Sight Support What’s On E-Newsletter for July 2025
Find out about local notices, groups and events that are accessible to anyone living with sight loss. You can read the full What's On newsletter on this page by browsing the sections below. If you prefer, you can also download a Word document version of the newsletter.
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7. Sight Support Whats On July 2025 (DOCX, 131 KB)
Sight Support Events and Notices
Try out smart glasses at your hub social this July
Our Digital Skills Advisor will be visiting hub socials across Sight Support West of England this July with a pair of Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses for you to try.
These wearable glasses can read text aloud, describe your surroundings, and even answer questions like “What are the vegetarian options on this menu?”
They’re a great example of how tech can support everyday life with sight loss and this is a relaxed, friendly opportunity to see what they can do. Come along, ask questions, and give them a try.
Our Community Sight Loss Advisors will also be there as usual to offer advice and support.
Hubs where you will find a Meta glasses demo:
Avonmouth, Bath, Bedminster, Cotham, Easton, Hartcliffe, Henleaze, Keynsham, Kingswood, Midsomer Norton, Whitchurch, Yate
New and upcoming Bristol hubs
We’re continuing to expand our support across Bristol with new monthly hubs. These friendly sessions offer local sight loss advice, equipment demos, and a chance to connect with others. Easton and Hartcliffe are already up and running and Avonmouth and Cotham launch in July. We’d love to welcome you along.
Easton Hub – 21st July
3rd Monday monthly – Drop-in: 11am – 12pm, Social: 11am – 1pm
Easton Community Centre, BS5 6AW
Hartcliffe Hub – 22nd July
4th Tuesday monthly – Drop-in: 11am – 12pm, Social: 11am – 1pm
Symes Community Building, BS13 0BE
Avonmouth Hub (launches Monday 7th July)
1st Monday monthly – Drop-in: 11am – 12pm, Social: 11am – 1pm
Avonmouth Community Centre, BS11 9EN
Cotham Hub (launches Monday 14th July)
2nd Monday monthly – Drop-in: 11am – 12pm, Social: 11am – 1pm
The Elmgrove Centre, BS6 6AH
Could you volunteer with us?
We’re looking for friendly volunteers to support our social groups and digital skills sessions.
In Keynsham, we need a volunteer to help out at a monthly social group – making refreshments, greeting new members, and helping everyone feel included.
In the Bath area, we’re also looking for someone confident with smartphones or tablets to provide one-to-one digital support at our monthly tech group.
If you or someone you know might be interested in volunteering, we’d love to hear from you. There are roles across the region and full support is provided.
Find out more:
www.sightsupportwest.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer-with-us/ or email Becs our Volunteer Coordinator – volunteering@sightsupportwest.org.uk
Sight Support Hubs and Social Groups
Click here for our hub and social group listings webpage.
Our monthly advice hubs offer consultations with local advisors across the region. At a hub you can get tailored information and guidance and explore accessible aids. Most hubs also host social groups where you can meet others living with sight loss. Full listings are available on our website (linked above) You can put your postcode in the search bar to find your nearest hub. or give us a call on 0117 322 4885.
Events & Notices From Other Organisations
Avon Talking Magazine want to hear from you
Avon talking magazine are looking to interview people about their lived experiences of sight loss.
If you are interested, please call 0117 9525121 or 0788 979 8582
Internship opportunities with Thomas Pocklington Trust
Thomas Pocklington Trust (TPT) is offering paid internship opportunities for blind and partially sighted people across a range of departments this year.
Five internship roles are currently available, with more being added soon – so it’s worth checking back regularly.
To apply, you’ll need to complete both the application form and the diversity monitoring form. The deadline for applications is 5pm on Sunday 14 July.
For more information, to view current vacancies, or to apply, visit: Work at TPT webpage
If you’d like support with your CV or application, you can contact TPT’s Employment team: employment@pocklington.org.uk
Free Travel Support from TravelWest
Click here: TravelWest travel support
TravelWest offers free travel support to help people travel more confidently. Includes bike loans, guided cycle rides, free bus and train taster tickets, and basic cycle training. Available to residents in the West of England.
Local Leisure and Sporting Activities / Events
Regular Groups
Regular sport and leisure groups webpage
For a list of regular sport and leisure groups that don’t change each month and offered by other organisations, please see our website (linked above).
