Local Leisure, Social and Support Opportunities
This page lists local leisure, social and support opportunities for blind and partially sighted people across the areas supported by Sight Support West of England, Wiltshire Sight and Insight Gloucestershire. Activities include regular social and peer support groups as well as leisure and sporting opportunities.
We do our best to keep this information up to date, but details may change without notice, so please check directly with the organising group or venue before attending.
To find virtual opportunities, visit our Online Groups and Resources page.
For opportunities for children and families, visit our Children and Young People page.
Events in the Sight Support West of England area
Bristol Arrow Bowls Club.
Click here: Bristol Arrow Bowls Club website
Sessions for blind and partially sighted people take place every Monday and Friday from 2pm at the Bristol Arrow Bowls Club, 80 Redland Road, Bristol, BS6 6AG. Contact Mike Blunsden, Chair, for more information on 01179 567354.
National Trust VI Walks at Tyntesfield Estate
Learn about the history of this fascinating place and use your senses to engage with nature on this intimate and interactive tour.
The free tours will take place on the second and fourth Friday of each month from 11am – see website for dates. They will accompany 6 visually impaired individuals (and an accompanying individual) on a 3/4 mile accessible trail. National Trust website Walks at Tyntesfield Call 01275461900
Visually Impaired Tennis
Chipping Sodbury Tennis Club, Tuesday evenings 6 to 7pm, contact Ben Hardwick tennisaceben@hotmail.co.uk
Visual Impairment Friendly Rowing
Learn to row in a fun and friendly environment. Sighted rowers will provide support if required. Contact volunteering@allaboardwatersports.co.uk
Street Dance Sessions from Steetenvy Dance Academy
Supported by Access Sport. Classes are for all ages contact: streetenvydanceacademy@hotmail.com or Access Sport – Email: jonny.fenner@accesssport.co.uk / 07878 814396
Robins Foundation VI Football Sessions
Adult & youth VI football sessions from the Robins Foundation. Email edward.studley@bcfc.co.uk or call 07899 991983.
Free Accessible Cricket Sessions
Fully accessible free cricket sessions. No experience necessary. Contact jeanette.tate@gloucestershirecricketfoundation.org
Fitness Class for Blind and Visually Impaired People
Specialised low impact exercise class for blind and visually impaired people at Kingswood. Contact Hayley or Marcella for more info: 07525 790951 rechargeft@gmail.com
VI Runners Bristol
If you would like to find out more about this group visit their ‘VI Runners Bristol’ Facebook page and send them a message.
Roll and Stroll
Free walking and rolling group for disabled people. Contact Dan Mch.bristoldef@gmail.com or call 07552 580678.
Two’s Company
A tandem cycling project for adults and young people in Bristol who are blind or visually impaired. Call 0117 353 4580 or email twos-company@lifecycle.org.uk or visit www.lifecycleuk.org.uk
Soul Trail Wellbeing Walks
Soul Trail Wellbeing have received training in how to offer sighted guiding. Email: soultrailwellbeing@gmail.com
Purnell Bowls Club
The Sports Ground, Old Bristol Road, Paulton, BS39 7NX
The Bowl for Health programme takes place each Thursday between 4.15-6.15pm. For more information and to book your place on any session, please contact: Karin Webb on
07719679360 or e-mail karin.webb13@gmail.com
Sensory Support Service
Drop-in sessions on Thursdays from 11 am – 1 pm. Support you with reading letters / bills, making calls etc. Bedminster Library, 0117 914 1440, SMS: 07775 695 434.
Macular Support Groups
- Broadmead – meets third Wednesday of every month:
10 am – 12pm. Broadmead Baptist Church, Union Street, Broadmead, Bristol BS1 3HY. - Cote Lane – meets last Thursday of the month
2:30pm – 4pm. Saint Monica Trust, Cote Lane, Bristol, BS9 - Bath Macular Support Group – meets at The Good Living Centre (The Bubble) at St Johns Foundation behind the Cross Bath,
Contact Jo Fishwick on 07947 373 244 or Jo.Fishwick@macularsociety.org to find out more information or find other groups.
Thornbury Macular Support Group
Meets the first Tuesday of each month, 10.30 to 12.30 in the Methodist Church Hall in Castle Court, Thornbury, just off the High Street. Speakers and entertainment are arranged for each week. Tea / coffee and biscuits are provided. Contact marye.king@blueyonder.co.uk to find out more information.
Chipping Sodbury Vision Support Group
Meets at Chipping Sodbury, Grammar School Rooms on the third Tuesday of every month at 2pm. They have speakers and a social group.
Tel: 01454 851507 E-mail: csvision1924@outlook.com
Torch fellowship groups
Torch Trust offer Christian based fellowship where blind and sighted people meet on equal terms. Tea is provided.
