What’s On Newsletter – October 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 October edition of What’s On!

This month’s newsletter includes local events, support groups, accessible activities, volunteering opportunities and updates from Sight Support West of England, Wiltshire Sight and Insight Gloucestershire.

As always, you will find a dedicated section for your local charity, followed by activities and opportunities from across the region and online. Whether you are looking to try something new, connect with others or simply see what’s coming up nearby, we hope there is something of interest for you this month.

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.

10. Whats On Newsletter October 2026 (DOCX, 137 KB)

General updates from your local sight loss charities

Eye Can Gloucester – Monday 28 September

Eye Can Gloucester takes place Monday, 28 September, from 10am–3pm (last entry 2.30pm) at Dowty Sports & Social Club, Down Hatherley Lane, Down Hatherley, Gloucester, GL2 9QH.

There’s no need to book – just come along to explore equipment and services for blind and partially sighted people, meet exhibitors and hear from our programme of speakers.

If you can travel to Gloucester we would love to see you there.

Eye Can Gloucester Eventbrite page, or call 01242 221170 for

Local and Online Meet-ups

Our meet-ups for working-age blind and partially sighted adults are now underway, with local meet-ups in Bath and Bristol and a new Salisbury meet-up starting in November.

Local Meet-ups are relaxed social get-togethers – a chance to have a drink, chat and meet other working-age blind and partially sighted people nearby.

Bath
Wednesday 14 October, 7pm–9pm
Comptoir Libanais Bath, 4 Newark Street, Bath BA1 1AT
Second Wednesday of each month.

Bristol
Our October Bristol Meet-up has been postponed while we find a new venue. If you’re interested in coming along to future Bristol Meet-ups, please sign up for Meet-up updates below and we’ll email you as soon as new dates and venue details are confirmed.

New – Salisbury
Starting Saturday 14 November, 10.30am–11.30am at
Charlie’s Café, 35 Catherine Street, Salisbury SP1 2DQ.
Second Saturday of each month.

Join us online in October

19 October – The AI Frontier: Exploring Tools for Independence

From apps that read menus to smart glasses that act as a digital pair of eyes, AI is changing what’s possible. Come and swap favourite hacks, technology mishaps and thoughts on the hype, the reality and what we really need from AI.

Coming up: 16 November – Pack Your Bags: Let’s Talk Travel and 14 December – Festive & Fearless: Navigating Christmas with Sight Loss.

Want to come along? Sign up for Meet-up updates using our short Microsoft Form, or call 0117 322 4885 if you’d prefer to sign up by phone. Sign up for Meet-up updates

Find out more about our Local and Online Meet-ups

Moving Forward Course – online this November

Our free three-week Moving Forward Course offers practical information and advice for anyone adjusting to changes in their sight or looking to build confidence and learn new skills.

Taking place online via Zoom, each session explores a different aspect of living with sight loss:

Monday 23 November, 2pm–3.15pm – First Steps: Introduction to Rehabilitation & Getting Out and About
Find out about rehabilitation support, practical skills for getting around safely and what help may be available from local services.
Monday 30 November, 2pm–3.15pm – Bigger, Bolder, Brighter: Everyday Smart Access
Explore simple ways to make reading, writing and using everyday devices easier, including magnification, contrast, text size and voice control.
Monday 7 December, 2pm–3.15pm – Specialist Technology & Staying Social, Staying Active
Discover specialist technology and equipment, along with ideas and opportunities for staying connected, active and involved.

You’re welcome to join the full course or choose the sessions most relevant to you.

Find out more: Moving Forward Course webpage

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

Sight Support Hub Updates

All of our regular community hubs and social groups continue as normal. Below are this month’s updates for selected groups. You can find full details of all upcoming events and activities on our website. View all upcoming events and activities

New Downend Hub

We’re pleased to be opening a new hub in Downend from Thursday 15 October, which will then take place on the third Thursday of each month at:

Avonmere Care Home
339 Badminton Road
Bristol BS36 1AJ

Social group: 10am–12 noon
Appointments: 10am–11am
Drop-in: 11am–12 noon

We’ll also be starting a new social group, so this is a great time to come along, meet other local blind and partially sighted people and help the group get started. The social group will meet in the ground-floor dining room, behind reception.

If you’re driving, parking is available at Avonmere or at the Willy Wicket car park. If using the Willy Wicket car park, remember to enter your vehicle registration into the tablet near the front door.

