What’s On Newsletter – November 2025
Read the latest What’s On newsletter for news, events and opportunities for blind and partially sighted people across our region.
Welcome
Welcome to our new shared edition of What’s On!
From this month, we’ve brought together the newsletters from Sight Support West of England, Wiltshire Sight and Insight Gloucestershire into one easy-to-read newsletter. You’ll still find all your local news and updates, now clearly labelled by area, plus a round-up of other events and opportunities happening across the region.
We hope you enjoy this new format and find it easier to keep up with what’s happening across your local area and beyond.
Download the What's On newsletter as a Word document
If you find it easier to read a Word document version of the newsletter, you can download it below. The Word document follows our accessible formatting guidelines and may be easier to navigate with screen readers or magnification software.
11. Whats On Newsletter November 2025 (DOCX, 138 KB)
General updates from your local sight loss charities
Have your say: help shape the future of our support
There’s still time to take part in our 2025 survey – but be quick, it closes on Tuesday 5 November.
Your experiences and opinions really help us shape the services, activities and events we provide for blind and partially sighted people across the region. The survey takes around 15 minutes, and your responses will be kept confidential.
Please use the link below for your local charity:
- Sight Support West of England: https://forms.office.com/e/vb73YjaTyQ
- Wiltshire Sight: https://forms.office.com/e/e1NBDDSUM3
- Insight Gloucestershire: https://forms.office.com/e/DuNFizwtYF
If you’ve received a paper copy in the post, you can still return it to us, but please post it as soon as possible so it reaches us before the deadline.
Results will be shared in the summer 2026 edition of Visible magazine.
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
There are no new updates from Sight Support West of England this month, but our regular services and hubs are continuing as usual. Keep an eye on this section for news next time.
Insight Gloucestershire news
New Digital Skills Support Service at Insight Gloucestershire
We’re excited to launch our new Digital Skills Support Service in Gloucestershire, helping blind and partially sighted people make everyday life easier with technology.
Our new Digital Skills Advisor, Amanda Read, will be offering one-to-one appointments and small group sessions to help people get online, feel more confident using devices, and make the most of accessibility tools such as magnification, voice control and screen readers.
Amanda brings over 12 years’ experience in the sight loss sector. She lives in Stroud with her partner, daughter and retired guide dog, Darcy.
Appointments will be available soon, keep an eye on our website and future newsletters for details.
We are recruiting – Community Sight Loss Advisor (Cotswold)
Insight Gloucestershire is recruiting a Community Sight Loss Advisor to support blind and partially sighted people in the Cotswold area, covering Moreton-in-Marsh, Bourton, Chipping Campden and Cirencester.
This part-time role (three days per week) involves working one-to-one with people to help them access support, equipment and training, as well as organising local community hubs. Prior experience of sight loss work isn’t required – full training will be given, and applications from blind or partially sighted people are very welcome.
Salary: £26,000 pro rata.
Closing date: Monday 17 November, 5pm.
Find out more and apply: Work for us webpage
Cheltenham theatre trip: Sherlock Holmes at the Everyman
Join Insight Gloucestershire for our next theatre trip to see Sherlock Holmes: The Hunt for Moriarty at the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, on Thursday 22 January at 2pm. Tickets cost £33, with free carer tickets available. The visit includes a touch tour at 11.30am and an optional lunch at 12 noon.
To book your place call us on 01242 221170.
Find out more about the show on the Everyman website
Wiltshire Sight news
Join our team! Vacancy for Community Sight Loss Advisor (Mid Wiltshire)
Wiltshire Sight is looking for a Community Sight Loss Advisor to help blind and partially sighted people across Mid Wiltshire, covering Devizes, Calne, Marlborough and Pewsey.
The part-time role (three days per week) includes one-to-one support to help people access services, equipment and training, and organising local community hubs. No previous experience of sight loss work is needed – full training will be provided, and applications from blind or partially sighted people are strongly encouraged.
Salary: £26,000 pro rata.
Closing date: Thursday 13 November, 5pm.
Find out more and apply: Work for us webpage
Swindon Wiltshire Sight Audio Book Group
Do you enjoy listening to books and chatting about what you’ve heard? Come along to the Wiltshire Sight Audio Book Group, which meets on the second Tuesday of every month at Swindon Central Library (first floor).
