Welcome to Eye Matter Matters issue 43, our fortnightly publication sharing news and information about events, activities; members’ experiences and other items of interest. Unless otherwise stated, all articles have been written by Fiona Musgrove. To contribute to a future edition, please email: fiona@eyematter.org.uk
This edition includes:
Forthcoming Eye Matter Zoom events
- Eye Matter launches new counselling programme.
- Introducing our second trainee counsellor
- Eye Matter extends Mindful sessions – Monthly ME Mindfulness starts from May 2026.
- Join Jaspreet Dhoot, female health coach
- New to Marvelous ME Mondays, Confidence Coaching with Vic Hogg
- Tranquil Tuesday series -with yoga lead by blind yoga instructor Cassie.
- New dates announced for Cathartic Writing.
- New Eye Matter Living Well with Sight Loss Course
Eye Matter Outings
- Eye Matter Sports Day 2026
- Audio Described performance of Avenue Q
- Eye Matter’s third PGL activity holiday
Special Features
- annual membership of Eye Matter – 1st April 2026 – 31st March 2027 is now due.
- MARVELLOUS Me Mondays Summary
- London Museum, ‘Held in the Hand: Everyday Objects, Everyday Lives’ was a brilliant experience for eye Matter members to feel included in the museum.
- Apple’s accessibility helpline number.
Forthcoming Eye Matter Zoom events can be viewed here.
Eye Matter launches new counselling programme.
In February, Eye Matter launched a one-to-one counselling programme led by visually impaired people for visually impaired people.
Nick French who formerly worked for Action for the Blind, has been engaged as a Volunteer Manager to oversee the project. He said about the opportunity, “I have known and worked with Suzie Simons for approximately 15 years and was delighted when she asked me if I would like to manage a counselling project that Eye Matter was developing. I have watched Eye Matter grow into the fantastic organisation that it has become and am really looking forward to working with the team and to be managing such an important and much needed service.”
Nick explained the importance of engaging visually impaired people within all levels of this project, “I feel that nobody understands sight loss and the difficulties associated with it more than visually impaired people themselves. Losing some or all of one’s vision is life changing in so many ways and I feel that it is crucial that, if you have lost vision, you get support and understanding from others who have been or are going through the same journey.”
This project is conducted on Zoom at a mutually agreed time. If you would like to register your interest to receive counselling, please email: suzie@eyematter.org.uk with the reference ‘Counselling’.
A small charge will be asked for each session. This will be £10 per session or £7 if you are on a means-tested benefit.
Please click here for the full article.
Introducing our second trainee counsellor Rebekah Few
“Hi, my name is Becky. I am currently training as an integrative counsellor, offering a warm, safe space where people can explore their thoughts and feelings at their own pace. My approach is grounded in empathy, presence, and authenticity, with a focus on building a trusting and collaborative therapeutic relationship.
I bring around 20 years of experience working in mental health and wellbeing, often supporting individuals through significant changes in their lives. I am currently retraining as an integrative therapist to better support the clients I work with, and I was encouraged to apply for this opportunity by my counselling tutors.
While I do not have a visual impairment myself, my father lives with Myasthenia gravis, which affected his vision and led to visual impairment. Supporting him as a young carer through this shift, including the impact on his identity and mental health, has deeply shaped my understanding and empathy.
I draw on a range of approaches including person-centred, psychodynamic, and solution-focused techniques, tailoring my work to suit each individual. I am passionate about the transformative potential of therapy and believe in creating a space where people feel truly heard, understood, and supported.
I was particularly drawn to this project as it offers the opportunity to combine both my professional and lived experience to support those navigating sight loss. I believe that having specialist, accessible support is vital, and that being part of a community where experiences can be shared can have a powerful and positive impact on wellbeing.”
Eye Matter extends Mindful sessions – Monthly ME Mindfulness starts from May 2026.
Following the success of our weekly Mindfulness sessions with Laura Brodie (as part of our Marvellous ME Monday programme) kindly supported by the National Lottery, we are offering a further series of monthly sessions
12th May
9th June
14th July
4th August
No need to book just join in the fun with your Eye Matter friends.
These sessions will compliment and encourage further exploration, following our first series of Mindfulness within our Marvelous Me Monday series. It offers accessible, guided mindfulness practices, reflection and practical tools to support emotional balance, self-awareness and resilience. Inclusive for blind and visually impaired participants.
Join Jaspreet Dhoot, female health coach
Tuesday 7th April at 7pm
Everyone welcome to join us for a fun and friendly social at 6pm, ladies only from 7pm.
This is a drop-in session – no need to book.
