What’s On Newsletter – November 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 November 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.
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11. Whats On Newsletter November 2026 (DOCX, 140 KB)
General updates from your local sight loss charities
Make your smartphone or tablet easier to use – November courses
Are you finding it harder to read the screen on your smartphone or tablet? Would you like to learn how to make the text bigger, change the contrast or use your voice to control your device?
Our free, two-session Introduction to Smart Device Accessibility course is a beginner-friendly introduction to these useful features. You’ll explore simple adjustments that can make everyday tasks easier, including reading messages, making calls and searching for information.
The course is suitable for partially sighted people who already use a smartphone or tablet but are new to its accessibility features. Sessions are small and supportive, with plenty of time to practise and ask questions.
November course dates:
- Stroud – 3 and 10 November
- Cheltenham – 5 and 12 November
- Swindon – 4 and 11 November
- Trowbridge – 20 and 27 November
- Midsomer Norton – 13 and 20 November
- Bath – 10 and 17 November
- Thornbury – 19 and 26 November
Places are limited and booking is essential. To find out more or book, please contact your local charity:
- Insight Gloucestershire: 01242 221170
- Wiltshire Sight: 01380 723682
- Sight Support West of England: 0117 322 4885
If you’re completely new to smartphones or tablets, or would prefer individual help, one-to-one digital skills support is also available at many of our Sight Loss Advice Hubs.
Local and Online Meet-ups
Looking to meet other working-age blind and partially sighted adults? Our Local and Online Meet-ups offer a friendly, informal way to connect, share experiences and enjoy good conversation.
Our Local Meet-ups take place monthly in Bath, Bristol and Salisbury. Whether you’re coming along for the first time, hoping to make new friends or simply fancy a chat over a drink, you’ll receive a warm welcome.
November Local Meet-ups
- Bath – Wednesday 11 November, 7pm to 9pm
Comptoir Libanais, 4 Newark Street, Bath BA1 1AT.
Meets on the second Wednesday of each month.
- Bristol – Thursday 19 November, 7pm to 9pm
New venue: It’s Thecha restaurant, inside Grand By Sunday hotel, Broad Street, Bristol BS1 2EL.
Meets on the third Thursday of each month.
- Salisbury – Saturday 14 November, 10.30am to 11.30am
Charlie’s Café, 35 Catherine Street, Salisbury SP1 2DQ.
A new Meet-up, taking place on the second Saturday of each month.
Join us online – Let’s Talk Travel
Monday 16 November, 7.30pm to 8.30pm, via Zoom.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveller, planning your next holiday or simply curious about travelling with sight loss, come along for a relaxed conversation about accessible travel.
We’ll share experiences, practical tips, favourite destinations and perhaps a few holiday mishaps along the way!
The session will be hosted by Lucy Kibria, with contributions from Mark Bailey, sharing his lived experience, and Stephen from Altogether Travel, offering a professional perspective on accessible travel.
Interested in joining us?
You can sign up for Meet-up updates using our short form, or call 0117 322 4885 if you’d prefer to register by phone.
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
Bristol and Bath – Join our local Meet-ups
Our monthly Meet-ups offer working-age blind and partially sighted adults a chance to meet others locally, enjoy a drink and have a friendly chat.
Our Bristol Meet-up has a new venue, and we’d love to welcome you along!
- Bath: Wednesday 11 November, 7pm to 9pm, Comptoir Libanais, 4 Newark Street, Bath BA1 1AT.
- Bristol: Thursday 19 November, 7pm to 9pm, It’s Thecha restaurant, inside Grand By Sunday hotel, Broad Street, Bristol BS1 2EL.
Whether you’re coming along for the first time or have been before, everyone is welcome. Find out more and sign up for Meet-up updates.
Sight Support Hub Updates
Our other 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
Bristol – St Paul’s hub closing and Easton hub reopening
Our St Paul’s Sight Loss Advice Hub has now closed and will no longer run from November.
Our Easton hub is reopening following a temporary closure for building maintenance, and we’d love to welcome everyone back, including anyone who previously attended St Paul’s.
Easton Community Sight Loss Hub
Date: Monday 16 November, and every third Monday of the month thereafter.
Venue: Easton Community Centre, Kilburn Street, Easton, Bristol BS5 6AW.
Times:
- 1pm to 2pm – Drop-in advice and support.
- 1pm to 3pm – Friendly social group.
Appointments are also available outside the drop-in time. To book an appointment or find out more, call Sight Support West of England on 0117 322 4885.
