What’s On Newsletter – February 2026
Read the latest What’s On newsletter for news, events and opportunities for blind and partially sighted people across our region.
Welcome
Welcome to the February edition of What’s On!
Welcome to What’s On, your monthly e-newsletter from your local sight loss charities – Sight Support West of England, Wiltshire Sight and Insight Gloucestershire.
Each month we’ll bring you the latest news, events and opportunities for blind and partially sighted people across our region, including updates from each charity and from external organisations.
We’ve recently brought our newsletters together into one shared edition so you can find everything in one place. Local news from your area is clearly marked under each charity’s section, and you may also discover new events and opportunities nearby that you might like to join.
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 or magnification software.
2. Whats On Newsletter February 2026 (DOCX, 137 KB)
General updates from your local sight loss charities
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- Sight Support West of England – 0117 322 4885
- Wiltshire Sight – 01380 723682
- Insight Gloucestershire – 01242 221170
Visible magazine – latest edition
The latest edition of Visible, our joint magazine from Sight Support West of England, Wiltshire Sight and Insight Gloucestershire, was sent out in mid January.
This issue includes a mix of practical information, personal stories and expert insight. Articles cover digital skills and everyday equipment, staying safe from scams, and applying make up when you have vision loss, alongside features on diabetic eye screening and how smart glasses are helping people with low vision enjoy art in new ways. You’ll also find local news and updates from across our three charities.
If you haven’t received a copy or would like to read Visible in a different format, you can access the digital versions here: Visible magazine – Winter Spring 2026
Moving Forward course – online
There is still time to sign up for the Moving Forward course, a free, three-session online course for people who are newly adjusting to sight loss or changes in their vision, or who would like a refresher on the support and services available.
Running via Zoom in February, the course offers practical information, reassurance and the chance to learn from specialist advisors. Sessions cover understanding local services and rehabilitation support, getting out and about safely, reading and everyday accessibility, and making the most of technology and social opportunities. Each session runs from 2pm to 3.15pm on 9, 16 and 23 February.
To book a place, please contact Sight Support West of England on 0117 322 4885.
Find your local Sight Loss Advice Hub
Our monthly hubs offer advice, information and the chance to meet others who are blind or partially sighted. Visit our website to find your nearest hub and social group, or contact your local charity for details:
- Sight Support West of England – 0117 322 4885
- Wiltshire Sight – 01380 723682
- Insight Gloucestershire – 01242 221170
View hub listings on our website
Sight Support West of England news
Hub Updates
South Glos hubs – guest talk on accessible nature
This month, our South Gloucestershire Sight Loss Advice Hubs will feature a guest talk from Mark Austen about accessible nature and wellbeing.
Mark will be talking about the Sensing Nature and Wellbeing Walks at Westonbirt Arboretum, a project designed to help blind and partially sighted people explore the arboretum through sensory experiences at a slower, more relaxed pace.
You can hear Mark speak at the following hubs:
- Kingswood Hub – 5 February, 10am to 12pm, The Park Centre
- Yate Hub – 12 February, 11am to 1pm, Yate Library
- Bradley Stoke Hub – 19 February, 11am to 1pm, Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre
Insight Gloucestershire news
Digital Skills Support Service for Gloucestershire
Our Digital Skills Advisor, Amanda, is now offering one to one support to help people feel more confident using technology, including smartphones, tablets and built in accessibility features. Appointments are available at community hubs in Moreton in Marsh, Cirencester, Bishops Cleave, Bourton on the Water, Gloucester, Nailsworth, Dursley, Tewksbury and Cheltenham. Amanda also offers regular appointments at the resource centres in Stroud on Tuesdays and Cheltenham on Thursdays.
To find out more or book an appointment, contact us on 01242 221170 or info@insight-glos.org.uk
Cheltenham theatre trips
Join Insight Gloucestershire for our upcoming theatre trips at the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham:
- Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger’s Drift on Thursday 5 March at 2pm. Tickets cost £37, with free carer tickets available.
- The Beekeeper of Aleppo on Thursday 4 June at 2pm, tickets cost £41 with free carer tickets available.
The trips include a free touch tour at 11.30am and an optional lunch at 12 noon (at extra cost). To book your place call us on 01242 221170.
