Wiltshire Sight

22/06/2026

Heatwave update for our hubs, resource centres and social groups.

Due to the current extreme hot weather, we are encouraging anyone planning to travel to an appointment at one of our hubs or resource centres, visit a hub drop in session, or attend a social group this week to consider whether they can do so safely and comfortably.

If you are worried about travelling in the heat, especially if this involves waiting at bus stops or using public transport, please do not worry about cancelling. Contact us to let us know and our team will work with you to rearrange your appointment as soon as possible, so you don’t have to wait long to see us.

If you were planning to visit a hub or resource centre to ask a quick question, you can also contact us instead and one of our advisors can call you back.

Our hubs and resource centres are currently planned to go ahead unless we contact you to say otherwise. If we do need to cancel a hub, we will contact everyone with an appointment and those who usually attend a social group.

Please take care in the hot weather and only travel if you feel it is safe for you. If you have any questions, are unsure whether to travel, or need to rearrange an appointment, please contact us on 01380 723682. Our team will be happy to help.

You can also find advice on staying safe during hot weather on the GOV.UK website:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/beat-the-heat-advice-for-hot-weather



Image description: A graphic with the text “Heatwave update” and a yellow thermometer and sun icon. At the bottom text reads “Appointments, drop in sessions and social groups”. The graphic is on a dark blue background with coloured curved lines at the bottom.

18/06/2026

Audio description available for every FIFA World Cup 2026 match

FIFA has announced a range of accessibility features for the tournament, including Audio Descriptive Commentary for blind and partially sighted football fans.

For the first time, Audio Descriptive Commentary will be available for every match at the FIFA World Cup, including all 104 games and the opening and closing ceremonies.

Fans will be able to listen through the FIFA Audio Description app, with commentary designed to describe the action, atmosphere and key moments of the match.

To access the commentary:
• Download the FIFA Audio Description app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store
• Open the app and choose the match you want to follow
• Follow the instructions to connect to the live commentary

The tournament started on Thursday 11 June and runs until the final on Sunday 19 July. It’s great to see accessibility being included at such a large sporting event, helping more fans enjoy the experience.

Find out more, including how to access the app, below. https://inside.fifa.com/organisation/news/accessibility-world-cup-2026-disability-social-inclusion

FIFA is dedicated to making sure that all fans – including those with disabilities and their families and friends – have an excellent experience at this year’s FIFA World Cup™.

17/06/2026

Try something new this summer! Have you ever wondered what it feels like to ride a tandem bike? Wiltshire Sight is holding a free tandem cycling taster session for blind and partially sighted people in Churchill Gardens, Salisbury.

You will be supported by experienced tandem pilots, who will take you for a short ride around the park. No previous cycling experience is needed and helmets will be available. If you enjoy the experience, Charlotte’s Tandems may also be able to provide a tandem bike on loan so you can continue cycling.

Saturday 18 July
1pm to 3pm
Churchill Gardens, Salisbury (meet by the main car park near the Kiwi Coffee Cart)

Spaces are limited to avoid long waiting times, so booking is required. To book your place, contact us on 01380 723682 [email protected]



Image description: The top of the image shows a close up photo of two people riding a red tandem bike. The text reads: “Try tandem cycling. For blind and partially sighted people. Saturday 18 July, Salisbury.”

11/06/2026

Could technology help your child at school? There’s still time to book for our next Parents Virtual Hub with the education team at Thomas Pocklington Trust.

This online session is for parents of blind and partially sighted children and young people and will explore how technology can support learning, including useful tools, practical tips and where to find further advice. There will also be time to ask questions and connect with other parents.

Thursday 18 June
7.30pm to 8.30pm
Online via Microsoft Teams

To book your place, contact us on 01380 723682 or email [email protected]



Image description: a graphic with a dark blue background, text reads “Parents virtual hub” and “Technology support for your child at school”. Underneath further text reads “With Thomas Pocklington Trust” and “18 June • Online”. A green circular icon shows a computer with a cog and network symbol. A decorative yellow, blue and green swirl runs along the bottom.

09/06/2026

We’re pleased to be supporting this accessible walk at Corsham Walking Festival.

The walk is for blind and partially sighted people and offers the chance to enjoy Hartham Park with support from sighted guides, friendly conversation and time outdoors.

Please see the original post for details, including how to get involved.

Image description: Graphic for Corsham Walking Festival showing a photo of two people walking together outdoors, one wearing a sighted guide vest. Text reads: “Walk for Blind and Partially Sighted People” and “Corsham Walking Festival, 12th to 14th June 2026. Walk Sat 13.” Information on the graphic explains that this is a led walk around the grounds of Hartham Park, with sighted guides available. The Every Step Together logo and logos for Corsham Town Council and Wiltshire Council are shown.

🚶‍♀️ OPERATION: EVERY STEP TOGETHER 🚶‍♂️
💚 Because the best walks are the ones we share 💚

📍 Saturday 13th June 2026 | Corsham Walking Festival

This one’s a little bit special…

Introducing:
🌿 Walk for Blind and Partially Sighted People 🌿

A relaxed, friendly walk around the beautiful grounds of Hartham Park, where it’s not about distance, speed, or steps…

It’s about:
🤝 Connection
🌳 Fresh air
😊 Good company
…and maybe a well-earned cuppa at the end ☕

👣 How it works:
Walkers will be accompanied by a sighted guide—
so whether you’re coming with someone or volunteering to help, it’s all about walking side by side.

