In your community

Our friendly, helpful and knowledgeable team can link you up with opportunities to suit you both within RNIB and the wider world.

Our peer support contacts can provide a safe environment for you to share, learn and build peer friendships, leading to practical and emotional support within your local community to support you to build confidence and independence.

Our Community Access officers working in the Northern and Belfast Health and Social Care Trusts provide person-centred practical and emotional support to blind and partially sighted people within their local community to build confidence and independence.

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.

Sightless Cinema

Be part of this eight-week workshop to create a drama piece. You can travel to Belfast by public transport to Grand Central Station, and someone will meet you and walk with you to the venue.

Where: The Accidental Theatre, 12-13 Shaftesbury Square, Belfast, BT2 7DB
When: Thursdays through to November
Time: 11am to 1pm
Contact: Email: [email protected] or phone: 07702140761

Banbridge Library Book Club

This group meets monthly every third Friday to listen to poems and stories read aloud, enjoy a 'cuppa' and relax. Everyone is welcome.

Where: Banbridge library, Scarva Road, BT32 3AD
When: Friday 16 October
Time: 2pm to 3pm
Contact: Nicola Gorringe by phone: 02840623973 or email: [email protected]

VI cricket

Where:  Belfast University (Nelson Place)
When: Friday 23 October
Time:  2pm to 4pm
Contact:  Email: [email protected] or phone: 07830575639

Ulster Museum Visit

Where: Ulster Museum, Belfast, BT9 5AB
When: Tuesday 10 November – Discover Art (RUA exhibition) Tuesday, 8 December – Discover History (Christmas theme)
Time: 1.45pm to 3pm
Contact: Email: [email protected] or [email protected] or phone: 07514623182 or 07702140761. Registration is essential.

Creative Writing in Belfast (Nov and Dec)

Fully funded through Prison Arts Foundation (PAF).

When: starting Friday 5 November
Where: PAF, William Street, Belfast
Contact:  Email: [email protected] or phone: 07702140761. to be redirected to the organisation

The facilitator is Pamela Brown, renowned author and a writing trainer- assessor for NW regional college.

Orchard Splashers swimming group (New)

When: Wednesday 17 November
Where: Orchard leisured Centre
Time: 11am
Cost: Free to blue badge holders, £3.20 for hot tub and other facilities after the swim
Contact: Email: Lynette Elliot on [email protected] or phone 07734 441227

Dry Slope Skiing

This is a progressive course delivered in partnership with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon District Council.

Where: Craigavon Golf and Ski Centre, Lurgan
When: Wednesday 18 November and Wednesday 2 December
Time: 11am to 12.30pm

Contact: Email: [email protected] or phone: 07702140761

Sightless Cinema Network presents Lost and Found – an audio plays

Where: An Tain Theatre, Dundalk
When: Wednesday 25 Nov - play starts at 7.30pm
Time: taking the 3pm train to Dundalk and returning on the 10pm arriving in Grand Central at 11pm

Contact: Email: [email protected] or phone: 07702140761

Downpatrick Out and About

Connect with others with sight loss in Downpatrick and learn about RNIB services and support. This meeting takes place on the last Wednesday of the month. Registration is essential.

Where: Downpatrick
When: Wednesday 28 October
Time: 11am to 12.30pm
Contact: Email: [email protected] or phone: 07514623182

LGBTQ+ Online monthly Meet Up

An online meet up with members from across the UK. New members welcome.

Where: Online via Teams
When: Third Wednesday of the month
Time: 6.30pm to 7.45pm
Contact: Email: [email protected] or phone: 07702140761

Newry Out and About

Connect with others with sight loss from the Newry area and learn about RNIB services and support. Registration is essential.

Where: Newry
When: Second Thursday of month
Time: 11am to 12.30pm
Contact: Email: [email protected] or phone: 07514623182

VI Gaming

An online social group for a chat about gaming. Registration is essential.

Where: Online via Teams
When: Every Thursday
Time: 4pm to 5pm
Contact: Email: [email protected] or phone: 07514623182

Portadown Out and About

Meet others with sight loss from the Portadown area and learn about RNIB services and support. Registration is essential.

Where: Portadown
When: Last Friday of month
Time: 11am to 12.30pm
Contact: Email: [email protected] or phone: 07514623182

18 to 35 Group

If you are 18-35 and want to meet up with others, this is a fun, welcoming group with different activities and venues to try out each month. Registration is essential.

Where: Various locations
When: Saturday (once a month)
Time: 11am to 3pm
Contact: Email: [email protected] or phone: 07514623182

Organised by volunteers, these brunches offer people living with sight loss the chance to get together for a chat and have a bite! Everybody welcome.

