Sight Support What’s On E-Newsletter for October 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.
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.
10. Sight Support Whats On Oct 25 (DOCX, 137 KB)
Sight Support Events and Notices
Have your say: help shape the future of our support
Your experiences matter to us. We want to make sure our services, activities, and events reflect what people living with sight loss really want and need. That’s why we’ve launched our 2025 survey, and we’d love you to take part.
It only takes about 15 minutes, and all responses will be kept confidential. The more people who share their views, the clearer picture we’ll have of what matters most to our community.
You can take part:
- Online – Sight Support survey link
- by phone – call us on 0117 322 4885
- at your local hub in October
- or by posting back your answers to the survey questions included in our recent letter / email.
However you choose, your voice will make a difference.
The survey closes on 5 November, and we’ll share the results in the summer edition of Visible magazine.
Take part here: https://forms.office.com/e/vb73YjaTyQ
Eye Can Bath – Thursday 16 October
Our next Eye Can exhibition is just around the corner! It takes place at Bath Pavilion on Thursday 16 October, 10am to 3pm (last entry 2.30pm).
Join us for a free event packed with the latest tech, equipment, services, and support for people living with sight loss. You can also enjoy a full programme of talks:
- 30am – What Digital Technology Can Do For You
Discover how smartphones, voice commands, and online tools can make everyday tasks easier. Learn about our digital skills support service available at hubs across the region. - 45am – Ask the Expert: Amar Shah
Amar Shah, Sight Support West Trustee and leading optometrist, will answer your questions, challenge myths, and explain support and treatment options. - 00pm – Fraud Protect Talk
Claire Bounds from Avon and Somerset Police will explain common fraud tactics and share tips on how to keep yourself and loved ones safe. - 00pm – The Digital Switchover
Sodhi Dhillon from BT will outline what the landline switchover means, how it’s happening, and the support available to customers.
Pre-registration helps us plan and is quick and easy to do. Book your free ticket at Eventbrite: https://eye-can-bath-2025.eventbrite.co.uk or call us on 0117 322 4885.
Final call – Summer Raffle closing soon!
Time is running out to get your tickets for our Summer Raffle and the chance to win up to £500. Tickets are £1 each or £10 for a book of 10, with all proceeds supporting Sight Support West of England, Wiltshire Sight, and Insight Gloucestershire.
Prizes: £500, £100, £25 and £10. Entries close Friday 3 October – don’t miss out!
Buy tickets here: Raffle tickets webpage
Full details and terms: Our Summer Raffle webpage
Improvers digital skills courses – October
Already using a smartphone or tablet? Take the next step with our friendly Improvers Course. Each session covers practical ways your device can help you stay connected – from audiobooks and screenreaders to maps, video calls and more.
- Bath – Tuesdays 14, 21, 28 October, 12.45–2.15pm
- Broadmead, Bristol – Wednesdays 15, 22, 29 October, 10am–12pm
- Kingswood – Thursdays 23, 30 October & 6 November, 10.30am–12.30pm
Booking is essential. Call us on 0117 322 4885 or email info@sightsupportwest.org.uk
Bath Diabetes Wellbeing Event
Join us on Saturday 25 October, 10am–1pm at Southdown Church Centre, Bath (BA2 1NJ) for a free wellbeing event all about living with diabetes. Meet health professionals, get advice on diabetes prevention, healthy eating, mental wellbeing, and more.
Sight Support will be there offering information and resources around sight loss. Free entry, blood pressure checks, refreshments, raffle, and activities.
Enquiries: 01225 582303 or louise.stevens9@nhs.net
Alveston Community Roadshow
One of our Sight Loss Advisors will be at the Alveston Community Roadshow on Thursday 2 October, 2.00–4.00pm at Alveston Methodist Church, Wolfridge Ride, BS35 3RA.
This free wellbeing drop-in brings together local organisations to share advice and support, including home adaptation services, social prescribing, healthy living advice, and more. No need to book – just come along, enjoy refreshments, and find out what’s available in your community.
Young Adults Virtual Hub – themed session
Our Young Adults Virtual Hub is introducing a themed discussion for the upcoming session on Wednesday 15 October. The topic will be ‘Getting out and about’.
Amber would love to talk to you about the challenges young people face when navigating sight loss, overcoming and managing the stigma that is sometimes associated with visual impairment, and sharing hints and tips for how you cope and maximise your independence.
