Shop RNIB Donate now

RNIB NI Community Connection

Meet or connect with others who are blind or partially sighted to share interests, experiences and support for each other.

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

Our community-led groups can provide a safe environment for you to talk openly.  We also have a variety of ways to connect you with others by phone and online - see the list of local groups below that are currently running in your area.

Our Community Access team provide person-centred practical and emotional support to blind and partially sighted people within their local community to build confidence and independence. Enabling those with sight loss to live a full and independent life.

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!

Back to top

Feburary 2025 activities

LGBTQAI+ walk with HERe NI
Where : Belfast Cathedral Quarter
When : Saturday 1 Feb
Time: 2pm - 3.30pm
Wear appropriate clothing and comfortable footwear
Contact: [email protected] or mobile 07702 140 761.

5 steps to emotional well being course – Belfast
Where : Belfast
When : Mondays in February
Time: 10.30am - 1pm
Contact: [email protected] or mobile 07802 865579.

Chair yoga (for 8 weeks)
Where: AOH Foyle Street, Derry City
When: Monday's every week in February
Time: Arrive at 1pm for a 1.15pm start to 2.15pm
Cost: £25 per person for the 4 weeks, payable on the first day - Monday 27 January
Contact: [email protected] or Una mobile: 07702 140 761.

History talk (outreach program)– the Street names of East Belfast
Where: The Strand Cinema – Connswater shopping center
When : Tuesday 4 February
Time: 11am – noon. Booking required
Contact: [email protected] or mobile 07802 865579.

Online course - Understanding sight loss - targeting sighted friends and family
Where : Online via teams
When : Wednesday 5 February
Time: 11am to 12.30pm
Contact: [email protected] or mobile 07702 140 761.
Delivered by: Peter Cullinan and Una Mulgrew.

Winter Wander – 3-4 mile walk
Where: Belfast (contact Olive for more info)
When: Thursday 13 February
Time: 10am – 1pm
Contact: [email protected] or mobile 07802 865579.

NW Walking cricket / VI cricket
Where: Foyle Arena
When: Starting Thursday 13 February 2025
Time: 12.20 for a 12.30 start time of 1.30pm
All welcome; this is in partnership with NW Cricket; working with the VI community is a new experience for NW Cricket - so lets get out there in good numbers, the more we part take - the more we get offered!!
Contact: [email protected] or phone 07860607328.

Art tour 
Where: Hillsborough Castle
When: Friday 14 February
Time: 10.45am - 1pm
Contact: [email protected] or mobile 07802 865579.

Supervised gym taster session in Foyle arena
Where:  Foyle Arena, Limavady Rd, Derry City
When: 18th February 2025
Time: 2pm & 5pm
Contact: Rory email [email protected] org Phone: 07922630582.

History talk Strand cinema (outreach program) – the picture houses of east Belfast
Where: The Strand cinema – Connswater shopping centre
When: Tuesday 18 February
Time: 11am – noon
Contact: [email protected]

ABC Walking group (monthly walk)
Where: Pontzpass
When: 28 February
Time: meeting place and time will be given by organiser –details below
Contact: Doreen on [email protected] or phone Una on 07702 140 761.

Science Festival workshop
Where: Ulster Museum Belfast
When: Wednesday 19 February
Time: 1.45pm - 2.45pm
Contact: [email protected] or mobile: 07802 865579.

Airport assistance walk through 
Where: Belfast George Best city airport
When: Friday 28 February
Time: 10am – 1pm
Contact: [email protected] or mobile 07802 865579.

Braille 200 - celebrating 200 years
Where: Lisburn City Library
When: Tuesday 25 February
Time: 10am – 3pm
Contact: email [email protected] or phone Kirsty on 0330 123 9999.

RNIBs Technology Fair
Where: Lagan Valley Lisburn (Civic Centre)
When: Wednesday 26 February
Time: 11am – 4.30pm
There will be plenty of RNIB staff and volunteers to help people navigate train and bus changes at Grand Central Station and there will be a shuttle bus at Lisburn station to take attendees to the Lagan Valley Civic Centre. There is a cafe on site.

