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In your community

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!

October 2025 activities

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: Wedesday1, 8, 15 and 22 October
Time: Arrive for 1pm, ready to start skiing lesson at 1.30pm
We usually arrive to Lurgan train station and share taxis from there.
Contact: [email protected] or phone 07702 140761.

Chair Yoga restarts in Derry city for 10 weeks

5 x weeks then break for Halloween - followed by a second 5 week block.
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 would like to be 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.

Derry City Monthly brunch – restarting and venue change

When: Thursday 2 October
Where: The Jamm Cafe in the Richmond centre
Time: 12pm – everyone welcome to come along, be great to see old and new faces.
Contact: Brian Murray on [email protected] or text Brian on 078 6060 7328.

IT support targeting blind community (no useful sight)

Four sessions – you must commit to all four sessions and confirm your attendance.

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, 17 and 24 October.
Time: 1.30pm to 2.30pm followed by 15 min for questions
Contact: Brian Murray on [email protected] or text Brian on 078 6060 7328. Please RSVP.

Sight and Sound technology

Numbers limited – first come first served

Where: St Lukes Sensory Support hub
When:  Wednesday 8 October
Time: 2pm to 4pm (arrive for 1.45pm to start at 2pm)
Contact: Lynette Elliot via text 07743441227

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

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 Wednesday
1 October - Country Music evening
15 October - Eamonn McQuade is playing
22 October - Niall Patterson is playing
Time: 7.30pm - 9.30pm
Contact: Please call Sammy Mcauley: 07808 881520.

New 8 week walking program – Belfast

Where: various parks in Belfast
When : Thursday mornings starting 9 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

Where: Stranmillis, Belfast
Theme: TBC
When: Tuesday 14 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: Wednesday 22 October
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 21 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 October
Time: 11am to 12pm
Contact: Ballymena Library on 028 2563 3950

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.

Omagh Library – Connecting through story/Read aloud

Where: Omagh Library
When: Thursday 23 October
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 October
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: 2pm-3pm
Contact: [email protected] or 07711190440

Go ON sessions brought to you in partnership with Libraries NI

Targeting people with partial sight loss. Bringing basic tech advice to those who need it.
Join us for an introductory conversation to let discuss basic tech - what would you like to understand better and what can libraries support you to with?

Come along for an intro session and leave with a 45 minute appointment for a 1-2-1 learning session adapted for your individual needs. These 1-2-1 sessions will support you to use your mobile, tablet or IPad to make life easier for yourself; here or some examples of what you might like to learn.

  • How to send audio messages using WhatsApp
  • Add your bank card to your phone's wallet
  • Download and use one or two very beneficial apps such as Seeing AI or Be My Eyes – apps to help you read letters, describe your surroundings and tell you the ‘sell by’ date on your purchases
  • How to activate and turn off Voice over
  • How to use Libby, the Libraries NI app to access audiobooks and magazines.

We did this introductory session in Ards last month and the attendees are now enjoying their 1-2-1 sessions and learning plenty from them.

Please note: the sessions are held by a sighted librarian and are more suitable for people with some, if just a little, useful sight.

Where: Bangor Carnegie Library, Hamilton Road
When: Friday 31 October 2025
Time: 11am – please arrive for 10.45am
Contact: [email protected] or phone 07702 140761

Ongoing Community Connection Activities

Mondays

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

Tuesdays

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.

Wednesdays

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.

Thursdays

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.

Fridays

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.

Saturdays

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.

External groups - Read Aloud Groups (Listen and discuss stories read by the librarian)

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

Macular groups - External groups

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.

Other External groups

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

Personal Transcription service

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?

  • Audio in human voice or digitally generated synthetic speech, on CD, Daisy CD, USB or as an mp3 file
  • Braille
  • Large and giant print
  • Electronic text
  • Tactile images
  • Accessible sheet music and musical scores

Contact the team on 02922 749668 or 07534 266186 or email [email protected].

To join or find out more about any of the above groups contact our RNIB Northern Ireland Community Connection Team: 

Jonathan Adams

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 07711190440

Jackie Cotton

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 07710066251

Fiona Joyce

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 028 90334105

Mobile 07514 623182

Sharon McClure

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 07951746093

Una Mulgrew

Email: [email protected]

Mobile: 07702 140761

Olive Rodgers 

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 078 0286 5579