Insight Gloucestershire news
Cheltenham theatre trips
Fancy a trip to the theatre? We’d love you to join us for one of our upcoming outings to the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham. Enjoy a show, meet others and share a meal together. All performances include a touch tour, and carers go free.
Places are available for the following shows:
- Friday 11 December, 2pm – Cinderella. Tickets £25. Touch tour at 11.30am, followed by an optional Christmas lunch at 12 noon (£28 for two courses). Book by 11 November.
- Thursday 28 January, 2pm – The King’s Speech. Tickets £33. Touch tour at 11.30am.
- Friday 9 April, 6pm – Six the Musical. Tickets £50.50. Touch tour time to be confirmed.
- Saturday 15 May, 2pm – Everybody’s Talking About Jamie. Tickets £41. Touch tour at 11.30am.
Meals are also planned for the 2027 trips, with menus and further details to follow.
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.
Insight Gloucestershire 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
Dursley and Newent – Wiltshire Farm Foods tasting sessions
Wiltshire Farm Foods will be visiting our Dursley and Newent hubs in November, offering visitors the chance to sample some of their meals and find out more about their home delivery service.
- Dursley: Friday 6 November, 11am to 1pm, Dursley Methodist Church, Castle Street, Dursley GL11 4BS.
- Newent: Friday 13 November, 11am to 12 noon, The Chill Out Zone, 36 Broad Street, Newent GL18 1AJ
- Drop in from 10am for advice from your Community Sight Loss Advisor
Everyone is welcome to come along and join the friendly social groups.
Wiltshire Sight news
Salisbury – Wiltshire Sight coffee morning
Come along and support Wiltshire Sight at our coffee morning on Saturday 7 November, 9.30am to 12 noon, at St Thomas’ Church, Salisbury.
Enjoy freshly made cakes, browse the craft stall and pick up some Wiltshire Sight Christmas cards.
Salisbury – New working-age Meet-up
Our first Salisbury Meet-up for working-age blind and partially sighted adults takes place on Saturday 14 November, 10.30am to 11.30am, at Charlie’s Café, 35 Catherine Street, Salisbury SP1 2DQ.
Whether you’d like to meet new people, catch up with others or simply enjoy a chat over a drink, you’ll receive a warm welcome.
Swindon – Meet the Swindon BATS social group
Wiltshire Sight is joining Swindon BATS for a friendly, informal evening of drinks and chat. Come along to meet others and find out more about the activities Swindon BATS offers.
Date: Friday 27 November, 7pm to 9pm.
Venue: Swindon Conservative Club, 20 Bath Road, Swindon SN1 4BA.
There’s no need to book, just drop in! Friends and family are welcome.
Transport: Parking is available at the rear of the venue. Nearby bus stops serve routes 9, 11, 12 and 22 (Prospect Place) and 154 (Avenue Road).
Marlborough – Visit our Wiltshire Sight charity shop
Have you visited our new charity shop at 133 High Street, Marlborough? Pop in for a browse, discover some pre-loved bargains or drop off your good-quality donations.
We’re also looking for friendly volunteers to help in the shop, whether that’s serving customers, sorting donations or keeping the shop looking its best.
If you’re interested in volunteering, pop in for a chat or email volunteering@wiltshiresight.org.
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 9.30am to 4.30pm; Sunday, 10am to 4pm.
Wiltshire Sight 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
Amesbury and Tisbury – Synapptic demonstrations
Dave Salisbury from Synapptic will be visiting two of our hubs in November to demonstrate how Synapptic technology can support blind and partially sighted people.
- Amesbury: Thursday 12 November, 10.30am to 12.30pm, Amesbury Library.
- Tisbury: Thursday 19 November, 11am to 1pm, Nadder Centre.
Come along to find out more and see the technology in action.
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 Tuesday 10 November, the group will discuss The Distant Hours by Kate Morton, available through the public library service on BorrowBox.
The group offers a relaxed and friendly space to discuss books and share audiobook recommendations. New members are very welcome. For more information, email audiobookgroupvolunteer@wiltshiresight.org
Wroughton – Making clothes easier to wear
Corinna Ling from Swindon-based charity Dressability will be visiting the Wroughton hub social group to talk about adapting clothing to make getting dressed easier and ways to simplify your wardrobe.
Wednesday 4 November, 10am to 12 noon at St Joseph’s Church Hall, Devizes Road, Wroughton SN4 0RZ
Marlborough – Talking Newspaper
Jenny Lyall from Marlborough and District Talking Newspaper will be visiting the Marlborough hub to introduce their free service and explain how to subscribe.
Tuesday 10 November, 10am to 12 noon at Quaker Hall, The Parade, Marlborough.