Current exhibitors include but are not limited to:

  • Navilens
  • Sight and Sound
  • Humanware
  • Dolphin Computer Access
  • EmpathEyes
  • Pakflatt
  • AbilityNet

You will get the chance to ask questions, experience demonstrations and come away knowing more than you did before

Alongside this, we are offering a programme of relevant workshops and talks including:

  • Technology in education and work
  • AI (Artificial Intelligence) and me
  • Introducing Navilens to Northern Ireland
  • Accessible gaming
  • Braille - past, present and future

Register via RNIB Northern Irelands Facebook event page: https://fb.me/e/4VCFYzkRa

Contact: If you have any further queries, contact [email protected]

Online Understanding sight loss - targeting Omagh Volunteer Centre
Where : Online via teams
When : Thursday 27 February
Time: 2.30m to 4pm
Contact: [email protected] or mobile 07702 140 761.
Delivered by: Dawn Hooper and Peter Cullinan.

Back to top

Ongoing Community Connection Activities

Mondays

Greenisland Social support group
Where: Greenisland Football Club, Glenkeen Avenue
When: First Monday of the month
Time: 2pm to 4pm
Contact: [email protected]. Mobile: 07951746093.

Greenisland Boccia
Where: Greenisland Football Club, Glenkeen Avenue, Greenisland
When: Every third Monday of the month
Time: 2pm to 4pm
Contact: [email protected]. Mobile: 07951746093.

Winter Wander Walking program Belfast
Where: Various locations in Belfast
When: First Monday of the month, until April
Time: 10am to 1pm
Contact: [email protected]. Mobile: 07802 865579.

Tuesdays

Limavady brunch
Where: Rosmar Café
When: First Tuesday of the month
Time: 10.45am
Contact: George Cooke on 07732 171044.

Bangor Audio Book club

Where: Ava Restaurant, 132 Main Street, Bangor BT20 4AG

When: First Tuesday of the month
Time: 2pm

Contact: Ken Carson on 07753599985

HAM Radio Group
Facilitated by Lynette Elliott
Where: Online via zoom
When: Second Tuesday of the month
Time: 8pm
Contact: [email protected] or mobile 07702 140 761.

Boccia Mid-Ulster
Where: Cookstown Leisure Centre, 78 Fountain Road Cookstown
When: Every Tuesday for 12 weeks, until Tuesday 18 February
Time:1.30pm to 2.20pm
Contact: [email protected] Mobile: 07710066251.

Ballymena Brunch
Where: Fayre Grill café, Wellington Street, Ballymena
When: Fourth Tuesday in the month
Time: 11am
Contact: [email protected] or mobile 07702 140 761.

Community Connection Audio newsletter
Where: Connect Facebook Live - www.facebook.com/groups/RNIBConnectNI
Released monthly at the end of the month to alert of the following months activity

Wednesdays

Read aloud in Ards Library

Where: Ards Library

When: Second Wed in month

Time: 11am to 12pm

Anyone is welcome to come along to this - friends and family too

Libraries NI choose a book; poem or short story to read and discuss over a cuppa

Contact: [email protected] or Mobile: 07702140761

Ards Monthly brunch

Where: The Regency Cafe
When: Third Wed in month
Time: 11am to 12.15pm
All welcome
Contact: [email protected] or Mobile: 07702140761

VI Bowls at Pickie Bowling club, Bangor

Where: Ward Park, Bangor, Co Down
When: every Wednesday every week
Time: 2pm

Contact: Joe Bourke on 07532758755

LGBTQ+ online monthly meet up (UK wide)
Where: Online via teams
When: Third Wednesday of the month
Time: 6.30pm to 7.30pm
New members welcome
Contact: [email protected] or Mobile: 07702140761.

Downpatrick out and about – Connect with others with sight loss
Where: Downpatrick (various locations)
When: Last Wednesday of month
Time:11am-12.30pm
Contact: [email protected] or mobile: 07514 623182.

