In your community

Our friendly, helpful and knowledgeable team can link you up with opportunities to suit you both within RNIB and the wider world.

Our peer support contacts can provide a safe environment for you to share, learn and build peer friendships, leading to practical and emotional support within your local community to support you to build confidence and independence.

Our Community Access officers working in the Northern and Belfast Health and Social Care Trusts provide person-centred practical and emotional support to blind and partially sighted people within their local community to build confidence and independence.

RNIB's Facebook groups are a welcoming and supportive space for people affected by sight loss. Become part a community united by shared experiences by joining your local group today at facebook.com/groups/RNIBConnectNI

Get in touch to find out more!

Ulster Museum Visit

Where: Ulster Museum, Belfast, BT9 5AB
When:
Tuesday, 13 October – Discover Nature (Dinosaurs)
Tuesday, 10 November – Discover Art (RUA exhibition)
Tuesday, 8 December – Discover History (Christmas theme)
Time: 1.45pm to 3pm.
Contact: Email: [email protected] or [email protected] or phone: 07514623182 or 07702140761.

Registration is essential.

Dry Slope Skiing

This is a progressive four-week course delivered in partnership with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon District Council. Beginners are welcome.

Where: Craigavon Golf and Ski Centre, Lurgan.
When: Wednesday, 16 September to Wednesday, 7 October.
Time: 11am to 12.30pm.
Contact: Email: [email protected] or phone: 07702140761.

Sightless Cinema

Be part of this eight-week workshop to create a drama piece. You can travel to Belfast by public transport to Grand Central Station, and someone will meet you and walk with you to the venue.

Where: The Accidental Theatre, 12-13 Shaftesbury Square, Belfast, BT2 7DB.
When: Thursdays in September through to November.  
Time: 11am to 1pm.
Contact: Email: [email protected] or phone: 07702140761.

VI cricket

Where: Foyle Arena, 2, Limavady Road, Derry, BT47 6JY 
When: Wednesday, 7 October.
Time: 11.30am to 1pm.
Contact:  Email: [email protected] or phone: 07719155511.

Indoor Wall Climb 

Ever fancied experiencing new heights on a climbing wall. Challenge yourself with this free offering from our friends at Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council. If you’re coming from Belfast, Una Mulgrew can meet you at Grand Central Station to get the bus. This activity depends on interest and numbers, so do reach out to Una on the contact information below.

Where: Gilford Community Centre, 5 Stramore Road, Gilford, Craigavon, BT63 6HL.
When: Wednesday, 14 October.
Time: 11.30am.
Contact: Email: [email protected] or phone: 07702140761.

Orchard VI Brunch Group

Where: Dante’s at the Palace Stables, Armagh, BT60 4EN.
When: Thursday, 15 October
Time: 12pm
Contact: Email Lynette: [email protected] or phone: 07734 441227.

Snow Tubing

Come and try snow tubing! This is a fun activity with no skill needed, but you do have to have to be able to walk up the side of the slope to get to the top. Delivered in partnership with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon District Council.

Where: Craigavon Golf and Ski Centre, Lurgan. 
When: Tuesday, 20 October.
Time: 12pm to 1pm.
Contact:  Email: [email protected] or phone: 07702140761.

Armagh City Library Read Aloud

This group will meet monthly on the third Wednesday of each month.

When: Wednesday, 21 October.
Time: 11am to 12pm.
Contact:  [email protected] or phone: 028 3752 4072.

Give Blind Golf a Go

The NI Blind Golf Association (NIBGA) are holding a ‘give blind golf a go’ day where you can come along and try out the sport, or if you are a golfer and have started to lose sight, NIBGA want to keep you golfing!

Everyone’s welcome.

Where: Killymoon golf club, 200 Killymoon Road, Cookstown, BT80 8TW.
When: Friday, 23 October.
Time: 11.30am.
Contact: Email: [email protected] or phone: 07702140761.

Downpatrick Out and About

Connect with others with sight loss in Downpatrick and learn about RNIB services and support. This meeting takes place on the last Wednesday of the month. Registration is essential.

Where: Downpatrick.
When: Wednesday, 28 October.
Time: 11am to 12.30pm.
Contact: Email: [email protected] or phone: 07514623182.

