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. In line with current Covid guidance we are re-starting some outdoor activities. 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!
RNIB Northern Ireland Community Connection Programme January 2022
Tuesdays
Read Aloud Bangor – 11am to 1pm - organised by Joe Bourke – via phone, all welcome. Contact: [email protected]. Mobile: 07702 140761
Phone group – 2pm to 2.55pm - facilitated by Heather Owens - A social shared phone group for a chat about anything and everything. Contact: [email protected]. Mobile: 07702 140761
VI Judo Return to the Mats – 10am to 11am, Senshi BJJ Dojo, above Gordons Chemist, New Row Coleraine. Open to new interest. £10 per session. Contact:[email protected]. Mobile: 07711190440
Boccia in Derry – 9.25am, Foyle Arena (Meet Coach Shona at Front Entrance Foyer) Booking required. Contact: [email protected] .Mobile: 07979281316
HAM Radio group (monthly) facilitated by Lynette Elliott - Tuesday 11 January from 8pm to approx. 9.30pm via Zoom for a chat about HAM Radio. Contact: [email protected]. Mobile:: 07702 140761
Cookery Club (monthly) - Tuesday 25 January, 2pm to 4pm via Microsoft Teams. Cook along in your own home or just listen in. Facilitated by a group member. Contact: [email protected]
Wednesdays
Phone group facilitated by Robin Manson – 10am to 11am. A social shared phone group for a chat about anything and everything. Contact: [email protected]. Mobile: 07702 140 761
Post card ART, In partnership with Arts Care (8 sessions) – 2pm to 3.30pm, via Zoom. Session 5 of 8. Write a short piece and add a picture to produce a postcard under direction of our tutor Grainne Kielty. All equipment supplied so registration necessary. Contact: [email protected]. Mobile: 07951 746 093
Boccia Group, from 12 January (in partnership with DSNI). 2.15pm to 3:30pm at Coleraine West Community Centre, 40 The Ropewalk, Coleraine. Contact: [email protected]. Mobile: 07711190440
Let’s talk Soccer. 2pm to approx. 3.15pm. Facilitated by Ken Carson via Microsoft Teams. Contact: [email protected]. Mobile: 07702 140761
Gogglebox Group. 4pm to 4.55pm. A Microsfot Teams chat about the latest TV, movies and box sets. Contact: [email protected]. Mobile: 02890 334105
Looking Ahead Group. Wednesday 12 January 2022, 2pm to 4pm. Social group meeting in Duncairn Community centre with a focus on craftmaking. Contact: [email protected]
Ards brunch (monthly). Wednesday 19 January, 11am to 12.15pm. Facilitated by Una Mulgrew, at Regency Café, Newtownards. Contact: [email protected]. Molbile: 07702 140761
LGBTQ+ Teams talk (UK wide). Third Wednesday of the month: Wednesday 19 January from 6.30pm. A social shared phone group for a chat about anything and everything. Contact: [email protected]. Mobile: 07702 140761
Thursdays
Phone group facilitated by Alan Owens. 2pm to 2.55pm. A social shared phone group for a chat about anything and everything. Contact: [email protected]. Mobile: 07702 140761
Phone group facilitated by Sharon McClure. 2pm to 2.55pm. A social shared phone group for a chat about anything and everything. Contact: [email protected]. Mobile: 07951746093
VI Gaming chat. 4pm to 5pm on Microsoft Teams. A social group for a chat about gaming. Contact: [email protected]
Shared phone group. 3pm to 4pm. A social shared phone group for a chat about anything and everything. Contact: [email protected]. Phone: 028 90334105
Newcastle Community Connection. Thursday 27 January. 11.30pm to 1pm. Contact [email protected]
Fridays
Swim Group. Valley Leisure Centre, Newtownabbey. 9.15am to 11.30am. Contact: [email protected]. Mobile: 07951 746093.
West Belfast Walk (organised by Disability sports NI). 10.30am to 12pm, usually followed by coffee in local café. Restricted numbers so please pre-book your place. Contact: [email protected]. Mobile: 07464 146128.
Page Turners creative writing group (facilitated by Waterways Festival). Friday 14 January, 10am to 12pm. Divis community centre, Belfast. Registration required. Contact: [email protected].
Saturdays
VI Judo Return to the Mats (Coleraine). 9.15am to 11am. Senshi BJJ Dojo, above Gordons Chemist, New Row Coleraine. £10 per session. Open to new interest. Contact:[email protected]. Mobile: 07711 190440.
Special events
Visit to Ulster Museum, Botanic. Tuesday 18 January, 2pm to 3pm. Discover history and nature. Sessions facilitated by museum staff. Limited numbers. Contact: [email protected]
Bowel screening information session with WEA. Friday 28 January, 10am to 11am via Microsoft Teams. Contact: [email protected]