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Read stories about the people we support, find out what’s coming up, and useful contacts and information in our Spring 2026 newsletter.
Spring 2026 Newsletter
Contents
– A Message From Mark
– Upcoming Events
– Green Walks
– Social Groups
– Children and Young People Update
– Fundraising Update
– Finding Confidence With Sight Loss: Miranda’s Story
– Tech Update: What’s New In Assistive Technology?
– Disabled User Testing
– Volunteer Update
– Become a Member
– Tell Us What You Think
– Download the Spring 2026 Newsletter
A girl at the Harry Potter Studios pushing a trolley into a wall at Platform 9 and 3/4 like in the film.
“We couldn’t be more grateful for all the lovely things we’ve been able to do with the CYP group!”
A Message From Mark, Our CEO
I am constantly inspired by the people we work with. Everyone has a unique story to tell and a perspective we can all learn from. At MyVision, this inspiration has helped us grow a wide range of community-based activities and peer support sessions. These groups provide valuable opportunities to meet others, share experiences, feel inspired, and connect with your local community. You can find out more about our clubs, activities, and Green Walks below.
Our greatest strength as an organisation is our community. By working together, we can better tackle the challenges faced by blind and visually impaired people across Oxfordshire. This collective strength is reflected in our membership. While you do not need to be a member of MyVision to access support, membership plays a vital role in strengthening the charity and helping to shape the work we do.
You can now become a MyVision member for as little as £3 a month, £20 a year, or with a £250 lifetime membership. You’ll find more details elsewhere in this newsletter. We would love you to join us in our mission to ensure blind and visually impaired people in Oxfordshire can live independent, active, and fulfilling lives.
Lastly, I want to congratulate you all. Together in our Winter Appeal we collectively raised £15,170, what an incredible achievement – thank you! This money goes a long way in supporting and developing our work.
Upcoming Events
Museums and Touch Tours
- Museum of Natural History: Marvellous Minerals – 12th March.
- History of Science Museum: Sounds of Sea Travel – 16th April.
- Pitt Rivers Museum: Feather work – 7th May.
- Botanic Garden: 9th June.
ActivEyes Events
Pub Social:
- 19th February, 19th March, 16th April, 21st May, 18th June.
Visually Impaired Tennis:
- 26th February, 26th March, 30th April, 21st May, 25th June.
In the Community
- Woodstock Get Connected: 24th February.
- Accessible Bowling: Wokingham – 3rd March.
- Glaucoma Support Group: Bradbury Lodge – 20th March, 19th June.
- Public Transport Workshop: Didcot Cornerstone – 25th March, 8th April.
- Smelly Wellies Farm: 14th April.
- Faringdon Audio Cinema: Corn Exchange – 29th April, 24th June.
- Wellbeing Session: Oxford City College – 19th May.
Green Walks Groups
Didcot – Cornerstone Arts Centre at 11am.
- 26th February, 13th March, 26th March, 10th April, 30th April, 8th May, 28th May, 12th June, 25th June.
Abingdon – Coffee Aroma at 11am.
- 9th March, 13th April, 11th May, 8th June.
Banbury – Mill Arts Centre at 10:30am.
- 4th March, 18th March, 1st April, 15th April, 6th May, 20th May, 3rd June, 17th June.
Witney – Waitrose at 10:30am.
- 5th March, 19th March, 2nd April, 16th April, 7th May, 21st May, 4th June, 18th June.
Bicester – Nightingale Pub at 10:30am.
- 9th March, 13th April, 11th May, 15th June.
East Oxford – Flo’s Café in the Park at 10am.
- 26th March, 23rd April, 29th May, 26th June.
Oxford – Carfax Tower at 1:30pm.
- 10th March, 14th April, 12th May, 9th June.
A woman standing by a small river in the woods, holding her cane and smiling.
We have been running our Green Walks for over 2 years now. We have won awards for the project and expanded into new towns in the county. But, the most important thing is the impact they have. The quotes below highlight this, and why they are so successful.
“I’ve been going on the Green Walks in Banbury for 10 months now. It’s been lovely meeting other people with sight loss and making new friends and going on some of the trips. It has helped me to adjust to sight loss.”
“Exercise and companionship with new friends who are suffering similar difficulties. Green walks have helped me to adjust to my own limited vision.”
“It’s nice to go to quiet places and feel safe. Also it’s nice to get to meet peers and share tips. And finally absorbing all that nature is so good for my wellbeing.”
When asked, Green Walk attendees in 2025 told us:
- 96% of respondents said their mental health and wellbeing have improved.
- 88% said their confidence and self esteem have improved.
- 92% feel less lonely.
- 81% feel more able to go out into their local community.
Social Groups
We have loads of groups meeting up this Winter. From coffee and catch ups, to well-being sessions and VI tennis, there is something for everyone. Click the button below to find a group near you.
Children and Young People
A New Year has begun and it is going to be as action packed and fun as the previous one.