The group chooses a title together from suggestions provided by the library team, listens to it in advance, and then meets to share thoughts on the plot, characters, and other titles they’ve been enjoying.
The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 11 November, from 10.15am to 11.30am, when the group will observe a short silence at 11am for Remembrance Day before discussing Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult (available on BorrowBox).
New members are always welcome. For more information, please email Ali at audiobookgroupvolunteer@gmail.com
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.
Pewsey – Indoor bowls for people with sight loss
Following the success of the outdoor sessions, bowls in Pewsey is now moving indoors for the winter months. Sessions will take place on the second Tuesday of each month at Woodborough Social Club, Smithy Lane, Pewsey, SN9 5PL.
All equipment will be provided, and no experience is needed.
To register your interest or find out more, please contact Wiltshire Sight and leave a message for Jenny Spencer.
Gloucester – Inclusive cinema launches at Guildhall
Guildhall Cinema has launched a new audio description (AD) service, making film more accessible for blind and partially sighted audiences. The project was made possible through collaboration between Gloucester Talking Newspaper, the West of England Sight Loss Council and Guildhall staff. Nearly 70 people attended the launch screening of Downton Abbey, with excellent feedback. Individual AD headsets are now available for future screenings.
Find out more on the Sight Loss Councils webpage
Sensory walks at Westonbirt – interview with guide Mark Austen
The Cotswold Listener recently interviewed Mark Austen, a blind guide who leads sensory walks at Westonbirt Arboretum. This interview is a fascinating insight into these walks and how accessible enjoying nature can be.
Listen here: Audio interview with Mark Austen
Gloucestershire – Inclusive cycling sessions
Goals Beyond Grass (GBG) offers weekly adapted cycling sessions in Cheltenham, Gloucester and the Forest of Dean, open to all ages and abilities. Sessions cost £5 per rider, with carers free, and are supported by trained volunteers.
For locations, dates, and accessibility details, visit www.goalsbeyondgrass.co.uk/gbg-bikes or contact them on 01452 245771 / info@goalsbeyondgrass.co.uk
Bath & NE Somerset – Accessible library video guides
B&NES Libraries have launched new video guides to help you explore their libraries and advice services before you visit. Each video gives a clear preview of the space, layout and facilities, with transcripts and captions available.
Watch guides for Bath Central, Keynsham, Midsomer Norton and the Mobile Library at baneslibraries.co.uk/visit-our-libraries
Bristol – Ignite Inclusive Multi-Sport Winter Festival
Try a range of inclusive sports and activities at the Ignite Bristol Winter Festival on Saturday 22 November, from 1–4pm at Clifton College, Chellaram Sports Ground, BS8 3QD.
Open to d/Deaf, Disabled and Neurodivergent people and their families, it’s a great chance to discover new sports in a welcoming environment.
Free entry – register at bit.ly/4gYG6kU
Bristol – Showdown club expression of interest
UK Showdown is exploring starting a club in Bristol. Showdown is a fast-paced sport, similar to table tennis, created for people with a visual impairment but open to everyone.
Watch it in action: YouTube video
If you’d like to take part in a taster session or regular club, register your interest here: forms.office.com/e/wSsDbnZddY
Bristol – VI Runners founder wins BBC award
Congratulations to Colin Johnson, founder of VI Runners Bristol, who recently won the Active Award at the BBC Radio Bristol Make a Difference Awards.
VI Runners Bristol helps blind and partially sighted people enjoy running with sighted guides and now has over 360 members.
Learn more or get involved: groups.runtogether.co.uk/VIRunnersBristol
Bristol – VIP Reading Group
Bristol Central Library, College Green
Takes place on the last Thursday of every month from 10.30am till 12pm. Audio books are chosen from RNIB’s talking book service so it’s helpful to sign up before joining. The next books are:
- 27 November – Staying on by Paul Scott
- 26 December – no meeting
- 29 January – An Instance of the Finger Post by Iain Pears
- 26 February – Leonard and Hungry Paul – Ronan Hessian
- 26 March – Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh
- 30 April – Diary of an Ordinary woman – Margaret Forster
- 28 May – Night Watch by Terry Pratchett (tbc)
Further information email vibookgroup.bristol@gmail.com or Katharine Seymour, Central Library on 07880 069877
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
Gloucestershire – Carers Hub NHS Bus Tour
Carers Rights Day takes place on Thursday 20 November. Ahead of the day, the Gloucestershire Carers Hub will be raising awareness with the NHS bus tour, visiting Tewkesbury (3 Nov), Coleford (7 Nov), Cheltenham (14 Nov), Gloucester (18 Nov) and Cirencester (20 Nov).
