AI, TRAVEL and even the chaos of Christmas are among topics getting people talking as new local and across the region.

Sight loss charities Sight Support West of England, Wiltshire Sight and Insight Gloucestershire have launched a new series of in-person and online meet-ups this autumn, after people told them they wanted more opportunities to meet others at a similar stage of life.

“Whether working, studying, raising a family, looking for work, taking time out or unable to work, the new meet-ups are designed to offer something that can fit more easily around people’s lives,” a spokesperson said..

“The idea is simple: relaxed evening gatherings where people can have a drink and a chat, alongside lively monthly online conversations about the things people actually want to talk about.”

Online meet-ups for blind and partially sighted adults

The first online session, in October, will explore the rapidly changing world of artificial intelligence. The AI Frontier: Exploring Tools for Independence will look at everything from apps that can read menus and describe surroundings to smart glasses that can act as a digital pair of eyes. But it won’t just focus on the possibilities.

The conversation will also tackle where AI gets things spectacularly wrong, privacy concerns and whether supposedly accessible tools really live up to their promises.

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In November, thinking turns to holidays with Pack Your Bags: Let’s Talk Travel, bringing together travel stories, questions and experiences of exploring the world with sight loss.

And December’s Festive & Fearless session takes on Christmas – from cooking and present shopping to navigating the seasonal busyness and enjoying the festivities. Mince pies are positively encouraged.

Monthly evening gatherings have already got underway, including in Bath, with Bristol launching on Thursday (September 17) and Salisbury, Swindon and Gloucester set to follow.

“Many existing social activities take place during the daytime, so the new meet-ups offer more opportunities for working age blind and partially sighted adults to get together in the evenings or join conversations online from home,” the spokesperson added.

Marc Gulwell, advice team manager at Sight Support West of England, who is leading the development of the new meet-ups, said: “Having been blind for the last 20 years, this is something I feel particularly passionate about.

“Sport and social groups have given me opportunities to spend time with other blind and partially sighted people, share experiences and make connections with people who understand.

“I know how valuable those opportunities can be, which is why I’m really pleased that we’re creating more of them across our region.”

People can come along to a local gathering, join the online conversations or do both, and there’s no expectation to attend every month.

In person meet-ups for blind and partially sighted adults

The Bath meet-up launched on September 9 at Comptoir Libanais, Newark Street, and will now take place on the second Wednesday of every month from 7pm to 9pm.

The first Bristol meet-up takes place on September 17, 7pm to 9pm, at Future Inns Hotel, Bond Street.

Bristol meet-ups will continue on the third Thursday of every month, with a new venue to be announced for future dates.

Meet-ups in Salisbury, Swindon and Gloucester will be announced soon.

The first online meet-up, The AI Frontier: Exploring Tools for Independence, takes place on October 19, 7.30pm to 8.30pm on Zoom, with a different online conversation each month.

For more information about local and online meet-ups and how to take part, call 0117 322 4885.

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