Insight Issue 1 - Autumn 2025
Welcome to the new-look Sight Life Newsletter!
Our redesigned format is packed with the latest updates, insights and news from our charity - delivered to you three times a year to keep you fully informed.
Included In this edition - Latest news, Fundraising Updates, Tech Talk, Katie’s Story, Locality updates and Upcoming events.
Please note, all our offices and services will be closed for the festive season from Friday 19 December until Monday 5 January.
Photography Group launches Exhibition
Sight Life’s Photography Group proudly launched a stunning exhibition of their work on 12th November at the prestigious Futures Gallery in The Pierhead Building, Cardiff Bay.
The launch was sponsored by Jane Hutt MS whose support helped mark this special occasion in style.
The exhibition showcases 44 beautiful images captured by the talented photographers, each reflecting their unique perspectives and creativity.
It forms part of Sight Life’s 160th anniversary celebrations and is free to visit until 9 January 2026.
Don’t miss this inspiring celebration of vision, creativity, and community. Find out more on our website: www.sightlife.wales.
Get Well Soon, Ceri!
Everyone at Sight Life sends our very best wishes to our wonderful Patron, Ceri Dupree, who has been unwell recently.
Ceri has always been a fantastic supporter of our work, bringing joy and laughter to so many of our events.
We’re all thinking of you, Ceri, and wishing you a speedy recovery. We can’t wait to see you back to your fabulous self soon!
Stuart Says...
Hi all! Stuart Ball here!
Lots of different accessibility projects are underway and we’d love to hear from you if you’re interested in getting involved.
In particular, we’re creating a selection of short videos of our members sharing what Sight Life means to them and why.
These stories help spread the word about our amazing community and the impact of our social activities — especially on social media.
Get in touch with Stuart to be involved, contact Stuart on 02920 398900 or stuart.ball@sightlife.wales.
Our 2026 Calendars are now here!
We’re here to help you get organised for 2026!
Our usual supply of RNIB large print calendars and diaries are now available - perfect for planning ahead with ease and accessibility.
You can either order directly from RNIB at www.shop.rnib.org.uk, give them a call on 0303 123 9999 or pick one up when you pop into Jones Court. We’ve got a small supply here.
But that’s not all… For the first time ever, we’ve launched a Charity Calendar featuring fabulous images captured by our talented Photography Group for their latest exhibition in Cardiff Bay. These are just £10 each and make gorgeous Christmas gifts for family and friends. All proceeds go directly to Sight Life.
The calendars are already selling fast so don’t delay!
Contact Hazel or Dylan on 02920 398900 to get yours now!
Our year of challenges!
On 1st April, Sight Life marked its 160th birthday by launching Challenge 160 and we’ve been blown away by the response and creativity so far.
Challenge 160 is all about our supporters (individuals or groups), taking on challenges to raise £160 (or more) during our milestone year, which ends on 31st March 2026.
The support has been incredible! Over 20 creative or courageous challenges have taken place so far, from “Wear Blue” days to a kettle-bell swing challenge, and even two intrepid explorers taking on a 60-mile hike across Gran Canaria for a week.
Thanks to this amazing effort, more than an incredible £14,000 has been raised already, helping us continue to provide vital support to people living with sight loss across South Wales. We are so grateful for everyone who has given their time, effort and money to support this project so far!
But it isn’t over yet! There’s still time to get involved - whether you want to walk, bake, cycle, or dream up something completely unique, every effort counts and is appreciated.
Contact Hazel or Dylan on 02920 398900 if you’d like to take on your own Challenge 160.
Big Give at Christmas
We’re thrilled to have been accepted to be part of the Big Give Christmas Challenge again this year!
This is a fantastic 7-day opportunity to raise vital funds for Sight Life and end 2025 on a high. Our target this year is £14,000 - a challenging goal, but one we know we can achieve with your support.
The challenge runs from midday on Tuesday 2 December to midday on Tuesday 9 December, and here’s the best part: every donation made during this week will be doubled thanks to match funding.
If you’re planning to donate to Sight Life this festive season, we’d be really grateful if you could do it during the challenge week to make twice the impact. Join us at our donation station at Jones Court on 2 December or get in touch if you’d like any help with your donation.
