RNIB NI Community Connection

• ‘Insight’ Social support Group (Mid-Ulster, Cookstown) - Usually first Monday of each month - Monday 1st July 1.00 to 2.30pm, Cookstown Community Centre, 42 Fairhill Road, Cookstown, BT80 8AG. Contact: [email protected] M: 07710066251
• VI (Visual Impairment) tennis Belfast* - 11.30pm to 1pm - CIYMS tennis club, 91 Circular Road, Belfast. Facilitated by CIYMS
  Contact: [email protected] M: 07802 865579
• Greenisland Social support group-Greenisland Football Club, Glenkeen Avenue. This group will resume meetings on Monday September 2nd at 2pm-4pm Contact- [email protected] mobile 07951746093
• Boccia (in partnership with Greenisland Football Club and Community Sports Network) - Usually every third Monday of month, 2pm to 4pmin Greenisland Football Club, Glenkeen Avenue, Greenisland. Come along for a bit of fun, craic, exercise, and company. Open to all. This group will resume meeting on Monday 16th September at 2pm.
• Contact: [email protected] M:07951746093
• Monday 22nd July – Belfast coffee and chat
  Where - 10am – 11am 2 Royal Avenue Belfast. Former Tesco building beside Primark. Contact [email protected] or mobile 07802 865579

• Omagh Walking group (weekly)
  Walk and talk as you lap the track at:
  Omagh Leisure centre
  Be there and ready to walk for 12pm
  Your are welcome to bring friends or family along
  There is a handy cafe in the leisure centre too!!
  Contact: [email protected] and Una will link you in with Terry from the EyeSpeak VI group in Omagh
• Limavady brunch
  First Tuesday of every month (2 July)
  Rosmar Café at 10.45am
  All welcome
  For more info contact: George Cooke on 07732 171044
• VI Judo Causeway - 1pm to 2:30pm at North Coast Grappling, 17 Victoria St, Ballymoney. £3 per session. Open to new interest.
  Contact: [email protected] M: 07711190440
• VI Bowls - 10.30am to 1pm, Grove Bowling Club, York Road, Belfast - Open to new interest. Facilitated by Irish Bowls Federation.
  Contact: [email protected] M: 07802 865579
• Online Understanding Session via teams (no more than 90 mins)
  Tuesday 9 July at 11.30am
  Accepting the first 12 participants
  These sessions target sighted F&F, staff or volunteers who work with blind and partially sighted people, business owners, taxi drivers etc – please contact for info and to add you name for more sessions – these are ongoing with demand
  Contact: [email protected] or mobile 07702 140 761
• HAM radio group - Tuesday 9 July (second Tuesday of the month), 8pm to approx. 9.15pm - Facilitated by Lynette Elliott.
  Contact: [email protected] or mobile 07702 140 761
• TUESDAY 16 JULY- Summer Singing – in partnership with AGE NI
  Fancy a few fun hours of singing with music therapist Karen Diamond and herchoir?
  We have 6 music sessions to look forward to over the summer. Session 1- Tuesday 16th July in Saint Brigids church, Ballyclare Road, Glengormley, beside Tesco`s. The time is to be confirmed.
  Please contact [email protected] or mobile 07951746093
• Tea, Story & Chat (Monthly)
  Closed for Summer Months: July & August
  Returning Tuesday 17th September 2024
  2-3pm (Third Tuesday of every month)
  Cookstown Library, 13 Burn Road, Cookstown, BT80 8DJ
  Facilitated by: Kendra Reynolds (Branch Library Manager)
  Tel: 028 8676 3702
  Contact: [email protected] M: 07710066251
• Find out more about support, services and products for people with sight loss
  Join our Low Vision Solutions Open Day
  Tuesday 30 July – 9.30am to 4pm
  Victoria House, 15-17 Gloucester Street, Belfast, BT1 4LS Entry is free.
  Just drop in - no appointment needed
• Optelec Limited and RNIB invite you to our Low Vision Solutions Open Day
  Meet your local support services. Talk with them about the help they can offer you.
  Meet our Low Vision Specialist and gain hands-on experience with products and technology with our low vision specialist to aid you in your daily activities
  Magnifiers, electronics, reading machines, desktops and much more.
  Get hands-on experience and learn to use the latest products with the help of our experienced consultant.
  We’ll answer any questions you may have. If you are unable to attend this date we do provide free home demonstrations on most products. We look forward to meeting you!
  Contact Louise Kenny Email [email protected] Tel: 028 9033 4110