Useful information
Bath – Braille Space event
Bristol Braille Technology is holding its next Braille Space event at Bath Spa University, offering an opportunity to explore innovative multiline Braille technology.
Visitors can try devices including the Canute Scientific, a Braille workstation designed for science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). It can be used for tactile diagrams and maps, electronics projects and even playing chess.
The event is open to anyone interested in Braille and accessible technology.
Date: Wednesday 18 November, 4pm to 6pm.
Venue: Bath Spa University, Newton Park Campus, Bath.
For more information or to confirm attendance, email Chris Turner.
RNIB – Help make our streets more accessible
RNIB is inviting people to support its campaign to make streets and neighbourhoods safer for blind and partially sighted people.
Obstacles such as bins left on pavements, abandoned e-scooters and damaged footpaths can make getting around difficult and dangerous.
By signing the pledge, you can receive free bin stickers to encourage people to keep pavements clear, resources to raise accessibility concerns with your local council, and opportunities to take part in local events and street accessibility reviews.
The campaign is open to people in England: Accessible streets pledge | RNIB Campaigns
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.
Sign up for a free VI cricket taster session
Bristol – Inclusive Multi-Sport Festival
Ignite Bristol is holding a free Inclusive Multi-Sport Festival for disabled and neurodivergent people and their families, offering opportunities to try a range of sports and activities.
Date: Sunday 22 November, 1pm to 4pm.
Venue: 224 Youth Zone, Hartcliffe Way, Bristol BS4 1GQ.
The event is free, but registration is required. If you need a BSL interpreter, please mention this when registering.
Register for the Inclusive Multi-Sport Festival.
Children and young people
Regular groups
You can find information of regular activities on our website – Activities for children, young people and families
Accessible books – Amazon Rainforest Discovery Box
Discover the Amazon Rainforest with Living Paintings latest Discovery Box for children who are blind or partially sighted. Designed for ages 7–11, it explores the plants, animals and people of this diverse habitat. Seven tactile images bring the rainforest to life, alongside an engaging audio description featuring the voices of explorers Levison Wood and Lucy Shepherd, and more. Beneficiaries can order the box from Living Paintings free postal library 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 – 19 November
Our next Parents Virtual Hub takes place on Thursday 19 November, 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
- 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
The next described tours are of Joy Gregory: Catching Flies with Honey on:
- Friday 27 November 10 –11am
- Saturday 30 January 10 –11am
Find more information about the exhibition on this link:
Joy Gregory: Catching Flies with Honey – Arnolfini
If you’d like to come along, please email community@arnolfini.org.uk and say whether you need a sighted guide during the tour. Complimentary tea and coffee served afterwards in the Arnolfini Café Bar.
Bristol – Royal West of England Academy
Queens Rd, Bristol BS8 1PX
5 December from 10.30am till 12pm is the second tour of the Annual Open Exhibition. As always there will be a wide variety of works to explore, handle and discuss.
Further information from Connie connie.ngan@rwa.org.uk Please let her know if you need a sighted guide or will have a companion.
Theatres & Performance – Audio Described Shows
Salisbury Playhouse – Wiltshire Creative
This month at Wiltshire Creative we are pleased to present Ayub Khan Din’s modern classic East is East, set in 70s Salford it blends razor-sharp comedy with moments of shocking honesty. East Is East is a story about identity, generational conflict, and the messy, unbreakable bonds of family. Our Audio described performances are on Thursday November 12th with Touch tours available 60 minutes before both shows. For more information or to buy tickets visit https://www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk/ call 01722320333 or pop into Ticket Sales at Salisbury Playhouse.
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
- 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.
- Cinderella on Friday 11th December at 2:00pm
- Six on Friday 9th 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
- 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
Note: From January 2027 the Hippodrome will be closed for a few months for refurbishment.
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
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
Bristol – Have your say on the city’s parks
Your Park Bristol & Bath is inviting residents to help shape Bristol’s new Park Quality Plan, including what makes parks welcoming, accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Community workshops take place on 2 November (St Paul’s), 12 November (Fishponds) and 21 November (Sea Mills). Participants will receive a £30 voucher, expenses will be covered and access needs accommodated.
Find out more and register your interest, or call 07926 904248.
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.
Have your say on mobile banking accessibility
A PhD researcher at University College Cork is looking for blind and partially sighted people to take part in a survey about the accessibility of mobile banking apps.
The research aims to improve mobile banking accessibility. Participants must be aged 18 or over, use a mobile banking app and use assistive technology such as VoiceOver or TalkBack.
The survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete, and responses are confidential.
Take part in the mobile banking accessibility survey.
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
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