Limavady Brunch

Where: Rosmar Café, Limavady
When: First Tuesday of every month
Time: 10.45am
Contact: Phone George on: 07732171044

Foyle Monthly Brunch

Where: The Jamm Café, Richmond Centre, Derry
When: First Thursday of every month
Time: 12pm
Contact: Email: [email protected] or phone: 07860607328

Ards Brunch Group 

Where: Regency Cafe, Main Street, Newtownards
When: Third Wednesday of every month
Time: 11am
Contact: Email: [email protected] or phone: 07702140761

Armagh Brunch Group

Where: Armagh City Hotel, Armagh. This venue changes from time to time so please check in with Lynette
When: Third Thursday of every month
Time: 11.30am
Contact: Email: Lynette Elliot on [email protected] or phone 07734 441227

RNIB Talk and Support Phone Groups

RNIB’s Talk and Support team run free phone talking groups for adults with sight loss across the UK. They provide an opportunity for people to socialise in small groups by phone to build friendships.

The team match individuals together for conversations based on group preferences and specialised interests.

For more information contact Talk and Support telephone befriending social group.

RNIB Emotional Support Groups

RNIB is running a new series of emotional support groups for blind and partially sighted people. These groups are facilitated by a qualified counsellor and provide a confidential and therapeutic space where you can receive support from a professional and others with a similar eye condition or life experience.

Each group runs on teams with audio format only for eight weeks, with a maximum of seven participants, ensuring plenty of time to connect and be supported.

The following groups are available to join:

• Charles Bonnet Syndrome Group
• Retinitis Pigmentosa Group
• Seeking Employment Group
• Staying in Employment Group
• Sight loss after stroke Group
• Glaucoma Group
• Age-related Macular Degeneration Group
• Diabetes and Sight loss group
• Seeing it through groups - this group is open to anyone experiencing sight loss.
• Friends and Family group

Self-refer to the coordinator and counsellor by emailing: [email protected] and of course you can refer through RNIB's helpline too: 03031239999.

RNIB Awareness to Action – Understanding Sight Loss sessions

This session is designed and delivered by people who are blind or partially sighted, bringing lived experience insight, and is supported by an RNIB staff member.

This session is very useful for family and friends who want to better support someone with sight loss.

By the end of the session, participants will:

• Gain an understanding of the emotional and practical realities of living with sight loss
• Learn how to recognise when someone is blind or partially sighted
• Understand the different levels and types of sight loss
• Develop practical skills to communicate with and assist people with sight loss
• Receive an introduction to RNIB support and services

For more information, email: [email protected]

RNIB Connect Radio

RNIB Connect Radio broadcasts 24/7 and serves as your very own radio station. Enjoy a mix of information, entertainment and interviews hosted by our blind and partially sighted presenters.

RNIB Connect Radio - station broadcasting 24/7.

Ards Library Read Aloud

Where: Ards Library, Main Street, Newtownards
When: First Wednesday in the month
Time: 11am to 12pm
Contact: [email protected] or phone: 028 9181 4732

Armagh City Library Read Aloud

This group will meet monthly on the third Wednesday of each month.

When: Wednesday 21 October
Time: 11am to 12pm
Contact:  [email protected] or phone: 028 3752 4072

Banbridge Library Book Club

This group meets monthly every third Friday to listen to poems and stories read aloud, enjoy a 'cuppa' and relax. Everyone is welcome.

Where: Banbridge library, Scarva Road, BT32 3AD
When: Friday 16 October
Time: 2pm to 3pm
Contact: Nicola Gorringe by phone: 02840623973 or email: [email protected]

Bangor Audio Book club

Where: Ava Restaurant, 132 Main Street, Bangor BT20 4AG
When: First Tuesday of the month
Time: 2pm
Contact: Phone Ken Carson on: 07753599985

Ballymena Library Read Aloud

Where: Ballymena Central Library, Pats Brea, Ballymena
When: Third Thursday in the month
Time: 11am to 12pm
Contact: Email: [email protected] or phone: 028 2563 3950

Belfast Central Library Read Aloud 

Where: Central Library, Royal Avenue, Belfast, BT1 1EA
When: Every Friday
Time: 2.30pm
Contact: Phone Libraries NI on: 028 9050 9150

Cookstown Stories, Tea and Chat

Where: Cookstown library
When: Third Wednesday of every month
Time: 2pm to 3pm
Contact: Phone Cookstown Library on: 028 867 63702

Omagh Read Aloud

Where: Omagh Library, 1 Spillars Place, Irishtown Road, Omagh BT78 1HL
When: Every second Wednesday (monthly)
Time: 12pm to 1pm
Contact: Omagh Library on 028 8244 0733

ABC Walking Club

Where: Parks across Portadown, Lurgan and Banbridge areas
When: Fourth Wednesday of every month
Time: 9.30am to 3pm
Contact: Phone: Doreen McFarlane on: 07734723575

Archery For Everyone

If interested in joining the beginners course, contact David: [email protected]

Armagh Orchard VIP Group

Where: Community Centre, Dobbin Street, Armagh
When: Tuesday afternoons every fortnight
Time: 2.45pm to 4.15pm
Contact: Email: [email protected] and Una will signpost you to Ann Curran

Atlanta Swimming Club

Where: Shankill Leisure Centre, Belfast
When: Every Wednesday
Time: 11am to 12pm
Contact: Contact Mina Gillespie via the [email protected]

Please note there is a waiting list for this activity.