VIP Reading Group – Bristol Central Library, College Green
Takes place on the last Thursday of every month from 10.30 till 12. Audio books are chosen from RNIB’s talking book service so it’s helpful to sign up before joining. The next books are:
- 26 June – The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak. Set in Cyprus and England. Before and after the inter communal conflict between Greek and Turkish Cypriots.
- 31 July – The Gift of Rain by Twan Tan Eng. 1939 Penang. The story of a man of Chinese/British heritage who feels alienated from both communities. He befriends a Japanese diplomat but questions of loyalty arise when Japan invades Malaya.
- 28 August – Blackout by Simon Scarrow
- 25 September – Night Boat to Tangier by Kevin Barry
- 30 October – Emma by Jane Austen
- 27 November – Staying on by Paul Scott
- 26 December – no meeting
- 29 January – An Instance of the Finger Post by Iain Pears
Further information email vibookgroup.bristol@gmail.com or Katharine Seymour, Central Library on 07880 069877
Visually Impaired Sailing
The Visually Impaired Sailing Association (VISA) has published its schedule for 2025,
Driving Experiences
Speed of Sight is running Driving Experience Days (for people with disabilities including vision impairment).
Odd Down Cycle Sessions for 65+
Inclusive Cycling at Odd Down Cycle Track Bath, for adults 65+provided by All Cycles Bath & West.
Sessions every Wednesday, from the 18th June to 23rd July
Session time 10:30am to 11:30am
Contact Phil on 07484 051056 or info@theactivewaybathnes.co.uk
Sensing Nature and Wellbeing Walks – Westonbirt Arboretum
Join a visually impaired guide for an immersive sensory walk through the trees at Westonbirt. These interactive experiences explore the arboretum at a slower pace using nonvisual senses.
Walks run every Friday at 11:30am from April to September and last around 1.5 hours. No need to book – just meet at the Welcome Building.
Free but admission fees apply. Please wear suitable footwear for walking on grass. Assistance dogs only. Some guides will be working with guide dogs – please don’t distract them.
For more information:
customerrelations@forestryengland.uk / 0300 067 4890
Sailing at Chew Lake with CLADS
CLADS offers inclusive sailing sessions at Chew Valley Lake, welcoming people with a disability, with or without sailing experience. Enjoy fresh air, meet others, and build confidence on the water. Two free taster sessions available. Email info@clads.co.uk to find out more.
Inclusive Table Tennis – Share Your Views
Ignite Bristol is exploring a new inclusive table tennis programme and would love your input. If you’re interested in taking part or helping shape the sessions, fill in this short form: https://forms.gle/iLEMMsS9GV17vmyEA
Bristol Arrow Bowls Club.
Click here: Bristol Arrow Bowls Club website
Sessions for people living with sight loss 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.
Tyntesfield garden walks for blind and partially sighted visitors
The National Trust is offering sensory garden walks at Tyntesfield for blind and partially sighted visitors. These interactive tours explore nature through touch, sound and scent, and include insights into the estate’s history.
Walks take place on the fourth Friday of each month from 11am, following a fully accessible three quarter mile trail. Each session is limited to 6 participants (plus companions).
Attendance is free but standard admission applies. A mobility shuttle is available.
Please note: walks may be cancelled in unsafe weather.
For details, visit the National Trust Tyntesfield website.
Support Groups and Courses
Regular Support Groups
Webpage for regular support groups and services
See our website for a list of regular support groups offered by other organisations that take place locally and online.
RNIB Living well with sight loss courses
During August, RNIB will be running three presentations of its Living Well with Sight Loss telephone course. The four-session course is open to people with sight loss across the UK and first one starts on 1st August.
RNIB LIving Well With Sight Loss Telephone Courses
RNIB is also running a telephone course, ‘Focus on Friends and Family’ starting on 3rd September.
Local Audio Described Arts Events
Galleries and Museums
Undershed at Watershed, Bristol Framerate: Pulse of the Earth
A multi-screen immersive artwork, pieced together in time-lapse from thousands of daily 3D scans of our British landscape, industry and nature, accompanied by a haunting and meditative soundscape.
