Online Resources From Other Organisations

Useful online resources for those living with sight loss.

Here you’ll find a wide range of online groups, webinars, support networks, and virtual social activities that are accessible to people living with sight loss. These are provided by external organisations and are not run by Sight Support West of England, Wiltshire Sight or Insight Gloucestershire.

Support Groups and Socials

  • Retina UK Peer Support Groups
    National peer support and interest groups, including ‘Talking Tech’. Contact: services@RetinaUK.org.uk or visit the Retina UK website.
  • Macular Society Support Groups
    Online condition-specific support groups and the My Macular and Me webinars.
    Visit Macular Society.
  • Glaucoma UK Digital Support Group
    Virtual meet-ups for people affected by glaucoma.
    Visit Glaucoma UK.
  • Torch Trust Online Coffee Mornings
    Monthly Christian social group, 4th Thursday at 11am.
    Contact: info@torchtrust.org or Torch Trust Website.
  • Blind Ambition Working Age Forum
    Monthly online sessions focused on employment for blind and partially sighted working-age adults. Blind Ambition Website
  • Thomas Pocklington Trust ‘Let’s Talk Jobs’ Workshops
    Online sessions supporting people with sight loss into employment.
    Visit TPT Website.
  • Deafblind UK Job Club & Tech Support
    Fortnightly Job Club and on-the-spot tech advice for people with dual sensory loss.
    Deafblind UK
  • Socialise by Vision Support
    Virtual social club for young and working age people. Also hosts Time to Chat, a monthly dial-in group.
  • UK Keratoconus Self-Help Zoom Meetings
    Quarterly online meetings for people affected by keratoconus.
    Visit UKKS Website
  • BBS UK Virtual Social Group
    Monthly sessions for adults living with Bardet-Biedl Syndrome.
    Visit BBS UK
  • Behçet’s UK Online Support Groups
    Regular Zoom sessions, a helpline, and peer support for people affected by Behçet’s.
    Visit Behçet’s UK
  • Nystagmus Network Virtual Groups
    Online support for people with congenital or acquired nystagmus.
    Visit Nystagmus Network
  • Blind Parents UK
    Support for blind and partially sighted parents and grandparents.
    Call 01905 886 252 or email info@blindparents.uk
    Website
  • LOOK Parent Support Group
    For families and carers of children and young people with sight loss.
    Visit LOOK Website
  • RNIB Community Connection Groups
    Themed telephone and Facebook groups including art, gardening, tech, and parenting.
    Join the RNIB Facebook Group

Webinars and Talks

  • Macular Society Virtual Clinics
    Expert-led webinars on the third Tuesday of each month at 7pm.
    Macular Society Events
  • Royal Collection Online Lectures
    Monthly art talks for blind and partially sighted people, first Tuesday of the month.
    Visit the Royal Collection website
  • Deafblind UK Talk Tech Webinars
    Free sessions with practical tech advice for people with dual sensory loss.
    Deafblind UK Calendar

Training and Courses

  • Macular Society Eccentric Viewing Training
    Free online training to help people with macular disease use their remaining vision.
    Eccentric Viewing
  • Guide Dogs Sighted Guiding Training
    Free virtual training for friends, family, and volunteers supporting someone with sight loss.
    Guide Dogs Training Info
  • Retina UK Discover Wellbeing
    Free online wellbeing resource for people affected by sight loss and their families.
    Discover Wellbeing

Leisure and Activities

  • Online Bridge Club (Kent Association for the Blind)
    Thursdays at 3pm, with occasional Tuesday games.
    Contact Matthew Beddow: mbeddow@ntlworld.com or Linda Emmerson: Linda.Emmerson@kab.org.uk
  • My Sound Cinema
    An online cinema platform where all films are audio described.
    Visit My Sound Cinema

Information and Campaigns

  • Thomas Pocklington Trust Cost of Living Hub
    Advice and information tailored for people with sight loss.
    Visit the Cost of Living Hub
  • Home Improvement Funding Checker
    Use Consumer Rights UK’s online tool to see if you’re eligible for funded upgrades.
    Check Your Eligibility
  • RNIB Campaign – Write to Your MP
    Contact your MP if you’re concerned about proposed changes to benefits.
    Take Action on the RNIB Website