Sight Support What’s On E-Newsletter for June 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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6. Sight Support Whats On June 2025 (DOCX, 129 KB)
Sight Support Events and Notices
New hubs launching across Bristol
We are expanding the areas we cover in Bristol and are excited to announce new monthly hubs launching over the coming months. Our aim is to have hubs near as many communities as we can, making it easier for people to access support and meet others locally. We look forward to welcoming you.
Easton Hub
Launched on: Monday 19th May
3rd Monday monthly – Drop-in: 11am – 12pm, Social: 11am – 1pm
Easton Community Centre (Kilburn St, Easton, Bristol BS5 6AW)
Hartcliffe Hub
Launch Date: Monday 24th June
4th Tuesday monthly – Drop-in: 11am – 12pm, Social: 11am – 1pm
Symes Community Building (Peterson Ave, Bristol BS13 0BE)
Avonmouth Hub
Launch Date: Monday 7th July
1st Monday monthly – Drop-in: 11am – 12pm, Social: 11am – 1pm
Avonmouth Community Centre (257 Avonmouth Rd, Avonmouth, Bristol BS11 9EN)
Cotham Hub
Launch Date: Monday 14th July
2nd Monday monthly – Drop-in: 11am – 12pm, Social: 11am – 1pm
The Elmgrove Centre (Elmgrove Rd, Redland, Bristol BS6 6AH)
Need help with your smartphone, tablet, or smart speaker?
We offer free one-to-one tech support appointments at all of our hubs that include a social group. Whether you’re just getting started and know nothing, want to learn how to make your device more accessible or have a specific question, our friendly team can help. We can show you how to use useful apps, adjust settings for easier use, get the most out of features like voice assistants and more.
If you’d like a tech support appointment, either give us a call on 0117 322 4885 or ask at one of the following hubs: Bedminster, Whitchurch, Henleaze, Yate, Midsomer Norton, Keynsham, Bath, Kingswood.
Connect Online with Virtual Hubs
Our Virtual Hubs are open to anyone affected by sight loss. Hosted on Microsoft Teams, training is available for newcomers.
Join one of our hubs:
Parent Support Group: Third Thursday of the month 7:30 pm.
University Students Group: Fortnightly, Wednesdays at 7 pm.
Working Age Group: Third Thursday of the month at 7 pm.
Young Adults Group (18–30): Fortnightly, Wednesdays at 7 pm.
Would you like to join? Contact us – 0117 322 4885 / info@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.
Changes to Note for Upcoming Hubs
- From Monday 19th May, parking charges were introduced in Thornbury to all local council car parks. This could affect anyone coming for appointments at the Thornbury Resource Centre
Events & Notices From Other Organisations
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 15th 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.
Student audio documentary about darkness
“Student audio documentary (UWE) about humans and their relationship with darkness – I’m keen to hear the voices of visually impaired people to try and address misconceptions the general population might have and how you might view the idea of darkness differently. Drop me, Alex, an email at cavanaghap@hotmail.co.uk if you would be interested in taking part.”
Seeking Collaboration to Recruit Participants for Visual Art and Sight Loss Study
Do you have low vision and an interest in art?
Cardiff University invites you to explore innovative ways to enhance your ability to see paintings at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery.
What’s Involved?
- Use “smart glasses” to visually enhance paintings at the museum.
- Discover hidden details in the artwork.
- Provide feedback to refine this technology.
- Receive a £30 Love2Shop e-Gift Card (£10 for incomplete participation).
Who Can Join? People with low vision, partial sight, or sight impairment.
Duration: Up to three hours by appointment.
Location: Bristol Museum and Art Gallery
For more information and to book an appointment, contact Paul Goddard: goddardpm@cardiff.ac.uk or 029 225 10051
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.
Further information email vibookgroup.bristol@gmail.com or Katharine Seymour, Central Library on 07880 069877
Glimmer: theatrical soundscape with Kilter Theatre
Over March some of our Bath Social hub members were invited to participate in creating an immersive audio installation around visual impairment.
Over a period of 6 fun filled, creative sessions, Kilter Theatre collected contributions of spoken word, music, sounds, and stories that captured themes of fears around sight loss, but also messages of hope.
The exhibition will be available to visit during the Bath Fringe Arts Festival at The Old Post Office, 26 New Bond St, Bath (opposite Waitrose)
Drop in 11am to 2pm, 4–7 June.
You might just recognise a few voices!
fringeartsbath.co.uk/events-2025/2025/6/4/glimmer
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
Westonbirt the National Arboretum at Tetbury – Sensing Nature and Wellbeing Walks
Click here: Sensing Nature Walks
Let our visually impaired guides lead you through an immersive and interactive sensory experience that aims to shift your perception, enjoy the arboretum at a slower pace and explore the trees of Westonbirt through your nonvisual senses.
Walks occur at 11:30am every Friday of the month from April – September.
Please note that dogs are not permitted on these walks (except assistance dogs). Some of our visually impaired guides will be assisted by a guide dog. Please do not disturb the assistance dogs while they are working.
How long? Approx. 1.5 hours
How much? Free after admission.
Where to meet? Meet at the Welcome Building, where you will be guided to the starting point for the walk.
Do I need to book? No.
What to wear? Please wear suitable clothing and footwear for outdoor walking as you will be going off path and over grass.
