Sight Support What’s On E-Newsletter for September 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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9. Sight Support Whats On Sept 25 (DOCX, 134 KB)
Sight Support Events and Notices
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:
- 10.30am – 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. - 11.45am – 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. - 1.00pm – 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. - 2.00pm – 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.
There’s still time to enter our Summer Raffle!
Don’t miss your chance to win up to £500 in our Summer Raffle. Tickets are just £1 each or £10 for a book of 10, with all proceeds supporting the work of Sight Support West of England, Wiltshire Sight, and Insight Gloucestershire.
Prizes include £500, £100, £25, and £10. The closing date is Friday 3 October, so get your tickets now before it’s too late.
Buy tickets here: Raffle tickets webpage
Full details and terms: Our Summer Raffle webpage
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.
Bristol hubs – two new launches this September
We’ve expanded our support across Bristol with new monthly hubs, giving more people the chance to access our local sight loss advice, equipment demos, and friendly social groups.
New hubs launching in September:
- Lockleaze Hub – The Hub, Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust. 1st Tuesday monthly, Social 11am to 1pm, drop-in 11am to12pm, appointments also available. Launching 2 September.
- St Pauls Hub – St Pauls Learning Centre. 3rd Friday monthly, Social 11am to 1pm, drop-in 11am to12pm, appointments also available. Launching 19 September.
Other monthly Bristol hubs and socials:
- Avonmouth – 1st Monday, 11am – 1pm, Avonmouth Community Centre.
- Bedminster – 1st Friday,10am – 1pm, Guide Dogs Bristol.
- Cotham – 2nd Monday, 11am – 1pm, The Elmgrove Centre.
- Easton – 3rd Monday, 1pm – 3pm, Easton Community Centre.
- Fishponds, Resource Centre – Appointments only, each Thursday at the Vassall Centre.
- Hartcliffe – 4th Tuesday, 11am – 1pm, Symes Community Building.
- Henleaze – 1st Tuesday, 11am – 1pm, Trinity Church.
- Whitchurch – 2nd Wednesday, 11am – 1pm, Whitchurch URC.
- Social groups at Broadmead (2nd Saturday, Boswells Café) and Ashton Vale (fortnightly Wednesdays, Bristol Indoor Bowls Club).
Volunteers needed – mailing help at the Vassall Centre
We’re looking for volunteers to help us with an upcoming mailing at our Bristol office. If you’re free on Thursday 25 September and can spare some time to stuff envelopes, we’d love your support.
Where: The Vassall Centre, Gill Avenue, Bristol, BS16 2QQ
When: From 10.00am – stay as long as you’re able, any time you can give will be much appreciated.
If you’d like to come along, please contact us on 0117 322 4885 or volunteering@sightsupportwest.org.uk
Parents Virtual Hub
With the new school year so close, this is a great time for parents of children and young people with a vision impairment to connect with others who understand their journey. Our friendly Parents Virtual Hub next meets on Thursday 18 September, 7.30–8.30pm via Microsoft Teams.
Hosted by Becky, a parent with lived experience, the group provides a supportive space to share experiences, exchange tips, and talk about the unique challenges and joys of parenting a child with sight loss.
The Parents Hub meets on the third Thursday of each month via Microsoft Teams. Our Virtual Hubs are open to anyone across Bristol, Bath, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, and Swindon, and are free to join.
We also run regular hubs for young adults, university students and working age adults.
To register, contact us on 0117 322 4885 or email info@sightsupportwest.org.uk
Volunteer Andy featured by BBC
We’re delighted that our volunteer, Andy Evans, has been featured by BBC Bristol. Andy shared how new AI glasses have been “life-changing,” helping him regain independence and return to work after losing his sight.
Andy now volunteers with us, supporting others to adjust to sight loss. His story highlights the difference that technology can make to everyday life.
Our Digital Skills Advisor can help you explore tools like the Meta glasses and learn to use them with confidence.
You can read the full story on the BBC website
If you are interested in volunteering with us, contact Becs at 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.
Hub updates to note
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, with the first at the new location on 17 September 2025, drop-in from 10am to 11am for advice or call us for an appointment, the social group is from 10am to 12pm.