Easton Community Hub

Due to building work, our Easton Community Hub will not be running in October. Please contact us if you’d like information about alternative hubs during this time.

Insight Gloucestershire news

Cheltenham theatre trips

Places are available for upcoming trips:

Friday 11 December, 2pm – Cinderella (price to be confirmed). Book by Wednesday 18 November.

A limited allocation of seats is available on a first come, first served basis. If this allocation is full, tickets may still be available directly from the theatre.

To book, contact Insight Gloucestershire on 01242 221170.

Get involved in See the Difference

This National Eye Health Week, 21–27 September, Insight Gloucestershire is encouraging people across the county to help create a more sight-aware Gloucestershire through our See the Difference campaign.

If you’d like to get involved, you could share our campaign messages, display a poster in your workplace or community, or organise a small fundraiser such as a coffee morning or raffle.

Our See the Difference Guide includes ideas and resources to help you take part.

Find out more and download the See the Difference resources.

Insight Gloucestershire Hub Updates

All of our community hubs are running as normal this month. You can find the latest dates and venues on our website linked below, or call us on 01242 221170 if you’d like to check details of your local hub.

View all upcoming events and activities

Wiltshire Sight news

Wiltshire Sight Updates

Our new Marlborough charity shop is now open!

If you’re in Marlborough, come along and visit our lovely new Wiltshire Sight charity shop at 133 High Street. We’d love to see you!

Pop in for a browse and see what bargains you can find, with quality pre-loved fashion, shoes and accessories, homeware, books, toys and more.

The shop has been designed with accessibility in mind, with clear pathways, good lighting, high-contrast features and simple, bold signage to make browsing easier for blind and partially sighted customers.

Shop, donate or volunteer

Fancy a clear-out? We’d love your good-quality donations to help keep our rails and shelves full – just pull up outside and drop them off during opening hours.

Or perhaps you’d like to join our friendly team of volunteers? Pop in for a chat or email volunteering@wiltshiresight.org to find out more.

However you support the shop, you’ll be helping us support blind and partially sighted people across Wiltshire and Swindon.

Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday, 9.30am–4.30pm
Sunday, 10am–4pm

Wiltshire Sight Hub Updates

Amesbury – share your experiences of rural life and health

Thursday 8 October, 10.30am–12.30pm
Amesbury Library

The Amesbury social group will be joined by Amber Skyring from Community First, who is working on a project exploring how people in rural communities manage long-term health conditions. This is an opportunity to share your own experiences and help inform work that could bring about positive change in the future.

Tisbury – exploring art with magnification

Thursday 15 October, 11am–1pm
The Nadder Centre, Tisbury

Local artist Jane Hall Mclean will be joining us this month and bringing along some of her artwork to explore using a tabletop magnifier. Come along for a chance to experience her work in a different way and enjoy the usual friendly get-together.

Swindon – adapting clothes to work for you

Thursday 15 October, 10am–12.30pm
Pilgrim Centre, Swindon

The Swindon social group will be joined by local charity Dressability, which adapts clothing to suit people’s individual physical needs.

From hems to haberdashery, the team will explain some of the practical changes they can make to clothing to help solve everyday problems and make clothes work better for the wearer.

Come along to find out more about the service and how Dressability may be able to help you.

Swindon – Wiltshire Sight Audiobook Group

The Wiltshire Sight Audiobook Group meets on the second Tuesday of each month, from 1pm to 2pm at Swindon Central Library.

At the next meeting on 8 September, the group will be discussing The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah, which is available through the public library service on 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, email audiobookgroupvolunteer@wiltshiresight.org

Salisbury Social Group

Wednesday 16^th September – Wiltshire Bobby Van are joining the Salisbury social group to share information about staying safe online. 10.30-12.30, 1^st Floor of Salisbury Library

Salisbury Audiobook Group

Wednesday 28^th October – Salisbury audiobook group will be discussing As long as the lemon trees grow by Zoulfa Katouh.

No need to book do come along and join us – 11am-12pm, 1^st Floor of Salisbury Library.

Useful information

Wroughton – Crafters De-Stash Sale in aid of Wiltshire Sight

Pick up some crafty bargains at a Crafters De-Stash Sale on Saturday 17 October, 1.30pm–4pm, at Ellendune Community Centre, Wroughton, SN4 9LW.

Entry is £2 (cash only), with refreshments and free parking available. All profits from the event will go to Wiltshire Sight, supporting blind and partially sighted people across Wiltshire and Swindon.