Belfast Mulch and Munch gardening club
Where: Mersey Street, east Belfast
When: Second Wednesday of the month
Time: 10.30am to 12pm
Contact: [email protected] Mobile: 07802 865579.

Thursdays

Carrickfergus Singing (fun singing)
Where: Carrickfergus Community Forum, Lancasterian Street, (above Poundland)
When: Until end March
Time: 10.30am-12.30pm
Contact: [email protected] or mobile 07951746093.

Crumlin ladies Coffee morning
Where: Meet in The Hub, Mill Road, Crumlin
When: Once a month
Time:11am – 1pm
Contact: [email protected] or mobile 07951746093.

Foyle monthly brunch
Where: Café Central, Bishop Street (opposite Holywell Trust)
When: First Thursday in the month
Time: 12pm
All welcome (including friends and family)
Contact: [email protected] or phone 07860607328.

NB: Brian is the lead RNIB Connector for the Foyle area - so if you have any queries or want to check out everything going on for blind and partially sighted people living in or accessible to Foyle - please feel free to ring Brian during working hours, he will return your call if he is unable to accept it at the time.

Read aloud in Derry City Library
Where: Derry City Library
When: every fortnight - so email or text for next date
Time: 11.30am to 12.30pm
Anyone is welcome to come along to this - friends and family too
Libraries NI choose a book; poem or short story to read and discuss over a cuppa
Contact: [email protected] or Mobile: 07702140761

VI Gaming – A social group for a chat about gaming
Where: Online via Teams
When: every Thursday
Time: 4pm to 5pm
Contact to register via email [email protected] or mobile 07514 623182.

Newry out and about – Connect with others with sight loss
Where: Newry (various locations)
When: Second Thursday of month
Time:11am-12.30pm
Contact: [email protected] or mobile: 07514 623182.

Causeway Coast VI Bowls / IBF Disability hub (Indoor)
Where: Ballybrakes Indoor Bowling Club, Ballymoney
When: Every Thursday
Time: 10am to 12pm
Cost: £3 per person
Contact: [email protected] Mobile: 07711190440.

Fridays

West Belfast Walk – in partnership with Disability Sport NI
Where: Front gate of Falls Park
When: every Friday
Time: 10.30am.
Contact: [email protected] or mobile: 07702 140761.

Portadown out and about – Meet others with sight loss
Where: Portadown (various locations).
When: Last Friday of month
Time: 11.00am-12.30pm
Contact: [email protected] or mobile: 07514 623182.

Newtownabbey Swim Group
Where: Valley Leisure Centre, Newtownabbey
When: Every Friday
Time: 9.15am to11.30am
Contact: [email protected] Mobile: 07951746093.

Bangor's VI Campaign group

Where: Bangor Library, Hamilton Road, BT20 4LH
When: Bi-Monthly on the first Friday
Time: 12pm (Noon)

Contact: Ken Carson on 07753599985

NB: Ken is the lead RNIB Connector for the Bangor area - so if you have any queries or want to check out everything going on for blind and partially sighted people living in or accessible to Bangor - please feel free to ring Ken during working hours, Ken will return your call if he is unable to accept it at the time

Big Tony’s quiz

Where: Facebook live

When: Last Friday of every month

Time: 2pm

How does it work? Tune into Tony, he asks questions via live facebook and we put the answers in the comments box!

Prizes? Not a chance!

Is it competitive? just a tad!

Saturdays

18-35 Group
Where: Various locations
When: One Saturday a month
Time: 11am to 3pm

Our next meet-up will take place on Saturday 25th January in Belfast. This is a fun, welcoming group. If you are 18-35 and want to meet up with others, contact Fiona for more information.

Contact: [email protected] or mobile: 07514 623182.

LGBTQ face to face meet up bi-monthly

Where: Various locations

When: One Saturday a month

Time: Approx. 1pm to 3pm
If you are VI and identify as a member of the LGBTQ community you are very welcome; for queries or any info please contact Una (details below)

Contact: [email protected] or mobile: 07702 140761.