Meta Smart Glasses: Can they help you?
We’ve had lots of people asking about the new Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses, so we thought we’d share an overview of how they combine style with assistive technology and can offer greater independence for people with sight loss.
Originally designed for social media, we’ve discovered that the voice activated features of these AI glasses can actually make everyday tasks easier and more efficient for people with sight loss.
Stuart Ball, our marketing assistant, has a pair and loves the unexpected benefit of using them, hands-free, to make everyday life simpler.
The specs feature a discreet camera, open-ear speakers, and voice-activated commands meaning users can simply speak to the glasses to identify objects in front of them and discreetly have signs, menus or documents read to them. They also take pictures and integrate with the ‘Be My Eyes app’, connecting users to volunteers for real time help.
Unlike traditional assistive devices, these glasses look like regular fashion eyewear, boosting confidence and reducing stigma. They are widely available through high-street stores and many local opticians but, at around £300 (before any prescription lenses are added) they are undeniably pricey.
The glasses also have limitations, for example, battery life is limited and they are not 100% reliable when not connected to Wi-Fi, but Meta is always working on updates.
So, in conclusion, they are definitely proving to be a helpful companion and stylish tool for people with sight loss, helping make life easier and more independent - but they are costly and are not a replacement for guide dogs or canes.
Calling All Potential Volunteers!
Do you have a few hours to spare to donate each week or month? We’re on the lookout for new volunteers in all of our areas - especially for our telephone contact line, drivers and local support in Neath. Whether you love chatting, supporting others, or simply want to make a difference in your community, we would love to hear from you!
Get in touch and be part of something special..Contact Valerie on 02920 398900 or valerie.baynton@sightlife.wales.
Katie’s Sight Life Journey:
Building Confidence and Community After Sight Loss
When Katie moved to Cardiff after studying at RNC Hereford, she faced a big challenge — starting over in a new city without knowing anyone.
Living with sight loss, she was looking for connection, a support network and opportunities to get involved. That’s when she found Sight Life.
Katie joined our Young Persons group, and her journey quickly transformed. She began trying some new activities, including paddleboarding, which she had never done before. She also took part in our popular karaoke nights and ‘Meet and Eat’ sessions, where she made new friends and even reconnected with old schoolmates.
These experiences helped Katie grow in confidence and feel part of a vibrant, inclusive community. She’s now enjoying a more active social life than she ever imagined possible.
Katie said: “Sight Life has supported me through what could have been a very lonely time. I’m so grateful for everything they’ve done. I’ve made amazing friends and had incredible experiences.”
Katie’s story highlights the massive impact of peer support, accessible social activities, and community engagement for people living with sight loss. Sight Life continues to provide safe, welcoming spaces where individuals can connect, grow, and thrive.
Cardiff update
Share Memories
As we celebrate our rich 160-year history, we want to hear from the people who make it all matter: you.
Do you have a special memory of Sight Life? Maybe from our time at Shand House? Or a moment that made you feel more confident, connected, or supported? Whatever your Sight Life memory that brings you a smile, we’d love to include it in our anniversary celebrations.
Your memories will help us honour the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future. To share, please contact Michelle on 02920 398900 or michelle.jones@sightlife.wales. Let’s celebrate our 160 years together.
New group now running - literally!
One of our members, Rehnaz, has launched the Cardiff VI and Blind Running Club!
Accessed via the Facebook group, this is the place to meet runners and guide runners in the VI running community.
It’s the hub for meet-ups, tips, training sessions and support. For more details or to join the group, contact Rehnaz via the Facebook group. Just search for Cardiff VI Runners on Facebook or follow the link www.facebook.com/groups/1585821156126973/.
The Young People’s group get social!
We’ve recently launched a monthly Young People’s Meet and Eat Social as well as a Cinema Club Social - they’re both proving really popular!
A huge thank you to all who joined for both events last month. The ‘Meet and Eat’ at Ludo Lounge was a great night for both food and company! For our first Cinema Club Social, we watched “The Roofman” which was an unexpected romantic comedy, considering it was Halloween, but still fun!
Christmas Special Social:
Wednesday 3 December (time tbc) at Roxy Lanes for Ten Pin Bowling and food before a Karaoke at City Arms.