We finished 2025 with lots of festive events such as:
- A trip to the Harry Potter studios which was covered in snow and decorated for the Christmas season.
- We also hosted a ladies lunch with a high tea at The Grand Café, and learning about its history.
- We had a tea tasting experience at Bird & Blend, trying everything from Yerba Mate to Rooibos.
- We also got our glamour on with a makeover at Charlotte Tilbury.
- For those who were more adventurous and daring we went climbing at Clip ‘n’ Climb as well as iceskating which was incredible.
2026 promises the same variety and enjoyment for you all.
We already have booked in the calendar:
- Pizza making: 4th March. This is at Pizza Express and we will be making and eating our own pizzas.
- Cocktail and mocktail class: 10th April. This will be at the Mad Hatters, and we will be making and trying our own drinks, 18+.
- Make up session: Sephora, TBC.
- Skin and sensory consultation: Jo Malone, TBC.
- Ice cream tasting: iscream, TBC.
Two children playing with their magic wands and wearing Harry Potter cloaks, outside the studios.
Contact Info@MyVision.org.uk for more information.
Fundraising Update
Our 2025 Winter Appeal focused on Robert’s Story. By sharing Robert’s experiences, we wanted to highlight the impact sight loss can have and how the right support can make a life-changing difference. We were hoping to raise £10,000, but thanks to your incredible generosity we raised a whopping £15,170! This is the most we’ve ever raised through a single appeal, and we truly couldn’t have done it without you.
Because of your kindness and willingness to connect with Robert’s story, we will be able to strengthen our vital work supporting visually impaired people in Oxfordshire. Your support ensures that more people like Robert can access the help, confidence, and independence they deserve.
As we look ahead to 2026, there are plenty of exciting ways to get involved with fundraising. Why not follow in the footsteps of our Community Engagement Officer, Sammy, who completed a skydive last year. A charity skydive is an unforgettable experience and a fantastic way to raise funds while pushing yourself to do something extraordinary. You can choose a date and time that suits you, making it easy to fit around work, family or other commitments.
Fundraising doesn’t have to mean jumping out of a plane. From sponsored walks and bake sales, to birthday fundraisers, quiz nights or workplace challenges, there are so many ways to raise money in a way that suits you. If you have an idea, or would like some inspiration, we’d love to hear from you.
Call 01865 725 595, or email Fundraising@MyVision.org.uk.
Finding Confidence With Sight Loss: Miranda’s Journey
Having hidden her condition since childhood, even memorising eye charts to pass for being sighted, the emotional weight of Stargardt’s became overwhelming once Miranda returned to Oxford as an adult.
Miranda felt she was simply “existing rather than living.” While she was happily settled at home with her husband, dog, and cat, she desperately wanted to feel that same happiness and belonging outside the house.
“I had moved myself miles from my family and put in a new situation as an independent adult in Oxford. I didn’t have a community, and I didn’t know where I fit in.”
Miranda with her guide dog Grover.
The emotional weight of her sight loss led her into a cycle of isolation and negativity. She felt deeply lonely and, despite being aware of MyVision, her anxiety was a huge hurdle. This stopped her from reaching out or joining the community feeling she wanted and needed.
The turning point came unexpectedly.
A random encounter in a local shop led to a conversation, and an invitation to a MyVision event.
That event, an East Oxford Green Walk in July 2025, changed everything. Miranda committed to going because she knew she wouldn’t be going alone, significantly lessening the anxiety. This simple decision opened a floodgate of opportunities.
Once Miranda took that first step, she started saying “YES” to everything MyVision offered including touch tours, skills workshops, Green Walks, and Social Groups. The transformation was huge; practical and emotional, allowing her to truly begin finding confidence with sight loss in Oxfordshire.
One of the biggest hurdles was accessing her computer on bad eye days, which are common with Stargardt’s. MyVision’s Technology Officer, Jamie, provided tailored VoiceOver screen reader tutorials. Miranda tried to teach herself before, but Jamie’s support was key to unlocking the full potential of what she could do.
Now, she can simply close her eyes and access her PC with increasing confidence, despite her visual impairment even when her eyes are in pain. This practical skill has been invaluable for both productivity and simply just accessing her digital life.
Since saying “YES” to everything, she has tried kayaking at one of our events, has a passion for Goalball, even entering into competitions, and even trying visually impaired Judo
“I am kicking myself because I could have been accessing MyVision all this time but was too anxious.”
“MyVision has helped me find friends that I wouldn’t have made before. It has helped me build roots in the city and feel like I belong here, welcomed and included.”
Miranda’s story is a prime example of how taking that leap and finding support, can help you regain confidence and independence, and find a place of belonging in the community.
Miranda and 3 other women at our Kayaking event.
Miranda smiling at the camera.
Tech Update: What’s new in assistive technology?
