We’re already halfway through February! Although it’s still winter, we hope we’ll get some early spring-like weather for the activities and events we have in store. Here’s what’s coming up at SVI in February and March.
Men’s group | Wednesday 18 February | 10.30am – 12.00noon
Tesco Shop Tour – New Date
Our Tesco shop tour was rescheduled and will now take place at our 18 February session. We’ll meet Tesco colleagues for a guided walk around the store, learn about the support they offer, and finish with a well-earned tea or coffee. Please let us know if you’re coming, and whether you’d like to meet at the office first or head straight to New Square Tesco.
The Men’s Group on Wednesday 18 March will be an informal session at SVI, where we will welcome your ideas of where you would like to go for a social outing.
Active 60 brunch get together at the Interceptor [Hungry Horse], New Square, West Bromwich | Wednesday 25 February, from 10.30am
After the success of our January lunch, this relaxed brunch get together is easy to reach by public transport and right in the heart of the shopping centre. You might want to browse the shops afterwards.
Please let us know if you’re coming so we can book tables — food and drink can be ordered and paid for on the day.
Tea and Toast, the first Wednesday of the month | 10.30am – 12noon
Come along for tea, toast, and a chat with SVI friends. Our 4 March speaker will be Leanne Abbot from the Sandwell Safeguarding team. Leanne will tell us what safeguarding means and what to do if you think you or someone you know needs to report something you think is wrong. She will also talk about hoarding and where and how to get help.
We have yet to confirm our guest speaker for Wednesday 1 April, but we can tell you that as well as toast, we will have hot cross buns on offer…yummy!
Ray-Ban Meta Glasses Awareness Session Monday 9 March 10am – 12.30pm at the SVI office
Following Sunny Bains popular sessions in January we have invited Barrie Lane, from Beacon who will give us a practical hands-on demonstration of the glasses and look at how they can help you with day-to-day activities and tasks.
It is important to book for this session as attendance numbers will be limited in order to give people the chance to get the most out of the morning and to get hands on with the glasses.
Let’s Talk About IT Monday 9 March | 12.30pm – 2.30pm | SVI Office
Come along to join us for an informal session where we’ll chat about all things IT. Whether you’re a tech whizz or just getting started, everyone’s welcome. This month we will have Kevin Priest from Black Country Housing and Barrie who is going to stay with us for the afternoon session. Kevin will also be with us on Monday 13 April and 11 May.
SVI Women’s Group Italian meal at Amalfi Blu, New Square, West Bromwich | 6.30pm, Thursday 12 March
Join the SVI ladies for an early evening meal at this new Italian restaurant and find out what all the shouting is about…reviews are amazing! Two courses £20.95. Three courses £24.95 or just order from the menu. Ladies are welcome to bring a guest. Pay on the night but booking through the SVI office is required, so give us a call.
West End Crooners show performing hits from the Rat Pack, Halesowen Town Hall | Thursday 19 March | Pick up 1pm show starts 2.30pm
Step back in time to the golden age of swing, as the coolest guys in town take you on a journey through the unforgettable hits of the Rat Pack – Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Junior. Light refreshment and a licenced bar are available.
The cost of the afternoon is £24 including transport from West Bromwich – pick up at West Bromwich Bus Station 1pm return by 5.30pm.
Advance booking and payment are essential, so call the office to reserve a place. If you don’t need transport, contact the office for cost and further details.
Touch tour and audio described performance of Matthew Bourne’s Red Shoes (ballet) at the Hippodrome | Saturday 21 March (matinee)
The double Olivier Award-winning smash hit The Red Shoes returns in Matthew Bourne’s spellbinding ballet. This intoxicating production tells the story of young dancer Victoria Page, torn between ambition and love, through powerful choreography, stunning design, and a sweeping golden-age Hollywood score. A breathtaking ballet where life imitates art, The Red Shoes will dazzle your senses and break your heart. Touch Tour at 1pm, performance at 2.30pm. We have amazing offers for this event, actual costs to be confirmed. Please contact the office if you are interested.
SVI March Open Meeting | Monday 23 March | 1.30pm to 4pm
Save the date! We will send more details in a separate letter.
Hop, skip and jump into spring with our Easter Bunny Walk!
Join us on Thursday 26 March at 12 noon, meeting by the memorial in Dartmouth Park, for a gentle, bunny-approved wander through the park and Sandwell Valley. We’ll finish our Easter adventure at the Sandwell Valley Visitors Centre, where tasty refreshments will be on sale for all our little (and big!) bunnies. Floppy ears, fluffy tails and happy hopping highly encouraged!
Parkride accessible cycling is back in Sandwell Valley | Starting Monday 13 April | 10.30am to 1pm
SVI and Mencap Parkride have partnered up again to bring a series of four, free accessible cycling sessions to Sandwell Valley. In the past these sessions have been very popular. We’re keen to welcome back familiar faces as well as anyone new who’s curious to give cycling a go. The Parkride team believe that there is an accessible bike or trike for everyone’s needs. Contact us to book your place.
SocialEyes trip to the ‘Lock Up’, West Midlands Police Museum in April, details and cost to be confirmed. Reserve your place now
Step inside Birmingham’s historic Victorian Lock-up and experience life on both sides of the bars. Built in 1891 and used as a working police cell block until 2016, this unique museum brings two centuries of policing to life.
Learn about notorious local criminals like the real Peaky Blinders and about the officers who worked at the lock-up. It’s a fascinating and fun trip out.
SVI Rocks is back | First session on Wednesday 22 April | 10am to 12noon
Join Rodrigo and Sarah-Ann for our popular SVI Rocks sessions in the SVI Common Room. Sing or bring along an instrument and make some noise with us. Boost your musical skills and confidence. The second session will be on Weds 13 May, with more sessions to follow, leading up to a performance at SVI’s open meeting in July. Contact us to book your place.
Supported Gym Sessions,
Every Tuesday | 10am – 12pm | Portway Lifestyle Centre
Break a sweat and boost your energy with fellow SVI members! From treadmills and bikes to weights, there’s something for everyone – and plenty of support to help you along the way. It’s a fun, social way to stay fit and active all year round, rain or shine.
Line Dancing
Every Tuesday | 1pm – 2.30pm | Dartmouth Central Club
Put on your dancing shoes and join Ray and Jean for a lively line dancing session full of fun and feel-good moves! Whether you’re looking to stay active, improve your balance, or simply meet new people, this is the perfect chance. Absolute beginners are welcome – just come along and enjoy. We’d love to see you on the dance floor!
Showdown every Wednesday afternoon | 1pm to 3pm | Portway Lifestyle Centre
Showdown every Wednesday from 1pm. Come and join us for this fast-moving, interactive sport similar to table tennis and air hockey. Designed for blind and visually impaired people but anyone can play. Contact the SVI office for more information.
Aquafit is back from the end of April at Portway Lifestyle Centre
Get summer body ready! Aquafit restarts on Wednesday 29 April for 12 weeks. This gentle toning activity in the water is suitable for everyone, with expert instructor Alison. Contact SVI if you are interested.
Booking and Payments
All activities must be booked in advance — spaces fill up fast!
Call 0121 525 4810 or email info@sandwellvisuallyimpaired.org.uk to reserve your spot.
We can now take card payments in person or over the phone. You can also pay by bank transfer or cash – just get in touch and we’ll help you with the details.
We look forward to seeing you at one or more of our upcoming events.
