What’s On Newsletter – August 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 August 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
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8. Whats On Newsletter August 2026 (DOCX, 134 KB)
General updates from your local sight loss charities
Eye Can Gloucester returns this September
Join us for Eye Can Gloucester, a free exhibition for blind and partially sighted people, their families, friends and professionals, taking place on Monday 28 September, 10am–3pm (last entry 2.30pm), at Dowty Sports & Social Club, Gloucester.
Meet a wide range of exhibitors, discover the latest assistive technology and daily living equipment, learn about local and national services, enjoy free talks throughout the day and speak to experts about sight loss. Admission is free, but we’d encourage you to register in advance to help us plan for visitor numbers.
Book your free place on the Eye Can Gloucester Eventbrite page, or call 01242 221170 for more information.
Introducing our new Local and Online Meet-ups for working age adults
This autumn we’re launching new Local and Online Meet-ups for working age blind and partially sighted adults across our region.
Over the past year, we’ve been listening to working age blind and partially sighted people about what they’d like to see from us. Many told us they wanted more opportunities to meet others at a similar stage of life, with sessions that fit around work, study, family life and other commitments.
There are two ways to join in:
- Local Meet-ups are relaxed social gatherings where you can meet other people nearby, enjoy a drink, chat and build new friendships.
- Online Meet-ups explore a different topic each month, with guest speakers, practical ideas and plenty of time for conversation.
Coming up this autumn
- Bristol Local Meet-up
Thursday 17 September, 7.00pm–9.00pm
Join us at Future Inns Hotel, Bond Street, BS1 3EN for an informal get together. - Online Meet-up: The AI Frontier – Exploring Tools for Independence
Monday 19 October, 7.30pm–8.30pm
Discover how AI is changing everyday life for blind and partially sighted people, with guest speakers, practical tips and plenty of time for discussion.
Whether you’re working, studying, raising a family, taking time out, looking for work or unable to work at the moment, we’d love you to join us. Register your interest using our online form linked below and we’ll keep you updated as new Local and Online Meet-ups are announced.
Register your interest: https://forms.office.com/e/6rnc0RKZxU
Could you help make our Meet-ups a success?
We’re also looking for friendly volunteers to help us launch these new sessions. We’d particularly love to hear from blind and partially sighted people who would enjoy welcoming others and helping create relaxed, inclusive spaces. Full training and ongoing support will be provided, and sighted volunteers are welcome too.
Want to find out more?
Visit our Local and Online Meet-ups webpage to read our FAQs, browse upcoming sessions and explore our volunteer roles:
Local and Online Meet-ups webpage
You can also call us on 0117 322 4885 if you’d like to register your interest over the phone or have any questions.
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 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 0117 322 4885 if you’d like to check details of your local hub.
View all upcoming events and activities
Easton Community Hub
Due to building work, our Easton Community Hub will not be running in September or October. Please contact us if you’d like information about alternative hubs during this time.
St Paul’s Community Hub
Please note that our St Paul’s Community Hub on 21 August has been cancelled due to building maintenance. We apologise for any inconvenience.
Little Stoke Community Hub
Our Bradley Stoke Community Hub has now moved to Little Stoke Community Hall, Little Stoke Lane, Little Stoke, BS34 6HR. Join us on the third Tuesday of each month, with a drop-in from 11am–12pm, appointments available outside these times (please book in advance), and a friendly social group from 11am–1pm.
Insight Gloucestershire news
Cheltenham theatre trips
Places are available for upcoming trips:
- Thursday 8 October, 2pm – Annie (£45). Book by Monday 21 September.
- 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.
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 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
Marlborough Community Hub – New Venue from September
From Tuesday 8 September, our Marlborough Community Hub will be moving to the Quaker Meeting House, The Parade, Marlborough, SN8 1NE. Join us for a special welcome session with tea and cake as we celebrate the move and find out more about the support available. The hub meets on the second Tuesday of each month, with a drop-in from 10am–11am, appointments at 11am and 12pm, and a social group from 10am–12pm.
