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.

Hillsborough Castle Garden Walk

Registration essential.

Where: Hillsborough Castle
When: Wednesday 4 November
Time: 10am meet at Grand Central Station Belfast, or 10.50am meet at village castle gates
Contact: Email [email protected] or phone 07514623182

Sightless Cinema

Be part of this eight-week workshop to create a theatre style drama piece.

Where: The Accidental Theatre, 12-13 Shaftesbury Square, Belfast, BT2 7DB
When: Thursdays 5 and 12 November
Time: 11am to 1pm
Contact: Email [email protected] or phone 07702140761

Creative Writing in Belfast (Nov and Dec)

The Prison Arts Foundation (PAF) are running a short creative writing course.

When: starting Friday 6 November
Where: PAF, William Street, Belfast
Contact: Email [email protected] or phone 07702140761

Una will redirect you to the PAF. The facilitator is Pamela Brown, renowned Irish author.

Ulster Museum Visit

Registration essential.

Where: Ulster Museum, Belfast
When: Tuesday 10 November - Discover art (RUA exhibition and Tuesday 8 December – Discover History (Christmas theme)
Time: 1.45pm to 3pm
Contact: Email [email protected] or phone 07514623182

Bowling in Craigavon

Registration essential

Where: Airtastic Entertainment Centre, Craigavon
When: Wednesday 11 November
Time: 11.30am
Contact: Email [email protected] or phone 07514623182

Newry Everyday living products demonstration

Registration essential.

Louise Kenny from RNIB Products will be demonstrating some brilliant every day living products to support you in your everyday life.

This demonstration will be followed by a conversation about using audio description and how it works

Also, you will hear about the Newry Talking Newspapers and get signed up if you aren't already!

Where: Newry library
When: 12 November
Time: 11am to 1pm
Contact: Email [email protected] or phone 07514623182

Belfast City Christmas lights turn on – audio described

Belfast City Council are providing audio description again at this year’s Lights Switch On event, outside Belfast City Hall for people living with sight loss and a family member/companion.

The event will run with the same format as last year, for an hour from 6.30pm with gates opening for ticket holders at 6pm. There will be an area in front for people using the Audio Description service.

NI Sightlines will be undertaking the audio description, with an assistant and support from the City Events Team.

Tickets are limited and free and will be allocated before the event.

Where: Belfast City Hall
When: Saturday 14 November
Time: 5.45pm
Contact: Email [email protected] or phone 07514623182

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

2RA, Royal Avenue, Belfast meet ups

Join us for a relaxed and friendly meet-up where you can chat to RNIB staff, get support and have referrals made, catch up with others, hear what's happening across RNIB services, and stay up to date with upcoming events.

When: Thursday 19 November
Time: 11am to 1pm
Contact: Email [email protected] or phone 07514623182

Disability Try Bowls Open Day

This is an opportunity for gentle exercise and to make social connection. For new and existing players; wear flat trainers; no equipment necessary.

Registration is necessary, and if you need support to get from public transport stops, Chris and Ian will support with this.

Where: Grove Park, 256 North Queen Street, BT15 3GZ
When: Tuesday 24 November
Time: 10am to 1pm
Contact: Phone Chris Mulholland on 07733111052

Sightless Cinema Network presents Lost and Found – an audio play

Where: An Tain Theatre, Dundalk
When: Wednesday 25 November
Time: Play starts at 7.30pm. Taking an afternoon train to Dundalk and returning on the 10pm, arriving in Grand Central at 11pm
Contact: Email [email protected] or phone 07702140761

18 to 35 Group Bowing at KingPins

This is a fun, welcoming group. If you are aged 18-35 and want to meet up with others, contact Fiona for more information. Registration essential.

Where: Various locations
When: Saturday 28 November
Time: 11am to 3pm
Contact: Email [email protected] or phone 07514623182

Apple Get Started - Accessibility Features for Vision Loss

Registration essential.

Discover Apple accessibility features like Zoom, Spoken Content and Magnifier, and how they can support people with vision loss. Bring your own Apple device or use one provided.

Where: Apple Store Belfast, 3 Cornmarket, Belfast, BT1 4DA
Contact: Email [email protected] or phone 0751 4623 182

Hillsborough Castle

Where: Hillsborough Castle
When: Christmas tour of house 9 December
Time: Meet at 10am at Grand Central Station Belfast. 10.15am bus to Hillsborough or meet at village castle gates at 10.50am. Visit Hillsborough, coffee at pavilion café (refreshments at own expense) and returning 2.07pm back for 2.35pm.
Contact: Email [email protected] or phone 07514623182

Hillsborough Christmas Ceramic workshop session

Where: Hillsborough Castle
When: 11 December
Time: Meet at 9.30am at Grand Central Station Belfast. 9.45am bus to Hillsborough or meet at village castle gates at 10.15am. Workshop 10.30-12.30am
Contact: Email [email protected] or phone 0751462382

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: Last Wednesday every month
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] or refer through RNIB's helpline 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 [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 [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: Email [email protected] or phone 02840623973

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: Monthly, every second Wednesday
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 or Carol 07718139213

Archery For Everyone

If you're 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, 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 [email protected]

Belfast VI Bowls

Where: Grove Bowling Club, York Road, Belfast
When: Every Tuesday
Time: 10.30am to 1pm
Contact: Email Chris Mulholland or 07733111052

Belfast Edgecumbe VIP Social Club

New members welcome

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

Belfast East, VI Tennis

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

Belfast South, VI Tennis

Where: Centre Facilitated by Windsor Tennis Club
Time: 11am - 1pm
Contact: Phone Simon McFarland on 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. £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 [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 [email protected]

Greenisland Boccia

Where: Greenisland Football Club, Glenkeen Avenue, Greenisland
When: Third Monday of the month
Time: 2pm to 4pm
Contact: Email [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 email [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: Phone Doreen on 07734723575

Newtownabbey Swim Group

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

Omagh monthly meet up

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

Blind Running

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

VI Cricket (monthly)

Contact: Phone Emma McMurray on 0783057639

NI Blind Golf Association

If you would like to continue golfing after sight loss.

Contact: Phone Kate on 07511029609

Irish Bowls Federation

Contact: Email Chris Mulholland or phone 07733111052

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]
Phone: 0771 119 0440

Fiona Joyce

Email: [email protected]
Phone 0751 462 3182 or 028 903 34105

Una Mulgrew

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0770 214 0761