South Fellowship Group – Usually meet the last Saturday of the month at 3pm, Location: Counterslip Baptist Church Hall, 648 Wells Road, Whitchurch, Bristol, BS14 9HT. Contact: Stewart Simmons Tel: 0117 9624220 e-mail s@stewartsimmons.plus.com
Events in the Wiltshire Sight area
Swindon Blind Craft Club
Swindon Blind Craft Club meets every Tuesday between 10 am and 1 pm and is run by Lou Curtis at Swindon Blind Association, Craven House, 145 Victoria Road, Swindon, SN1 3BU. Parking available and bus stop opposite. Bring your own lunch. Carers welcome.
You can enjoy a wide variety of activities, including creating baskets, painting, and tile decoration! Get in touch with Lou if you want to come along and find out more: 07703 306 403.
Devizes PHAB Group
(Physically disabled and Able bodied) an organisation which brings people with and without disabilities together. See their program of events at Devizes PHAB meetings and events
Swindon Bats Sports & Social Club
Swindon Bats have a variety of groups:
- Swindon Bats Bowling
- Swindon Bats Social Group
- Swindon Bats Walking Group
Contact Sue Mead by email or phone beforehand to book a place: SueMead@outlook.com or 07788 150487.
Reach Inclusive Arts – Right Time for Art group
Join a friendly weekly art group at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon, every Tuesday from 10.30am–12.30pm. Run by Reach Inclusive Arts, the sessions are open to people of all ages affected by disability, illness, disadvantage, or social isolation.
Led by professional artist Billy Beaumont with support from staff and volunteers, the group provides a welcoming space to get creative – no experience needed. All materials are provided, with refreshments available. Cost: £5 per session.
To find out more, email info@reachinclusivearts.org.uk
Bowls Club in Chippenham
The Bowls Club in Chippenham are running a weekly indoor bowls club for people with sight loss and other disabilities. Taking place at North Wilts Bowls Club in Chippenham (near Sainsburys) each Friday 4-5pm, September – Easter. Coaching is given. The contact for this club is Maureen on 01249 657228.
Inclusive cricket in Wiltshire
While there are no dedicated visually impaired cricket sessions in Wiltshire, Super 1’s cricket welcomes young people with SEND and can accommodate those with sight loss. Sessions are friendly, flexible, and open mainly to ages 12–30 (with trial sessions for others).
- Monday – Salisbury, Sarum Academy, 5–6pm
- Tuesday – Westbury, Leighton Leisure Centre, 5–6pm
- Tuesday – Chippenham, Chippenham Dome, 5–6pm
- Thursday – Swindon, St Joseph’s Catholic College, 5.15–6.15pm
For more details or to try a session, please contact Josh May, 07923236489 josh.may@wiltshirecricket.co.uk
Enjoy audiobooks? Join Wiltshire Libraries online / telephone book group
Wiltshire Libraries run a small and friendly audio book group for people who are blind or partially sighted.
The group meets via Microsoft Teams on the second Friday of each month at 3pm. You don’t need a computer – just a phone is enough to join the call.
Each month a different member chooses the book. There’s no set genre – the group enjoys everything from crime fiction to non-fiction and beyond.
To find out more or to join, call Wiltshire Libraries on 01672 512663 or email libraryenquiries@wiltshire.gov.uk
Fitness and Friendship Clubs – Age UK Wiltshire
Friendly, sight-loss aware sessions for older adults, offering gentle chair-based exercise, social time with tea and biscuits, and relaxing tai chi.
More info: Tracey – 07754 612 569 or fitnessandfriendship@ageukwiltshire.org.uk
Social Prescriber Drop-in, Trowbridge Library
Recently launched – a new drop-in service held at Trowbridge Library which runs on the first Wednesday of the month between 9.30am-12.30pm.
“Are you struggling to manage your health and wellbeing? Your social prescriber from the local GP surgery may be able to help you. Drop into the library to find out more.
Social prescribers can put you in touch with the people and activities that might help you to feel better. This could be an introduction to a community group, a new activity or a local club. Or support to find legal advice, assist with paperwork and form filling, or debt counselling.”
Events in the Insight Gloucestershire area
Gloucestershire Growlers VI Cricket Club
The Gloucestershire Growlers welcome visually impaired people of all ages, abilities and genders to join their friendly cricket club. Members can enjoy coaching, training sessions, and matches across the West Midlands, a great way to stay active, socialise, and visit some fantastic venues.
Interested? Contact Craig Watkins on 07710 812086 or email craigawatkins94@gmail.com
Visually Impaired Sailing
The Visually Impaired Sailing Association (VISA) has published its plans for 2026.
Sailability at Whitefriars Sailing Club
Whitefriars Sailing Club offers accessible sailing for disabled people and those with limited mobility, using adapted boats and on-water support from trained volunteers. Sessions run every Wednesday from April to October, with opportunities for leisure or competition. Family members can join in, and volunteers are always welcome.
Find out more at www.whitefriarssc.org/sailability
Swindon Chat group
Last Tuesday of the month 5.15pm
Contact communityconnectionsouthwest@rnib.org.uk
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 DecemberAt 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.
National events and resources
Find a Sensory Walk Near You
Sense have partnered with Ordnance Survey to help you find and follow an accessible waling route. Call Sense: 0300 330 9256 or visit www.sense.org.uk/our-services