Corsham Community Hub – New Day from August
From August, our Corsham Community Hub and social group will meet on the fourth Wednesday of each month instead of the second Tuesday. The venue remains the same – Pound Arts Centre, Pound Pill, Corsham, SN13 9HX – but we’ll now be meeting in the Community Workshop Room. Join us for a drop-in from 10am–12pm, appointments at 11am and 12pm (please book in advance), and a friendly social group from 10am–12pm. The first session on the new day will be Wednesday 26 August, and we’ll be on hand to help people find the new room.
Salisbury Resource Centre
Please note that our Salisbury Resource Centre will be closed on Tuesday 11 August and Tuesday 25 August. The Resource Centre will be open as usual on the other Tuesdays during August.
Salisbury Area Hubs – August Updates
There’s plenty happening at our Salisbury area social groups this August. Vision Aid will be joining the Salisbury Social Group on 19 August to demonstrate assistive technology, while the Bobby Van will be giving Stay Safe Online talks at the Amesbury Social Group on 13 August and the Tisbury Social Group on 20 August. Find full details of our community hubs, including venues and meeting times, on our What’s On event listings.
Salisbury Audiobook Group
Wednesday 26 August, 11am -12pm, first floor Salisbury Library
Book of the month: Extraordinary People by Peter May
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.
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.
Bristol – Where We Land: South West Disabled Artist Gathering
Disabled, deaf and neurodivergent artists from across the South West are invited to Where We Land, a one-day gathering hosted by Spectroscope. Taking place on Wednesday 9 September at Ham Green House near Bristol, the day includes keynote talks, workshops, artist conversations and opportunities to connect with other creatives in a welcoming, accessible environment. Travel bursaries are available.
Find out more and book your place at Where We Land.
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.
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.
Wiltshire – Heating Oil Funding
If you live in Wiltshire and use heating oil, Warm and Safe Wiltshire may be able to help with the cost of heating your home this winter. Funding is available for eligible households, but applications are encouraged as soon as possible while funding lasts. Find out if you’re eligible and apply online or contact Warm and Safe Wiltshire on 0800 038 5722. WArm and Safe Wiltshire link
Thornbury – Wessex Water Community Drop-in
Wessex Water will be holding a community drop-in session on Wednesday 5 August, 10am–12pm, at Thornbury Town Hall, High Street, Thornbury, BS35 2AR. Drop in to ask questions about your water bill, water supply, sewerage services, saving water, or the financial support available if you’re struggling with payments. Find out more on the Wessex Water Community Drop-ins webpage.
Audio described arts and theatre
Galleries and Museums
Bath – Victoria Art Gallery
Bridge Street, BA2 4AT
Art on Mondays talks for VI Visitors
- 17 August 2026 – Katharine Wall, Collections Manager
- 21 September 2026 – Japanese Prints
- 12 October 2026 – Bath Society of Artists
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
Saturday 26 September 10am –11am
The second described tour of the Gallery’s summer exhibitions by Jonathan Baldock and Polly Braden.
Sighted guides available. Drinks and cake in the café after the tour. Please email community@arnolfini.org.uk to book a space. Further information Jonathan Baldock: Held and Polly Braden: Against the Tide.
Bristol – Royal West of England Academy
Queens Rd, Bristol BS8 1PX
RWA 173 Annual Open Exhibition on Saturday 10 October, and 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 pleased to be offering three audio described shows in the Autumn / Winter season. The Haunting of Hill House will be audio described on October 1st at 2.15pm and 7.30pm, east is East will be audio described on Thursday November 12th at 2.15pm & 7.30pm and Beauty and the beast will be audio described at 7.00pm on December 16th and 2.15pm on December 17th. All of these shows will have a Touch Tour 60minutes before the start time.
Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk/whats-on , by telephone on 01722320333 or in person between 11-4 Monday to Saturday.
Bath – Theatre Royal
Sawclose, BA1 1ET
- 20 and 29 December at 1pm – Beauty and the Beast.
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 8th October at 2:00pm
- Cinderella on Friday 11th December at 2:00pm
- Everybody’s Talking about Jamie on Saturday 15th May (2027) at 2:00pm
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
- 30 July – Miss Saigon
- 28 August – We Will Rock You
- 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
- 25 September – Juliet and Romeo – A re-imagining of Shakespeare’s similarly named play blending dance, theatre and comedy. With touch tour.