Bristol – Avon Talking Magazine

Avon Talking Magazine provides a free monthly audio magazine for blind and partially sighted people across Bristol and the surrounding area.

Produced by a dedicated team of volunteers, each edition brings together local news, information, features and items of interest, helping listeners stay informed and connected with their community.

The service is completely free and new listeners are always very welcome. To find out more, request the magazine or refer someone who may benefit, visit the Avon Talking Magazine website.

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.

Free VI cricket taster sessions

Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation is running free taster sessions for blind and partially sighted people who would like to give cricket a try. All abilities are welcome and beginners are encouraged.

Cheltenham – Bourneside School, GL51 3EF
Saturday 7 November and Saturday 5 December, 1pm–2pm
Bristol – John Cabot Academy, BS15 8BD
Saturday 14 November and Saturday 5 December, 11am–12 noon

Gloucestershire Growlers

You can also join the Gloucestershire Growlers, a friendly VI cricket group and a great way to stay active, meet new people and enjoy cricket in a supportive environment. All abilities are welcome and beginners are encouraged.

For more information about the Growlers or the taster sessions, contact Jeanette Tate at jeanette.tate@gloucestershirecricketfoundation.org or 07432 728926.

Online – Telephone Activity Sessions

Sense Active offers a range of audio-described physical activity sessions delivered over the telephone by expert instructors, helping you stay active from home. Weekly sessions include seated yoga (Mondays), movement with imagination (Tuesdays), seated dance (Wednesdays) and seated Pilates (Thursdays). For more information or to book, visit Sense Active Telephone Activity Sessions booking form, email alice.turner@sense.org.uk or call 07599 104405.

Warminster – Warminster and Westbury Visually Impaired Club

The Warminster and Westbury Visually Impaired Club meets every Monday from 2pm–4pm at St John’s Hall, Boreham Road, Warminster. As organiser Virginia says, the club is “the greatest fun, and full of the loveliest people.” Members enjoy a varied programme of speakers, entertainers and musicians, followed by afternoon tea with sandwiches and homemade cakes. Transport is available with members collected from home and taken back afterwards. For more information, call Virginia on 01985 219132.

Children and young people

Regular groups

You can find information of regular activities on our website – Activities for children, young people and families

British Blind Sport Junior Swim Festival

British Blind Sport’s Junior Swim Festival returns to Solihull this October for blind and partially sighted children and young people aged 3–17.

The festival offers a fun and supportive afternoon of swimming activities, including races, swimming and diving lessons, and fun relays. It’s also a chance to build confidence, meet other young people and find out more about inclusive sporting opportunities.

Time: 1pm–5pm
Venue: Tudor Grange Leisure Centre, Solihull

Find out more and sign up for the Junior Swim Festival

Accessible books – Roald Dahl Discovery Boxes

Living Paintings brand-new Roald Dahl Discovery Boxes will soon be available from its free postal library, giving children who are blind or partially sighted a new way to discover classic chapter books. Each box includes a copy of the book, the full audio story, tactile pictures and our exclusive audio guide. Discover classics including Matilda, Danny the Champion of the World, The BFG and James and the Giant Peach. Beneficiaries can pre-order the boxes on the Living Paintings website.

Inclusive tennis in Chipping Sodbury

Weekly tennis sessions for disabled young people and those with long-term health conditions are taking place on Mondays until 14 December at The Ridings, Chipping Sodbury. Sessions run from 5pm–5.55pm and all abilities are welcome.

Find out more and book a tennis session

Parents Virtual Hub – 15 October

Our next Parents Virtual Hub takes place on Thursday 15 October, 7.30pm–8.30pm via Microsoft Teams, offering a friendly online space for parents and carers of blind and partially sighted children and young people to connect and share experiences.

Find out more about our Parents Virtual Hub.

Audio described arts and theatre

Galleries and Museums

Bath – Victoria Art Gallery

Bridge Street, BA2 4AT

Art on Mondays talks for VI Visitors

12 October 2026 – Bath Society of Artists
2 November – Katharine Wall, Collections Manager
7 December 2026 – The World of the Snowman

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

Arnolfini is offering audio-described tours of Joy Gregory: Catching Flies with Honey for blind and partially sighted people.

Tours take place before the galleries open, offering a calm and relaxed environment. Sighted guides are available, with complimentary tea and coffee in the Arnolfini Café Bar afterwards.

