The power of peer support
Phillip at a recent downhill dry ski slope session
The Royal National Institute of Blind People in Northern Ireland (RNIB NI) is calling on blind and partially sighted people across Northern Ireland to connect with others, build confidence and develop new friendships through its peer support networks and programme of community activities.
Whether you are new to sight loss or wish to make new connections, the sight loss charity's Community Social Action Team offers exciting opportunities for people to meet others with shared interests and experiences, providing practical and emotional support in a welcoming and inclusive environment. From local peer support opportunities to community-based activities and online networks, RNIB supports people to build confidence, increase independence and strengthen connections within their local communities.
Plain Sailing
The positive impact of these opportunities was on full display recently when a group of young blind and partially sighted adults took to the water at South Lakes Leisure Centre, enjoying the opportunity to challenge themselves by trying their hand at sailing.
The event was made possible thanks to the continued commitment from Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, whose support has helped develop the programme and create new opportunities for blind and partially sighted people across the council area.
Participants embraced the experience with enthusiasm, with plenty of laughter, excitement and a few screams of delight as they navigated the lake.
The day highlighted how community activities can help people build confidence, develop new skills and enjoy greater independence.
Phillip Chong is aged 31 and lives in Belfast.
Phillip is severely sight impaired following retinoblastoma as a child. Phillip has been a member of the 18 to 35 group since it began in 2023 and really values the impact joining the group has had on his life.
Phillip says: “I joined the RNIB Connect Facebook group first and from there, saw information about a meeting of younger adults. I decided to go along and that opened up a world of RNIB events to me.
“It can be difficult to meet people of a similar age with similar experiences. Being part of the 18 to 35 group gives me the opportunity to meet up with other young people who are blind or partially sighted. It’s so good to be able to do these activities with a group of like-minded people.
“Joining this group and doing the things we do has been such a confidence booster and a genuine joy to me. It has enriched my life in so many ways. It’s a group of really nice people.
"I’ve really enjoyed the activity programme we’ve been doing with ABC Council. As well as sailing, I’ve just completed four weeks of skiing lessons at Craigavon Golf and Ski Centre. I’ve also started a project with Accidental Theatre Sightless Cinema in which we had to do improvisation which really took me out of my comfort zone.
“It makes me happy that RNIB offers such an amazing way to connect with other people. It gets me out of the house and speaking to amazing people, making real connections and sharing laughs and great experiences. A fantastic opportunity to do things that we would otherwise never get to do.”
Una Mulgrew works in the Community Social Action team with RNIB NI and said:
"Activities like this sailing experience demonstrate the power of bringing people together to not only try something new, but to push beyond their comfort zone and have fun. They also build friendships, confidence and valuable support networks which is what it’s really all about. We are incredibly grateful to Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough council and all our partners who help make these experiences possible.
“Our job, it’s incredible. Nothing can beat witnessing a person who has perhaps just lost their sight, go from feeling that their life as they knew it was over, to realising that there is a life after sight loss and they can achieve anything they choose to put their mind to. It’s very powerful."
RNIB Northern Ireland offers a wide range of opportunities to connect with others, including peer support opportunities, community activities and online Facebook groups.
To find out more about RNIB Northern Ireland Community Social Action Team, call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or email [email protected].
Visit www.rnib.org.uk to learn more about the programme of activities and to get involved.
For further media information, contact Joe Kenny at RNIB NI. Call 07936 601 266 or email [email protected]
Notes to editors
About RNIB
We are the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).
Every six minutes, someone in the UK begins to lose their sight. RNIB is taking a stand against exclusion, inequality and isolation to create a world without barriers where people with sight loss can lead full lives. A different world where society values blind and partially sighted people not for the disabilities they’ve overcome, but for the people they are.
RNIB. See differently.
Call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visit www.rnib.org.uk
Find RNIB Northern Ireland on Facebook www.facebook.com/RNIBNorthernIreland
Follow RNIB NI on Twitter www.twitter.com/RNIBNI
