
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
Sensing Nature and Wellbeing Walks – Westonbirt Arboretum
Join a visually impaired guide for an immersive sensory walk through the trees at Westonbirt. These interactive experiences explore the arboretum at a slower pace using nonvisual senses.
Walks run every Friday at 11:30am from April to September and last around 1.5 hours. No need to book – just meet at the Welcome Building.
Free but admission fees apply. Please wear suitable footwear for walking on grass. Assistance dogs only. Some guides will be working with guide dogs – please don’t distract them.
For more information:
customerrelations@forestryengland.uk / 0300 067 4890
Support Groups and Courses
See our website for a list of regular support groups offered by other organisations that take place locally and online. Click here: Webpage for regular support groups and services
Royal National College – Get Workplace Ready Course
RNB are offering a Get Workplace Ready, a free three-month course for ages 18–29, starting 27 October.
Details and booking: www.rnc.ac.uk
RNIB Telephone course, Focus on Friends and Family
RNIB is running a telephone course, ‘Focus on Friends and Family’ starting on 3rd September.
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 hear about our current theatre trip on 01242 221170.)
Children and Young People
VICTA Sport Leadership Camp 2025
Opportunity to earn a Level 1 Qualification in Sports Leadership this October half term.
When: 27–31 October 2025
Who: Young people aged 14–17
Where: Royal National College for the Blind, Hereford
Cost: £50 per participant
This 4-night residential, run in partnership with RNC Hereford, combines theory and practical sessions to help you build leadership skills in sport. You’ll learn how to plan, lead, and review activities, take part in a variety of sports, and enjoy evening socials too.
By the end of the camp you’ll leave with new confidence, leadership skills, and a nationally recognised qualification. Find out more and apply: VICTA Sport Leadership Camp
FA Para Football – England Talent Days
Do you know a young person with a visual impairment, cerebral palsy, or hearing impairment who loves football? The FA’s England Talent Days are the first step on the Para Football pathway.
Open to players aged 7–16, these days give young people the chance to be assessed and directed to the right environment for their development, while continuing any football they already play.
Upcoming dates are Saturday 18 October 2025 and Wednesday 1 April 2026 at St George’s Park, DE13 9PD.
For more information and to register, visit: https://forms.office.com/e/RqFfguz20V
Guide Dogs Children’s Services
Guide Dogs offer a range of services for children with vision impairment and their families, from building independent living skills to family events.
My Time to Play is a free service for children aged 0–4, delivered by Qualified Habilitation Specialists. Through play, children develop a broad range of skills while parents, carers, and siblings join in the fun.
Programmes are running in Bath & North East Somerset, with new groups starting in South Gloucestershire (September) and North Somerset (October).
Find out more: www.guidedogs.org.uk/getting-support/help-for-children-and-families/
RNC events for young people
The Royal National College for the Blind (RNC) is running three events:
- Open Day (19 September) for prospective students and families.
- Have a Go Weekend (25–26 October) for ages 13–17: free accommodation, sports, music, and cooking.
- They also offer Get Workplace Ready, a free three-month course for ages 18–29, starting 27 October.
Details and booking: www.rnc.ac.uk
Fun 2 Move with Bristol Bears
Starting this September, Bristol Bears Community Foundation is launching two inclusive multi-sport sessions at Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust, designed for SEND and physically disabled participants.
Led by specialist coaches, the sessions provide a fun, welcoming space to get active and build confidence.
When: Tuesdays from 9 September
Where: Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust, BS7 9FB
Ages 13–17: 4.00–5.00pm | Ages 18+: 5.00–6.00pm
Register: kpassfield@bristolbearsrugby.com
The Outlook Trust
The Outlook Trust organises outdoor activity and residential breaks for blind and partially sighted children and young people with additional disabilities.
Find out more: About The Outlook Trust Charity
Super 1s girls’ cricket
Free inclusive cricket sessions for girls aged 12–25 with SEND.
- Mondays, 6–7pm
- Hanham Cricket Club, Bristol BS15 3NP
Contact Jeanette Tate: 07432 728926 or jeanette.tate@glosccc.co.uk
City of Bristol Para Swimming Trials
For confident swimmers aged 7+ with basic stroke ability and a can-do attitude. Trials are flexible to individual needs.
Enquiries: cobscpara@gmail.com (Coach Keira)
Inclusive tennis sessions in Winterbourne
Starting this September, young people aged 8–18 who are disabled, d / Deaf, or neurodivergent are invited to join inclusive tennis sessions at Winterbourne Tennis Club.
Sessions run every Thursday from 5.00–5.45pm, with the first session free.
Where: Winterbourne Tennis Club, Parkside Avenue, Bristol
Sign up: Winterbourne Tennis Club booking link
Online Groups / Events / Socials
- LOOK will be running Healthy Parent Carer Programmes for families with a vision impaired child. The twelve-week online courses will run in Spring 2026 (apply by 3rd November).
https://www.look-uk.org/healthy-parent-carer-programme-spring-2026/
Retina UK runs an online Peer Support Group for the parents and carers of children with an inherited retinal dystrophy.
Research Opportunities
Research opportunity – Preimplantation Genetic Testing
A research team at the University of Sheffield, led by Dr Alisdair McNeil, is inviting people with inherited retinal conditions to take part in an online Patient and Public Involvement group.
The discussion will focus on Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT), a family planning option. Participants will read a short background document (10–20 minutes) before joining a 2-hour online group discussion. A gift voucher is offered for your time.
To find out more or take part, email Dr Alisdair McNeil: a.mcneill@sheffield.ac.uk
Survey – Employment support for disabled people
The Commons Work and Pensions Committee has launched a new inquiry, ‘Employment support for disabled people‘, on how to improve the job prospects of disabled people and is calling for the views of disabled people, employers, and experts (the closing date for submissions is 29th September).
Have your say: Girls-only sport in Bristol
Access Sport and the Ignite network want to hear from female and non-binary young people in Bristol about how to make sport more welcoming and inclusive.
Recent research from the University of Bristol found that many neurodivergent girls feel excluded from mainstream activities. To address this, a girls-only Expression of Interest is open to share what’s missing and what support is needed.
Complete the form here: https://forms.office.com/e/XsaAWCCVHY
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
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
- The Marfan Trust is holding its annual Marfan Information Dayon Saturday 11th October, via Zoom.
- The Macular Society runs monthly ‘My Macular and Me’ webinars. The next one is on 19th August, and the subject is genetic counselling for macular disease.
- During September, RNIB will run its Living Well with Sight Loss online course. The course is open to people with sight loss across the UK.
- RNIB is also running the following UK-wide telephone course: ‘Focus on Friends and Family’ starting on 3rd September.
- This year’s Macular Disease Conferencewill be held online on Saturday 13th September and registration is open.