LGBTQ+ Online monthly Meet Up

An online meet up with members from across the UK. New members welcome.

Where: Online via Teams.
When: Third Wednesday of the month.
Time: 6.30pm to 7.45pm.
Contact: Email: [email protected] or phone: 07702140761.

Newry Out and About

Connect with others with sight loss from the Newry area and learn about RNIB services and support. Registration is essential.

Where: Newry.
When: Second Thursday of month.
Time: 11am to 12.30pm.
Contact: Email: [email protected] or phone: 07514623182.

Antrim Walk and Talk

Where: Antrim Castle Gardens, Randalstown Road, Antrim. 
When: First Thursday of the month.
Time:  10.30am.
Contact: Email: [email protected] or phone: 07702140761.

VI Gaming

An online social group for a chat about gaming. Registration is essential.

Where: Online via Teams.
When: Every Thursday.
Time: 4pm to 5pm.
Contact: Email: [email protected] or phone: 07514623182.

Portadown Out and About

Meet others with sight loss from the Portadown area and learn about RNIB services and support. Registration is essential.

Where: Portadown.
When: Last Friday of month.
Time: 11am to 12.30pm.
Contact: Email: [email protected] or phone: 07514623182.

18 to 35 Group

If you are 18-35 and want to meet up with others, this is a fun, welcoming group with different activities and venues to try out each month. Registration is essential, so contact Fiona for more information.

Where: Various locations.
When: Saturday (once a month)
Time: 11am to 3pm
Contact: Email: [email protected] or phone: 07514623182.

Organised by volunteers, these brunches offer people living with sight loss the chance to get together for a chat and have a bite! Everybody welcome.

Limavady Brunch

Where: Rosmar Café, Limavady.
When: First Tuesday of every month.
Time: 10.45am.
Contact: Phone George on: 07732171044.

Foyle Monthly Brunch

Where: The Jamm Café, Richmond Centre, Derry.
When: First Thursday of every month.
Time: 12pm.
Contact: Email: [email protected] or phone: 07860607328.

Ards Brunch Group 

Where: Regency Cafe, Main Street, Newtownards.
When: Third Wednesday of every month.
Time: 11am.
Contact: Email: [email protected] or phone: 07702140761.

Armagh Brunch Group

Where: Armagh City Hotel, Armagh. This venue changes from time to time so please check in with Lynette.
When: Third Thursday of every month.
Time: 11.30am.
Contact: Email: Lynette Elliot on [email protected]

Ballymena Brunch Group

Where: Fayre Grill Café, 27 Wellington Street, Ballymena, BT43 6AD
When: Fourth Tuesday of every month.
Time: 11am.
Contact: Email: [email protected] or phone: 07702140761.

RNIB Talk and Support Phone Groups

RNIB’s Talk and Support team run free phone talking groups for adults with sight loss across the UK. They provide an opportunity for people to socialise in small groups by phone to build friendships.

The team match individuals together for conversations based on group preferences and specialised interests.

For more information contact Talk and Support telephone befriending social groups | RNIB.

RNIB Emotional Support Groups

RNIB is running a new series of emotional support groups for blind and partially sighted people. These groups are facilitated by a qualified counsellor and provide a confidential and therapeutic space where you can receive support from a professional and others with a similar eye condition or life experience.

Each group runs on teams with audio format only for eight weeks, with a maximum of seven participants, ensuring plenty of time to connect and be supported.

The following groups are available to join:

• Charles Bonnet Syndrome Group
• Retinitis Pigmentosa Group
• Seeking Employment Group
• Staying in Employment Group
• Sight loss after stroke Group
• Glaucoma Group
• Age-related Macular Degeneration Group
• Diabetes and Sight loss group
• Seeing it through groups - this group is open to anyone experiencing sight loss.
• Friends and Family group

Self-refer to the coordinator and counsellor by emailing: [email protected] and of course you can refer through RNIB's helpline too: 03031239999.

RNIB Awareness to Action – Understanding Sight Loss sessions

This session is designed and delivered by people who are blind or partially sighted, bringing lived experience insight, and is supported by an RNIB staff member.