- 31 Oct – Lanny
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
Children and young people
Regular groups
You can find information of regular activities on our website – Activities for children, young people and families
Bristol – Train Trip to Weston-super-Mare
Guide Dogs is offering a free train trip for children aged 4–11 with a vision impairment and one parent or guardian. The day will help children explore train travel, including getting around a station, boarding a train and experiencing a journey from Bristol Temple Meads to Weston-super-Mare and back. There will also be time to enjoy Weston-super-Mare. The trip takes place on Thursday 6 August. Places are limited. For more information and a booking form, contact Lucy.Hill@guidedogs.org.uk or Katherine.O’Driscoll@guidedogs.org.uk
Bath – Para-Swimming Squad
Team Bath AS Para-Swimming welcomes swimmers aged 7–16 with physical disabilities or visual impairments. Whether you’re new to competitions or already have experience, the club offers coaching to help develop your swimming skills in a supportive environment. Sessions take place at the University of Bath’s Sports Training Village. Swimmers should be able to swim 25 metres confidently. Contact paraswimming@teambathas.co.uk to register your interest or arrange a free taster session.
Bristol – ‘Game On’ Sport Young Achievers Award Day
VICTA is holding a fun-filled sports day for blind and partially sighted children and young people aged 5–17, along with their immediate families. Try goalball, blind tennis and blind cricket, learn new skills, meet friendly coaches and find out about local opportunities to continue playing. The event takes place on Friday 21 August, 10am–4pm, at Clifton College Sports Ground. Cost: £5 per participant. Book by Friday 31 July. VICTA Game On webpage
Online – Summer Activities and New Podcast from LOOK
LOOK has put together a range of ideas and activities to help keep vision impaired children entertained over the summer holidays. The charity has also launched Media Mob Unfiltered, a new podcast created and presented by visually impaired young people.
National – RNC overnight residential camp
The Royal National College for the Blind, in association with VICTA, is running a free overnight residential camp for 10–13 year olds with a visual impairment on 6th – 7th August.
Bristol – Gympanzees Summer Pop Up
Gympanzees is bringing its Summer Pop Up back this August, offering children and young people with disabilities the chance to play, exercise, relax and have fun in an inclusive environment.
5–23 August. Ilminster Avenue Nursery School, 164 Ilminster Avenue, Bristol BS4 1BX.
A range of session types are available to suit different needs. Find out more and book at gympanzees.org/our-services/pop-ups
Take part in research
Online – Listening Month Survey 2026
Thomas Pocklington Trust and Sight Loss Councils are inviting blind and partially sighted people to take part in their Listening Month Survey. The survey asks what matters most to you and will help shape future campaigning, services and projects. It is anonymous and takes place throughout July and August 2026. If you’d like to share your views and experiences, we’d encourage you to take part.
Take part in the Thomas Pocklington Trust Listening Month Survey.
Bristol – Take part in the GUIDE Project
The University of Bristol is looking for adults with both sight and hearing loss, and people who support or care for someone with dual sensory loss, to complete a 20–30 minute survey about accessible bus travel and technology. Participants will receive a £20 Love2Shop voucher as a thank you.
To request the survey or find out more, email nawid.keshtmand@bristol.ac.uk or complete online- GUIDE project link
Online – Cost of Living Survey
RNIB is inviting blind and partially sighted people to share their experiences of the rising cost of living. The survey covers topics including heating and energy, food and everyday essentials, and the additional costs of living with sight loss. Your feedback will help inform RNIB’s campaigning and discussions with decision makers. The survey closes on 15 August.
Take part in the RNIB Cost of Living Survey.
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
Glaucoma UK National Patient Voices Survey
From July to August 2026, Glaucoma UK will be running what it describes as the UK’s largest ever survey of people affected by glaucoma.
The survey aims to hear from around 10,000 people living with glaucoma or under regular monitoring, helping to shape the future of glaucoma care and support.
For more information, visit: www.glaucoma.uk/national-patient-voices-survey
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