She says: “With first-hand lived experience this is something I’m acutely aware of and would love to speak to others about how they manage.”
This is a friendly space to connect with others, share experiences, and support one another. To join, contact us on 0117 322 4885.
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.
Hub updates to note
Ashton Coffee & Convo – day change
The social group at Ashton will now take place on Wednesdays every fortnight. The next group will be on Wednesday 8th October 2025, 11am to 1 pm, at Bristol Indoor Bowls Club, 198 South Liberty Lane, Ashton Vale, Bristol, BS3 2TY.
Chew Valley Hub is moving
From September, our Chew Valley appointment-only hub will relocate from Stanton Drew to a new venue in Chew Magna. The hub will now take place at:
The Old School Room, Millennium Hall, South Parade, Chew Magna, BS40 8SH
Sessions will be on the third Wednesday of each month.
New social group in Thornbury
We’ve launched a new social group in Thornbury for people living with sight loss. Come along on the second Monday of each month from 1pm to 3pm, at Thornbury Methodist Church, High Street, BS35 2AQ – the entrance to the Church Hall is via Castle Court.
Events & Notices From Other Organisations
No news to share here this month – but check back in our next What’s On for the latest updates.
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).
Gloucestershire Growlers VI Cricket Club
The Gloucestershire Growlers welcome visually impaired people of all ages, abilities and genders to join their friendly cricket club. Members can enjoy coaching, training sessions, and matches across the West Midlands, a great way to stay active, socialise, and visit some fantastic venues.
Interested? Contact Craig Watkins on 07710 812086 or email craigawatkins94@gmail.com
Accessible audio tour at Windmill Hill City Farm
Windmill Hill City Farm in Bedminster has launched an accessible audio tour, designed with visually impaired visitors in mind. With 12 stops, the tour brings the farm to life through sensory descriptions of sights, sounds and smells – from prize-winning cattle to the herb garden and quacking ducks.
Free to enter (donations welcome). Scan the QR codes on site to listen.
How to get to Windmill Hill City Farm
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:
- 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
- 26 February – Leonard and Hungry Paul – Ronan Hessian
- 26 March – Brideshead Revisited
- 30 April – Diary of an Ordinary woman – Margaret Forster
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 plans for 2026.
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.
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.
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.
Regular Support Groups
See our website for a list of regular support groups offered by other organisations that take place locally and online. Click here: Webpage for regular support groups and services
STEP Together 2025 – free student event
Join Thomas Pocklington Trust for STEP Together 2025, a free in-person event on Saturday 11 October 2025, 11am–3.30pm at the TPT Hub, London.
Designed for blind and partially sighted students preparing for further or higher education, the day offers workshops, practical advice, and the chance to meet others who share your experiences. Highlights include a Q&A with current students and an assistive technology session.
Spaces are limited – register here: Event registration form
More info: Student Transitions – Thomas Pocklington Trust
Royal National College – GetWorkplace Ready Course
RNB are offering a Get Workplace Ready, a free three-month course for ages 18–29, starting 27 October.
Details and booking: www.rnc.ac.uk
RNIB Telephone course, ‘Focus on Friends and Family’
RNIB regularly run telephone courses on Living Well With Sight Loss see more info on the RNIB courses website
Local Audio Described Arts Events
Galleries and Museums
Arnolfini Gallery
Arnolfini, 16 Narrow Quay, 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
Circus City presents Armour at Arnolfini
As part of Bristol’s Circus City Festival, Armour by Arno Ferrera & Gilles Polet comes to Arnolfini on Thursday 9 and Friday 10 October, 8.30pm.
This UK premiere explores masculinity and vulnerability through dance, balance, and hand-to-hand acrobatics. Three performers, inspired by the choreography of wrestlers and gladiators, shift between power and tenderness, play and seduction, with the audience seated in a circle close to the action.
Age recommendation: 16+. Please note the show contains partial nudity. This is a non-verbal performance but is audio described.
Tickets: £12–£29 + booking fee
Book: tickets@bristolcircuscity.com
Circus City presents Cocoon at Circomedia
As part of Bristol’s Circus City Festival, Cocoon by Farrell Cox comes to Circomedia on Friday 10 October at 7.00pm.
Set in a hair salon, this daring aerial theatre show weaves four stories exploring disability and healthcare. With humour, pop culture, and hairdryers, it celebrates resilience and unapologetic joy. Led by theatre maker Farrell Cox and a new ensemble, Cocoon invites the audience to laugh, scream, chant, or cry together.
