Blatchington Court Trust

23/03/2026

We are very excited to be able to give you the date for the 2026 BCT barbecue: Saturday 4th July! It will be taking place at the same venue as last year (The 1st Central County Ground, Eaton Rd, Hove, BN3 3AN) and we’re already working hard to bring you a day of fun and games!

Add it to your diaries and watch this space for further details…

22/03/2026

Easter creativity is coming to Art Club!

Join us on Saturday 11th April as we make delicious Easter chocolate nests and decorate our own chocolate buttons. It’s a chance to get creative, try something new and enjoy a relaxed, friendly session together.

Art Club is open to BCT clients, with sessions for under 18s and over 18s. Check out the website for more info and to book: https://www.blatchingtoncourt.org.uk/events/

20/03/2026

-Gb is a small charity run by and for blind and partially sighted members to encourage and empower through offshore sailing. They have a trip starting from Southampton from the 30th August – 2nd September 2026.

This trip is for 18-25 year olds who would like to experience a few days on a yacht and all participants take part in all aspects of sailing with an experienced sighted crew. The cost is just £25, due to a generous grant from the Powell Family Foundation.

There’s more information about this trip and others on the VISA-GB website, or you can call Dee on 07920 144614: https://visa-gb.org.uk/

19/03/2026

We’re proud to share an achievement from BCT client Lou who, for the last two years, has had her own podcast, There's No Such Thing As Normal.

In the podcast, Lou speaks openly about her experiences of blindness, autism, ADHD and mental health, sharing practical tips, personal insights and raising awareness about the challenges and strengths that come with these experiences. She also interviews a range of interesting guests.

Lou hopes her podcast will help others feel understood and less alone. If you’d like to listen, you can find it on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and follow updates on Facebook. We’ve put links to each below. Thank you both for the heads up Lou, but also for taking the time to explore these topics so openly.

Find Lou's podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BrWvWCO9IAztwYTBx4GQq?si=CUO0hdlkQMCPb9tJ1To_lg&nd=1&dlsi=af0ca992f9354d0b

Find Lou's podcast on Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/theres-no-such-thing-as-normal/id1747303054

18/03/2026

We included this session in our newsletter and our friends at Possability People have posted about it... if you've got the time spare to give your thoughts on the condition of the pavements around Brighton and Hove, your input will be valued:

The pavements in Brighton and Hove are worsening, issues such as tree roots, cracks, uneven surfaces and blocked drop-curbs are resulting in accessibility and safety concerns. These problems particularly impact those who use mobility aids or have reduced mobility.

We are looking for local disabled people to join the discussion so that we can feedback to Brighton and Hove City Council as a strong, collective voice.

For more information, to contact us or to find the zoom link please visit:

https://www.possabilitypeople.org.uk/events/pavements-online-discussion/

18/03/2026

There was a lot of creativity (and a lovely mix of scents!) at our March Art Clubs, where everyone got stuck into making their own bath bombs.

From mixing and moulding to adding dried flowers and finishing touches, it was brilliant to see everyone experimenting, having fun and creating something to take home.

Art Club is all about trying new things, building confidence and spending time together in a relaxed, welcoming space; our next Art Club is on Saturday 11th April and we’d love to see you there! We'll have an Easter theme, and will have ingredients for making chocolate buttons and Easter nests!

Book your spot now: https://blatchingtoncourt.org.uk/events

16/03/2026

On Saturday 28th March we’re heading to Polegate for an exciting afternoon of climbing! We have spaces available although booking closes this Saturday so do bagsie your space as soon as possible.

Tickets are £5 which includes all equipment, and the opportunity to work with an experienced climbing instructor. If cost is a barrier, please let us know as we may be able to assist you with this.

This event is open to BCT clients aged 11-29. We’ll be starting at 4pm, and finishing around 5.30pm. There's more info on the website and you can book there too: https://www.blatchingtoncourt.org.uk/events/

13/03/2026

We are pleased to be taking part in three Vision Zone events in the coming months. Come along to find out more about assistive technology, support, services, groups, and much more?