External groups - Read Aloud Groups (Listen and discuss stories read by the librarian)

Ards Read aloud
Where: Ards Library, Main Street Newtownards
When: First Wednesday in the month
Time:11am to 12pm
Contact: [email protected] or Mobile: 07702140761.

Limavady Read Aloud
Where: Limavady Library
When: Third Thursday of the month
Time: 11am to 12pm
Contact: [email protected] or Mobile: 07702140761.

Derry/Londonderry Read aloud
Where: Derry City Library
When: Thursday (fortnightly)
Time: 11.30am to 12.30pm
Facilitated by Libraries NI
Contact: [email protected]

Online Book Group
Where: Facilitated by Libraries NI via Zoom
When: Last Thursday in the month
Time: 3pm – 4pm
Contact: kimcleland@librariesniorguk or telephone: 028 9085 4789

External groups - Macular groups

Belfast
Where: Cregagh Library, Belfast
When: Second Tuesday of the month
Time: 11am to 12.30pm

Larne
Where: Larne Market Yard
When: Fourth Thursday of the month
Time: 10.30am to 12pm

Carrickfergus
Where: Northlands Court, Northlands
When: Fourth Tuesday of the month
Time: 11am-12.30pm

Newtownabbey
Where: Meet in Glengormley Library
When: Second Wednesday of the month
Time:11am to 12.30pm

Antrim
Where: All Saints Parish Centre
When: Fourth Wednesday of the month
Time: 2pm-3pm

Limavady
Where: Limavady Library
When: First Monday of the month
Time: 10.30am

Coleraine-
Where: First Coleraine Presbyterian Church Hall
When: Second Thursday of the month
Time: 1pm to 3pm

Ballymena
Where: First Ballymena Presbyterian Church Hall
When: Third Tuesday of the Month
Time: 10.30am to 12pm

For further information on other locations contact: [email protected] or [email protected] or [email protected] or call 01264 560 259. For all other queries please call our Helpline on 0300 3030 111.

External groups

Ballymena VIP group
Where: Location: Ballymena Library
When: Second Monday every month
Time: 11am-12.30pm
Contact: [email protected]

Ballee VIP club
Where: every 2 weeks
When: 7.30pm to 9.30pm
Contact: Sammy McAuley on 07808881520 or Ballee VIP Facebook page.

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

Banbridge VIP Group
Where Anglers Building, Havlock Park, Church Street, Banbridge
When: First Wednesday of the month
Time: 2.30 to 4.30pm
Contact: Doreen McFarlane 07734723575
New Members Welcome

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.

Insight Social support Group, Cookstown
Where: Cookstown Library: 13 Burn Road, Cookstown, BT80 8DJ, Tel: 028 8676 3702
When: Second Monday of each month
Time: 1pm to 2.30pm
Contact: 07561 632612 or [email protected]

Tea, Story & Chat (Monthly)
Where: Cookstown Library, 13 Burn Road, Cookstown BT80 8DJ

When: Third Wednesday of the month
Time: 2pm to 3pm
Facilitated by: Kendra Reynolds (Branch Library Manager) Telephone: 028 8676 3702.

VI Bowls Belfast
Where: Facebook live: Grove Bowling Club, York Road
When: Every Tuesday
Time:10.30am- 1pm
Facilitated by Irish Bowls Federation
Contact: [email protected]

Edgecumbe VIP Social Club
Where: Facebook live: Inverary Community Centre, East Belfast -
When: Thursdays, fortnightly
Time: 7 to 9pm
New members welcome
Contact: Stephen Norris, Mobile: 07462867526

Atlanta swimming club
Where: Facebook live: Shankill Leisure Centre
When: Every Wednesday
Time: 11am to 12 noon
Contact: Mina Gillespie Waiting list

Acorn arts group -
Where: Divis community Centre
Date: Every Thursday
Time: 10am to 12pm
Contact: Open Arts Waiting list in place

Archery for everyone
If interested in joining the beginners course contact David, [email protected]

Fermanagh VIP Club
Meet every second Friday in Enniskillen for chat and activities
Contact: [email protected] or Mobile: 07702140761.