Age recommendation: 14+. Please note the show contains strong language, sexual innuendo, and healthcare themes. The performance will include BSL interpretation and integrated audio description.
Where: Circomedia, St Paul’s Church, Portland Square, Bristol BS2 8SJ
Tickets: £11–£26 + booking fee
Book: tickets@bristolcircuscity.com
Bath – Victoria Art Gallery
Bridge Street, BA2 4AT
Art on Mondays talks for VI Visitors
- 27 October – Jane Austen’s Bath
- 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
Royal West of England Academy
Queens Rd, Bristol BS8 1PX
There will be two VI Tours of the 172nd Open Exhibition on –
- Saturday 25 October 10.30 to 12 noon
- Saturday 6 December 10.30 to 12 noon
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 – Upcoming Audio Described Shows
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, and is performed in the softly lit round, where dance and storytelling merge with multi-located sound design.
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
Bath – Theatre Royal
Sawclose, BA1 1ET
- 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 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 Hippodrome
St Augustine’s Parade, BS1 4UZ
- 18 October – Welsh National Opera perform Tosca 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
Main Theatre
- 4 October – Starter for Ten. The musical of David Nicholls book returns with Mel Giedroyc
- 20 December – Treasure Island
- 24 January 2026 – Lost Atoms – The play explores how memory affects the way we look at love
Cooper’s Hall
- 1 to 8 October – Inside: The Childhood of an Artist. A multisensory biography, audio described, virtual reality experience, using the Meta Quest 3 headset. Includes music by Dan Jones and Evelyn Glennie. Each performance is under 30 minutes.
More details and to book – ring the Box office – 0117 987 7877
Children and Young People
Building Prospects workshops for young people
Building Prospects is back with a refreshed series of fun, peer-led online workshops for ages 13–18. Running from 15 September to 15 October, sessions take place on Mondays or Wednesdays, 5–6pm via Zoom. Young people can build confidence, develop life and employability skills, explore career pathways, and connect with peers.
Apply online: Building Prospects application form
Opportunities from VICTA for children and young people
VICTA has a range of activities open for application this autumn and winter:
Families
- Circus Starr Big Top Show, Milton Keynes – 1 October (free tickets)
- 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)
- Equine Taster Day, Borehamwood – 30 October (£20pp)
- Lions International Peace Essay & Poster Competitions – free, closing October
Ages 14–17
- Sports Leadership Residential, RNC Hereford – 27–31 October (£50pp)
- Spanish Celebration Day, NCW Worcester – 28 October (£5pp)
- Behind the Scenes at Shakespeare North Playhouse – 31 October (£20pp)
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)
Further sport
- VI Climbing taster, Manchester (ages 10–17, £5pp)
- FA England Talent Days travel offer (ages 7–16)
- VI Cycling taster, Derby (ages 12–19, free)
Full details and applications: www.victa.org.uk
VICTA Early Years Sensory Discovery Packs
VICTA offers free Sensory Discovery Packs for children aged 0–4 who are vision impaired. Each pack is filled with specially chosen sensory items to help families enjoy playtime together. Online play ideas are also included to help parents get started.
Parents and professionals can apply for baby or toddler packs here: victaparents.org.uk/early-years-sensory-pack
Inclusive sport opportunities from Ignite Bristol
Flyerz Hockey
Fortnightly inclusive hockey sessions for disabled and neurodivergent children and adults. Free, equipment provided, no experience needed.
Tuesdays, 6–7pm, OB’s Pitch, Beggar Bush Lane, BS8 3TH.
Contact Lizzie: 07511 700220
Wheelchair Basketball
Weekly sessions for children with additional needs and siblings. Sports wheelchairs provided.
Mondays, 4:30–5:30pm, Kingswood Leisure Centre, BS16 4RH.
Contact Jenny for details.
Female & Non-Binary Sessions – Expression of Interest
Ignite Bristol is seeking views on how to make sport more welcoming for girls and non-binary young people.
Complete the form: https://forms.office.com/e/XsaAWCCVHY
Find out more: ignitebristol.co.uk
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: 18 October 2025 and 1 April 2026 at St George’s Park, DE13 9PD. Register online – https://forms.office.com/e/RqFfguz20V
Guide Dogs Children’s Services
Guide Dog services for children with vision impairment and their families, from independent living skills to family events. My Time to Play (ages 0–4) helps children develop through play. Groups are running in Bath & North East Somerset, with new ones starting in South Gloucestershire and North Somerset this autumn.