• Read aloud in Ards library
  When: Wednesday 3 July
  Venue: Ards Library
  Time: 11am to 12pm
  Facilitated by: Libraries NI
  One of the library staff will read a short story and the group discuss the characters and the plot, good fun light entertainment.
• Wednesday 24th July 11am-3pm
  Royal Society Protection of Birds RSPB.
  WOW- Window on wildlife.
  Limited space in this group but if enough interest we may be able to organise another date.
  Are you interested in wildlife and birds? Then this is for you.
  RSPB are aiming to make their wildlife reserves accessible.
  We have been invited to bring along a group of people with sight loss to experience their set up, give feedback and listen to their experts who will be telling folklore stories regarding wildlife and birds. Then enjoy a senses walk around the reserve.
  Lunch (Please bring your own packed lunch) will be in a “hide” with background bird song and sounds from the reserve, followed by discussion group and recommendations and design of future events.
  We have a minibus leaving Greenisland football club, Glenkeen Avenue, Greenisland at 10am and returning around 3.45pm or, you can meet us there.
  If you are interested please contact asap.
  [email protected] or mobile 07951746093
  For those wishing to join from Belfast meeting point contact Fiona Joyce [email protected] or mobile: 07514 623182
• Causeway Boccia
  When: Wednesdays (weekly)
  Venue: Coleraine West Community Centre, The Rope Walk, Coleraine
  Time: 2pm –3:15pm
  Contact: [email protected] or Mob:0771119044
• Downpatrick Out and About – not meeting in July – will be back in August. Contact: [email protected] or mobile: 07514 623182
• LGBTQ+ online monthly meet up (UK wide)
  Off for July and August
  New members welcome
  Contact: [email protected] or Mob: 07702140761
• Tower Museum Derry Sensory and handling session
  17 July Starting 11.30am - for an hour (ish)
  Followed by brunch (not sure where yet)
  Contact: [email protected] or phone 078 6060 7328
• Calling all experienced anglers
  Wed 24 July at 12pm
  NI Cross Community angling hosting blind and partially sighted fisher people – you will fish of the bank of the canal and each fisher person will have a 121 volunteer!!
  Beechill fisheries - 10 Loughries Road, Newtownards
  People can be lifted at Ards bus station and brought to the fisheries – so get in touch
  Contact: [email protected] or 07703 140761
• Gardening Club - Belfast - every Wednesday during July and August
  Facilitated by Ulster Wildlife Trust and Connswater Homes. Restricted numbers and registration required. Contact: [email protected] or mobile: 07802 865579.
• Craft group – Belfast. Meet 3rd Wednesday in month 10.30am - 12.30pm Royal Avenue. Next meeting Wednesday 19th June. Facilitated by Robins Hobby café. Cost £10 to cover venue hire, tuition, and all materials. Restricted numbers and pre booking and payment required. Contact: [email protected] or mobile: 07802 865579.
• Find out more about support, services and products for people with sight loss Join our Low Vision Solutions Open Day
  On Wednesday 31 July – 10am to 3pm
  In the Holywell Trust, 10-12 Bishop Street, Derry/L’Derry BT48 6PW
  Entry is free. Just drop in - no appointment needed
• Optelec Limited and RNIB invite you to our Low Vision Solutions Open Day
  Meet your local support services. Talk with them about the help they can offer you.
  Meet our Low Vision Specialist and gain hands-on experience with products and technology with our low vision specialist to aid you in your daily activities
  Magnifiers, electronics, reading machines, desktops and much more.
  Get hands-on experience and learn to use the latest products with the help of our experienced consultant.
  We’ll answer any questions you may have. If you are unable to attend this date we do provide free home demonstrations on most products. We look forward to meeting you!
• Dungannon monthly audio book club
  Where: Dungannon Library
  When: Wed 31 July
  Time: 11 to 12.30pm
  You are welcome to bring a friend or family member with you.
  For further info contact Paul McKearney [email protected]