This session is very useful for family and friends who want to better support someone with sight loss.

By the end of the session, participants will:

• Gain an understanding of the emotional and practical realities of living with sight loss
• Learn how to recognise when someone is blind or partially sighted
• Understand the different levels and types of sight loss
• Develop practical skills to communicate with and assist people with sight loss
• Receive an introduction to RNIB support and services

For more information, email: [email protected]

RNIB Connect Radio

RNIB Connect Radio broadcasts 24/7 and serves as your very own radio station. Enjoy a mix of information, entertainment and interviews hosted by our blind and partially sighted presenters.

RNIB Connect Radio - station broadcasting 24/7 | RNIB

Ards Library Read Aloud

Where: Ards Library, Main Street, Newtownards
When: First Wednesday in the month.
Time: 11am to 12pm.
Contact: [email protected] or phone: 028 9181 4732.

Armagh City Library Read Aloud

When: Wednesday, 21 October (third Wednesday of every month).
Time: 11am to 12pm
Contact:  [email protected] or phone: 028 3752 4072.

Bangor Audio Book club

Where: Ava Restaurant, 132 Main Street, Bangor BT20 4AG
When: First Tuesday of the month.
Time: 2pm.
Contact: Phone Ken Carson on: 07753599985.

Ballymena Library Read Aloud

Where: Ballymena Central Library, Pats Brea, Ballymena.
When: Third Thursday in the month.
Time: 11am to 12pm.
Contact: Email: [email protected] or phone: 028 2563 3950.

Belfast Central Library Read Aloud 

Where: Central Library, Royal Avenue, Belfast, BT1 1EA.
When: Every Friday.
Time: 2.30pm.
Contact: Phone Libraries NI on: 028 9050 9150.

Cookstown Stories, Tea and Chat

Where: Cookstown library
When: Third Wednesday of every month.
Time: 2pm to 3pm.
Contact: Phone Cookstown Library on: 028 867 63702.

Derry Read aloud

Everyone’s welcome to come along, listen to a book or short story and discuss the characters over a cuppa. This meeting takes place every two weeks.

Where: Derry Central Library, Foyle Street (across from the bus station)
When: Thursday, 1st, 15th, and 29th October.
Time: 11.30am to 12.30pm.
Contact: [email protected] or phone Derry City Library on 02871229990.

Omagh Read Aloud

Where: Omagh Library, 1 Spillars Place, Irishtown Road, Omagh BT78 1HL.
When: Every second Wednesday (monthly).
Time: 12pm to 1pm.
Contact: Omagh Library on 028 8244 0733.

ABC Walking Club

Where: Parks across Portadown, Lurgan and Banbridge areas.
When: Fourth Wednesday of every month.
Time: 9.30am to 3pm.
Contact: Phone: Doreen McFarlane on: 07734723575.

Archery For Everyone

If interested in joining the beginners course, contact David: [email protected]

Armagh Orchard VIP Group

Where: Community Centre, Dobbin Street, Armagh
When: Tuesday afternoons every fortnight.
Time: 2.45pm to 4.15pm.
Contact: Email: [email protected] and Una will signpost you to Ann Curran.

Atlanta Swimming Club

Where: Shankill Leisure Centre, Belfast.
When: Every Wednesday.
Time: 11am to 12pm.
Contact: Contact Mina Gillespie via the [email protected]

Please note there is a waiting list for this activity.

Banbridge VIP Group

Where: Anglers Building, Havlock Park, Church Street, Banbridge.
When: First Wednesday of the month.
Time: 2.30 to 4.30pm.
Contact: Contact Doreen McFarlane on 07734723575.

New Members Welcome.

Bangor VI Bowls

Where: Bangor, County Down.
When: Every Wednesday.
Time: 2pm.
Contact: Joe Bourke on: 07532758755.

Bangor

There's lots happening in the Bangor area too, including book clubs, groups for men, bowling and much more.

Contact [email protected] for information.

Ballee VIP club

Music and dancing every fortnight.

Where: Ballee VIP club in Ballymena
When: Wednesday.
Time: 7.30pm to 9.30pm.
Contact: Sammy McAuley on 07808881520 or Ballee VIP Facebook page.

