New Limavady Library Read Aloud sessions
Limavady brunch group
People with sight loss in the Limavady and surrounding areas will now be able to enjoy new ‘Read aloud’ sessions in Limavady library, starting Thursday 19 September, thanks to a continuing partnership between Libraries NI and RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People) in Northern Ireland.
George Cooke, local RNIB peer volunteer, whose own sight started to deteriorate in his 40s due to diabetes, macular degeneration and cataracts, said, “At the Read Aloud sessions you’ll get a chance to hear a short story or poem read by one of the library staff and then we’ll talk about it, or you can just listen to others and enjoy being out and about and enjoying the company and some craic.”
“I really encourage people to give it a go. There’s no pressure for commitment. Drop in as you like, or if you find it’s not for you, no problem. You can even bring a friend or family member too if you like. The sessions are not exclusive to people with sight loss.”
Similar Read Aloud sessions also take place in Derry Central Library every second Thursday of the month, and in libraries across Cookstown, Dungannon, Ards and more.
George added, “On the first Tuesday of each month we also have a brunch meet up in Rosmar Cafe. This is a social group focused around good food and great chat. We’ve been going for just over a year now. It’s just so good for people to get out and do something again, and if anyone’s struggling with anything inparticular we can give any advice or members can share what’s worked for them. Whatever it is, we’re here to help.”
Una Mulgrew, Community Connector with RNIB NI, is thankful to volunteers like George who are so keen to help others in a similar situation in their community.
Una said, “The Community Connection Team at RNIB depend on volunteers like George and we have many throughout Northern Ireland; blind and partially sighted people working within their local communities to improve social opportunities for others with sight loss. People gain so much from these social networks where they can get advice and support from each other around the everyday living activity that matters most to people with sight loss.”
To register interest in attending any of the above groups, please contact RNIB’s Community Connection Coordinator; Una Mulgrew on 07702140761 or email [email protected].
For further information on other events and activities facilitated by RNIB in the Limavady area and beyond, including crafts, VI judo, VI bowls and more, visit rnib.org.uk/nicommunityconnection.