The main Carers Rights Day event will be held at Dowty Sports and Social Club, Gloucester, on Thursday 20 November from 10am to 2pm.
For more information or to book a stand, email careraware@peopleplus.co.uk
Bristol – Access Bristol Assistive Tech Workshop
The University of Bristol is hosting an Access Bristol event on 8–9 November, inviting disabled people to collaborate with engineering students to design new assistive technologies and improve existing open-source tools. Funding is available to support transport and support workers.
Find out more and get involved at www.accessbristol.org
National – Deafblind UK Winter Wellness support
Deafblind UK’s Winter Wellness programme offers extra support through the colder months for anyone with both sight and hearing loss. Running from 27 October 2025 to 27 February 2026, it includes extended phoneline hours, festive phone and video groups, winter befrienders, and uplifting text messages.
Find out more or register by contacting 0800 132320, text 07903 572885, or email info@deafblind.org.uk
National – RNIB Living Well with Sight Loss online group
Join RNIB’s Living Well with Sight Loss video group this November to connect with others and learn practical ways to manage daily life with sight loss.
The free four-session course runs Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11–20 November, 10.30am–12pm, covering topics such as benefits, independence, gadgets, hobbies and wellbeing.
To find out more or register, visit the RNIB website, email lwwslenquiries@rnib.org.uk or call 0303 123 9999.
National – RNIB ‘Seeing it Through’ phone support groups
RNIB’s Sight Loss Counselling Team runs Seeing it Through support groups for people adjusting to sight loss. The groups offer a safe, understanding space to share feelings, gain support from others with similar experiences, and explore ways of coping with change.
Each group includes up to five participants and meets by phone for eight weekly one-hour sessions, facilitated by an RNIB counsellor.
To register or find out more, visit the RNIB counselling support group webpage or call 0303 123 9999.
Audio described arts and theatre
Galleries and Museums
Bath – Victoria Art Gallery
Bridge Street, BA2 4AT
Art on Mondays talks for VI Visitors
- 24 November 2025 – Bath Society of Artists
- 15 December 2025 – Volunteers’ Choice
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 Emma Talbot: Everything is Energy on:
- Saturday 13th December 10am to 11am
- Friday 30th January 10am to 11am
Tours take place before the galleries open to the public. Sighted guides are available, and complimentary tea and coffee is served afterwards in the Arnolfini Café Bar. Free event, but email community@arnolfini.org.uk to book a space.
Further information on this link Audio Described Tours | Emma Talbot: Everything is Energy – Arnolfini
Bristol – Royal West of England Academy
Queens Rd, Bristol BS8 1PX
Saturday 6 December 10.30 to 12 noon – The second VI Tour of the 172nd Open Exhibition is on
As always there will be a variety of works on show – many of which can be handled. To join, please email Connie Ngan connie.ngan@rwa.org.uk 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 – Don’t Look Now at Salisbury Playhouse
Don’t Look Now, based on the story by Daphne Du Maurier, runs at Salisbury Playhouse from 29 October to 15 November. A pre-recorded audio description is available for every performance, with touch tours before both matinee and evening shows on Thursday 13 November.
Call 01722 320333 for Box Office enquiries.
Cheltenham – The Everyman Theatre
The Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, is delighted to be offering audio described performances for the following shows.
- Inspector Morse on Thursday 6th November at 2:00pm
- Robin Hood and his Merry Men on Friday 12th December at 2:00pm
- Sherlock Holmes: The Hunt for Moriarty on Thursday 22 January at 2pm.
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.
