Family Support and Events
RNIB Shape and Share events bring children, young people and their families together with no cost attached, 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, 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 (Southern England) – London Science Museum
Date: Saturday 18th November 2023
Time: 10am – 3pm
An interactive sensory experience for all the family! We’ve been working with the Science Museum for a while to make sure everything is tactile and accessible, and now it’s time to try out the new improvements. We’re hoping the day will involve some water play for our younger guests, specialist workshops, opportunities to chill out, as well as meet up with other families and discussions with professionals.
Booking Deadline: 4th November 2023
Shape and Share (Virtual) – Hocus Pocus Halloween
Date: Saturday 28th October 2023
Time: 10am – 12pm
Come and join us for some hocus pocus at our Halloween themed event. Dress up as your favourite Halloween character and join in with some hair-raising fun and frivolity, where we will magic up some ghoulishly tasty treats to wolf down, and craft some fang-tastic and bewitching creations
Booking Deadline: 14th October 2023
Shape and Share (Scotland) – Traditional Cèilidh
Date: Saturday 2nd December 2023
Time: 12pm – 3.30pm
What better way to extend your St Andrews day celebrations by joining us at our Ceilidh Shape and Share event at the Station Hotel, Perth. Join us for an amazing afternoon where you can dance like no one is watching, enjoy our great entertainment, tasty wee Scottish snacks, and fun activities to help us get ready for the forthcoming festive season.
We hope to see you in your best tartan!
Booking Deadline: 18th November 2023
Shape and Share (Virtual) – Christmas Party
Date: Saturday 9th December 2023
Time: 10am – 12pm
It’s time to party! Come and join our team for a fun filled festive extravaganza. We will celebrate all things Christmas with lots of exciting activities, and it wouldn’t be an RNIB party without a few surprises.
Booking Deadline: 25th November 2023
Shape and Share (Virtual) – World Book Day
Date: Saturday 9th March 2024
Time: 10am – 12pm
This will be a wonderful opportunity to immerse ourselves in the delights of story time that will stimulate all the senses. You will be provided with a sensory story sack to accompany our story book, offering families a multi-sensory experience. We will discuss favourite story books, chat about what accessible reading support there is and most importantly meet other families, share ideas on how we make our story times with children more vivid and memorable.
Booking Deadline: 24th February 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.
Events in Wales
Thanks to a National Lottery Community Fund grant of £90,895, we are able to offer Shape and Share events to create an opportunity for children, young people and their families to come together for activities, parent education and engagement.
These events provide an opportunity for RNIB and partners to listen to children and young people about campaigning, developing priorities and supporting their needs.
Shape and Share events create an opportunity to expand, plan and develop our youth engagement across Wales in a regional and national context by putting the views and needs of young people at the heart of our programmes.
Image: Wales Lottery Community Fund logo
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].
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