Accessibility? Dependent on weather, these sensory walks may not be suitable for wheelchair users due to the off path experience.
Get in touch customerrelations@forestryengland.uk /
Call 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.
Blind and Visually Impaired Bowls Tournament
National Pairs and Singles. Will be held at Clarence Bowling Club, Weston super mare, from 8th to 13th June.
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
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 carers
of children with an inherited retinal dystrophy.
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.
Bath Macular Group
The Bath Macular Support Group meeting will be held at 2 pm in The Good Living Centre ( was called The Bubble) at St Johns Foundation All Welcome.
Contact Jo Fishwick on 07947 373 244 or Jo.Fishwick@macularsociety.org to find out more information or find other local groups.
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
An exhibition that sensitively examines the fluid, multifaceted world of gender across cultures, eras, and personal experiences.
Section introductions and descriptions for a selection of exhibits will be available to listen to via QR code at the exhibition from 31st May to 12th October 2025.
Information on the exhibition can be found at https://www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/whats-on/bristol-museum-and-art-gallery/gender-stories/
Access information for the venue can be found here https://www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/bristol-museum-and-art-gallery/plan-your-visit/access/
You can phone the museum on 0117 922 3571 to buy tickets in advance and discuss access arrangements.
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
Art on Mondays talks for VI Visitors
- 23 June 2025 – Geri Waddington, Artist – Against the Grain
- 21 July 2025 – Sue Wales, Artist – Landscapes, Interiors, and Still Lives
- 18 August 2025 – Katharine Wall, Collections Manager
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 – Join a described tour of Soft Power: Lives told through textile art. This tour is led by Sarah Kelly, and will focus on a selection of artworks in the exhibition. As always, there will be an opportunity to handle some of the exhibits. The session concludes with refreshments.
If you would like to join, book with Connie.Ngan@rwa.org.uk or phone RWA gallery on 0117 973 5129. Please 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
- 12 June – War Horse
- 16 July – Moulin Rouge
- 1 November – The Book of Mormon
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
- 31 May – The Beautiful Future is Coming – a fast-paced, inventive look at 250 years of history through the eyes of three couples.
- 5 July – How to Win against History – A Comedy Musical telling the riches to rags story of the 5th Marquis of Anglesey – one of the world’s wealthiest men – until he lost it all by being too damn fabulous.
- 4 October – Starter for Ten. The musical of David Nicholls book returns with Mel Giedroyc
- 20 December – Treasure Island
For more details and to book – ring the Box office – 0117 987 7877
Bath – Theatre Royal
Sawclose, BA1 1ET
- 12 June – By Royal Appointment – starring Anne Reid as the Queen and Caroline Quentin as her dresser.
- 12 July – Grace Pervades – with Ralph Fiennes
- 30 August – As You Like It – with Harriet Walker
Pre show 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.
Online Events / Notices / Groups / Socials
- Retina UK peer support groups, Online & Focused Interest Groups. Retina Uk Website Link Mark Baxter, Information and Support Coordinator. You can email him at services@RetinaUK.org.uk or call him on 07889 595783. Groups include: *NEW* Women’s Peer Support Group, *NEW* Parent’s & Carer’s Peer Support Group, *NEW* Young Adults Peer Support Group, Men’s Peer Support Group, National Peer Support Group, *NEW* ‘Talking’ Home & Garden, *NEW* ‘Talking’ Creative Arts, ‘Talking’ Travel, ‘Talking’ Tech
- The Royal Collection, which looks after the Royal Family’s art collection, runs free monthly online lecturesfor blind and partially-sighted people on the first Tuesday of the month.
- Socialise, Vision Support’s virtual social club for young and working age peoplemeets monthly. The next session is on 10th June. Their dial-in social group, ‘Time to Chat’ will have its next session on 3rd June.
- UK Keratoconus Self-Help and SupportOrganisation runs quarterly Zoom meetings. The next one is on 3rd June.
- providing on-the-spot tech supportfor people with dual sensory loss. The next one is on 30th May. Deafblind UK also runs a fortnightly online Job Club for people with sight and hearing loss. The next meeting is on 30th May.
- BBS UK runs virtual monthly chats for adults with Bardet-Biedl Syndrome
- Glaucoma UK’s next Digital Support Groupmeeting is on 4th June, and the topic is ‘Glaucoma and eye drops: the basics’.
- The Macular Society runs monthly support groups and webinars. Find out more on the Macular Society support groups webpage They also runs ‘My Macular and Me’ webinars each month. As well as on-line, condition specific groups for people affected by diabetic macular oedema, myopic macular degeneration, Best disease, Sorsby’s fundus dystrophy and Punctate Inner Choroidopathy.
- Torch Trust, the Christian sight loss charity, runs online coffee morningson the 4th Thursday of each month.
- Behcet’s UK runs regular online Support Group Meetingsfor people affected by the condition. They also offer a helpline and peer support.
- Nystagmus Network runs virtual support groupsfor people living with or affected by acquired or with congenital nystagmus.
- The next session of Blind Ambition’s monthly Working Age Forumsessions, which discuss issues related to employment, is on 10th June.
- The next session of Thomas Pocklington Trust’s ‘Let’s Talk Jobs’ workshopsis on Monday 9th June.
- Sight loss and other disability organisations are urging people who are concerned about the UK Government’s changes to benefits to contact their MP. You can do this using a form on the RNIB website.