Wiltshire Sight news
Hub Updates
Tisbury – Vision Aid will be visiting the Tisbury Sight Loss Advice Hub on Wednesday 19 February to demonstrate a range of helpful products. The session will take place from 11am to 1pm at the Nadder Centre and offers a chance to see equipment in action and ask questions.
Swindon – Wiltshire Sight Audiobook Group
The Wiltshire Sight Audiobook Group meets on the second Tuesday of each month at Swindon Central Library. The group meets on the first floor, with lift access available.
At the 10 February meeting, taking place from 10.15am to 11.30am, the group will be discussing Midwinter of the Spirit by Phil Rickman. The book can be downloaded through the public library service BorrowBox.
The group offers a relaxed and friendly space to discuss the chosen book and share other audiobook recommendations. New members are very welcome.
For more information, please contact Ali Fulton at Audiobookgroupvolunteer@gmail.com
Leisure and sporting activities
Regular groups
For a list of regular sport, leisure and social groups run by other organisations, visit our Local leisure and social groups webpage.
Cheltenham – Connect: VI Community Gathering with Hook & Loop Collective
Tickets now open for Connect: VI Community Gathering with Hook & Loop Collective.
Sat 21 Feb – Pittville Park, Cheltenham
All ages – adults, children & families. Walk together, chat, get creative, enjoy good food!
Hosted by VI artists Holly Thomas & Sarah Goddard
Travel access & sighted guides available.
Website:hookandloop.org.uk/ViConnect/
Email: Hello@HookAndLoop.org.uk
Cheltenham – Gloucestershire Growlers cricket sessions
Gloucestershire Growlers are holding indoor cricket training sessions for blind and partially sighted people in Cheltenham. New players are very welcome, whether you’re completely new to cricket or looking to build your skills, meet others and enjoy being active.
Sessions take place on Saturday 7 and 21 February, and Saturday 7 and 21 March, from 12.30pm to 2pm, at Cheltenham Bournside School Sports Hall, GL51 3EF.
For more information, contact Jeanette Tate at jeanette.tate@gloucestershirecricketfoundation.org or call 07432 728926.
Swindon – Swindon and District Talking Newspaper
The Swindon and District Talking Newspaper Association (STAN) offers a free talking newspaper service for blind, visually impaired and disabled listeners, helping people stay in touch with local news and what’s happening in the community.
Listeners can receive recordings on a USB stick by post or listen online using Alexa, Google Play, or via the British Wireless for the Blind Fund website. To find out more or to sign up, visit www.swindontalkingnews.org.uk, email stan@swindontalkingnews.org.uk or call 01793 522511 and leave a message. The team will return calls when they are next in the office.
Bristol – Indoor bowls taster session
Bristol Indoor Bowls Club is hosting a friendly indoor bowls taster session for visually impaired people and their companions on Saturday 14 February, 12pm to 2pm, at Bristol Indoor Bowls Club, 198 South Liberty Lane, Ashton Gate. No experience is needed and the session offers clear guidance and is designed to be welcoming and pressure-free. To book visit Bristol Indoor Bowls Facebook event page and click “going”, or contact coach Danny Kite on 07961 909 162. Walk-ins welcome.
Warminster and Westbury – visually impaired club
The Warminster and Westbury Visually Impaired Club offers weekly social meetings for people with visual impairment. The group welcomes people with a range of sight conditions, including age related macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy and refractive errors.
Meetings take place every Monday from 2pm to 4pm at St Johns Hall, Warminster. Sessions include guest speakers, crafts, musical entertainment, and time to socialise over tea, with occasional lunches.
For more information, please contact Janet on 01985 214789 or Virginia on 01985 219132.
Online and London – self driving cars and what they mean for blind and partially sighted people
How much do you know about self driving cars, and what they could mean for blind and partially sighted people? This upcoming event explores autonomous vehicles and the introduction of driverless cars to London, including technology developed by WAYMO .
The session includes a presentation, the chance to ask questions, and an opportunity for those attending in person to interact with a stationary driverless car. People can also join the event online via Microsoft Teams.