Deafblind NI support group
Where: Facebook live: First Coleraine Presbyterian Church Hall
When: Second Tuesday of the month
Time: 1pm to 2.30pm
Contact: Deafblind NI 0800132320

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

EYE Speak Omagh
Self-help support group who meet regularly for leisure and learning
Contact: [email protected] or Mobile: 07702140761.

VI tennis east Belfast
Location: CIYMS Tennis Club, 91 Circular Road, Belfast
Time: 11am to 1pm
Contact: [email protected]

Ulster Museum Belfast
Monthly handling sessions and talk

Where: Museums NI - see contact below
When: Second Tuesday of the month
Time: 1.45pm – 2.45pm
Contact: Ulster Museum directly for more information or visit the website: Welcome | National Museums NI

VI tennis South Belfast-
Where: Centre Facilitated by Windsor tennis club
Time: 11.30am - 1.30pm
Contact: Simon McFarland, 07851 282210

RNIB Talk and Support phone groups

RNIB Talk and Support runs free befriending social groups for adults with sight loss across the UK They provide opportunities for you to socialize in small groups by phone to build friendships and get peer support with other people in a similar situation We match individuals together for conversations based on age and group preferences

For more information contact RNIB Helpline.

VI Judo Causeway (Tuesdays)
£3 per session
Open to new members
Where: North Coast GrapplingGrappling, 17 Victoria St, Ballymoney
When: Tuesdays (weekly)
Time: 1pm to 2.30pm
Contact: [email protected] Mobile: 07711190440

Causeway Boccia
Where: Coleraine West Community Centre, The Rope Walk, Coleraine
When: Every Wednesday
Time: 2pm –3.15pm
Contact: [email protected] or Mobile: 07711190440

VI Judo Causeway (Thursdays)
Where:: North Coast Grappling, 17 Victoria St, Ballymoney
When: Every Thursday

Time: 5:30pm

Cost: £3 per session
Open to new members
Contact: [email protected] Mobile: 07711190440

Rise and Shine Ladies Coffee
Location: Greggs Café (next door to the Forum) Coleraine
Date: Last Friday of the month
Time: 11am
Contact: [email protected] or mobile: 0771119044

Causeway Accessible Heritage in Partnership with Causeway Museum Service

Contact RNIB Community Access, [email protected] or call 07711190440 for more information or to register interest

Glaucoma Support Group

Where: face to face and online

When: Second Wed every Quarter (Wed 12 March 2pm to 4pm)
Time: 2pm to 4pm
Contact: Elaine Manson, mobile 07734980687 or [email protected].

Talking Newspapers provide 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.

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

Personal Transcription service

Whether it’s the magical place your favourite book used to take you, or special memories locked in letters and journals that you can no longer read, we understand the importance and power of the written word and how difficult it can be for you to read what you want, when you want.

Life is full of print and the inability to read this can present significant barriers to leading an independent life. Our team can help with removing these barriers. They can help you to stay in touch with your local community, continue to attend social groups and activities, enjoy your favourite hobby, or widen your horizons through education and travel, by simply taking your print and converting it into a format you can read yourself.

What formats do we offer?

  • Audio in human voice or digitally generated synthetic speech, on CD, Daisy CD, USB or as an mp3 file
  • Braille
  • Large and giant print
  • Electronic text
  • Tactile images
  • Accessible sheet music and musical scores

Contact the team on 02922 749668 or 07534 266186 or email [email protected].

RNIB Talk and Support phone groups

RNIB Talk and Support runs free befriending social groups for adults with sight loss across the UK. They provide opportunities for you to socialize in small groups by phone to build friendships and get peer support with other people in a similar situation. We match individuals together for conversations based on age and group preferences.

For more information visit our talk and support page.

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

Jonathan Adams

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 07711190440

Jackie Cotton

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 07710066251

Fiona Joyce

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 028 90334105

Mobile 07514 623182

Sharon McClure

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 07951746093

Una Mulgrew

Email: [email protected]

Mobile: 07702 140761

Olive Rodgers 

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 078 0286 5579

Back to top