Jaspreet is a health and wellbeing professional with a strong focus on supporting women’s health. She is Female Health Qualified, with specialist knowledge in areas such as hormonal health, menopause, and lifestyle strategies that support women’s physical and emotional wellbeing.
She delivers informative and engaging seminars designed to help women better understand the changes that occur during menopause. Her approach combines evidence-based knowledge with practical, realistic strategies around movement, nutrition, stress management, and overall wellbeing, helping women feel more confident and supported during this stage of life.
Alongside her work in women’s health, she also works with Mettle Minds CIC, a community organisation focused on mentoring and improving mental wellbeing. She is passionate about creating supportive spaces where people feel informed, understood, and empowered to take positive steps for their health and wellbeing.
New to Marvelous ME Mondays, Confidence Coaching with Vic Hogg
Starting on Monday 13th April at 6pm
This five-week course is all about confidence: what confidence is, why it’s sometimes hard to find, where to find it and how to hold onto it. Each week will tackle a different confidence-related topic. Inclusive for blind and visually impaired people. It will be an accessible, lighthearted journey of self-discovery offering tools and techniques towards gaining more confidence.
Expect neuroscience explanations, useful advice, small discussion groups, audio samples from experts, an improv game or two and a warm atmosphere that will support your understanding of how confidence shows up for you and how you can tap into confidence more regularly.
Tranquil Tuesday series continues
-with yoga lead by blind yoga instructor Cassie.
Tuesday 28th April at 7pm on Zoom.
Introducing Cassie
“I am a blind yoga instructor who believes yoga is something you feel, not something you perform. Through slow, restorative practices and clear, thoughtful verbal guidance, I help students tune into their bodies, their breath and the quiet strength within themselves.”
Her monthly classes focus on accessibility, deep listening, and meeting each person exactly where they are, “As someone who experiences the world without sight, I teach yoga through sensation, awareness, and trust in the body.”
Cassie’s goal is to create a space where people can slow down, breathe, and reconnect with themselves in a gentle and supportive way. “I hope my work reminds people that yoga isn’t about what a pose looks like – it’s about how it feels to be at home in your own body.”
New dates announced for Cathartic Writing.
Back by popular demand. Cathartic writing dates for your diary:
Friday 22nd May and Friday 19th June. All start at 11am on Zoom with a fun and friendly social followed by cathartic writing at 12pm.
Living Well with Sight Loss Course starting 7th May 2026
(in partnership with RNIB).
Boost your confidence and get practical advice, information, and resources in this 6-week course, meeting every Thursday at 11am for 2 hours.
Transport for London Accessibility speaker, low vision advice, understanding welfare rights, sports and leisure, learn about rehabilitation and ECLOs, mental health well-being session and resource centre with everyday gadgets.
Our free and informal Zoom based Living Well with Sight Loss course is an ideal way to help you adjust to your sight condition, increase your independence, and grow your confidence.
Through our sessions, you will find out about practical solutions and support that can help you adjust to life with sight loss. You will also have the chance to learn from each other’s personal experiences and share your top tips.
For more information and to book your place, please email: suzie@eyematter.org.uk with the subject ‘living well’.
Eye Matter Outings
Find all of our events here
It’s been two years since 27 Eye Matter members conquered the O2 raising more than £2500 in sponsorship from our wonderful friends, family and supporters.
Eye Matter is delighted to be taking on the challenge again!
Please sponsor the brave 18 members ad sighted guides who are taking on this incredible challenge on the 11th April.
https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/eyematterclimbstheo2again
Eye Matter Sports Day 2026
Where: Islington Tennis Centre and Gym, London N7 9PL
When: 10am-4pm on Saturday 20 June 2026
Meet and greet: 9:30am at Caledonian Road (Piccadilly line within easy reach of Kings Cross St Pancras)
Cost: £10 for Eye Matter members,
£12 non-member price.
In collaboration with
Illuminate Freedom Health and Well-Being, enjoy trying fully accessible sports with the support of friendly, expert coaches
Have a go at:
Showdown, VI football, VI tennis, VI baseball and even VI touch rugby.
This is for everyone, so come and swing your bats, swoosh your paddles and kick and dribble with your accessible balls as you try five amazing inclusive sports designed for visually impaired (VI) people!
For more information click here.
Book your tickets by emailing suzie@eyematter.org.uk with the subject “Sports Day”.
Audio described performance of Avenue Q
Tuesday 23rd June 7:30pm
At Shaftsbury Theatre
Touch tour TBC
Tickets are £42.50 per person
Avenue Q is back on the block.
For its 20th anniversary, the three-time Tony Award-winning musical Avenue Q returns to the West End in all its glory.
