Let’s Get Active with Nottinghamshire Sight Loss Council and Lex Leisure
Thursday 8 October 10:00am - 2:00pm
Rushcliffe Arena, Rugby Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham, NG2 7HY
Are you blind or partially sighted and interested in getting more active? Join Nottinghamshire Sight Loss Council (SLC) and Lex Leisure for a free multi-sport taster day at Rushcliffe Arena, Nottingham.
Whether you’re looking to try a new activity, build your confidence, improve your wellbeing, or simply meet new people, this event offers a welcoming and supportive environment where you can give a range of accessible sports and activities a go.
From spin and Pilates to swimming, gym sessions, VI golf, VI baseball, VI goalball and Boccia, there will be something for everyone, regardless of age, ability or experience level.
The event runs from 10am to 2pm, and you’re welcome to attend all or part of the day. Refreshments will be available, but please bring a packed lunch. Friends, family members and sighted guides are welcome to attend but must register in advance.
A day to discover what’s possible
Geoff, a volunteer with Nottinghamshire SLC, encourages everyone to come and have a go:
“If sight loss has affected your confidence, come and give it a go. You could discover a new activity, make new friends, and boost your wellbeing in both mind and body.”
Fellow SLC member Caroline adds:
“It’s a chance to try something new in a safe and supportive environment, have fun, and build confidence for future activities.”
More than just sport
Matt Harrison, Engagement Manager for the East Midlands, said:
“This event highlights how different activities can be made accessible and open to everyone, regardless of ability.
“I encourage blind and partially sighted people to come and have a go in a fun and friendly environment, supported by professionals who understand both visual impairment and fitness.”
Hannah Gilday, Head of Healthy Communities & Partnerships, working with Parkwood Leisure and Lex Leisure, adds:
“We are passionate about making our centres welcoming for everyone. This Let’s Get Active day is a brilliant way to demonstrate how activities can be adapted so that nobody is left out.
“Working with partners like Sight Loss Councils and Thomas Pocklington Trust, we want to continue to show that our community leisure centres can be a place where everyone feels supported and able to take part. Whether you’re blind, partially sighted, or simply want to support the community, come and get involved and experience the difference inclusive activity can make.”
Event details
- Date and time: Thursday 8 October 2026, 10am – 2pm
- Venue: Rushcliffe Arena, Rugby Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham, NG2 7HY
- Our Let’s Get Active day is completely free, but registration is essential for everyone attending
- Sighted guides, friends and family members are welcome to attend but must also register in advance
- Booking closes:5pm, Monday, 5 October
- Please note: This is a nut-free event. We ask that no nuts are brought into the building.
If you have any questions or require further information, please contact: Matt Harrison at matt.harrison@pocklington.org.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
How do we get to Rushcliffe Arena?
Bus: Catch the 10C bus operated by Nottingham City Transport and alight at the Rushcliffe Arena stop on Rugby Road directly opposite the entrance to the venue.
Please note, if arriving by train, the 10C bus stops outside the railway station at stop S7.
Train: The closest railway station is Nottingham, approximately 2.5 miles from Rushcliffe Arena.
Parking: There is ample parking at Rushcliffe Arena with a number of blue badge spaces available.
Will there be guides at the leisure centre?
Yes, there will be staff and volunteers who will assist people to get to their chosen activity. However, we cannot guarantee it will be on a one-to-one basis, as we do not know how many people will register to attend.
Will there be a maximum number of people able to participate in a sport at any one time?
Yes, we will ensure that group sizes are not too large for each activity.
Can I be guaranteed a place in my preferred sport or activity?
We’ll do our best to match you with your preferred or favourite sport or activity. However, places are limited, so we can’t guarantee a spot in every session. We encourage you to try a variety of activities to make the most of Let’s Get Active Day.
Can I bring my guide dog?
Yes, guide dogs are welcome.
What should I wear?
Something comfortable and not restrictive, and trainers if you have them. You do not need expensive sportswear.
Are there changing facilities?
Yes, there is a changing room, but we would encourage you to arrive, ready to go. On the day, we’ll give you directions to where you need to go.
Is there somewhere for refreshments?
Yes. There is a café serving hot and cold drinks. We recommend that attendees bring a packed lunch if they would like something to eat, and we also encourage everyone to bring a water bottle for the day.
Can I bring my family with me?
Yes, we want this to be a fun day for everyone. As long as someone in your family group is blind or partially sighted, all can join in and participate in the activities. Please make sure children always stay with an adult so no one gets lost or hurt.
Do I need to have experience in any of the sports and activities?
No. This is a taster day. We hope you will find something you really enjoy and want to continue with it after the event.
Will there be swimming lessons?
No, although you can chat to staff about arranging these.
Who can attend?
Anyone from Nottinghamshire who is blind or partially sighted is welcome to attend. Please note children must be always accompanied by parents or guardians.
About Sight Loss Councils
Sight Loss Councils are led by blind and partially sighted members. Together, they tackle local issues and work with businesses and service providers to improve the accessibility of their services.
Photography and video
During registration, you will be asked to confirm you are happy to be included in any photographs, videos or images from the event. These will be used for promotional purposes, raising the profile of our work and for sharing information and good practice. Please note, if you do not wish to be included, you may still feature in the background.
Join our mailing list
When you register, we will ask whether you would like to join our mailing list.
By consenting to receive our emails you agree to your data being retained and used to send you information of interest to you. We will not sell or rent your information to third parties. We may share your information with third parties such as MailChimp or SurveyMonkey in order to send you communications or to canvass your opinion. You can opt out of these communications at any time by emailing info@sightlosscouncils.org.uk