New social group in Thornbury
We’re launching a new social group in Thornbury for people living with sight loss. Come along from Monday 8th September (it will take place 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.
Bradley Stoke Hub – room change
From Thursday 18 September 2025, our Bradley Stoke Hub will take place in Room 4 at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre. The address remains the same, but the hub has moved to a different room in the building. Sessions continue on the third Thursday of each month.
Working Age Virtual Hub – cancelled for September
Please note that the Working Age Virtual Hub will not take place in September. The next session will be held on Thursday 16 October at 7pm via Microsoft Teams. We look forward to seeing you then.
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
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:
- 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
- 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 schedule for 2025,
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.
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
Bath Macular Support Group
On Wednesday 17th September The Bath Macular Support Group will meet at 2.0pm at Good Living (The Bubble) St Johns Foundation, situated behind The Cross Bath. The speaker will be Stephen Bird. who will talk on The Romans in Bath in their own words. This should be a very interesting afternoon. All welcome!
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 is running a telephone course, ‘Focus on Friends and Family’ starting on 3rd September.
Local Audio Described Arts Events
Galleries and Museums
Arnolfini Gallery
Arnolfini, 16 Narrow Quay, BS1 4QA
Saturday 6 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
Bristol Museum – Gender Stories
10 September from 6 – 8.30 pm after – after the museum closes – VI Tour of the Gender Stories exhibition. More information and for free booking follow this link
Gender Stories Audio Described Tour for Visually Impaired Adults | Bristol Museums
Or contact steven.bradley@bristol.gov.uk.
Audio described content also available via QR codes
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
Victoria Art Gallery, Bridge Street, BA2 4AT
- 15 September – Lost Spells
- 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
Kersti Haabjoern – Kersti_Haabjoern@bathnes.gov.uk
Royal West of England Academy
Queens Rd, Bristol BS8 1PX
There will be 2 VI Tours of the 172nd Open Exhibition on Saturdays – 25 October and 6 December from 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
Bath – Theatre Royal
Sawclose, BA1 1ET
- 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.
Bristol Beacon
Neon Dance in Bristol with workshops
A powerful fusion of music, film and dance comes to Bristol Beacon on Friday 26 September, 8pm. Last and First Men is audio described and features live music, bold choreography, and narration by Tilda Swinton. Suitable for ages 14+. Tickets: £11.20–£20.16.
Booking link: https://bristolbeacon.org/whats-on/last-and-first-men-by-neon-dance
Booking contact number 0117 203 4040
Booking contact email hello@bristolbeacon.org
will bring a sighted companion or need a volunteer guide.
Bristol Hippodrome
St Augustine’s Parade, BS1 4UZ
- 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
Main Hall
- 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
Cooper’s Hall
1 to 4 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
VICTA Sport Leadership Camp 2025
Opportunity to earn a Level 1 Qualification in Sports Leadership this October half term.
When: 27–31 October 2025
Who: Young people aged 14–17
Where: Royal National College for the Blind, Hereford
Cost: £50 per participant
This 4-night residential, run in partnership with RNC Hereford, combines theory and practical sessions to help you build leadership skills in sport. You’ll learn how to plan, lead, and review activities, take part in a variety of sports, and enjoy evening socials too.
By the end of the camp you’ll leave with new confidence, leadership skills, and a nationally recognised qualification. Find out more and apply: VICTA Sport Leadership Camp
FA Para Football – England Talent Days
Do you know a young person with a visual impairment, cerebral palsy, or hearing impairment who loves football? The FA’s England Talent Days are the first step on the Para Football pathway.
Open to players aged 7–16, these days give young people the chance to be assessed and directed to the right environment for their development, while continuing any football they already play.
Upcoming dates are Saturday 18 October 2025 and Wednesday 1 April 2026 at St George’s Park, DE13 9PD.
For more information and to register, visit: https://forms.office.com/e/RqFfguz20V
Guide Dogs Children’s Services
Guide Dogs offer a range of services for children with vision impairment and their families, from building independent living skills to family events.
My Time to Play is a free service for children aged 0–4, delivered by Qualified Habilitation Specialists. Through play, children develop a broad range of skills while parents, carers, and siblings join in the fun.