Fresh out of college and searching for his purpose, Princeton ends up in a shabby apartment on New York’s rundown Avenue Q. He quickly meets his new and colourful neighbours where together they navigate the life struggles of work, love and paying the bills in their own hilarious way.
Irreverent and irresistible, Avenue Q is the mischievous and charming musical full of infectious songs and loveable characters that will leave you smiling for days.
With original Broadway director Jason Moore (Pitch Perfect, Shrek the Musical) and original puppet designer Rick Lyon, re-discover the fun, fuzz and felt for a strictly limited season.
Content warning
Avenue Q contains strong language and adult themes and content. Parental guidance is advised.
To buy your ticket email suzie@eyematter.org.uk with subject ‘Q’
Eye Matter’s third annual UK holiday to PGL Activity Centre
When: Friday 28th August 2026 – Monday 31st August 2026
Where: PGL Holidays, Windmill Hill, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 4RZ.
Getting there: Eye Matter’s chartered transport will take and return guests from London Kings Cross to PGL Windmill Hill.
Cost: £415 per guest. This includes: three -night’s accommodation in twin ensuite rooms; all meals from arrival on Friday lunch until our departure after lunch on Monday; all equipment, all activities supported by PGL instructors as well as evening entertainment. Guests are welcome to bring extra treats and snacks.
A £75 non-refundable deposit is required for each guest, by the 1st April 2026.
The remaining balance is payable by 19th June 2026.
Eye Matter is delighted to announce our third UK holiday for our members, their families, friends, and our sighted guides. We will be going to the hugely popular PGL Activity Centre which is located in 21 acres of glorious countryside on the Sussex Downs.
Our three-night multi activity holiday will offer everyone the opportunity to try exciting, accessible pursuits including Archery, Axe Throwing, Canoeing, Fencing, Abseiling, Aeroball, Rifle Shooting, Climbing, Disc Golf, Buggy Building, Giant Swing and Problem Solving. Our evenings will also have activities including games, quizzes and a pool party.
All over 18s must have a valid Enhanced DBS check to stay at PGL Windmill Hill. This is included in the c price. don’t miss out on this always wonderful experience! To secure your place, please email suzie@eyematter.org.uk with the subject “PGL holiday”.
Special Features
Annual membership of Eye Matter – 1st April 2026 – 31st March 2027 is now due.
£15 covers access to a range of on-line activities, up to date information, receiving our newsletter and excellent guide an e at our events.
Already in March 2026, Eye Matter has enjoyed a range of Zoom events from world acclaimed Irish folk singer, Andrea Begley to listening to the magnificent life story of ‘Blind Baker’, Penny Melville Brown, as part of our Inspiring Speakers series. Our MARVELLOUS ME Mondays programme featuring meditation with Laura Brodie continues to attract a large audience and has made a significant impact for some members. Yet there is so much more to come…
We have visited various museums and shows this year and still there’s more to come….
Don’t delay, ensure your membership is up to date with your friends at Eye matter to be part of this fabulous community.
To ensure your continued membership, please click the following JustGiving link to pay your membership fee ticking the gift aid option if applicable.
https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/eyemattermembershipfee
Alternatively, please pay by bank transfer:
Name: Eye Matter
Sort Code: 20-92-63
Account number 83521087
Business bank account.
Please always remember to tell us it’s you by emailing suzie@eyematter.org.uk with the reference you’ve used, thank you for your continued support.
MARVELLOUS Me Mondays Summary
The fabulous Laura Brodie has just delivered week 10 of this fantastic programme. All sessions are featured on our Facebook page but, here’s a short flavour of the content covered so far.
Session 8 – Acceptance: A Path to Inner Peace.
Our first guided practise, “observing the thoughts passing by” explored the ability to allow thoughts to pass through without hanging on to them. Encouraging members to imagine their minds as a wide open space where experiences were able to navigate freely.
Eye Matter explored the meaning of acceptance in mindfulness. Acceptance does not mean liking or approving of difficult situations. It means recognising reality as it is, without adding extra resistance or judgment. Laura suggested acceptance could be the pathway to healing asking, “what would it be like if I could accept life by accepting this moment as it exactly is?” Members considered awareness of how these sensations may have a physical appearance in their bodies i.e. cramping stomach, pain in joints etc? Laura continued, “When we stop fighting what is already happening, we often discover that our suffering decreases and our clarity increases.”
Session 9 – Sleep, Rest & the Nervous System
In preparation for this session, Laura collated information around sleep from a range of sources including Sharon Salzberg, who is a writer and teacher of Buddhist meditation practices and its challenge for some blind and partially sighted people.
Our first body scan concentrated on deep breaths, making a conscious effort to rest and encouraging members to be aware of any sensations triggered, “being aware of how our body feels in this moment”.