If you’re 45 or under and would like to come along and join us for any of the young people’s socials, don’t hesitate to contact Natalie on 02920 398900 or natalie.moore@sightlife.wales.
Rhondda Cynon Taf update
Lots Going On In The RCT!
Sight Life is thriving in RCT, with a wave of new members joining us to access vital advice, support, onward referrals, and importantly a very warm welcome into our vibrant social groups. Huge welcome to all our newbies!
We’ve had lots of members, new and old, attending our various regular groups including the Young At Heart social group, Aberdare Visionaries and Visually Impaired Pontypridd (VIP) group. There’s been trips and adventures galore and we’ve even had a go at Petanque! One of our new volunteers said: “This is what brings my life together, it’s brilliant.”
Welcome to the Treorchy Sight Loss Group!
We’re excited to welcome the Treorchy Macular Group into the Sight Life family as the Treorchy Sight Loss Group. They meet every first Friday of the month from 10.30 - 12.30pm at Treorchy Library and recently enjoyed a Confidence to Travel trip to Barry Island with Transport for Wales. A great line-up of guest speakers is planned for upcoming meetings!
Fun out and about in RCT:
One example of the varied activities that our RCT members get up to was a recent visit to ‘Down to Zero’ in Mwyndy, a community initiative focused on sustainability and wellbeing. During this fun trip, volunteer Su Hedges led a brilliant “touch and taste” quiz using herbs and spices which she grows herself. It was a sensory delight and thoroughly enjoyed by all who had a go.
Calling all who want to be ‘Beautifully Blind’!
The next series of our Beautifully Blind Make-up Tutorials will start on Monday 19 January, via Zoom. The course covers all aspects of effective make-up application and the different tools and products available. Please get in touch with Carys on 07753 305631 or carys.groves@sightlife.wales if you want to be involved - you don’t have to live in RCT to join in. Spaces are available to anyone with sight loss who can access Zoom!
Swansea and Neath Port Talbot update
New Sight Life Team Member!
We’re excited to introduce Lynne Diplock as our new Locality Lead for Swansea, Neath, and Port Talbot, following the departure of Anita Davies earlier this summer.
Lynne joined us in September and has already hit the ground running! She has been a dedicated Sight Life volunteer for the past year and brings with her a wealth of experience from her previous role as a producer at RNIB Connect Radio.
Her strong understanding of Sight Life’s mission and her close connections with our members and volunteers make her an outstanding addition to the team.
In her new role, Lynne is going to be working alongside Adam and key volunteers to provide support and services to members across the locality.
Please join us in giving Lynne a warm welcome to the Sight Life family!
Swansea Wellbeing Workshops
Join us in 2026 for a free 6-week-long series of wellbeing workshops, designed to support people living with sight loss.
Over the weeks, we will be exploring a variety of different helpful themes, ranging from ‘Making the Most of your Vision’ and ‘Understanding your Condition’, to ‘Physical and Emotional Wellbeing’ and ‘Assistive Technology, Aids and Gadgets’.
You'll also learn practical techniques, discover many of the helpful services that are available to you and connect with others in a supportive space.
We will be starting the sessions in early January (date yet to be confirmed) at the Collaboration Station, Swansea, which is located next to the Bus Station on St David's Place, Swansea. We are expecting this will be a popular course so if you would like more information or to book your space on this course, please call Lynne or Adam asap.
Contact Adam on 01792 776360 or adam.evans@sightlife.wales
Contact Lynne on 01792 776360 or lynne.diplock@sightlife.wales
Upcoming Events
Christmas Big Give Launch Festivities
When: Tuesday 02 December 12pm – 4pm
Where: Sight Life, Jones Court, Womanby Street, Cardiff
Join us for an afternoon of fun as we kick off 2025's Big Give Christmas Challenge in festive style! Come and enjoy a warm glass of mulled wine and a delicious mince pie with fellow supporters.
This is the perfect time to donate to Sight Life, every pound you give will be doubled, making twice the impact for people living with sight loss. Let’s celebrate the season together and make a difference!
