With support from our Community Access team, feel empowered to get out there and make what you want happen!
We begin with a simple one to one assessment to identify what you want or need
We can talk you through the full range of RNIB support services and refer you to a service if that’s what you want
We can work with you to get the support you need from your local health and social care services
We deliver training in visual awareness to equip organisations with the skills and confidence to include people who are blind or partially sighted in all their activities and services
We work with you in getting involved in the wider community through our established networks and partnerships
Following an audio described tour of Titanic Belfast, Charlene Newell, 57 who’s registered blind from Kilkeel said, “RNIB makes such a difference to us with sight loss - you keep us all connected and feel like we belong to something."
Libraries Book Group (monthly), 8 March, 10 to 11am. Facilitated by Libraries NI via Zoom. For more information contact us at [email protected] or 078 0286 5579
Facilitated by: BHSCT health promotion. For more information and to book contact us at [email protected].
Social Phone Group. A social shared phone group for a chat about anything and everything. 2pm to 2.55pm Facilitated by Heather Owens. For more information or to get the shared phone call joining number contact us at [email protected] or 07568591655.
Cook it class – A cook along class. 2 March to 23 March, 2pm to 4pm. Recipes and instructions will be emailed out several days before each class and participants will be expected to have all their ingredients prepped before the class begins. Facilitated by BHSCT health promotion. Week one will focus on starters, weeks two and three will be mains, one of which will be vegetarian, and week four will be desserts. For more information contact us at [email protected].
Gardening phone group (fortnightly), 2 March, 16 March and 30 March, 3.30pm to 4.25pm. You don’t have to be an expert to enjoy your garden, just be passionate and willing to join in. Facilitated by Julie Hale. For more information and to get the shared phone call joining number contact us at [email protected] or 07568591655.
Talking soccer group (fortnightly) 9 March and 23 March, 2pm to 3.30pm. For more information and for Microsoft Teams link or phone number to join contact us at [email protected] or 07702 140761.
Talking HAM radio (monthly) 9 March, 8pm to 9.30pm For more information contact us at [email protected] or 07568591655.
Social phone group, 10am to 10.55am. A social shared phone group for a chat about anything and everything. Facilitated by Robin Manson. For more information and to get the shared phone call joining number [email protected] or 07568591655.
Judo Session, 1.30pm. Facilitated by Causeway VI Judo in partnership with Coleraine Judo Club via Zoom. If you wish to join, the coach will make contact to chat through criteria such as fitness level and medical history to ensure the training sessions suit you. For more information and to book contact at [email protected] or 07711190440.
Low density exercise class (every Wednesday except 17 March), 1.30 to 2.30pm. Facilitated by Disability Sport NI via Zoom. For more information contact us at and for joining link or phone number [email protected].
Social shared phone group (fortnightly), 10 March and 24 March, 12pm to 12.55pm. Join us for a chat about anything and everything. Facilitated by Una Mulgrew. For more information and to get the shared call number contact us at [email protected] or 07568591655.
Gogglebox group (fortnightly), 10 March and 24 March, 4pm to 5.30pm, via Microsoft Teams. Let’s talk audio described TV / Movies / Netflix – what do you watch? What would you recommend? For more information and the Teams link contact us at [email protected].
UK Wide LGBTQ group (monthly), 17 March, 6pm to 7pm via Microsoft Teams. For more information and the Teams link contact us at [email protected].
5 Steps to Wellbeing Programme, 10am to 11am. Six week programme, one challenge a week, issued around the "5 Steps to wellbeing". Open to anyone. Facilitated by Olive Rodgers. For more information contact us at [email protected] or 07802865579
Social shared phone group, 2pm to 2.55pm. Chat about anything and everything. Facilitated by Alan Owens. For more information and for the shared phone call joining number contact us at [email protected] or 07702 140761.
Social shared phone group, 2pm to 2.55pm. Chat about anything and everything. Facilitated by Sharon McClure. Fore more information and the shared phone call joining number contact us at [email protected] or 07951746093.
VI Gaming Group (Northern Ireland and Scotland), 4pm Via Microsoft Teams. For more information contact us at [email protected].
Readaloud Shared phone group - Derry area only (fortnightly), 4 March and 18 March, 11.30am. Facilitated by Deirdre at Derry City Library. For more information contact us at [email protected].
Talking Craft beer (Third Thursday of Month),18 March, 7.30 pm to 9pm. Facilitated by Joe Bourke, via Microsoft Teams. For more information and for link or phone number contact us at [email protected] or 07702 140761.
Awesomes social group chat, 12pm. Join us on the RNIB NI – Connect Facebook group for a chat about anything and everything. For more information contact us at [email protected].
DSNI Fitness programme, 2pm to 3pm. An introduction to DSNI resource cards. 3 weeks of varied exercise. Limited places allocated on a first come basis, registration is essential. For more information contact us at [email protected].
Talking Sport shared phone call (fortnightly), 5 March and 19 March, 12pm to 12.55pm. Facilitated by Drew Cochrane, international blind golf champion. For more information and to get the shared phone call joining number contact us at [email protected] or 07568591655
Facebook LIVE Quiz and fun (fortnightly), 12 March and 26 March, 2pm to 3.30pm. Join us on Facebook live on facebook.com/groups/RNIBConnectNI with resident quizmaster Tony Barclay. No prizes, just fun.
Page Turners creative writing group (First Friday of Month), 5 March, 10am to 12pm. There is a cost of £15 for this course which is for 3 months membership and paid directly to the tutor. Restricted numbers, only a few places still available. For more information and to register contact [email protected] or 078 0286 5579.
Campaigns Team update with Gillian Clifford, Monday 1 March, 2pm to 3pm. Open to anyone. Via Microsoft Teams. For more information and the Teams link contact us at [email protected].
‘Meet the Maker’ event, Wednesday 3 March, 2pm to 3pm. Louise Neeson RNIB Product Coordinator will be in conversation with some of the tech designers in our RNIB Connect Ni Facebook Group. To date we have had Sight and Sound, and Optelec, so stay tuned. Join us at facebook.com/groups/RNIBConnectNI.
LGBTQ group meet up, Wednesday 3 March, 6pm to 7pm. Via Microsoft Teams. For more information and the Teams link contact us at [email protected].
Reminiscing and storytelling with Maura, Monday 8 March,10am to 11am. For people living in the NHSCT area. For more information contact us at [email protected] or 07710066251
IT Q and A with Joanne Wilson, Wednesday 10 March, 10am to 11am. Via Microsoft Teams. For more information and the Teams link contact [email protected].
Review of "the year that was", Thursday 11 March, 11.30am - 1pm. A chance to come along and celebrate and share all the new skills, groups, and friendships that have been created during the last year under Covid. Via Microsoft Teams. For more information and the Teams link contact us at [email protected].
"Pox, poison and prosthetics" with National Museums NI, Monday 15 March, 10.30am to 11.10am, via Zoom. For more information and to register before 4 March contact us at [email protected].
Cooking with Wisebytes, Monday 15 March, 10am to 11am, via Zoom Recipes and equipment needs will be forwarded prior to the event so you can be prepared to cook. For more information contact us at [email protected] or 07710066251.
"Diving into the Past" with National Museums NI, Monday 22 March, 10.30am to 11.15am, via Zoom. For more information and to register before 4 March contact us at [email protected].
Do you have a story to tell, not your life story just a story in your life that features you! Something entertaining or interesting. Connect hopes to create an audio book of short stories by and for the blind and partially sighted community! We even want to make a mini film made up of interviews, you relating your stories in your words, showing relevant photos and film, so, get crackin’, have a bit of fun, get friends and family involved recording, dictating, touch typing, and get in touch with [email protected]
Please join us when you can for a chat and a bit of craic. We will be facilitating online and telephone activities throughout January and February and everyone is welcome. Contact details for each session are included. Sessions are weekly unless stated otherwise.
RNIB's Facebook groups are a welcoming and supportive space for people affected by sight loss to talk about the issues that matter to them, ask questions, get tips and share their story.
Whether you're blind or partially sighted, or someone who is close to a person with a sight condition, our community-led groups can provide a safe environment for you to talk openly.
Become part a community united by shared experiences by joining your local group today at www.facebook.com/groups/RNIBConnectNI
We can get you started with support or advice in:
Technology or products that might assist you in living more independently
Enquiring about receiving written information in a more accessible way, Bank statements or medical information for example
We can help put you in touch with local mobility services, other voluntary groups or recreational facilities
To find out more about opportunities available now in your community, get in touch and a local member of our team will be happy to help.
Call us on: 0303 123 9999
Email us any time: [email protected]
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