• Foyle monthly brunch
  Where: The Sandwich Co on Bishop Street
  When: Thurs 4 July
  Time: 12pm
  All welcome – bring you friends if you want
  Just a social together to catch up over brunch
  Contact: [email protected] or phone 078 6060 7328
• VI Gaming – every Thursday 4pm to 5pm - A social group for a chat about gaming. Via Teams. Registration via email [email protected] or mobile 07514 623182
• Belfast dander group – Thursday 4th July 10am – 1pm.
  Short gentle walks with plenty of seating and coffee stop included. Meet Belfast city centre and travel by bus to Barnett Demense. Restricted numbers and registration required. Contact [email protected]
• Thursday 11th July Belfast, amblers walking group. Valley Park to Lough Shore. Participants must be able to walk 5-8km at a steady pace.
  The group will be meeting Thursdays throughout the summer. Various locations. Sighted guides available to assist if required. Limited numbers. Booking essential.
  Contact: [email protected] or07802 865579
• Newry Out and About – not meeting in July – will be back in August. Contact: [email protected] or mobile: 07514 623182
• Thursday 25 July 2024 - One for the ladies.
  Do you live in or around Crumlin or can access it easily.
  CRUMLIN Ladie`s coffee morning
  Meet at 11am in “The Hub” Crumlin , 28 Mill Road, Crumlin
  Contact: [email protected] M:07951746093
• Derry City Library
  Read aloud (every fortnight) - No meeting on 11 July
  Thursday 28 July
  Time: 11.30 to 12.30pm
  Facilitated by Libraries NI
  All welcome, come along and listen to a story, a book or poem. Discuss the characters over a cuppa.
  The more the merrier!!
• Archery for Everyone- Weekly, Thursday evenings.
  6.30pm -7.30pm
  Greenisland Community Centre, 15 Glassillan Grove, Greenisland
  BT388TB. Coach David Thompson.
  Contact: [email protected]g.uk M:07951746093
• Online Book group – monthly book group - facilitated by Libraries NI via Zoom. Last Thursday in the month 3pm – 4pm. . Contact: [email protected] or mobile: 07802 865579
• Causeway Coast VI Bowls (Indoor) - 10.00am to 12pm – Ballybrakes indoor bowling centre, Ballymoney. In partnership with Irish Bowls Federation
  Contact:[email protected] M: 07711190440
• VI Judo Causeway - 1pm to 2:30pm at North Coast Grappling, 17 Victoria St, Ballymoney. £3 per session. Open to new interest.
  Contact:[email protected] M: 07711190440
• Thursday 18th July, History group – free Hillsborough Castle tour . The group meet on 3rd Thursday of the month. Closed group and waiting list in operation. However if interested please get in touch as over the summer places may be available due to folk on holidays. Contact [email protected] or mobile 07802 865579.
• Thursday 25th July – dander walking group 10am – 1pm. Gentle walk around Bog Meadows in Belfast.
  Contact: [email protected] or mobile: 07802865579
• Newcastle Out and About – not meeting in July – will be back in August. Contact: [email protected] or mobile: 07514 623182
• Hillsborough Walk 31st July – meet at Europa bus station at 9.30 or at Hillsborough castle village entrance at 10.20. To register contact [email protected] or mobile 07514 623182

• West Belfast walk – meeting at the main gate of Falls Park at 10.30am. Organized by DSNI. Two levels, a slow walk, and a faster walk. The group usually go for coffee in the local café for a chat. Contact: [email protected] or mobile: 07702 140761.
• VI tennis - 11am – 12.30pm - Belfast Indoor Tennis Centre. Facilitated by Windsor tennis club. Registration required: contact[email protected] or mobile 0780 2865579
• What’s happening in August: Facebook live audio newsletter - Una will share the Community Connection program in our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/RNIBConnectNI on Tuesday 30 July approx: 3pm
• Newtownabbey Swim Group - 9.15 to 11.30am, every Friday morning Valley Leisure Centre, Newtownabbey.
  Meet in the foyer of the leisure centre at 9.15 with swimsuit on under clothing.
  Contact: [email protected] M:07951746093
• Rise and Shine Ladies Coffee and Chat (Coleraine) - (Last Friday of the month), 11am at Greggs Cafe, (next door to the Forum) Coleraine - Open to new interest.
  Contact: [email protected] or mobile: 0771119044

18-35 Focus on Employment session - Saturday 1 June 11am to 1pm via Teams

RNIB Employment Team are delighted to facilitate this session. We will explain our SkillSET programme and how it could benefit you!  We will give you an insight into the service the team can provide from CV building, job application, help to preparing potential interview questions and even arranging mock interviews to prepare you for real job interview environments. We have many areas that we could potentially support and our Workable programme gives you support after you gain employment to make sure your working life is tailored to suit your needs. We understand that there is a myth around benefits and we are on hand to answer questions and give you the facts around working with sight loss. We have a member of staff sharing their journey back into the world of Employment and some of the issues and barriers they faced and how they overcame them. This will also highlight the use of assistive technology and how some of these may help you in the future!