Belfast Acorn Arts Group

Where: Divis Community Centre, Belfast.
When: Every Thursday.
Time: 10am to 12pm.
Contact: [email protected]

Belfast VI Bowls

Where: Grove Bowling Club, York Road, Belfast.
When: Every Tuesday.
Time: 10.30am to 1pm.
Contact: [email protected]

Belfast Edgecumbe VIP Social Club

Where: Inverary Community Centre, East Belfast.
When: Thursdays, fortnightly.
Time: 7pm to 9pm. New members welcome
Contact: [email protected]

Belfast East, VI Tennis

Where: CIYMS Tennis Club, 91 Circular Road, Belfast
When: Friday.
Time: 11am to 1pm.
Contact: [email protected]

Belfast South, VI Tennis

Where: Centre Facilitated by Windsor Tennis Club.
Time: 11am - 1pm.
Contact: Simon McFarland by phoning: 07851282210.

Belfast Walk (West)

Where: Front gate of Falls Park, Belfast.
When: Every Friday
Time: 10.30am.
Contact: Email: [email protected] or phone: 07702140761.

Causeway Boccia

Where: Coleraine West Community Centre, The Rope Walk, Coleraine.
When: Every Wednesday.
Time: 2pm to 3.15pm.
Contact: Email: [email protected] or phone: 07711190440.

Causeway VI Judo

Open to new members. Cost £3 per session. Takes place weekly.

Where: North Coast Grappling, 17 Victoria Street, Ballymoney.
When: Tuesdays.
Time: 1pm to 2.30pm.
Contact: Email: [email protected] or phone: 07711190440.

Causeway VI Judo

Open to new members. Cost £3 per session.

Where: North Coast Grappling, 17 Victoria Street, Ballymoney.
When: Every Thursday.
Time: 5:30pm.
Contact: Email: [email protected] or phone: 07711190440.

Cookstown Insight Social Support Group

Where: Cookstown Library, 13 Burn Road, Cookstown, BT80 8DJ.
When: Second Monday of each month.
Time: 1pm to 2.30pm.
Contact: Email: [email protected] or phone: 07711190440.

Derry Community Quiz

Where: Foyle Street, Derry.
When: First Tuesday every month.
Time: 2pm to 3.30pm.
Contact:  [email protected]

Fermanagh VIP Club

Where: Enniskillen British Legion.
When: Every second Friday.
Contact: Email: [email protected] or phone: 07702140761.

Greenisland Social Support Group

Where: Greenisland Football Club, Glenkeen Avenue, Greenisland.
When: First Monday in month.
Time: 2pm to 4pm.
Contact: [email protected]

Greenisland Boccia

Where: Greenisland Football Club, Glenkeen Avenue, Greenisland.
When: Third Monday of the month
Time: 2pm to 4pm.
Contact: [email protected]

HAM Radio Group

Where: Online via zoom.
When: Second Tuesday of the month.
Time: 8pm.
Contact: Email: [email protected] or phone: 07702140761.

Lisburn Outlook

From coffee mornings to tandem cycling, if you live in, or near, Lisburn, please contact [email protected] to receive the area newsletter.

Lurgan Tandem Riding and walking group

Always looking for new people to give the tandems a go - and there is always a cup of tea and chat at the ready!

Where: Lurgan Park.
When: Ongoing.
Time: 7pm.
Contact: Doreen on: 07734723575.

Newtownabbey Swim Group

Where: Valley Leisure Centre, Newtownabbey.
When: Every Friday.
Time: 9.15am to 11.30am.
Contact: [email protected]

Talking Newspapers

Free audio versions of local news which is sent to users by post (Articles for the Blind means post is free of charge). Some Talking Newspapers also offer a podcast.

Email: [email protected] to find out what's in your area and to sign up.

To join or find out more about any of the above groups, contact our RNIB Northern Ireland Community Social Action Team: 

Jonathan Adams

Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 0771 119 0440

Fiona Joyce

Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 028 903 34105
Mobile 0751 462 3182

Una Mulgrew

Email: [email protected]
Mobile: 0770 214 0761