Vision Zone events bring together a variety of excellent services and charities covering your local area. No matter what your sight loss condition there will be something for you, whether it’s just to gain knowledge or hands on experience of new technologies. Entry is free, with refreshments and parking available.

These are the dates and locations. Please note that BCT will have a stand at the first three events but not at Midhurst:

Friday 27th March, 11am-2pm
Haywards Heath Methodist Church, Perrymount Road, RH16 3DN

Wednesday 20th May, 10am-2pm
The Shoreham Centre, First Floor, QEII Room, 2 Pond Road, BN43 5WU

Wednesday 29th July, 11am-2pm
Woodgate Café & Community Hub, 4 Grace Holland Avenue, RH11 9SL

Thursday 17th September, 11am-2.30pm
Midhurst Methodist Church, North Street, Midhurst, GU29 9DU

For more info, call Optelec on 0800 1456115.

12/03/2026

As you may be aware, BCT has been upgrading and updating its database and someone crucial in its success is our new Admin and Data Assistant, Mira. Tell us about yourself Mira…

Where are you from? I'm from Brighton so grew up here and then moved away for university but came back because Brighton is so lovely!

What's your professional background (if you have one before now!)? I studied mathematical science at the University of Bath and did a year placement at the Office for National Statistics.

What do you like doing in your spare time? I'm very active so like to be up on the Downs running or walking in my spare time.

If you could teleport somewhere for a week long holiday, where would you go and why? If I could teleport anywhere it would probably be Scandinavia so I could see the Northern lights and enjoy the hiking out there.

Thank you Mira; I think we’ll all join you on your trip to experience the Northern lights! Some of you may well have spoken to Mira as she works her way through updating the database, or may do in the future. Welcome Mira!

11/03/2026

We had a great time on our recent bowling trip at Brighton Marina, where a group of BCT clients got together for an afternoon of strikes, spares and plenty of laughs.

It was a fantastic opportunity to catch up with familiar faces, meet new people and enjoy some friendly competition. Events like this are all about building confidence, trying new things and spending time together in a supportive environment.

Thank you to everyone who came along and helped make it such a fun afternoon. Don't forget we've got our Art Clubs on Saturday as well as rock climbing at the end of the month. Book through the website!

10/03/2026

We are looking for volunteers to support our social events for our clients aged 16–29 across Sussex.

These events give blind and visually impaired young people the chance to meet others, try new activities and take part in experiences they might otherwise find difficult to access independently. Activities might include meals out, creative workshops, sports and leisure activities, theatre trips and more.

Events usually take place once a month, mostly in the evenings or at weekends, and last around 3–4 hours. Volunteers work alongside BCT staff and may help by providing sighted guiding, describing visual information, reading menus or signage, and helping with general event tasks.

No previous experience of visual impairment is required. Full training will be provided, including sighted guide training, safeguarding and visual impairment awareness.

If you enjoy meeting new people and would like to help create welcoming, accessible experiences for young adults, we would love to hear from you.

To find out more or express interest, please email connor@blatchingtoncourt.org.uk with a brief note about yourself and any relevant experience. We look forward to hearing from you!

09/03/2026

Join us for one or more of our fab events, open to all BCT clients. Not yet a client? You can join for free on the website: https://bit.ly/RegisterWithBCT

Saturday 14th March - Under 18’s Art Club (10am) and Over 18’s Art Club (12.30pm) - scented bath bombs, £5

Saturday 28th March - Rock Climbing (age 11 up), Polegate, 4pm, £5

Thursday 9th April - Get hands-on with HumanWare assistive technology, open to all, 12-3pm, free

Saturday 11th April - Under 18’s Art Club (10am) and Over 18’s Art Club (12.30pm) - Easter chocolate buttons and nests, £5

Sunday 26th April - Sunday lunch and seafront walk (over 18s), Shoreham, 11.45am, free

Head to the website now to see further info and to book: https://www.blatchingtoncourt.org.uk/events/