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!
RNIB drop-in Tech Hub returns to RNIBs Belfast office
These Tech Hubs are arranged by drop-in, first come, first served basis so there’s no need to book – no appointment needed.
Our volunteers can offer advice and support you on how to make the most of the accessibility features of your smartphone or tablet. Whether you need basic training, or wish to update your existing skills, we can help. Please bring your device with you.
For further information, email [email protected]
Location: RNIB, Victoria House (first floor), 15-17 Gloucester Street, Belfast, BT1 4LS.
When: First Tues of every month
Time: 11am to 1pm
Contact: email [email protected]
Skiing at Craigavon dry ski slopes
This opportunity is for 4 sessions and people need to commit to doing at least 3 sessions
Where: Craigavon Ski slope, 16 Turmoyra Lane, Craigavon, BT66 6NG
When: Wed 1, 8, 15 and 22 Oct
Time: Arrive for 1pm to start skiing lesson at 1.30
We usually arrive to Lurgan train station and share taxis from there
For anyone interested or wanting more information
Contact: [email protected] or phone 07702 140761
Chair Yoga restarts in Derry city for 10 weeks
Funded by the Clear Project under the Public Health Agency
There is a cost of £15 for the 5 weeks, so £3 a week
When: Thursday 2, 9, 16 and 23 Oct
Where: AOH, Foyle Street – if you want accompanied from the bus station, someone will meet you there
Time: 2pm – all abilities welcome and all sight status welcome too
Contact: Nuala Crilly by text leaving your phone name and phone number on 07776 806037
Derry City Monthly brunch – restarting and venue change
When: Thursday 2 Oct
Where: The Jamm Cafe in the Richmond centre
Time: 12pm – everyone welcome to come along, be great to see old new
Contact: Brian Murray on [email protected] or text Brian on 078 6060 7328
IT support targeting blind community (no useful sight)
For 4 x sessions – must commit to all four sessions; please RSVP
Delivered by Tracey Mimna – specialist in the field of working with blind and partially sighted people to support in optimising the use of mobile phones and tablets; one of the sessions will be dedicated to perfecting the use of Meta glasses in conjunction with apps on the phone
Funded by the Clear Project under the Public Health Agency
Where: Derry Central Library
When: 3 Oct; 17 Oct and 24 Oct
Time: 1.30 to 2.30pm followed by 15 min for questions
Contact: Brian Murray on [email protected] or text Brian on 078 6060 7328
IT support targeting partially sighted people
For 4 x sessions – must commit to all four sessions; please RSVP
Delivered by Tracey Mimna – specialist in the field of working with blind and partially sighted people to support in optimising the use of mobile phones and tablets; one of the sessions will be dedicated to perfecting the use of Meta glasses in conjunction with apps on the phone
Funded by the Clear Project under the Public Health Agency
Where: Derry Central Library
When: Friday 3 Oct; 17 Oct and 24 Oct
Time: 3pm to 4pm followed by 15 min for questions
Contact: Brian Murray on [email protected] or text Brian on 078 6060 7328
Sight and Sound technology
Numbers limited – first come first served
Where: St Lukes Sensory Support hub
When: Wednesday 8 Oct
Time: 2pm to 4pm (arrive for 1.45 ish)
Sharon from Sight and Sound will be demonstrating some great stuff: WeWalk 2 – an advanced mobility tool for visually impaired people that integrates AI
Envision Glasses – Lightweight glasses, with a camera and direct speaker, which speaks out text and environmental information, recognizes faces, light, and colours, and lets you share that information.
NOA – an AI-powered mobility vest designed to guide people who are blind or visually impaired. NOA acts as a "co-pilot," offering a combination of GPS, obstacle avoidance, and scene descriptions
Orcam Read 3 – a handheld AI-powered device designed to provide reading assistance for people with low vision or reading fatigue.
