RNIB Northern Ireland's Family Support Service
What we do
RNIB NI Family support services supports families of children and young people with sight loss. We work within the Northern and Southern Health and Social Care Trust Areas of Northern Ireland.
Our two projects are funded by their relevant Health and Social Care Trusts, and seek to improve the quality and accessibility of services for children with sight loss, including those with additional needs.
Northern Trust Family Support Service
Our Northern Trust family officer works in and around the following areas:
• Antrim
• Magherafelt
• Larne
• Carrickfergus
• Ballymoney
• Ballymena
• Cookstown
• Newtownabbey
• Coleraine
• Moyle
Southern Trust Wraparound Project
Our Southern Trust Family officer works in and around the following areas:
• Newry and Mourne
• Armagh
• Banbridge
• Dungannon
• Craigavon
Services
The RNIB NI family support services include:
• Information and Advice
We give parents the information they need regarding sight loss.
• Child and Family Events
We Work in partnership with Angel Eyes to arrange events for children and families to meet and share experiences in a relaxed and enjoyable way. These include family information weekends and fun days out.
• Support for Parents
We provide emotional support for parents and opportunities for them to meet and talk.
• Support for young people with sight loss
We Work with youth groups within RNIB and Wraparound to ensure the voice of young people with sight loss is heard.
• Benefits Advice
We can refer you to the RNIB NI benefits advice service to help make sure you're recieving all you are entitled to.
Looking Ahead, a parent's guide
You can download a copy of our guide booklet, Looking Ahead, in either PDF or Word format.
This booklet intends to answer some common questions.
We have attempted to set out a roadmap of services parents and children may encounter throughout their own journey.
While not definitive, it provides information on statutory and voluntary services within Northern Ireland.
If you wish to recieve hard copies of this booklet, just contact us.
RNIB NI's Looking Ahead, A parent's Guide (Word, 140kb)
RNIB NI's Looking Ahead, A Parent's Guide (PDF, 560kb)
The RNIB online Parent's Place
Are you a parent, parent to be or grandparent with a sight problem? Or are you looking after a child with a sight problem? If so Parent's Place is a safe place to meet, share experiences and get hold of up-to-date and relevant parenting information.
Contact Us
For more information on our Family Support service contact:
NHSSB Family Officer, Marcella Dempsey
Tel: 028 9033 4117
SHSSB Family Officer, Roisin Meagher
Tel: 028 9033 4122
RNIB NI switchboard:
Tel: 028 9032 9373
Email: childrenyouthni@rnib.org.uk
Address:
RNIB Northern Ireland
40 Linenhall Street
Belfast
BT2 8BA
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