No Social groups on Mondays in July and August
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!
July 2025 activities
Sailing day
Where: Carrickfergus
When: Tuesday 1 July
Time: 10.30am - 3pm
Fully booked
Contact: [email protected]
Hillsborough Castle Garden project
Where: Hillsborough Castle
When: Friday 4 July
Time: 10.30am - 3pm
Fully booked
Contact: [email protected] or 07802 865579
Community Gardening
Where: South Belfast – Botanic
When: Wednesday 9 July
Time: 10.30am - noon
Gardening session
Contact: [email protected] or 07802 865579
Aqua park and water sports
Where: South Lakes Leisure Centre, Craigavon
When: Wednesday 9 July
Time: 1.30pm to 3.30pm
Leaving Belfast on the 11.34 all stops train – arriving in time for a coffee at the café.
Info: all equipment is available in South Lakes including wet suits – you should probably bring a towel! And if you want to wear a swimsuit under the wetsuit, bring yours with you
Contact: [email protected] or mobile: 077 0214 0761 or via FB PM Facebook
Cavehill Conservation Campaign – walk
Where: Belfast Castle
When: Thursday 10 July
Time: 10.30am - 2pm
Contact: [email protected] or 07802865579
Must be physically fit, able to walk 4-5 miles at a pace.
Go ON sessions brought to you in partnership with Libraries NI. Bringing basic tech advice to those who need it.
Join us for an introductory conversation to let discuss basic tech - what would you like to understand better and what can libraries support you with?
Come along for an intro session and leave with a 45 minute appointment for a 1-2-1 learning session adapted for your individual needs.
These 1-2-1sessions will support you to use your mobile or Ipad to make life easier for yourself; here or some examples of what you might like to learn.
- How to send audio messages using WhatsApp
- Add your bank card to the wallet on your phone
- Download and use one or two very beneficial apps such as Seeing AI or Be My Eyes – apps to help you read letters, describe your surroundings and tell you the ‘sell by’ date on your purchases
- How to activate and turn off voice over
- How to use Libby, the Libraries NI app to access audiobooks and magazines
Please note: the sessions are held by a sighted librarian and are more suitable for people with some, if just a little, useful sight.
Where: Bangor Carnegie Library, Hamilton Road
When: Thursday 10 July
Time: 11am – please arrive for 10.45am
Contact: [email protected] or phone 07702 140761
ABC Walking group (monthly walk)
Location: Walk in Gilford
When: Wednesday 23 July
Time: Meeting place and time will be given by organiser - details below
Contact: Doreen on [email protected]
Accessible technology at Apple
Registration is essential
Where: Apple Store, Belfast
When: Wednesday 23 July
Time: 11am
Contact: [email protected] or mobile: 07514 623182
Belfast walking program
Where: Mossley to Whiteabbey Village
When: Thursday 24 July
Time: 10.30am - 3pm
Contact: [email protected] or 07802865579
Must be physically fit , able to walk 4-5 miles at a pace.
Belfast dander walking group
Where: Ormeau Park
When: Friday 25 July
Time: 10.30am - noon
Contact: [email protected] or 07802865579
Omagh Library – Connecting through story / Read aloud
Where: Omagh Library
When: Thursday 24 July
Time: 2pm to 3pm
Contact: Omagh Library on 028 8244 0733
Join Omagh Library for our new monthly adults story and discussion session open to everyone, which will take place on the third Thursday of each month.
A short story will be read-aloud by a facilitator with breaks in between for discussion around the themes and characters.
This is a relaxed session were you will connect with others over a cuppa and have the opportunity to sit back and enjoy listening to a story before engaging in conversation.
RNIB will be at Belfast’s LGBTQ+ Pride
Where: The Big Fish exhibition space near Titanic
When: Saturday 26 July
Time: RNIB will have an exhibit stand from 11.30pm to 1pm and then will part take in the Pride walk starting at 1pm
Contact: [email protected] or mobile: 077 0214 0761 or via FB PM Facebook
Save this number for on the day: Elaine Manson 07734980687 (phone, text or WhatsApp)
Paddleboarding/Canoeing
Where: South Lakes Leisure Centre, Craigavon
When: Saturday 26 July
Time: 1.30pm to 3.30pm
Leaving Belfast on the 11.34am all stops train – arriving in time for a coffee at the café.
Info: all equipment is available in South Lakes including wet suits – you should probably bring a towel! And if you want to wear a swimsuit under the wetsuit, bring yours with you
Contact: [email protected] or mobile: 07514 623182
Winnie The Pooh trail walk
Where: Hillsborough Castle
When: Thursday 31 July
Time: 10.30am - 3pm
Contact: [email protected] or mobile: 07802 865579
Ongoing Community Connection Activities
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.
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.
Read aloud in Ards Library
Where: Ards Library
When: First 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 7.45pm
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.
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.
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) - next date is April
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
18-35 Group
Where: Various locations
When: One Saturday near to the end of every month
Time: 11am to 3pm
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 quarter
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.
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
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.
Ballymena VIP group
Where: Ballymena Library
When: Second Monday every month
Time: 11am-12.30pm
Contact: [email protected]
Ballee VIP club - music and dancing
Where: Ballee VIP club in Ballymena
When: Wed evenings
Time: 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: 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: Inverary Community Centre, East Belfast -
When: Thursdays, fortnightly
Time: 7 to 9pm
New members welcome
Contact: Stephen Norris, Mobile: 07462867526
Atlanta swimming club
Where: Shankill Leisure Centre
When: Every Wednesday
Time: 11am to 12 noon
Contact: Mina Gillespie, please note there is a waiting list for this activity
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: 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-organised 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]
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
The RNIB Talk and Support team run free phone befriending social groups for adults with sight loss across the UK. They provide an opportunity for people to socialize in small groups by phone to build friendships and get peer support with other people in a similar situation. They match individuals together for conversations based on 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] or Mobile: 07711190440
Rise and Shine Ladies Coffee
Where: Greggs Café (next door to the Forum) Coleraine
When: 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].
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