Audio description is available via headset. The installation runs from 2nd May to 13th July 2025.
Information can be found at https://www.watershed.co.uk/whatson/13138/framerate-pulse-of-the-earth
Access information for the venue can be found here https://www.watershed.co.uk/visit/access
You can phone the venue on 0117 927 6444 to buy tickets in advance and discuss access arrangements.
Bristol Museum – Gender Stories
Watch out for details of the next VI tour of the Gender Stories Exhibition in the August edition. More information – Gender Stories | Bristol Museums Audio described content available via QR codes
Arnolfini Gallery
Arnolfini, 16 Narrow Quay, BS1 4QA
The next described sessions will be on Saturday 2nd August and Sat 6th September from 10-11am
The tours will explore 2 exhibitions. The Other side of the Mountain by Sarah Longe and Standing by the ruins by Dana Awartani. Samples of Dana’s work can be handled.
Sighted guides will be there to assist you and complimentary tea and coffee will be served in the café bar, afterwards. Free event – but please email to book a space community@arnolfini.org.uk
Bath – Victoria Art Gallery
Victoria Art Gallery, Bridge Street, BA2 4AT
- 21 July 2025 – Sue Wales, Artist – Landscapes, Interiors, and Still Lives
- 18 August 2025 – Katharine Wall, Collections Manager
- 15 September – Lost Spells
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
Kersti Haabjoern – Kersti_Haabjoern@bathnes.gov.uk
Royal West of England Academy
Queens Rd, Bristol BS8 1PX
19 July – 1030 to 1200 – Described tour of Soft Power: Lives told through textile art. The tour will be led by Sarah Kelly, and will focus on a selection of artworks in the exhibition. Then participants can try out sewing and crochet with Brândușa Rotaru, a textile artist with the Bristol Refugee Artists Collective (BRAC). Session finishes, as usual, with refreshments.
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.
Undershed at Watershed, Bristol
Framerate: Pulse of the Earth
A multi-screen immersive artwork, pieced together in time-lapse from thousands of daily 3D scans of our British landscape, industry and nature, accompanied by a haunting and meditative soundscape.
Audio description is available via headset. The installation runs from 2nd May to 13th July 2025.
Information can be found at Watershed Website Link
Access information for the venue can be found here Watershed Venue Website Link
You can phone the venue on 0117 927 6444 to buy tickets in advance and discuss access arrangements.
Theatres – Upcoming Audio Described Shows
Bristol Hippodrome
St Augustine’s Parade, BS1 4UZ
- 16 July – Moulin Rouge: The musical
- 18 October – Welsh National Opera perform Tosa by Puccini
- 1 November – The Book of Mormon
- 18 November – Mamma Mia!
- Sunday 14 December – Jack and the Beanstalk with Will Young
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
- 5 July – How to Win against History – A Comedy Musical telling the riches to rags story of the 5th Marquis of Anglesey
- 4 October – Starter for Ten. The musical of David Nicholls book returns with Mel Giedroyc
- 20 December – Treasure Island
- 24 January 2026 – Lost Atoms – At times hilarious, at times devastating the play explores how memory affects the way we look at love
More details and to book – ring the Box office – 0117 987 7877
Bath – Theatre Royal
Sawclose, BA1 1ET
- 12 July – Grace Pervades – with Ralph Fiennes
- 30 August – As You Like It – with Harriet Walker
- 18 October – Small Hotel with Ralph Fiennes
- 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
Preshow audio notes sent before show. Hearing devices are available from all bars when the house opens – 30 mins before the show. All shows have touch tours. For more details and tickets phone 01225 448844. Make sure you subscribe to the Theatre’s Access List.
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/
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.
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
Inclusive Tennis Festival
Sunday 20th July 2025, 2pm-4pm.
Coombe Dingle Sports Complex, Bristol BS9 2BJ.
A great opportunity for disabled, d/Deaf and neurodivergent young people to try fun, inclusive tennis with local coaches. This event is aimed at individuals aged 5 to 25, families are also welcome to join in the fun! Use the link below to register: Inclusive Tennis Festival July 2025 Participant Registration Form
Check out this exciting new Acez Inclusive Tennis Festival!