The event takes place on Thursday 29 January, from 2.30pm to 5.30pm, online and at Thomas Pocklington Trust, London. Advance registration is required. Self Driving Cars event registration form
Pewsey – Indoor bowls for people with sight loss
10th February. Bowls in Pewsey is now indoors for the winter months. Sessions will take place on the second Tuesday of each month at Woodborough Social Club, Smithy Lane, Pewsey, SN9 5PL. 10.30am to 12pm. All equipment will be provided, and no experience is needed. Email clubsec.pvbc@yahoo.com or call Ian on 07564 342740.
Bristol – VIP Reading Group
Bristol Central Library, College Green
The group meets on the last Thursday of every month from 10.30 till 12. Audio books are chosen from RNIB’s talking book service so it’s helpful to sign up before joining. The next books are:
- 26 February – Leonard and Hungry Paul – Ronan Hessian
- 26 March – Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh
- 30 April – Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
- 28 May – Diary of an Ordinary woman – Margaret Forster
- 25 June – Night Watch by Terry Pratchett
- 30 July – Saltblood by Francesca Tores
Please get in touch for more information vibookgroup.bristol@gmail.com or from Katharine Seymour, Central Library on 07880 069877.
Bristol – Showdown club expression of interest
UK Showdown is exploring starting a club in Bristol. Showdown is a fast-paced sport, similar to table tennis, created for people with a visual impairment but open to everyone.
Watch it in action: YouTube video
If you’d like to take part in a taster session or regular club, register your interest here: forms.office.com/e/wSsDbnZddY
Support groups and courses
Regular groups
You can find details of regular local social and support groups on our website. These include ongoing activities run by other organisations across our region. Visit our Leisure and social groups page
You’ll also find a wide range of online groups and virtual activities on our Online groups and resources page
Swindon – Visual impairment support drop in
A monthly visual impairment support drop in takes place on the fourth Thursday of each month, from 10am to 12pm, at Craven House, 145 Victoria Road, Swindon SN1 3BU. The group offers a chance to chat with others and access information from Swindon Vision Services, Swindon ECLO, RNIB and the Macular Society. Refreshments are provided. Upcoming sessions take place on 26 February and 26 March. Contact: Nikki Bullock, Sensory Impairment Specialist, Hearing and Vision Team 01793 465500.
Online – Glaucoma UK Events
Glaucoma UK has published its programme of Online Support Group meetings for the first few months of 2026. Find out more n the Glaucoma UK website
Online – Fight for Sight research webinars
Fight for Sight is running free webinars. Upcoming 2026 topics include Why a form of vitamin B3 is being tested in glaucoma clinical trials on 21 April.
For details and booking, visit the Fight for Sight website.
Phone Groups – RNIB Living Well with Sight Loss
RNIB is running Living Well with Sight Loss phone groups for adults, as well as family members and others who support them. These courses offer practical information on topics such as benefits, eye health, everyday tips and equipment, hobbies, and organisations that can help. Sessions also provide space to share experiences and learn from others. Find out more on the RNIB events and courses webpage or for further information email lwwslenquiries@rnib.org.uk or phone 0303 123 9999.
Wessex Water offers support for customers who need extra help
This includes:
- help during incidents
- large print or Braille in all communications
- scam prevention passwords
- nominated contacts
- additional meter readings.
Customers can join the Priority Services Register by calling 0345 600 3 600 or visit wessexwater.co.uk/priority-services.
For those struggling to pay, Wessex Water provides options to:
spread payments / reduce bills / repay debt / save water
More details wessexwater.co.uk/help-to-pay or call on 0345 600 3 600.
National – Deafblind UK Winter Wellness support
Deafblind UK’s Winter Wellness programme offers extra support through the colder months for anyone with both sight and hearing loss. Running until 27 February 2026, it includes extended phoneline hours, festive phone and video groups, winter befrienders, and uplifting text messages.