A range of Magnifiers
Angel Eye Desktop Reader – a standalone device that converts text in newspapers, magazines, and books, as well as on packaging and letters, into audio
Contact: Lynette Elliot via text 07743441227
Hillsborough Castle Garden Project
Where : Hillsborough castle
When : first Friday of every month
Time: 10.30am - 12.30pm
Contact: [email protected] or phone 07802 865579
Balee VIP group
Where : 52 Trostan Avenue, Ballymena BT43 7BL
When : Every Fortnight on a Wed Country Music evening
15 Oct - Eamonn McQuade is playing
22 Oct - Niall Patterson is playing
Time: 7.30pm - 9.30pm
Contact: Please call Sammy Mcauley on the following number. 07808 881520
New 8 week walking program – Belfast
Where: various parks in Belfast
When : Thursday mornings starting 9th October
Time: 10am
5km route. Limited numbers, registration required. Volunteer assistance available on a first request basis.
Contact: [email protected] or mobile: 07802865579
Monthly talk and handling session at Ulster Museum , Stranmillis, Belfast
Theme: TBC
When: Tuesday 14th October
Time: 1.45pm - 2.45pm
Contact: to register contact [email protected] or mobile: 07802 865579
ABC Walking group (monthly walk)
Location: Madden Bridge walk
When: Wed 22 Oct
Time: meeting place and time will be given by organiser –details below
Contact: Doreen on [email protected]
Coffee and chat with the Consumer Council – How to save money on heating and food.
Where: conference room RNIB Belfast
When: Tuesday 21st October
Time: 10.30am
Contact: [email protected]
Registration required , numbers restricted.
New Ballymena Read Aloud – Connecting through story / Read aloud
Where: Ballymena Library, Pats Brea
When: Thursday 23 Oct
Time: 11am to 12pm
Join Ballymena Library for their new monthly adults story and discussion session open to everyone, the group can decide on how often, monthly or fortnightly
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.
Contact: Ballymena Library on 028 2563 3950
Omagh Library – Connecting through story / Read aloud
Where: Omagh Library
When: Thursday 23 Oct
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.
Danders walking program Belfast
Various locations – short , gentle walks.Sighted volunteers available to assist one to one. Allocated on a first request basis.
Where: Botanic gardens
When: Friday 24th Ocober
Time: 10am – 1pm
Contact: [email protected] or mobile: 07802 865579
Causeway Boccia
Pleased to announce an 8 week session of Boccia facilitated by Disability Sports Northern Ireland (DSNI)
Where: Coleraine West Community Centre
When: Commencing 24/09/25 for an 8 week funded period.
Time: 2-3pm
Contact: [email protected] - 07711190440
Funded by the Clear Project under the Public Health Agency (however there is a small charge of £15 for each 5 week block in a bid to extend the sessions until after Christmas)
When: Every Thursday 23 Oct (for the first 5 week block)
Where: AOH, Foyle Street – if you want accompanied from the bus station, someone will meet you there
Time: 2pm – all abilities welcome and all sight status welcome too
Contact: [email protected] or phone 07702 140761; text your name and someone will get back to you, Thanks
Monday
Greenisland Social support group
Where: Greenisland Football Club, Glenkeen Avenue
When: First Monday in month
Time:2-4pm
Contact- [email protected] mobile 07951746093
Greenisland Boccia
Where: Greenisland Football Club, Glenkeen Avenue
When: Third Monday of the month
Time: 2pm -4pm
Contact: [email protected] M:07951746093
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.
Crumlin ladies Coffee morning
Where: Meet in The Hub, Mill Road, Crumlin
When: monthly
Time-:11am – 1pm
Contact: [email protected] 07951746093
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
Everyone is welcome – this is an informal get together where people come in for their coffee or brunch and chat
Sometimes there are 4 people and sometimes there are 10!! But there is always someone for you to share time with
Regency staff are brilliant at making sure you get to your table and you get your order in, people pay separately at the end
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.
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
When: Last Wednesday of month (commencing again in September)
Time:11am-12.30pm Contact: [email protected] or mobile: 07514 623182.
Read aloud in Derry City Library
Where: Derry City Library
When: every fortnight
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.
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
Portadown out and about – Meet others with sight loss Where: Portadown (various locations).
When: Last Friday of month
Time: 11.00am-12.30pm C
Contact: [email protected] or mobile: 07514 623182.
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.
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 - Next meet up September
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
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?
Contact the team on 02922 749668 or 07534 266186 or email [email protected].
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 07711190440
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 07710066251
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 028 90334105
Mobile 07514 623182
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 07951746093
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: 07702 140761
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 078 0286 5579