SEND Inclusive Climbing
‘Clip ‘N’ Climb sessions for d/Deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent children and young people.
- Wednesdays 5-6pm
- BLOC Climbing Centre, New Gatton Road, BS2 0SH
- Children and young people aged 4-17 years
- Discounted rate of £9.90 per session
To find out more about the session and to book please see BLOC’s website here: BLOC Website Or get in touch by emailing info@blocclimbing.org.uk
To find out who the session is suitable for and to book on, please check out this website here: Bloc Climbing Website
Super 1’s Girls Only Session
Super 1s – a fantastic, free inclusive cricket programme for girls aged 12–25, including those with SEN and disabilities (SEND).
Whether you’re new to cricket or looking to sharpen your skills, this is a brilliant way to get active, build confidence, and make new friends in a supportive environment!
- Every Monday
- 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Hanham Cricket Club, 77 Abbots Road, Bristol BS15 3NP
If interested, please contact Jeanette Tate at 07432 728926 or email: jeanette.tate@glosccc.co.uk
City of Bristol Para Swimming Trials
Are you someone who thinks ‘Yes I can?’, then City of Bristol Para Squad may just be the right place for you. These are not swimming lessons, but we try to remain flexible to needs, so the following requirements are a guide.
- Ability to swim a minimum of 25m
- Be confident (safe) in deep water
- Aged 7+
- Have basic ability in 3 swimming strokes and willing to try butterfly
- Want to have some fun, meet new people?
If you or your swimmer would like to learn more about our squad and perhaps to come along for a trial session, please get in touch we would love to hear from you – email cobscpara@gmail.com (Para head coach Keira)
Surfing sessions for blind and visually impaired people
Thanks to funding from The Primary Club, Surfing England is offering accessible surfing sessions for people who are blind or visually impaired.
Led by Team England para coaches and supported by trained volunteers and para athletes, these sessions are open to complete beginners. All equipment, including wetsuits, will be provided. Three-time world champion Melissa Reid will also be attending to share her expertise and coaching advice.
The first session takes place on 1st July at The Wave, Bristol, for 10 to 13-year-olds with a visual impairment and their families.
Sign up here: https://form.jotform.com/251064100483041
RNC are running some groups during Holidays
RNC is offering a jam-packed schedule of V.I. sports and exciting activities, including a BBQ and slumber party. For just £25, they will provide engaging sessions such as blind football and goalball to get a taste of life at RNC. Everyone will stay on campus in single occupancy ensuite accommodation. Meals, parking and accommodation are free of charge. Places are expected to fill up quickly, so secure your place now.
RNC Open Day – Friday 19 September 2025
The Royal National College for the Blind is holding an Open Day on Friday 19 September, 10am – 4pm, for prospective students, families, and professionals supporting young people with a visual impairment.
Visitors can meet current students and staff, attend lesson drop-ins, and tour the campus. There will also be opportunities to discuss funding, careers, and transitions, and learn more about the College’s specialist programmes in Independent Living Skills, Mobility, ICT, and Braille.
Book online: RNC Open Day Booking Form September 2025
For queries, email info@rnc.ac.uk or call 01432 376 621.
RNC ‘Have a Go’ Activity Weekend
Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 October 2025
For young people aged 13 to 17 with a visual impairment and their families with FREE accommodation for everyone!
Join us for a fun weekend!
Try sports including goalball and acoustic shooting
Participate in activities such as bowling
Enjoy cooking and music amongst others
Apply online here:
‘Have a Go’ Weekend Booking Form October 2025
For more information either email info@rnc.ac.uk or call 01432 376 621
Online Groups / Events / Socials
- LOOK will be running two more Healthy Parent Carer Programmes for families with a vision impaired child. The twelve-week online courses will run in Autumn 2025 (apply by 1st August) and Spring 2026 (apply by 3rd November).
https://www.look-uk.org/healthy-parent-carer-programme-spring-2026/ - 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.
Research Opportunities
Crux Product Design is seeking participants for paid research
Crux Product Design is inviting adults with colour blindness or low vision to take part in a paid research study in Bristol. The in-person session involves simulating injection devices and sharing feedback to improve usability. Your input can help shape the future of medical products.