Find out more or register by contacting 0800 132320, text 07903 572885, or email info@deafblind.org.uk
Audio described arts and theatre
Galleries and Museums
Bath – Victoria Art Gallery
Bridge Street, BA2 4AT
Art on Mondays talks for VI Visitors
- 9 February 2 – Nathalie Levi, Senior Curator – Upper Gallery Sculpture
- 16 March 2026 – Richard Menuier, Bath Record Office and Anne Buchanan, Local Studies Libraries – Poster Power from the Record Office
Sessions run from 10–11.30. The gallery is closed to the general public on those days so please ring 01225 477232 for access information or email victoria_enquiries@bathnes.gov.uk
Bristol – Arnolfini
16 Narrow Quay, Bristol, BS1 4QA
The next described tours are of Emma Talbot: Everything is Energy on:
- Friday 30th January 10am to 11am
Tours take place before the galleries open to the public. Sighted guides are available, and complimentary tea and coffee is served afterwards in the Arnolfini Café Bar. Free event, but email community@arnolfini.org.uk to book a space.
Further information on this link Audio Described Tours | Emma Talbot: Everything is Energy – Arnolfini
Bristol – Royal West of England Academy
Queens Rd, Bristol BS8 1PX
- Saturday 14 March 10.30–12 noon – Cosmos: The Art of Observing Space. Featuring contemporary and historic artists with wide range of work inspired by the cosmos.
RWA exhibition link To join, please email Connie Ngan connie.ngan@rwa.org.uk and say whether you will bring a sighted companion or need a volunteer guide.
Refreshments available after the tour
Bristol Museum and Art Gallery
Queen’s Road, BS8 1RL
Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition – Described tour on 25 February from 6 – 8.45 pm
Full details of this event, and how to book, are available on this link – Audio Described Tour: Wildlife Photographer of the Year | Bristol Museums
Tickets are free but the booking link suggests making a donation. You may find it easier to email Steven Bradley – steven.bradley@bristol.gov.uk . Alternatively phone the Museum on 0117 922 3571 to leave a message and one of their team will get back to you.
Theatres & Performance – Audio Described Shows
Cheltenham – The Everyman Theatre
The Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, is delighted to be offering audio described performances for the following shows.
- Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger’s Drift on Thursday 5 March at 2pm
- The Beekeeper of Aleppo on Thursday 4 June at 2pm
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: you can book directly with The Everyman Theatre or call Insight Gloucestershire for details of any shows we are organising trips for.
Salisbury Playhouse
Salisbury Playhouse presents Rock & Roll Man, a new musical telling the story of Alan Freed, the DJ who helped bring rock and roll to the mainstream.
Audio described performances with a touch tour will take place on Thursday 3 March at 2.15pm and 7.30pm. To book tickets or find out more, contact Wiltshire Creative Box Office on 01722 320333.
Bath – Theatre Royal
Sawclose, BA1 1ET
- 28 February – Prima Facie – with Jodie Comer. The hottest ticket in town. Mostly sold out – but tickets for AD performance may be available
- 14 March – Operation Mincemeat
Audio notes are sent before each show. Hearing devices available from the bars – 30 mins before the play. More details and tickets on 01225 448844. Make sure you subscribe to the Theatre’s Access List.
Bristol – Hippodrome
St Augustine’s Parade, BS1 4UZ
- 30 April – The Greatest Showman
- 13 June – Matilda the Musical
- 16 July – Rocky Horror Show starring Jason Donovan
- 30 July – Miss Saigon
Book touch tours separately. Contact Access for All bristoladmin@theambassadors.com or call the access booking line 0333 009 5399 for tickets
Bristol Old Vic
King St, BS1 4ED
- 14 March – Midsummer Night’s Dream
- 14 May – Kiss of the Spider Woman: The Musical
More details and to book – ring the Box office – 0117 987 7877
Children and young people
Regular groups
You can find information of regular activities on our website – Activities for children, young people and families
UK – preparing for adulthood course (ages 11 to 19)
New College Worcester is running two one-day Preparing for Adulthood courses for blind and vision impaired young people aged 11 to 19, on 7 February and 14 March. The course focuses on independent living, mobility and access technology. A fee applies. Find out more and apply on the NCW website.
Hereford – activity week for young people (ages 14 to 17)
Royal National College for the Blind is running an Activity Week for young people with a visual impairment from Tuesday 17 to Friday 20 February. The week offers a chance to try different sports and activities, build confidence and socialise. The cost is £50, and applications close on Monday 2 February. Find out more and book on the RNC website.