💬 Expect:

Lovely conversation
Plenty of “shall we go this way?” moments
A walk at a comfortable, inclusive pace
That quiet satisfaction of doing something genuinely meaningful

📧 Need a guide or want to help?
Get in touch: [email protected]

🍰 Bonus perk:
Optional refreshments at the Forge and Pheasant… because all great walks deserve a great ending

⚠️ Possible side effects include:

Meeting wonderful people
Leaving with a big smile
Wanting to sign up again next year
Being reminded that walking is better when we do it together

Because at the end of the day…
it’s not just about the walk—it’s about who you walk it with 💚

04/06/2026

Our Introduction to VoiceOver and TalkBack course is coming to locations across Wiltshire and Swindon.

This free course is for people with little usable vision who would like to learn how to use their smartphone or tablet with speech and touch gestures.

VoiceOver (Apple devices) and TalkBack (Android devices) read information on your screen aloud and allow you to control your device without relying on vision. The course covers:
• key screen reader gestures
• making and answering calls
• reading messages and emails
• navigating apps

Upcoming courses:
Salisbury: 5 & 12 June
Devizes: 16 & 23 June
Swindon: 2 & 9 September
Trowbridge: 18 & 25 September
Places must be booked in advance. Contact us on 01380 723682
[email protected]



Image description: Photo of a small group sitting around a table during a technology course session. Text reads: “Learn how to use your phone or tablet with a screen reader. Free course. For blind and partially sighted people.”

03/06/2026

This Volunteers’ Week, we want to say a huge thank you to every one of our volunteers.

Whether you support people at hubs and events, help in our shops, make befriending calls, share your digital skills, help run our audio CD library or contribute behind the scenes, you are an incredibly important part of our team.

Our volunteers bring so much more than their time. They bring kindness, experience, encouragement, patience, humour and understanding. They help create welcoming spaces, build confidence and remind people that support is there when they need it.

Thank you for everything you do.



Video description: A Volunteers’ Week reel featuring photos of volunteers from Sight Support West of England, Wiltshire Sight and Insight Gloucestershire. Images show volunteers helping people with technology, supporting charity shops, assisting at events, helping with the audio CD library, taking part in activities and gathering together for a team photo. On-screen text thanks volunteers for their time, kindness and support, ending with a message that reads “Thank you for everything you do.”

01/06/2026

We want to say a huge thank you this Volunteers’ Week to all of our amazing volunteers who make everything we do across Wiltshire and Swindon possible.

Jan volunteers in our Devizes charity shop and says:
“I love chatting with customers and helping make the shop look welcoming. I can honestly say I really look forward to volunteering.”

We feel incredibly lucky to have volunteers like Jan supporting Wiltshire Sight. Whether it’s helping in our charity shops, supporting people at hubs and events, or contributing behind the scenes in countless different ways, our volunteers play such an important part in what we do.

We really would be lost without you. Thank you for the time, kindness and support you share throughout the year and for the difference you make to blind and partially sighted people across Wiltshire and Swindon.



Image description: Photo of Jan, a volunteer with Wiltshire Sight, smiling at the camera while standing behind the counter at our Devizes shop. She is wearing glasses, a cream scarf and a Wiltshire Sight lanyard. A Volunteers’ Week logo appears at the top of the image.

29/05/2026

Looking for a relaxed way to meet others who enjoy audiobooks? Our Salisbury Audiobook Group is open to blind and partially sighted people and takes place on the fourth Wednesday of every month at Salisbury Library.

The group offers a friendly space to chat about books, share recommendations and meet others with a shared interest. Whether you are new to audiobooks or already enjoy listening, you are very welcome to come along.

11am to 12pm at Salisbury Library, first floor (lift access available), Market Walk, Salisbury, SP1 1BL.

For more information, contact Wiltshire Sight on 01380 723682 or simply turn up to the group, we would love to see you there.



Image description: Graphic with a dark blue background and rounded corners. White text reads “Join our monthly Salisbury audio book group” and “For blind and partially sighted people.” A green circular icon shows headphones over an open book.

28/05/2026

We’re recruiting a Community Connections & Inclusion Officer to join our Wiltshire Sight team.

This new role will focus on helping blind and partially sighted people build stronger community connections across Wiltshire, while also working with local groups and organisations to help make communities more accessible and inclusive.

We’re looking for someone who enjoys working with people, building relationships and helping create practical, lasting change. You may already work in the charity or community sector, or bring transferable skills from another role involving inclusion, engagement or partnership working.
• Salary: £26,000 – £30,000 depending on experience
• Full time, 35 hours per week, fixed term. Part time considered for the right candidate
• Closing date: 5pm Wednesday 10 June.

Full details can be found on our website: https://www.sightsupportwest.org.uk/get-involved/work-for-us/



Image description: Graphic with a dark blue background and Wiltshire Sight logo at the top. Large white text reads “Join our team! Community Connections & Inclusion Officer”. At the bottom is a green icon showing four people connected together.