Programmes are running in Bath & North East Somerset, with new groups starting in South Gloucestershire (September) and North Somerset (October).
Find out more: www.guidedogs.org.uk/getting-support/help-for-children-and-families/
RNC events for young people
The Royal National College for the Blind (RNC) is running three events:
- Open Day (19 September) for prospective students and families.
- Have a Go Weekend (25–26 October) for ages 13–17: free accommodation, sports, music, and cooking.
- They also offer Get Workplace Ready, a free three-month course for ages 18–29, starting 27 October.
Details and booking: www.rnc.ac.uk
Fun 2 Move with Bristol Bears
Starting this September, Bristol Bears Community Foundation is launching two inclusive multi-sport sessions at Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust, designed for SEND and physically disabled participants.
Led by specialist coaches, the sessions provide a fun, welcoming space to get active and build confidence.
When: Tuesdays from 9 September
Where: Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust, BS7 9FB
Ages 13–17: 4.00–5.00pm | Ages 18+: 5.00–6.00pm
Register: kpassfield@bristolbearsrugby.com
The Outlook Trust
The Outlook Trust organises outdoor activity and residential breaks for blind and partially sighted children and young people with additional disabilities.
Find out more: About The Outlook Trust Charity
Super 1s girls’ cricket
Free inclusive cricket sessions for girls aged 12–25 with SEND.
- Mondays, 6–7pm
- Hanham Cricket Club, Bristol BS15 3NP
Contact Jeanette Tate: 07432 728926 or jeanette.tate@glosccc.co.uk
City of Bristol Para Swimming Trials
For confident swimmers aged 7+ with basic stroke ability and a can-do attitude. Trials are flexible to individual needs.
Enquiries: cobscpara@gmail.com (Coach Keira)
Inclusive tennis sessions in Winterbourne
Starting this September, young people aged 8–18 who are disabled, d / Deaf, or neurodivergent are invited to join inclusive tennis sessions at Winterbourne Tennis Club.
Sessions run every Thursday from 5.00–5.45pm, with the first session free.
Where: Winterbourne Tennis Club, Parkside Avenue, Bristol
Sign up: Winterbourne Tennis Club booking link
Online Groups / Events / Socials
- LOOK will be running Healthy Parent Carer Programmes for families with a vision impaired child. The twelve-week online courses will run in Spring 2026 (apply by 3rd November).
https://www.look-uk.org/healthy-parent-carer-programme-spring-2026/ - Retina UK runs an online Peer Support Group for the parents and carersof children with an inherited retinal dystrophy.
Research Opportunities
Research opportunity – Preimplantation Genetic Testing
A research team at the University of Sheffield, led by Dr Alisdair McNeil, is inviting people with inherited retinal conditions to take part in an online Patient and Public Involvement group.
The discussion will focus on Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT), a family planning option. Participants will read a short background document (10–20 minutes) before joining a 2-hour online group discussion. A gift voucher is offered for your time.
To find out more or take part, email Dr Alisdair McNeil: a.mcneill@sheffield.ac.uk
Survey – Employment support for disabled people
The Commons Work and Pensions Committee has launched a new inquiry, ‘Employment support for disabled people‘, on how to improve the job prospects of disabled people and is calling for the views of disabled people, employers, and experts (the closing date for submissions is 29th September).
Have your say: Girls-only sport in Bristol
Access Sport and the Ignite network want to hear from female and non-binary young people in Bristol about how to make sport more welcoming and inclusive.
Recent research from the University of Bristol found that many neurodivergent girls feel excluded from mainstream activities. To address this, a girls-only Expression of Interest is open to share what’s missing and what support is needed.
Complete the form here: https://forms.office.com/e/XsaAWCCVHY
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
- The Marfan Trust is holding its annual Marfan Information Dayon Saturday 11th October, via Zoom.
- The Macular Society runs monthly ‘My Macular and Me’ webinars. The next one is on 19th August, and the subject is genetic counselling for macular disease.
- During September, RNIB will run its Living Well with Sight Loss online course. The course is open to people with sight loss across the UK.
- RNIB is also running the following UK-wide telephone course: ‘Focus on Friends and Family’ starting on 3rd September.
- This year’s Macular Disease Conferencewill be held online on Saturday 13th September and registration is open.