Who: Adults with colour blindness or low vision
What: 90-minute in-person interview
Where: Crux Product Design, Flatiron Building, 332-335 Paintworks, Bristol, BS4 3AR
When: 17 July and 21–29 July 2025
Incentive: £150
To take part, CRUX Registration Form or contact takepart@cruxproductdesign.com / +44 (0) 117 300 9788
Help improve support for people with sight loss
RNIB is inviting blind and partially sighted people to take part in a survey about the support they’ve received and what support they feel is needed. This could include help from RNIB, other sight loss charities, NHS ophthalmology services, or local vision rehabilitation teams.
The insights gathered will help shape future services and ensure people with sight loss get the right support at the right time.
To share your views and help make a difference, complete the online survey here: RNIB Survey Link
Research Participants Wanted – Help Improve Accessible Travel with AI
A postgraduate student at Bournemouth University is exploring how visually impaired people use generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Copilot, Claude, or Meta AI – especially in relation to travel. They’re looking for adults (18+) with sight loss who have used any AI chatbot, for any purpose. The study involves a 20–40 minute online or in-person interview. All interviews are fully accessible, confidential, and anonymised.
Interested? Email b.rahmanbahram@gmail.com or message via WhatsApp: +98 936 874 8051.
Deadline 15 July 2025
Take part in a student audio documentary
A student from the University of the West of England is creating an audio documentary exploring how people relate to the concept of darkness. They are particularly keen to hear from blind and partially sighted individuals, to help challenge common misconceptions and offer different perspectives on what darkness means.
If you’re interested in taking part, contact Alex at:
cavanaghap@hotmail.co.uk
Veterans with sight loss – take part in research
Acumen Fieldwork and Blind Veterans UK are conducting a market research study focused on support for veterans with sight loss. This will be a 45-minute online interview over Zoom discussing experiences of sight loss and serving in the armed forces, with various times available in July. Participation is incentivised with a £70 bank transfer. Those interested in taking part are invited to follow the link and complete the survey: Research Opinions Website
Writing and sight loss – share your experience
Anglia Ruskin University is exploring the challenges people with sight loss face when writing or typing. The aim is to better understand these difficulties and find practical solutions.
They’re looking for adults (18+) who experienced sight loss in both eyes after learning to read and write.
You can take part by completing a short 10–15 minute online survey, or by arranging a phone call with Rukaiya (15–30 mins) on 07460 445124.
Take the survey: A.R.U Survey Link
Online Events / Notices / Groups / Socials
Looking for online groups, events or peer support?
You can find many of our regular online listings, including national social groups, webinars and condition-specific support, on our website. Visit our Online Resources From Other Organisations webpage
New audiobook shares powerful stories from young people with sight loss
Infinite World of Vision is a new audiobook created by 21 young people from across the UK, sharing their lived experiences of navigating life with vision impairment.
Covering everything from changing schools and friendships to guide dogs and confidence, each chapter is written and narrated by the young people themselves. With honesty and humour, they offer encouragement and insights for others going through similar changes.
One contributor, Tig from near Bath, said:
“It’s just been a real turning point… I’m proud of what I’ve been a small part of.”
Listen now for free on Spotify Infinite World of Vision: Life Transitions for Young People with Vision Impairments
It’s also available on Apple Books and other audiobook platforms worldwide.
Act now to protect vital benefits
RNIB is urging blind and partially sighted people to speak out against proposed government changes to disability benefits, including plans to make Personal Independence Payment (PIP) harder to access.
These changes could severely affect people’s ability to afford essential items like mobility aids, assistive technology, home adaptations and accessible transport, all crucial for independent living.
MPs will be voting soon, and RNIB is asking people to email their MP using a simple online form.
Find out more and take action on the RNIB Take Action webpage.
RNIB seeks young voices for future-focused panel
RNIB is inviting blind and partially sighted people aged 18–34 to join Project 35 – a panel exploring what the next 10 years could look like for people with sight loss.
The project will run from mid-July to the end of August 2025, bringing together lived experience, trends, and fresh ideas to help RNIB shape future services.
They’re looking for curious thinkers who enjoy imagining new possibilities and considering the needs of others with a wide range of vision experiences.
Apply online: Project 35 application form
For queries, email mandy.owens@rnib.org.uk