Insight Gloucestershire What’s On E-Newsletter for June 2025

Events & Notices From Other Organisations

New Technology for Audio Described Shows at Everyman Theatre

• The Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham has become one of the first UK venues to introduce Auracast™ – a new hearing assistance system part-funded by a £10,000 grant from the Barnwood Trust. This innovative technology makes it easier for people who are blind or partially sighted to access audio description, by allowing them to connect directly to the theatre’s audio stream using Bluetooth-enabled devices. With six to seven audio-described performances each year, this upgrade enhances accessibility and inclusion, ensuring more people can enjoy live theatre in a way that works for them.

RNIB survey on volunteering experiences

RNIB is running a survey from 12 May to 30 June 2025 to better understand the experiences of blind and partially sighted people when it comes to volunteering. Whether you volunteer or not, they want to understand your motivations to volunteer, what stops you from volunteering, and what might encourage you to get involved with a volunteer role in the future.

The results will shape how volunteering opportunities are developed within RNIB and other organisations.

The survey can be completed here:
Link to Survey

For help completing the survey or to register for future surveys, email nicola.stanley-dickinson@rnib.org.uk  or call 07736 462071.

Guide Dogs’ disability benefits survey distribution – suggested content for partner organisations

• The Government has announced major reforms to disability benefits and employment support which could have a significant impact on people with sight loss.
• Working with other sight loss organisations, Guide Dogs has launched a survey to find out more about how these reforms could impact people with sight loss and how they could be improved. The survey closes on Sunday 15^th June at 11.59pm. Your response to this survey will help Guide Dogs and other sight loss organisations respond to the Government’s consultation and campaign for improvements to the Government’s proposals.
• Website Link to Survey

Stroud District Council Survey

• Closing Date 30th May
• The council has launched a tool on www.stroud.gov.uk which improves accessibility, the Council is running a survey to find out what people think of it and what needs to be better. This short survey aim to help the council understand what works well and what can be improved on the website.
• Please take a few minutes to complete the survey here:
• Survey Website Link

Could you or someone you know benefit from the Cotswold Vale Talking Newspaper?

The Cotswold Vale Talking Newspaper (CVTN) is a free audio service for anyone who has difficulty reading printed materials – including those living with sight loss. Each week, CVTN volunteers bring the news to life, reading aloud articles from local newspapers and magazines to help people stay connected with their community.

To find out more or to get in touch, visit www.cvtn.org.uk

Children and Young People

All Aboard Watersports

All Aboard Watersports are running a paddle taster days for 8 – 18 year olds on Sunday 13th July 10am – 12.30am for visually impaired children.

They will have various activities on offer – kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding or katakanu.

To register your interest and find out more get in touch with Jemma on centremanager@allaboardwatersports.co.uk  or call 01173 018 158

New College Worcester’s Summer Activity Break

Places are still available on New College Worcester’s Summer Activity Break for vision impaired young people aged 11 to 16 years on 22nd to 24th July (apply by 27th June). Residential and daytime only options are available.

The Egg, Theatre Royal Bath, Accessible show – You Know My Mum

“You Know My Mum” is a funny, emotional show which is accessible to blind and partially sighted people, and also has an empowering message about bereavement and being neurodivergent.

The show has top-class production values and has been developed with access in mind – there is audio description and touch tour provided as standard at every show.

Hear the audio trailer: https://youtu.be/G2OXoHGDm90

The Egg, Theatre Royal Bath, Thursday 17th July (1pm & 6pm), All ages 7+

Find out more: https://www.theatreroyal.org.uk/events/you-know-my-mum/

VICTA – Free tickets

VICTA is offering to cover or contribute towards the cost of your vision impaired child’s ticket (up to the value of £20) to visit a public garden or green space in the local area during National Children’s Gardening Week (apply by 2nd June).

The Outlook Trust

Click here: About The Outlook Trust Charity. Adventure Activities For Blind Children.

The Outlook Trust is the only charity for blind and visually impaired children that organises and provides activity and residential breaks for blind, partially sighted children and young people with other disabilities.

VI Junior Introductory Sailing Taster Day

• When: Saturday 28 June 2025
• Who: 8 to 17 years
• Location: All Aboard Watersports, Bristol
• Cost: £5
• Closing date: 6 June

Sailing Vision Week, an annual sailing event for adults with a vision impairment, begins on 28 June with crews sailing out of Cornwall. We are looking for junior VI sailors-to-be to take part in our exclusive introductory taster event in Bristol on the same day.

You will be greeted at the centre by the VICTA Sport team and introduced to your Royal Yachting Association (RYA) dinghy instructor and assistant. They will accompany you through the whole session, make sure you are fully kitted out and introduce you to the basics of sailing. You will then be offered control of the boat with full assistance as you make your way out onto the water.

No previous experience required, and all kit will be provided – just bring your sense of adventure!

VI Junior Introductory Sailing Taster Day – VICTA

Inclusive tennis at Winterbourne

Weekly tennis sessions for young people aged 8 to 18 who are disabled, d/Deaf or neurodivergent. Thursdays 5–5.45pm and Fridays 11.15am–12pm at Winterbourne Tennis Club. First session is free. Sign up via: bit.ly/winterbourneAcez

For Parents of VI children – Online Groups / Events / Socials

• LOOK is partnering with Retina UK, to present an online event on Monday, 30th June: ‘How to Talk to Your Child About Inherited Progressive Sight Loss’.
• The Royal Society for Blind Children is running some online support sessions for parents. They are also holding a  ‘Moving on up Group’ for young people who will be moving to secondary school in September, meets monthly to prepare for the transition. The next session is on 3rd June.
• LOOK’s Parent Support Groupmeets monthly. The next meeting is on 5th June and will be a chat session.
• The Albinism Fellowship is running an online New Parents Eveningon 28th June.
• Retina UK runs an online Peer Support Group for the parents and carersof children with an inherited retinal dystrophy.