Friday 27 November, 10am–11am
Saturday 30 January, 10am–11am

Tours are free, but booking is required. Email community@arnolfini.org.uk to reserve a place.

Find out more about the exhibition

Bristol – Royal West of England Academy

Queens Rd, Bristol BS8 1PX

RWA 173 Annual Open Exhibition on:

Saturday 10 October at 10.30am – 12pm.
5 December at 10.30am – 12pm.

To join, please email Connie Ngan connie.ngan@rwa.org.uk or call 07745694563 and say whether you will bring a sighted companion or need a volunteer guide. Refreshments available after the tour.

Theatres & Performance – Audio Described Shows

Salisbury Playhouse – Wiltshire Creative

Wiltshire Creative are proud to present the World Premiere of The Haunting of Hill House from September 12^th until October 3^rd; there will be audio described performances on October 1^st at 2.15 and 7.30. In November we welcome East is East our co-production with Octagon Theatre, Bolton, opening on November 3^rd with audio described performances on November 12^th at 2.15 and 7.30.

For more information or to buy tickets please visit https://www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk/whats-on or call our friendly box office team on 01722320333.

Wyvern Theatre

The Wyvern Theatre’s Christmas pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, will include an audio described performance on Saturday 5 December 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027.

Find out more and book tickets for Jack and the Beanstalk.

Bath – Theatre Royal

Sawclose, BA1 1ET

15 October – A Man for All seasons with Martin Shaw
2 November – The Sea by Edward Bond starring Jennifer Saunders
19 November – Murder in the Cathedral by T S Eliot. With David Suchet
20 and 29 December at 1pm – Beauty and the Beast.
6 February – Sister Act

Pre show audio notes sent before show. Hearing devices available from the bars when the house opens – 30 mins before the show. All performances have touch tours. More details and tickets on 01225 448844. Make sure you subscribe to the Theatre’s Access List.

Cheltenham – The Everyman Theatre

The Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, is delighted to be offering audio described performances for the following shows.

Annie on Thursday 8^th October at 2:00pm
Cinderella on Friday 11^th December at 2:00pm
Six on Friday 9^th April at 6:00pm
Everybody’s Talking about Jamie on Saturday 15th May at 2:00pm

Touch Tours on stage at 11.30am (except for Six, time TBC)

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.

Bristol – Hippodrome

St Augustine’s Parade, BS1 4UZ

29 October – Back to the Future: The Musical
16 December – Sleeping Beauty with Craig Revel Horwood

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

Main House

31October – Lanny
18 December – Cinderella – A Fairy Tale
3 March – Pericles – A re-imagining of Shakespeare’s play for modern times

In the Weston Studio

14-17 October – What’s the F**king Point – performed by FlawBored a disability-led theatre company. All shows have integrated AD.

For more details and to book – ring the Box office – 0117 987 7877

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

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. Find out more on the RNIB events and courses webpage or for further information email lwwslenquiries@rnib.org.uk or phone 0303 123 9999.

Take part in research

Have your say on sport and physical activity

British Blind Sport is carrying out research into people’s preferences around sport and physical activity and is inviting people to take part in a short online survey.

If you’d like to share your views, you can complete the survey on the British Blind Sport website.

Bristol – Have your say on proposed Bristol red route

Bristol City Council is asking for views on proposals to introduce a red route through parts of Bedminster and Redcliffe.

The proposals would change where vehicles can stop, park, load and unload along the route. There are exemptions for taxis and for dropping off or picking up a Disabled passenger with a Blue Badge.

If you travel through the area, you can find out more about the proposals and complete the survey by Friday 30 October.

Find out more and have your say

Share your views on accessible food labelling

The Braille Food Labelling Campaign wants to hear from blind and partially sighted people about their experiences of accessing information on food packaging.

The campaign is calling for food products to include the product name in braille, alongside accessible ways to find full product information, such as QR codes or NaviLens. Survey responses will be used as evidence to support the campaign for change.

The survey takes around ten minutes and can be completed online, by phone, email or post. It closes on 31 October.

Complete the accessible food labelling survey

For an alternative accessible format, email policy@sightscotland.org.uk.

Online – Cerebral Visual Impairment Research Study

A postgraduate researcher at the University of Bath is looking for adults with Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI) to take part in a dissertation study exploring visual processing. Participation involves a single online video call lasting around 30–45 minutes. The study is open to UK residents aged 16 or over. Ethics approval: 16604-20941. For more information, contact ass333@bath.ac.uk

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