Technology for people with sight loss is changing faster than ever. If you’ve wondered whether it’s worth exploring something new, or felt unsure where to start, here’s a quick look at the trends we’re seeing and what they might mean for you.
AI is now genuinely useful
The biggest shift is artificial intelligence moving from gimmick to everyday tool. Apps like Be My Eyes now include AI that can describe photos, read documents, and answer follow-up questions — all without calling a volunteer. You can photograph a tin, ask what it is, then ask “what are the cooking instructions?” It’s not perfect, but it’s remarkably capable and completely free.
This same AI is appearing in smartphones too. Recent iPhones and Google Pixel phones can now describe images within apps, even when developers haven’t added proper descriptions. It fills gaps that would otherwise leave content inaccessible.
Smart glasses have arrived
Ray-Ban Meta glasses look like ordinary sunglasses, cost around £300, and can describe your surroundings when you ask. They work with Be My Eyes for hands-free volunteer calls, and the “Look and Tell” feature has the glasses take a photo and tell you what is in it.
Specialist options like Envision Glasses offer more features: face recognition, detailed document reading, but cost significantly more.
Your phone keeps getting better
If you already have a smartphone, it’s worth checking what’s new. Apple’s iOS 26 introduced Accessibility Nutrition Labels in the App Store, showing whether apps support VoiceOver before you download. There’s also a new Braille Access feature for connecting braille displays. Android’s TalkBack now includes AI-powered descriptions that let you ask questions about images.
Many people find their existing phone can do more than they realised. Sometimes all that’s needed is a bit of guidance on the features. Read our iOS 26 Accessibility Features article for more information on iPhone accessibility.
What we’d suggest
Start with what frustrates you day-to-day, then look for technology that helps with that specific thing. Try before you buy where possible. Ask about support — some products include training and help, others leave you to figure things out alone.
And remember, the fanciest technology isn’t always the best choice. The right tool is the one you’ll actually use.
We can help
If you’d like to try any of this technology, or you’re not sure where to start, get in touch. Our Get Connected programme offers one-to-one support to help you find what works for you. We also have a Tech Buddy scheme, where you are matched with a volunteer to support you with ongoing queries and develop your online skills.
Contact Info@MyVision.org.uk or call in at 01865 725595 for more information.
Disabled User Testing
We’re launching our UK wide social enterprise supporting website development agencies to deliver accessible websites, putting accessibility at the core of web builds.
25% of the UK population has a disability, yet 97% of websites have accessibility mistakes, despite passing accessibility checks by automated scans.
How does this involve you?
We’re looking for disabled people with a range of access needs, to join our pool of freelance user testers. You’ll help us improve digital accessibility by testing websites from home, completing simple tasks and answering questions about your experience. And, you will be paid!
Automated scans miss more than 70% of real world barriers, like missing button labels for screen readers, or getting stuck using keyboard navigation. They cannot replicate human interactions.
Your expertise from your own lived experience will help us identify these mistakes, and improve web accessibility for all.
Visit Disabled User Testers or contact Info@MyVision.org.uk for more information.
Volunteering Update
Volunteer Survey
Our first annual Volunteer Survey has been emailed to all volunteers. This is your chance to share feedback and help us ensure MyVision Oxfordshire remains a rewarding place to volunteer. Your views really do make a difference, so please take a few minutes to complete it. The closing date is Friday 6 March.
Volunteer Voices
We are launching Volunteer Voices – an optional, informal online space for volunteers to connect, share experiences, ask questions and explore topics of interest. Sessions will run on Microsoft Teams (with a phone-in option) from 6–7pm, alternating between Tuesdays and Thursdays. Dates are: 3rd March, 4th June, 1st September, 3rd December. Invitations with joining details will be emailed ahead of each session.
Micro-Volunteering Opportunities
This year we’re exploring micro-volunteering – short, flexible ways to support our work in bite-sized, often digital-friendly activities. These can be done anytime, anywhere, sometimes in just a few minutes, with no long-term commitment. It’s a great option if you’d like to help but have limited time.
Can You Help?
We currently have clients across the county looking for telephone or home-visiting befrienders. If you know someone who may be interested, please ask them to get in touch at Volunteer@MyVision.org.uk or call 07907 021389.
Become a Member
Membership is a vital part of MyVision; by becoming a member you are not only supporting our work with a regular donation, but you are strengthening our numbers and uniting us.
Our membership is about belonging, strengthening, and supporting MyVision. In return you’ll receive an annual update specifically for members, access to members events and activities throughout the year, and a chance for your voice and vote to be counted at our AGM.
If you are interested in becoming a monthly member (£3 per month), an annual member (£20 per year) or a lifetime member (one payment of £250) we have enclosed more information, or you can visit our website: www.myvision.org.uk/support-us/become-a-member/
Tell us what you think
Your feedback is important to us. We will use what you tell us to help shape our newsletter, so that you get the information, latest news, and updates you want to see. Your feedback will be submitted anonymously.
Download the Spring 2026 Newsletter