Christmas Wrapping at St David’s Centre
When: Monday 8 December – Sunday 14 December
Where: Upstairs, St David’s 2 Shopping Centre, Cardiff
Take the stress out of your Christmas wrapping! Sight Life staff and volunteers will be at St David’s Shopping Centre all week to wrap your gifts beautifully, for a small donation. Whether it’s one present or a sack-full, we’ll make sure they’re wrapped with care and festive flair.
All proceeds go toward supporting people living with sight loss. So, while we wrap, you give, and together we make a difference.
Carol Singing at St David’s Centre
When: Friday 12 December 11am – 3pm
Where: Atrium (near Boots), St David’s 1 Shopping Centre
Get into the festive spirit with the Sight Life Singing Group and friends as they fill the atrium with joyful carols!
Our wonderful volunteers will be there with collection buckets, so feel free to drop in your donations or spare change to support people living with sight loss. Come along, sing along, and help us spread some holiday cheer!
Dates For Your Diary
Christmas Parties
Tickets are already selling fast! Have you booked your ticket?
Members’ Parties
Cardiff and RCT: Wednesday 10 December, 12-3pm - Cardiff Arms Park
Swansea: Thursday 4 December, 12-3pm - Welsh House Swansea
Volunteers’ Parties
Cardiff and RCT: Friday 28 November, 12-3pm - Sight Life, Jones Court
Swansea: Friday 5 December, 12.30-3pm - Collaboration Station Swansea
Looking to the future: dates to diarise for 2026
St David’s Day Choir Concert
Thursday 26 February at Bethany Baptist Church, Cardiff
Members 160 Celebration
Friday 13 March at Cornerstone, Cardiff
Beverley Humphries Concert
Friday 20 March at Cornerstone, Cardiff
Challenge 160 Fundraising Event
Tuesday 24 March at Pedal Power, Taff Trail.
We’re in the process of organising some 160 celebration events in RCT and Swansea too but haven’t yet set dates. We’ll let you know when we do!
Protect What Matters with a Free Will
One of the ways that our work is made possible, is thanks to the generosity and kindness of people leaving us a gift in their Will.
After you’ve taken care of your loved ones, even a modest amount can make a huge difference.
We’re delighted to announce that during Big Give Week this year (2nd to 9th December), our friends at Robertsons Solicitors will be offering a Free Wills Week for Sight Life supporters.
This means they will donate their time to prepare a Single or Mirror Will (normally worth around £300), free of charge. In return, they simply ask that customers either make a donation to Sight Life or include a gift to us in their will.
To find out more, call Robertsons on 029 2023 7777 and quote ‘Sight Life’.
Useful information
Attendance Allowance
Have you got yours? You could be entitled and missing out.
Attendance Allowance is a benefit for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care or supervision because of an illness or disability. There are 2 different weekly rates, and the amount you get depends on how much help you need. It also doesn't necessarily need to be spent on your care: Many people spend the money on other types of help in the home, or equipment to help them stay independent.
To apply, call 0800 731 0122 for a form to be sent out. If you need help filling it in, find out when your local Hub has the Money Advice team in who can support you.
Care & Repair: Helping You Stay Safe And Independent At Home
At Sight Life, we know how important it is for older people to feel safe, comfortable, and confident in their own homes.
That’s why we’re proud to highlight the work of Care & Repair Cymru, a trusted service supporting those aged 60+ who live in their own homes or privately rent.
Care & Repair’s experienced team, include Information & Advice Officers, Caseworkers and Technical Officers. Together, they offer tailored support to help people live independently, give advice over the phone, guidance by email, or a friendly home visit.
They also help with everything from home adaptations and safety improvements to navigating services that support your wellbeing.
Their vision is simple but powerful: that all older people can live in homes that suit their lives and maximise their independence. If you, or someone you know, could benefit from their wide-ranging support, contact them via their website which is: www.careandrepair.org.uk or call Cardiff 02920 473337, Rhondda Cynon Taf 01443 755696, Swansea and Neath Port Talbot 01792 798599.
Data Protection
Please let us know if you’d only like to receive certain types of information from us or if you want us to stop sending you all forms of communication.
You can do this by emailing ask@sightlife.wales or calling us on 029 2039 8900. You can also update your preferences, asking to receive this newsletter via email rather than in large print or Braille, as an example.
We hope you have a wonderful Christmas & New Year. We look forward to seeing you again in 2026!