Eye Matter explored the relationship between sleep, the nervous system, and mindfulness. We learned that sleep is not only a physical process, but also deeply connected to how safe and settled the body feels.
Fears and anxieties which the body perceives as real increases the heart rate, affecting hormone levels, ultimately leading to a negative biasness, creating muscle tension. Through regular meditation and a number of breathing exercises members are encouraged to learn to regulate their stress levels. When the body stays in a state of alertness, sleep becomes more difficult. When the body feels safe, it naturally moves toward rest.
Eye Matter also explored how sleep can be more complex for people who are blind or have low vision, as the body’s internal clock may not always align with the day–night cycle. Understanding that restrictions from light signals, alerting our brain to whether it is night or day, can interrupt sleep patterns. Laura stressed the importance of rest within mindfulness, how our bodies react to stress and rest, regulated through heart rate, breathing, digestion etc. Recognising experiences here with us rather than ignoring them and allowing them to resurface later.
Session 10 – Gratitude: Noticing What Supports Us
Listed as one of the 24 characteristic strengths, it’s relevance in ourselves and how we relate to others, puts gratitude central for our complete happiness or contentment.
Counteracting negative thoughts with positive memories or encounters can have a long lasting effect. When three negative thoughts enter your mind remember five happier moments. This can also be achieved by regular praise towards others or writing in a journal. Gratitude serves as a pause for breath, before a response. Laura continued that gratitude is not about forced positivity. Acknowledging that you may be feeling grumpy or finding things difficult suggests that you don’t always have to seek gratitude remember, “can’t stop the waves but you can learn how to surf”
Our guided practise incorporated some of this theory, encouraging members to invite a particular memory, within a comfortable environment, through awareness widening its perspective. From showing gratitude towards parts of our body and letting it expand out to the larger experience acknowledging it is ‘good enough”. Through practice, we began to notice how gratitude can be felt not just as a thought, but as a physical, embodied experience, something we can sense in our body. Its impact includes, improves sleep, lowers blood pressure, reduces tension and increases all over happiness.
There was plenty of gratitude from Eye Matter for this session, including one member who enjoyed revisiting the subject. Laura suggested writing ‘gratitude letters’(see Laura’s letter below). One member expressed her appreciation for a lone time during this session and the gratitude of hearing her grandchildren’s voices in the background. Laura admitted, although ‘good enough’, there are still areas of improvement needed, whilst retaining self acceptance of who we are now. Overall, this session invited us to shift from automatic noticing of what is wrong to a more balanced awareness that also includes what is here and supportive. Click here to read Lauras Gratitude letter:
Join in with our Facebook page here:
https://www.facebook.com/eyematterofficial
London Museum, ‘Held in the Hand: Everyday Objects, Everyday Lives’ was a brilliant experience for eye Matter members to feel included in the museum.
About his experience at the London Museum Studios Rikki said, “There were plenty of objects to handle. In fact, it was all about handling objects, more than any other previous visits to museums and galleries, of which I’ve been on a few now. So full marks to the London Museum -You’re brilliant! I’m already looking forward to Eye Matter’s next visit to see you after you’ve moved to your new site. Thanks very much to lovely Suzie and Eye Matter for making it happen.”
On Wednesday 25th March around twelve members and volunteers attended the first ever visit to the London Museum Studios for an exclusive object handling session. Everyone was invited to provide a small object which either meant something to them or had a story. As the tray was passed around it was filled with a variety of objects including a small, soap stone elephant from Africa, a mobile phone, a piece of volcanic rock, a toy car, a yoga ring, a picture of the pope in red chilli peppers and an oil can. Each item held a personal story or adventure similar to many objects laying behind glass cabinets in museums across the UK. Rikki explained about his object, “Mine was a black toy 1960s Humber Hawk police car, a good likeness of my grandpa’s car, except he wasn’t a policeman and his car wasn’t black. He’d take my grandma, mother, brother and me, in it on jolly jaunts in South Devon where I grew up.”
El and Mary, along with a number of Eye Matter volunteers, who met us at the station, were on hand to offer refreshments and provide more information about the objects,
In my opinion this visit scored very highly because my lovely guide Hayley was very friendly and helpful without being oversolicitous” admitted Rikki.
Rikki said, “Callam, who led the session excellently, then handed around a selection of trays containing various objects which we first attempted to identify and for which he then gave a full description. The first one was real stone-age arrow heads and a replica hand axe, another had two butter paddles on it, and one had a lovely old ticket machine. There were many other trays with equally diverse and interesting objects on them.” Please click here for the full article:
Apple’s accessibility helpline number.
one member requested this be re-posted. Apple offers a specific service for visually impaired people.
0800 048 0754