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!
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]
Where: RNIB, Victoria House (first floor), 15-17 Gloucester Street, Belfast, BT1 4LS.
When: First Tuesday of every month
Time: 11am to 1pm
Contact: email [email protected]
Where: 52 Trostan Avenue, Ballymena BT43 7BL
When: Wednesday 3 Sept
Whos playing?: Peter McCloskey and Country way
Time: 7.30pm to 9.30
Contact: Sammy McAuley on 07808 881520
Where: St Marks Church
When: Monday 8 September
Time: 12.30 – please be there for 12.15
Louise will bring some household equipment (everyday useful gadgets) to help people who are blind or partially sighted
She can answer questions you might have about products – even ones she doesn’t have with her – please contact Louise if you have anything in particular you would brought down to be demonstrated on the day
Contact: [email protected] or Tel: 028 9033 4110.
Where : Hillsborough castle
When : first Friday of every month
Time: 10.30am - 12.30pm
Contact: [email protected] or phone 07802 865579.
Join us at the Apple Store, Belfast for an engaging and informative VoiceOver accessibility session. Take the first step toward a more accessible and enjoyable tech experience.
Where: Apple Store, 3 Cornmarket, Belfast, BT1 4DA
When: Tuesday, 9 September
Time: 11am to 12 noon
Contact: To register for this free workshop and upcoming events, contact Fiona Joyce at [email protected] or 07514 623182.
EyeSpeak Omagh VIP monthly meeting
Where: The Strule Arts Centre
When: Tuesday 9 September
Time: 11am
Its time to get a good catch up over tea and buns and start to plan for autumn
New people are always to our get togethers
Theme: Nature and climate change
When: Tuesday 9 September
Time: 1.45pm - 2.45pm
Contact: to register contact [email protected] or mobile: 07802 865579.
During this hands-on workshop, participants will explore the powerful accessibility features available on iPhone and iPad, including:
These tools are designed to make Apple devices more inclusive and user-friendly. Take the first step toward a more accessible and enjoyable tech experience.
Where: Apple Store, 3 Cornmarket, Belfast, BT1 4DA
When: Tuesday, 16 September
Time: 11am to 12 noon
Contact: To register for this free workshop and upcoming events, contact Fiona Joyce at [email protected] or 07514 623182.
Where: 52 Trostan Avenue, Ballymena BT43 7BL
When: Wednesday 17 Sept
Who's playing?: Live 'N' Kicking (Dave Kane)
Time: 7.30pm to 9.30
Contact: Sammy McAuley on 07808 881520
Bringing basic tech advice to those who need it.
Join us for an introductory conversation to let us know what you want to learn about, and then we will book you in for a 1-2-1 eClinic.
These session 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 - bring your device with you
Where: Ballymena Library, 5 Pats Brea, Ballymena
When: Thursday 18 Sept
Time: 11am – please arrive for 10.45am
Contact: [email protected] or phone 07702 140761.
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 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 19 Sept; 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
Please RSVP – you must commit to all four sessions
Delivered by Tracey Mimna – specialist in the field of working with blind and partially sighted people to 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 19 September; 3 October; 17 October and 24 October
Time: 3pm to 4pm followed by 15 min for questions
Contact: Brian Murray on [email protected] or text Brian on 078 6060 7328
Join Angel Eyes NI and RNIB’s Gaming Accessibility Officer Sightless Kombat for an evening of fun conversation about all things gaming!
Where: Online
When: Friday 19 September
Time: Evening - exact time TBC
Contact: Rebecca Sowney by email [email protected]
Location: Walk in Moira Park
When: Wednesday 24 September
Time: Meeting place and time will be given by organiser – contact details below
Contact: Doreen on [email protected]
Various locations. You must be able to walk 4 to 5 miles at a reasonable pace for this group. Registration essential . Sighted volunteers available to assist one to one. Allocated on a first request basis.
When: Thursday 25 September
Location: Newtownabbey to Hazelbank – 4 to 5 miles
Time: 10am – 2pm
Contact: [email protected] or mobile: 07802 865579.
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: Thursday 25th September to 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:
Contact: [email protected] or phone 07702 140761; text your name and someone will get back to you, Thanks
Where: Omagh Library
When: Thursday 26 September
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.
Various locations – short, gentle walks. Sighted volunteers available to assist one to one. Allocated on a first request basis.
Where: Stormont Estate
When: Friday 26 September
Time: 10am – 1pm
Contact: [email protected] or mobile: 07802 865579
Free to join – but spaces are limited! Registration essential.
We’ll walk/travel (weather dependent) to Laverys Belfast where we’ll start with lunch at the Woodworkers (lunch at own expense) then head for an unforgettable karaoke experience in their private, bespoke rooms designed for immersive entertainment and serious fun!
Whether you're a karaoke queen or king or just in it for the laughs, this is your chance to meet new people and enjoy a brilliant day out.
Where: Meet at Grand Central Station, Belfast – 11.30 AM
When: Saturday 27 September
Time: 11.30-3.30pm
Contact: Fiona Joyce [email protected] or 07514 623182.
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
