Family Support and Events
RNIB Shape and Share events bring children and young people with a vision impairment plus their families together for peer support, to share experiences and take part in fun activities both in person across the UK and virtually via Microsoft Teams.
Each event offers:
- A chance to meet other families
- Activities, games or crafts for younger children
- Engagement opportunities for young people
- Support, information and discussion for families on a range of topics relating to everyday life at home, education, transitions, social life and leisure, mobility and independence
- Opportunities to have your say, shape and get involved in local and national campaigns
- Information about wider services from RNIB and partner organisations.
All children and young people aged 0-25 with a vision impairment, their siblings, parents and family members are welcome to attend.
There is no cost to attend any of our shape and share events.
Our Children, Young People and Family (CYPF) teams can provide information and advice for parents and young people. Contact your local team.
2023-24 Event Programme
Following on from the amazing success of our events in the past three years, we will be running in person events across the four countries, alongside some virtual events so the whole of the UK can get involved, no matter where you are.
These events are aimed at the whole family. If you have queries about the suitability of an event for your child, please contact us.
Please note that during our virtual events we may take screenshot images or recordings of the activities and participants, which may be featured in internal and external RNIB media. This will be fully explained during the event, including how you can opt out and not be featured. Your decision does not in any way affect your involvement in the event and we assure you that we will not use any footage or images without your consent.
Shape and Share (Virtual) – World Book Day
Date: Saturday 9th March 2024
Time: 10am – 12pm
As part of a wonderful opportunity, Sir Michael Morpurgo OBE - one of Britain’s best-loved children’s authors - will be joining us online to read from ‘Kensuke’s Kingdom’ and answer your questions. Those attending will be provided with:
- a copy of ‘Kensuke’s Kingdom’ in their preferred format (they will need to join RNIB Library first)
- an accompanying sensory story sack, providing a multi-sensory experience as Michael reads to us.
There will also be plenty of inclusive activities provided by RNIB’s CYPF team to explore and expand on the story of ‘Kensuke’s Kingdom’ while we discuss your favourite story books and chat about how you most like to read.
Booking Deadline: Sunday 21st January 2024
(This is to ensure that you receive your copy of the book prior to the event)
Shape and Share Scotland - Animal Antics
Date: Saturday 16 March 2024
Time: 1pm – 3:30pm
Venue: Radisson Blue, Perth Station Hotel, Perth, Scotland
Come and join us in Perth Station Hotel for some Animal Antics. Get up close and personal with 10 fascinating animals, reptiles, and insects, from all over the world, including: rabbit, guinea pig, mouse, snake, lizard, tortoise, chicken, tarantula, creepy crawlies and bugs. We’ll have snakes around necks, chickens on arms, bugs on hands, and more.
Places are limited so we encourage early bookings, no places are guaranteed. We hope to see you there.
Booking Deadline: Friday 1st March 2024
Important note:
Places are limited so to ensure fair access for all families submitting a booking form does not automatically guarantee a place. Submitted forms will be processed by the booking deadline date for the event and confirmations sent out shortly after.
Keep a look out because more events are coming soon.
If you need any help and support from our team, or would like us to stay in touch with you, please email us at [email protected].
You can also call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or email [email protected].
For more information see the pages listed below:
