Family Support and Events

August 2021 update

Following on from the amazing success of our spring and summer events, we can now announce another new programme of events for children, young people and their families. Due to the current coronavirus situation, we have still suspended our face-to-face events and our activities will all be delivered online, however if restrictions continue to ease, we're planning a phased return of face-to-face events over the next few months.

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.

Please note that during the event 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 – Positive Touch (Infant massage)

Date: Wednesday 29 September 2021

Time: 10.30am to 11.30am

Who should attend: Babies under one and their parents/carers

Event details: Come and join us for a taster session where you can find out more about infant massage, the benefits of it for you and your little one, and where you can find services locally.

Shape and Share – Explore with Emily – Sensory Arts and Crafts Session

Date: Saturday 2 October 2021

Time: 10.30am to 11.30am

Who should attend: Children aged three to five

Event details: Come and take part in a sensory craft session where you can explore different materials and mediums and make something fun to play with.

Shape and Share – The wacky science warehouse

Date: Sunday 3 October 2021

Time: 10.30am to 12pm

Who should attend: Children, young people and their families

Event details: Come and meet our mad scientists and have some great family fun learning how to do some crazy experiments that will blow your mind.

Shape and Share – Comedy and Talent night

Dates: Thursday 18 November 2021

Time: 7pm to 9pm

Who should attend: Young people aged 16 to 25

Event details: Come and join us for an evening of laughter and entertainment. Meet old friends and make some new ones in a relaxed environment. Get involved yourself or just enjoy the show.

Shape and Share – Just pottering about

Dates and times: (participants would attend both sessions):

Saturday 9 October 11am to 1pm – Make your piece

Saturday 16 October 11am to 12pm – Decorate your piece

Who should attend: Children and young people aged 11-16 years

Event details: Come and release your creativity and explore art through the medium of clay where you can make and decorate an item of your choice.

Shape and Share – Creepy Craft Halloween Spooktacular

Date: Friday 29 October 2021

Time: 3pm to 4pm

Who should attend: Children and young people aged five to 11

Event Details: Come and join us for a fun Halloween activity session where you can make a mummy, eat some worms, and will you get a treat or a trick?

Shape and Share – A great night in

Date: Friday 12 November 2021

Time: 7.30pm to 9.00pm

Who should attend: Parents and carers

Event details: Take a break and come and join us for a fun evening. A chance to meet some new friends and catch up with old ones in a relaxed environment. You can have a say in the type of entertainment for this event (watch out for our poll on our parents facebook group).

Shape and Share – What’s in the box

Date: Thursday 2 December 2021

Time: 6pm to 7pm

Who should attend: Children and young people with complex needs

Event details: Come and join us for a fun session where we will be using our senses to find and explore different objects.

Shape and Share – Christmas Crackers

Date: Sunday 12 December 2021

Time: 11am to 1pm