RNC events for young people
- Have a Go Weekend (25–26 October) for ages 13–17: free activities and accommodation.
- Get Workplace Ready (ages 18–29): free three-month course starting 27 October.
Details and booking: www.rnc.ac.uk
The Outlook Trust
Outdoor activity and residential breaks for blind and partially sighted children and young people with additional disabilities. Link – About The Outlook Trust Charity
Super 1s girls’ cricket
Free inclusive sessions for girls aged 12–25 with SEND. Mondays, 6–7pm, Hanham Cricket Club, BS15 3NP jeanette.tate@glosccc.co.uk
City of Bristol Para Swimming
Trials for confident swimmers aged 7+ with basic stroke ability. Flexible to individual needs. Coach Kiera – cobscpara@gmail.com
Inclusive tennis – Winterbourne
For ages 8–18 who are disabled, d/Deaf, or neurodivergent. Thursdays, 5–5.45pm at Winterbourne Tennis Club. First session free. Winterbourne Tennis Club booking link
Online groups
- LOOK Healthy Parent Carer Programme: 12-week online course in Spring 2026 (apply by 3 November).
- Retina UK online Peer Support Group for the parents and carers carers of children with inherited retinal dystrophy
Research Opportunities
Have your say – Sight Support West of England survey
We’d love to hear from anyone with lived experience of sight loss about how we can best support people across our region. Our short survey takes about 15 minutes, and all responses will be kept confidential.
You can take part in the way that suits you best:
- Online: https://forms.office.com/e/vb73YjaTyQ
- By phone: call 0117 322 4885
- At your local hub in October
- In writing, if you received our survey letter
The survey closes on 5 November. Results will be shared in the summer edition of Visible magazine.
How will you vote? – RNIB survey
Further to the survey on local support provided by us here at Sight Support, the RNIB have gathered ideas for new ways to support people with sight loss and now want your views on which could make the biggest difference. They are keen to hear from people living with sight loss, family and friends, and health or care professionals.
The survey takes 20–30 minutes, includes a quick eligibility check (age 18+), and is open until Wednesday 8 October 2025.
Take part here: http://bit.ly/4251Rt5
AI-EMPOWERED: research on AI and disabled people’s work
University of Birmingham researchers are exploring how AI is changing work for disabled people. Disabled people, employers, and stakeholders can join confidential surveys and interviews. Participation is voluntary and ethically approved.
Learn more and take part: ai-empowered.org.uk
Contact: d.wheatley@bham.ac.uk
Research study: childhood vision and sensory impairment
Parents and professionals with experience of childhood vision impairment (including combined conditions such as VI and autism or deafness) are invited to take part in a University College London study. The aim is to identify future research priorities based on real-world needs.
Taking part involves completing an anonymous online survey lasting around 10–15 minutes. Participation is voluntary and confidential.
For more information or to request the survey link, contact Xinyu Yang at zcjtxya@ucl.ac.uk or see this UCl participation information webpage
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
- Monthly Working Age Forum sessions discussing employment-related issues. The next is on 14 October.
- Fortnightly Zoom sessions on Friday afternoons offering on-the-spot tech support for people with dual sensory loss. The next is on 3 October.
- Fortnightly online Job Club for people with sight and hearing loss. The next meeting is on 3 October.
- Online annual Deafblind conference 9th October
Online webinars
Offer both face to face and online meetings. Next Digital Support Group meeting: 7pm on 28 October. Topic: Driving and Glaucoma.
- My Macular and Me monthly webinars. Next session: 21 October (topic TBC).
- Online condition-specific groups for people with diabetic macular oedema, myopic macular degeneration, Best disease, Sorsby’s fundus dystrophy, and Punctate Inner Choroidopathy (PIC). Also, a group for people with early onset macular degeneration.
Runs a online clinics for people affected by Marfan syndrome.
Runs virtual support groups for adults with acquired or congenital nystagmus.
Runs a wide range of Peer Support Groups
Community Connection telephone groups, run by RNIB’s Talk & Support service.
Runs a range of activities online and by phone for people with deafblindness.
Free monthly online lectures for blind and partially-sighted people on the first Tuesday of the month
Let’s Talk Jobs workshops – next session on 13 October: Creating the best you at interview.
UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Organisation
Holds quarterly Zoom meetings. Next one is on 4 December.