Banbridge VIP Group

Where: Anglers Building, Havlock Park, Church Street, Banbridge
When: First Wednesday of the month
Time: 2.30 to 4.30pm
Contact: Contact Doreen McFarlane on 07734723575

New members welcome.

Bangor VI Bowls

Where: Bangor, County Down
When: Every Wednesday
Time: 2pm
Contact: Joe Bourke on: 07532758755

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.

Ballee VIP club

Music and dancing every fortnight.

Where: Ballee VIP club in Ballymena
When: Wednesday
Time: 7.30pm to 9.30pm
Contact: Sammy McAuley on 07808881520 or Ballee VIP Facebook page

Belfast Acorn Arts Group

Where: Divis Community Centre, Belfast
When: Every Thursday
Time: 10am to 12pm
Contact: [email protected]

Belfast VI Bowls

Where: Grove Bowling Club, York Road, Belfast
When: Every Tuesday
Time: 10.30am to 1pm
Contact: [email protected]

Belfast Edgecumbe VIP Social Club

New members welcome

Where: Inverary Community Centre, East Belfast
When: Thursdays, fortnightly
Time: 7pm to 9pm.
Contact: [email protected]

Belfast East, VI Tennis

Where: CIYMS Tennis Club, 91 Circular Road, Belfast
When: Friday
Time: 11am to 1pm
Contact: [email protected]

Belfast South, VI Tennis

Where: Centre Facilitated by Windsor Tennis Club
Time: 11am - 1pm
Contact: Simon McFarland by phoning: 07851282210

Belfast Walk (West)

Where: Front gate of Falls Park, Belfast
When: Every Friday
Time: 10.30am
Contact: Email: [email protected] or phone: 07702140761

Causeway Boccia

Where: Coleraine West Community Centre, The Rope Walk, Coleraine
When: Every Wednesday
Time: 2pm to 3.15pm
Contact: Email: [email protected] or phone: 07711190440

Causeway VI Judo

Open to new members. Cost £3 per session. Takes place weekly.

Where: North Coast Grappling, 17 Victoria Street, Ballymoney
When: Tuesdays
Time: 1pm to 2.30pm
Contact: Email: [email protected] or phone: 07711190440

Causeway VI Judo

Open to new members. Cost £3 per session.

Where: North Coast Grappling, 17 Victoria Street, Ballymoney
When: Every Thursday
Time: 5:30pm
Contact: Email: [email protected] or phone: 07711190440

Cookstown Insight Social Support Group

Where: Cookstown Library, 13 Burn Road, Cookstown, BT80 8DJ
When: Second Monday of each month
Time: 1pm to 2.30pm
Contact: Email: [email protected] or phone: 07711190440

Derry Community Quiz

Where: Foyle Street, Derry
When: First Tuesday every month
Time: 2pm to 3.30pm
Contact:  [email protected]

Fermanagh VIP Club

Where: Enniskillen British Legion
When: Every second Friday
Contact: Email: [email protected] or phone: 07702140761

Greenisland Social Support Group

Where: Greenisland Football Club, Glenkeen Avenue, Greenisland
When: First Monday in month
Time: 2pm to 4pm
Contact: [email protected]

Greenisland Boccia

Where: Greenisland Football Club, Glenkeen Avenue, Greenisland
When: Third Monday of the month
Time: 2pm to 4pm
Contact: [email protected]

HAM Radio Group

Where: Online via zoom
When: Second Tuesday of the month
Time: 8pm
Contact: Email: [email protected] or phone: 07702140761

Lisburn Outlook

From coffee mornings to tandem cycling, if you live in, or near, Lisburn, please contact [email protected] to receive the area newsletter.

Lurgan Tandem Riding and walking group

Always looking for new people to give the tandems a go - and there is always a cup of tea and chat at the ready!

Where: Lurgan Park
When: Ongoing
Time: 7pm
Contact: Doreen on: 07734723575

Newtownabbey Swim Group

Where: Valley Leisure Centre, Newtownabbey
When: Every Friday
Time: 9.15am to 11.30am
Contact: [email protected]

Omagh monthly meet up

Where: Strule Arts Centre
When: First Monday of the month
Time: 11am to 12.30pm
Contact: Terry on 07368960427

Blind Running

Contact: Tony Barclay on 0799684255 or visit Running Blink UK's Facebook page.

VI Cricket (monthly)

Contact: Emma McMurray on 0783057639

NI Blind Golf Association

If you would like to continue golfing after sight loss. Contact: Kate on 07511029609

To join or find out more about any of the above groups, contact our RNIB Northern Ireland Community Social Action Team: 

Jonathan Adams

Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 0771 119 0440

Fiona Joyce

Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 028 903 34105
Mobile 0751 462 3182

Una Mulgrew

Email: [email protected]
Mobile: 0770 214 0761