UK – free science centre ticket for visually impaired children
VICTA is offering a free child ticket for visually impaired children to visit a science centre with their family during February half term and British Science Week. The offer includes selected science centres across the UK, including venues in Wales. Strict conditions apply.
The closing date for applications is 16 March. Find out more and apply on the VICTA website.
Bristol – Free VI fun football sessions
Bristol Rovers Community Trust is running a 10-week block of fun, inclusive football sessions for blind and partially sighted children aged 5 to 11.
The sessions take place at Lockleaze Sports Centre on Tuesdays from 5.30pm to 6.30pm during term time, running from 13 January to 24 March. The focus is on building confidence, having fun, and enjoying football in a supportive environment.
To find out more or sign up, visit the McDonald’s Fun Football website or contact mailto:louishoward@bristolroverscommunity.org.uk
Inclusive sport opportunities for children and young people
Ignite Bristol supports a wide range of inclusive sport and physical activity opportunities for disabled children and young people across the region. Activities vary and include football, climbing, tennis and other sports.
Families can find out more about current opportunities at http://www.ignitebristol.co.uk/
National – FA Para Football – England Talent Days
For ages 7–16 with a visual impairment, cerebral palsy, or hearing impairment. First step on the Para Football pathway. Upcoming dates: 1 April 2026 at St George’s Park, DE13 9PD. Register online – https://forms.office.com/e/RqFfguz20V
Online – moving on up group for Year 6 pupils
Royal Society for Blind Children (RSBC) runs the Moving on up Group for blind and partially sighted young people in Year 6 who will be moving to secondary school in September 2026. The monthly online group offers a chance to talk with others going through the same transition and get practical tips from RSBC Family Practitioners.
Sessions take place once a month on Wednesdays via Zoom, starting on 11 February. Find out more and register on the RSBC website. Email: enquiries@rsbc.org.uk
LOOK’s Parent Support Group
The next meeting is on 5th February and dates for the rest of 2026 have been published on the LOOK website.
Take part in research
GiveVision technology trial – participants wanted
GiveVision is inviting blind and partially sighted people to take part in a trial of new vision enhancement technology designed to help people engage with live events.
Participants will test the technology and share feedback, with some invited to attend a live event or sports event using the equipment, with free tickets and travel costs covered. Places are limited and participation is voluntary.
To apply, complete the online form or contact GiveVision on 0121 6303 063 for support with the application.
Have your say on the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessment
The UK Government is reviewing the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessment process. RNIB is inviting blind and partially sighted people to share their experiences of the PIP assessment and ideas for how it could be improved. The feedback will help inform RNIB’s campaigning for a fairer system during the review. Find out more and the link to the survey on this RNIB survey webpage
Improving NHS experiences for blind and partially sighted people
Do you get the support you need from the NHS?
Find out what’s happening in Bristol to improve this.
The West of England Sight Loss Council (SLC) has been working with North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) for the past five years to improve the experiences of blind and partially sighted people visiting or receiving care at Southmead and Cossham Hospitals, as well as other NBT services. A recent survey was carried out to take stock of progress and help shape the way forward.
The results highlight areas where improvements are already making a positive difference, as well as where future efforts need to focus. People spoke highly of the support provided on arrival at Southmead Hospital and the growing use of digital technology, which is helping improve access for some.
Further work is needed to ensure digital communications are fully accessible. Importantly, the survey emphasised the need to consistently use each person’s chosen format for information and communication from NBT, whether digital or otherwise. The training delivered by the SLC, which has been successful in improving support on arrival at the hospital, will now focus on enhancing support in areas where this is still lacking.
Thank you to everyone who took part in the survey. Your feedback has provided the evidence needed to ensure future work targets the priority areas for improvement.
Heather Armstrong, SLC Lead for work at NBT
Emily Ayling, Head of Patient Experience at NBT
Ann O’Malley, Patient Access and Inclusion Lead at NBT
Jhalak Rajput, Engagement and Involvement Lead at NBT
Looking for online activities?
We keep a list of virtual groups and events from other organisations on our website. These include social groups, webinars, technology sessions and more, all accessible from home. Visit our Online Resources From Other Organisations webpage