Family Support and Events
September 2020 Update
It is with great pleasure we can now announce we have a new programme of events for children, young people and their families. Due to the ongoing Covid 19 situation we have still suspended our face to face events and our new events will all be delivered online.
We will continue to monitor the current situation and hope to resume face to face events in the future.
These online events will still aim to deliver the core objectives of our Shape and Share programme.
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, their siblings, parents and family members are welcome to attend.
Full details of the events on offer for the autumn term are detailed below.
Our Children, Young People and Family (CYPF) teams can provide information and advice for parents and young people. Contact your local team
You can book a place on any of the events below by filling out our online booking form.
To be added to our distribution list or for more information about these events please email [email protected].
Autumn Events Programme
Each event has a target audience, but this is a guide only, if you have queries about the suitability of an event for your child please contact us. Places are limited so booking early is advised to avoid disappointment.
Shape and Share – Halloween Family Spooktacular
Trick or Treat Family Quiz
Date: Thursday 29 October 2020
Time: 18.00 - 19.30
Who should attend: Children, Young people and their families
Event Details:
Our trick or treat quiz is the first of our ‘Halloween Spooktacular’ activities. Join us for an hour of fiendishly fun questions to get you in the mood for all the Halloween celebrations! The quiz is suitable for all ages, just beware, some questions could be ‘tricky!’
Spooky Sensory Storytime
Date: Friday 30 October 2020
Time: 4.00-4.30pm
Who should attend: Children under 16 and their families
Event Details:
Come and join us for a Halloween themed story read by a special spooky guest!
Frighteningly Fangtastic face painting
Date: Saturday 31 October 2020
Time: 11.00-12.00pm
Who should attend: Children under 16 and their families
Event Details:
Come along and learn how to create a Halloween look following our step by step guide using face paints – the best part is, even if it goes wrong it doesn’t matter, the main point of our frightening face painting session is to have fun! It will be a chance for parents to learn some face painting tips…or if you’re brave enough you could let the children practice on you!
Creepy Creatures
Date: Saturday 31 October 2020
Time: 12.00-13.00pm
Who should attend: Children, young people and their families
Event Details:
It wouldn’t be Halloween without some creepy and crawly animals, if you are brave enough join us for this interactive session as Allan from Wee Critters shows and talks to us about some of his slimy, smelly and hairy friends from the animal world!
Shape and Share – Talking to your child about school life
Date: Wednesday 4 November 2020
Time: 20.00-21.00
Who should attend: Parents
Event Details:
While some children love talking about school, others find this difficult. This can be especially tough when a child is having a challenging time at school. This webinar will look at questions you may have but also an overview of some techniques that may be beneficial for supporting your child.
Due to confidentiality, while in the session we will not be discussing individual circumstances however there will be time before the session to pose any questions and support will be available for further in depth discussions with a member of RNIB’s Children, Young People and Families service if needed.
Shape and Share – Disney Singalong
Date: Saturday 14 November 2020
Time: 11.00 - 13.00
Who should attend: Children and young people with complex needs and their families
Event Details:
Now that we are in ‘a whole new world’, come and ‘be our guest’ and ‘let it go’ at our fun Disney themed virtual music session.
We’ll be joined by our very own Disney prince and princess Mr Joe Kenny and Miss Andrea Begley. Joe is a very talented singer and guitar player and has kept people entertained through his lockdown music sessions on social media. Andrea is the NI Ambassador for RNIB, and her beautiful voice earned her the title of winner of The Voice in 2013.
Shape and Share – Employability
Date: Saturday 14 November 2020
Time: 14.00 - 15.30
Who should attend: Young people aged 14-25 years
Event Details:
In this session we will explore some of the common topics and themes that young people - like you - have asked us about employment. Joined by industry professionals who themselves have a vision impairment, along with a representative from RNIB's Employment Team. we will explore the importance of volunteering and the benefits it can bring to your skillset, confidence and during the application process; Hints and Tips for the Interview and your chance to declare 'You're Hired!' or, in the words of Lord Sugar… 'You're Fired!' during our virtual interview practice session and much more.
Shape and Share – Messy and Muddy
Date: Sunday 15 November 2020
Time: 10.00 – 11.00
Who should attend: Children under 5 and their families
Event Details:
Come and join us for a fun session focussing on the great outdoors. We will be making some resources to enjoy in the garden and taking part in an autumn treasure hunt. A lovely opportunity to meet other children and talk about what you enjoy about getting messy and muddy.
Shape and Share – Managing your own vision impairment
Date: Wednesday 18 November 2020
Time: 19.30 – 21.00
Who should attend: Children aged 11-16 years
Event Details: You will have the opportunity to meet, chat and listen to other young people’s experiences of living with vision impairment. An ophthalmologist will be online to talk about their role, provide the opportunity to ask questions about your sight and to learn about other sight conditions plus the chance to explore avenues of support.
Shape and Share – Yoga
Session 1 - Children with a vision Impairment
Date: Saturday 21 November 2020
Time:10.00 – 11.00
Who should attend: Children and young people with a vision impairment
Session 2 - Children with complex needs
Date: Saturday 21 November 2020
Time: 14.00 – 15.00
Who should attend: Children and young people with complex needs
Event Details:
Come and join us for some calm and relaxed special yoga therapy sessions. The sessions are delivered by a qualified yoga instructor and will focus on breathing, posture, massage, sound therapy, mindfulness and relaxation.
Shape and Share – Sporting Fun
Date: Saturday 28 November 2020
Time: 16.00 – 17.00
Who should attend: Children aged 6 -12 years and their families
Event Details: Forget the 'Quiet Please'… It's time to make a racquet and put your agility, balance, coordination and speed to the ultimate test with Coach Frankie and RNIB's Children, Young People and Families Team!
Coach Frankie will lead us through a fun-filled, action-packed session using basic household materials and finish with some information and a question and answer session.
Shape and Share – Meet with Santa
Date: Sunday 6 December 2020
Time: 13.00 – 16.00
Who should attend: Children aged 0-12 and their families
Event Details:
RNIB’s Children, Young People and Families team would like to invite you to come and virtually meet with Santa. He will be taking time out of his busy schedule to read us a story, lead us in a sing-along and meet each family to find out who has been naughty or nice. His elves will also be busy beforehand making up a nice little surprise.
There will be four separate sessions available on Sunday 6 December between 1pm and 4pm. The event is open to the whole family
If you would like to receive a message when our face to face events are back up and running or need any help and support from our team please email us at [email protected].
You can also call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or email [email protected].
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