Vista

08/05/2026

From the 10th May 2026, Vista’s social media pages will no longer be active.

For future updates, information and support for people living with sight loss and dual sensory loss in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, please follow Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Sensory Services (delivered by BID Services).

Website: www.bid.org.uk/locations/LLR/
Email: [email protected]
Phone Number: 0116 249 8839
Facebook: Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland Sensory Services

Thank you for being part of the Vista community and for supporting us over the years 💜

[Image Description: Graphic with a dark purple background and orange curved detail in the bottom left corner. Large orange text at the top reads: “This isn’t goodbye to support”. Beneath, white text explains that Vista’s social media pages will no longer be active from 10 May 2026 and directs people seeking updates and sight loss support in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland Sensory Services, delivered by BID Services. The BID Services logo is displayed at the bottom of the graphic.]

07/05/2026

The connections made, the support shared, and the impact on everyday lives.

This video reflects what Vista has meant to so many over the years.

Whilst our services are transferring, what Vista stands for doesn’t disappear.

The commitment to improving the lives of people living with sight loss carries on... in the people we’ve supported, the people we’ve worked alongside and the community around us.

Our legacy will live on through you 💜

06/05/2026

Following the transfer of Vista services to BID Services on 6 May 2026, we’d like to help our community stay connected and informed.

If you, or someone you know, is living with sight loss or dual sensory loss and may need information, support or guidance in the future, you can now follow BID Services using the details below:

Website: https://www.bid.org.uk/locations/LLR/
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 0116 249 8839
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LLRSensoryServices/
E-newsletter sign up: https://www.bid.org.uk/newsletter-sign-up/

Thank you for continuing to support our community 💜

[Image Description: Graphic with a dark purple background and orange curved detail in the bottom right corner. Large white and orange text reads: “Keep up to date with your new service provider”. Below is the logo for Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland Sensory Services, delivered by BID Services.]

05/05/2026

We are pleased to confirm that all of Vista’s services will be transferring to BID Services.

BID Services will continue supporting people who are sight impaired or deafblind across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland through the new Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Sensory Services.

This means your services will continue to be delivered without interruption, just by a different organisation.

From Wednesday 6th May 2026, services will be delivered by BID Services.

If you are currently receiving support, this will continue. The support you receive will not change and you will continue to be supported by the same people.

The services transferring include:
Information, Advice and Guidance
Eye Clinic Liaison Services
Certificate of Visual Impairment (CVI) registration
Rehabilitation services, including mobility and orientation training
Tech Together
Children and Young People services
Meet Ups
Day Opportunities (support for DeafBlind clients)

From 6 May 2026, you will be able to contact Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Sensory Services using the details below:

Web: https://www.bid.org.uk/locations/LLR/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LLRSensoryServices/
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 0116 249 8839

Until 5th May 2026, you can continue to contact Vista in the usual way.

BID Services will be contacting all service users directly in due course.

We understand this may feel unsettling, and we want to reassure you that support will remain available and continue to meet your needs.

If you have any questions, please do get in touch.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

[Image Description: A purple graphic featuring the Vista logo at the top and the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Sensory Services delivered by BID Services logo at the bottom.

Large orange text reads: “An Update From Vista”.

Below, white text explains that all Vista services will transfer to Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Sensory Services (delivered by BID Services).

Further text states: “From Wednesday 6th May 2026”.

An orange wave shape runs along the bottom of the image.]

01/05/2026

We want to share an update on our Rothley charity shop.

An agreement has been reached for Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland to take on the operation of the shop.

Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland is a local charity supporting people across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to live active, fulfilled and socially connected lives.

Our Rothley shop has played such an important role in supporting Vista over the years, and this next step reflects the strength of what has been built there.

A huge thank you to all of the staff and volunteers at Rothley. Your hard work, care and commitment have made a real difference to so many people.

We are continuing discussions around our other shop locations and hope to share further updates soon.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support 💜

[Image Description: A photo of the Vista charity shop in Rothley, with a brick exterior and a large sign above the window displaying the Vista logo

Several people are gathered outside and entering the shop, with clothing visible on display through the front window.

Below the photo, a purple panel features white text that reads: “An update on our Rothley Charity Shop.” An orange curved shape appears on the right-hand side of the graphic.]

22/04/2026

Busy places can feel very different when you’re living with a visual impairment.

Crowds can move unpredictably. People can stop suddenly or change direction with no warning. Items can get left in walkways, such as shopping bags or suitcases.

There’s a lot to take in and navigate all at once.

Walking through somewhere like a train station or shopping centre can take a lot of concentration, and it can be tiring too.

A few small things can help:

🔵 Try not to stop suddenly in the middle of walkways
🔵 Keep bags and obstacles out of clear paths
🔵 Give people a bit of space to move around
🔵 If you offer help, just ask first

These are just small things that can make a huge difference in making the world more accessible for those living with sight loss.

What is something you struggle with most in busy places? Let us know in the comments.

[Image Description: A crowded city street filled with people walking closely together in different directions. Individuals of various ages and backgrounds are navigating the space, some looking at their phones, others moving quickly through the crowd. A bold text overlay at the bottom reads: “What people don’t realise about navigating busy spaces with sight loss.”]

21/04/2026

At our Tech Together sessions, we often explore different apps, devices and features that can make everyday life that bit easier.

From screen readers to navigation apps, there’s so much out there, but what works best often comes down to personal experience.

We’d love to hear from you:
What piece of tech do you find most helpful when living with sight loss?

Your suggestions could help someone else discover something new.

If you’d like to learn more about how to use different technology and what’s available, our Tech Together sessions are a great place to start.

Head to the link in comments to find out more.

[Image Description: A graphic with a dark purple background and bold orange text reads: “Which piece of technology helps you the most?” In the foreground, a person is holding and using a smartphone, with one hand tapping the screen. The person is wearing a light blue denim-style jacket.
An orange curved shape appears in the bottom right corner of the image]

16/04/2026

Our Children and Young People took part in the Rotary Disability Games at Ratcliffe College on Sunday 12th April, and Team Vista gave it their all!

Representing Vista, five of our young people took on a full mix of sports, including boccia (a precision ball game similar to bowls, designed to be accessible for people with a range of abilities), curling, rowing, archery and table tennis, plus basketball and darts.

There were trophies… quite a few actually! But more than that, it was a really good day. Full of energy, support and a lot of proud moments, with families, carers, siblings and grandparents cheering them on.

Taking part was what mattered most!

A big thank you to Rotary In The East Midlands - District 1070 for organising such a brilliant event.

[Image Descriptions:

Image 1:
Group of young people wearing blue Disability Games t-shirts and Vista staff hold up trophies and medals in a sports hall.

Image 2:
A participant lines up a curling shot on an indoor court while others watch from the side.

Image 3:
A young person prepares to throw a dart towards a board in a sports hall.

Image 4:
A participant takes aim in an outdoor archery session, pulling back a bow towards a target.

Image 5:
A young person holds a bow and arrow, standing on a field with targets in the background.

Image 6:
A young person holds a table tennis bat and trophy, standing beside a table tennis table.]

15/04/2026

Not all monsters are scary… some are just a bit curious!

Over half-term our Children and Young People went to see The Bedtime Beastie by Actcessible Theatre, and we had a fantastic day!

The story follows a little monster living under a child’s bed, who’s heard all the stories about humans… and starts to question if they’re actually true.

This was a show filled with songs, rhythm, and gentle humour; a heart-warming sensory story that celebrated curiosity, kindness and the joy of discovery.

After the show, everyone got stuck in... exploring the props, playing with the music and meeting the performers.

A big thank you to Actcessible for bringing the show to us, and to The The Little Theatre Leicester for hosting us and making it possible.

[Image Descriptions:
Image 1:
Performers with bright wigs use colourful monster puppets on a small stage with a woodland backdrop.

Image 2:
Children and adults take part in a hands-on activity, exploring a crinkly purple sheet together.

Image 3:
A child smiles while exploring a long tactile prop with support from a performer.

Image 4:
A young girl gently touches a soft, orange prop during an interactive group activity.

Image 5:
Close-up of two colourful monster puppets being brought to life during the performance.]

13/04/2026

At a recent Tech Together session, we had a really practical question come up.

Which apps actually work well with VoiceOver when planning train journeys?

One experience shared was that while the National Rail app can work for familiar journeys, it can be difficult to navigate and doesn’t always provide key details like where to change or platform information.

A strong recommendation came through for Railboard.

Described as “absolutely fantastic” by a rail user who travels regularly, it offers clear journey planning, announces platform details and is much easier to use with VoiceOver.

We tested it out and found it simple, clear and easy to follow, with all the information needed to plan a journey confidently.

You can find Railboard on the App Store, worth downloading and trying for yourself.

Everyone’s preferences are different when it comes to tech, but we’ll continue sharing positive experiences and tips from our community.

[Image Description: A modern train is stopped at a station platform under a covered roof. Overhead wires and signal lights are visible above the tracks, and the platform has yellow safety lines along the edge.
Overlaid on the image is bold text. At the top, inside an orange rounded banner, it reads: “Tech Together Tips”.
Below in a large purple box, the main message reads: “This train app works better with VoiceOver.”
In the bottom right corner, there is the Railboard app icon, shown as a blue square with a white arrow symbol.]

10/04/2026

A runner living with sight loss is preparing to complete a marathon using technology that allows volunteers to see what he sees and guide him in real time.

Using the Be My Eyes app alongside smart glasses, he’ll be supported by people around the world as he runs, helping him navigate obstacles, stay on track, and even offering encouragement along the way.

It’s a powerful example of how technology can open up opportunities, build confidence, and make everyday activities, and big challenges like this, more accessible.

At Vista, our Tech Together sessions are all about exploring tools like this in a supportive, relaxed environment. Whether it’s apps, devices, or simple features that make day-to-day life easier, we’re here to help people feel more confident using technology in a way that works for them.

If you’re curious about how technology could support you or someone you know, or you’d like to join a session, you can find out more via the link in the comments.

Image description:
A man is standing outdoors by the sea on a sunny day, smiling at the camera. He is wearing a bright yellow cap, sunglasses, a yellow T-shirt, and a blue running vest with the words “Fight for Sight” and “Mr Dot Blind Tech Guide” printed on it. He has a running backpack on and stands with his hands on his hips. Behind him is a coastal view with calm water and several boats. The image includes a BBC News headline that reads: “Blind marathon runner to be guided by smart glasses.”]

A blind runner plans to complete the Brighton Marathon wearing smart glasses that allow sighted people to give him directions in real time.

More here: https://bbc.in/3NFe3x1