Bath – Theatre Royal
Sawclose, BA1 1ET
- 21 and 30 December – The further Adventure of Peter Pan
- 28 February – Prima Facie – with Jodie Comer. The hottest ticket in town. Mostly sold out – but tickets for AD performance may be available
- 14 March – Operation Mincemeat
Pre show audio notes sent before show. Hearing devices available from the bars when the house opens – 30 mins before the show. All shows have touch tours. More details and tickets on 01225 448844. Make sure you subscribe to the Theatre’s Access List.
Bristol – Explore Disabled Women in Film
Join disabled film programmer Florence Grieve at Watershed, Bristol for Crip Melodrama: She’s Hysterical, celebrating 30 years of Todd Haynes’ iconic film Safe (1995). The screening will be followed by a post-film discussion exploring representations of disabled women on screen.
Sunday 14th December, 2pm at Watershed, 1 Canons Road, Bristol, BS1 5TX. Audio description available. Find tickets and more information on the Watershed webpage
Bristol – Arnolfini
16 Narrow Quay, Bristol, BS1 4QA
14 November – Half Light with Holly Thomas
Hear dance differently!! The show is designed to be experienced without the need for separate Audio Description. It is softly lit and performed in the round, where dance and storytelling merge with multi-located sound.
It reveals Holly’s experience of visual impairment and parenting. Unmasking a multi-generational story about the courage it takes to send your child into a world that may not always understand them.
There will be 2 shows at 4pm and 7.30 – with touch tours at 3pm and 6.30. Link for details and to book Holly Thomas: Half Light – Arnolfini or if you need help email info@arnolfini.org.uk The Arnolfini also has copies of audio programme notes.
Bristol – Hippodrome
St Augustine’s Parade, BS1 4UZ
- 1 November – The Book of Mormon
- 18 November – Mamma Mia!
- 14 December – Jack and the Beanstalk with Will Young
- 13 June – Matilda the Musical
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
- 20 December – Treasure Island
- 24 January 2026 – Lost Atoms – The play explores how memory affects the way we look at love
- 14 March – Midsummer Night’s Dream
- 14 May – Kiss of the Spider Woman: The Musical
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
Nattional – Opportunities from VICTA
VICTA has a range of activities open for application this autumn and winter:
Families
- Sport Young Achievers Day, Kent – 8 November (£5pp)
- Young Achievers Create Family Day, Tate Modern, London – 29 November (£5pp, age 5+)
Ages 10–13
- Online Taskmaster Club, October–November (£10pp)
Ages 18+
- Get Workplace Ready employability programme – RNC Hereford & self-led learning
- Hair & Care workshops – ongoing (£5 refundable)
- Arts Award Blind Photography Course, London Institute of Photography – 12–15 November (£75pp)
Full details and applications: www.victa.org.uk
National – FA Para Football – England Talent Days
For ages 7–16 with a visual impairment, cerebral palsy, or hearing impairment. First step on the Para Football pathway. Upcoming dates: 1 April 2026 at St George’s Park, DE13 9PD. Register online – https://forms.office.com/e/RqFfguz20V
Online – LOOK Healthy Parent Carer Programme
12-week online course in Spring 2026 (apply by 3 November). LOOK Healthy Parent Carer Programme
Take part in research
UK-wide – RNIB research opportunities
RNIB is inviting blind and partially sighted people to take part in several upcoming research projects.
The Primary Eyecare Survey aims to understand how well people know about community eyecare services such as GPs and high street opticians, and how these services support people before, during and after an eye diagnosis. Anyone aged 18 or over living in England can take part. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3657DYV
There are also limited places for a Primary Eyecare Discussion Group in November for people diagnosed with an eye condition within the last two years.
Additionally, RNIB is looking for people aged 16 or over who use technology to give feedback on proposed changes to how RNIB looks and sounds as a brand. Selected participants will join an online session in November.
To find out more or take part, visit the RNIB website or contact Nicola Stanley-Dickinson, Lived Experience Engagement Officer, on 07736 462071.
UK-wide – VocalEyes ‘Spotlight on Theatre’ survey
VocalEyes is inviting blind and partially sighted people to share their views on audio description in theatre through its Spotlight on Theatre: Have Your Say survey. The results will help shape future work and advocate for better access.
The survey takes around 10 minutes, with a chance to enter a free prize draw to win a £50 Theatre Token.
Closes Sunday 30 November 2025.
Take part here: Vocaleyes Spotlight on theatre 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