We want this to be an interactive meeting and we will factor in Q&A time so you can ask the staff what you want to know and we will have a go at providing you with the information and if it’s something that we need to follow up on after we are willing to do so.

Contact Fiona for more information at [email protected] or mobile 07514 623182.

Are you aged 18-35?

Our next meet-up will take place on Saturday 22 June – join us for a picnic in Hillsborough. Travelling from Belfast at 10.30am. Returning 2.30pm. This is a fun, welcoming group. If you are aged 18-35 and want to meet up with others, contact Fiona for more information.

Contact: [email protected] or mobile: 07514 623182.

• Ballymena VIP group - Meet the second Monday every month in the Ballymena Library. For further info contact: [email protected].
• Ballee VIP club – Entertainment on every two weeks from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Phone Sammy McAuley for further information on 0780 888 1520. Check out Balee VIP Facebook page.
• Banbridge ‘Tandem and Walking’ Group ‘TWG+’. Tandem Club: Lurgan Park from after Easter to end of August at 7pm. Walking club: Parks across Portadown, Lurgan and Banbridge areas. Every fourth Wednesday every month from 9.30am to 3pm all year. Contact: Doreen McFarlane on 07734723575.
• ‘Banbridge VIP’ Group - First Wednesday of the month from 2:30pm to 4:30pm at the Anglers Building, Havlock Park, Church Street, Banbridge, BT32 4QA. Contact: Doreen McFarlane on 07734723575. New members welcome.
• Bangor - Lots happening in the Bangor area too, book clubs, men’s groups, bowling etc., for further info contact: [email protected].
• Belfast Macular Group - Every second Tuesday in the month from 11am to 12:30pm at Cregagh Library, Belfast. Contact: Emma Baxter at [email protected].
• Edgecumbe VIP club - Social group at Inverary Community Centre, East Belfast. New members welcome. Fortnightly Thursday evenings from 7pm to 9pm. Contact: Stephen Norris on 074 6286 7526.
• Atlanta swimming club - Wednesdays from 11am to 12pm at Shankill Leisure Centre, Belfast. Contact: Mina Gillespie. Waiting list in place.
• Acorn arts group - Thursdays from 10am to 12pm at Divis Community Centre. Contact: Open Arts. Waiting list in place.
• “Archery for everyone” - Beginners courses happening now in Greenisland Community Centre. If interested contact: David at [email protected].
• Larne Macular Group - Meet first Monday in the month from 10:30am to 12pm in Upper Crust restaurant, Main Street Larne. Contact: [email protected] or mobile 07951746093.
• Carrickfergus Macular group - Meet every fourth Tuesday in the month from 11am to 12:30pm in Northlands Court, Northlands, Carrickfergus. Contact: [email protected] or mobile 07951746093.
• Newtownabbey Macular group - Second Wednesday in the month from 11am to 12:30pm in Glengormley Library, Carnmoney Road, Glengormley. Contact: [email protected] or mobile 07951746093.
• VI Tennis - If you are interested in joining the VI Tennis groups in Belfast, get in touch! Contact: [email protected] or mobile: 07802 865579.
• Fermanagh VIP Club - Meet every second Friday in Enniskillen for chat and activities. Contact: Una on 07702 140761.
• Macular Degeneration Group (Limavady library) - First Monday of the month. Next meeting is Monday 6th March from 10:30am. To register interest contact (not in the summer).
• Macular Degeneration Group (Coleraine) - 2nd Thursday of the month from 1pm-3pm at 1st Coleraine Presbyterian Church Hall. Contact Macular Degeneration Society.
• Deafblind NI support group - Meets 2nd Tuesday of the month from 1 – 2:30pm at 1st Coleraine Presbyterian Church Hall. 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 their newsletter.
• EYEspeak Omagh - Self-help support group meet regularly for leisure and learning. Contact: Una on 07702 140761.
• RNIB Talk and Support phone groups - RNIB Talk and Support runs free befriending social groups for adults with sight loss across the UK. They provide opportunities for you to socialize in small groups by phone to build friendships and get peer support with other people in a similar situation. We match individuals together for conversations based on age and group preferences. For more information visit our talk and support page.