RNIB NI Children, young people and
families team
Events April – September 2017
Welcome to our events for end of April – September 2017.
We have tried to ensure we give you plenty of opportunities to
meet other families and share experiences whilst having fun and
learning helpful information.
We ask that you always get in touch to book into each event and
when you have booked but can’t attend, please let a member of
the team know as soon as possible so we can either fill the space
or recoup the cost.
We’re delighted to be working with: Angel Eyes NI, Guide dogs NI,
Sense NI, Tesco community services, Splash Sure Start, SureStart
Newry, Mencap, Belfast Activity Centre and more.
Events
Family fun day - Newry Funhouse
Date: Saturday 29 April, 11.00am – 1.00pm
Venue: Greenbank Industrial Estate, Rampart Road BT34 2QU
Families are invited to come along for a spot of lunch and kids can
go wild in the indoor play area.
For more information and to book, contact Roisin
Albinism Fellowship Information Day
Date: Saturday 29 April, 10.30am – 1.30pm
Venue: RNIB NI, First Floor, Embassy Building, 3 Strand Road,
L'Derry BT48 7BH
These events are a great chance for families and adults with
albinism to get together, share advice and experiences and learn
more about albinism and services available in Northern Ireland.
For more information and to book, contact: Rosaleen
Dempsey on 028 9033 4116 or [email protected]
Family fun day - Cooley Castles, Omagh
Date: Saturday 13 May, 12.00pm – 2.00pm
Venue: 47 Cooley Rd, Sixmilecross, Omagh BT79 0SP
Come along for a day full of bouncy castles, go karting and more.
For more information or to book a place contact Laura
Albinism Fellowship Information Day
Date: Saturday 20 May, 10.30am – 1.30pm
Venue: RNIB NI, Victoria House, 15-17 Gloucester Street, Belfast,
BT1 4LS
These events are a great chance for families and adults with
albinism to get together, share advice and experiences and learn
more about albinism and services available in Northern Ireland.
For more information and to book, contact: Rosaleen
Dempsey on 028 9033 4116 or [email protected]
Air-Tastic – Bangor
Date: Saturday 27 May, 11.00am
Venue: Air – Tastic Units 3-5, South Circular Retail Park,
Newtownards Road, Bangor, BT19 7AG
Come along to Bangor’s indoor trampoline area. Lots of games
and activities to try. Trampolines age 5 and up. Soft play area for
under 5s.
For more information or to book a place contact Laura
Play therapy – Parents’ session
When: Saturday 27 May, 10.00am – 4.30pm
Where: RNIB Victoria House, 15-17 Gloucester Street, Belfast,
BT1 4LS
From time to time every child experiences something frightening,
sad or painful. Difficult feelings can sometimes linger and
resurface. These days there is so much information available
about what helps children develop – but sometimes this
information can be a little scary. We feel ever more pressured as
parents to ‘get it right’.
There are simple but very powerful steps we can take to help our
children to heal from the wounds and disappointments life
sometimes brings. How do we help our children to heal, grow and
move through?
We are delighted that Sinead and Charlene from Play Therapy NI
have agreed to deliver this workshop for us. The workshop is
adults only and plenty of relaxing and recharging is involved along
with the transformational work.
Places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment.
For more information and to book Roisin
Family Weekend for families of children with complex needs
Date: Friday 2– Sunday 4 June
Venue: La Mon Hotel and Country Club, Castlereagh, Belfast
BT23 5RF
This weekend is tailored for families of children with sight loss and
additional complex needs. We will have therapies for the children
to engage in and fun activities for the whole family, whilst offering a
break to parents.
As always, this weekend is very in demand, with only a limited
number of family places so we offer priority to those families who
have yet to attend a weekend. If you have attended a weekend
before but would like to go again, please request to put your name
down but we ask that you understand that you may not get a
place.
For more information and to book Charlene or Roisin by
Friday 5 May.
Note: We will also be running a family weekend in November for
children with complex needs. Please contact Laura for
information.
Stena Line Pirates and Princesses Kids Cruise
Date: Saturday 17 June
Venue: Stena Line Superfast (Belfast to Cairnryan non-landing
return)
Our big summer event this year is something a little different.
Come with us for a big party on the Stena Line Superfast where
children can be pirates and princesses for the day. Faces will be
painted, balloon animals will be squeakily created, there’s dressing
up, arts, puppet shows, party games plus a disco and karaoke that
keeps them bouncing until home-time.
Leaving at 11.30 on the Superfast, they’ll party until we arrive back
in Belfast at 17.45. It’s a fantastic non-landing cruise, perfect for
under 8s, but all are welcome. Places for this event are limited so
book early to avoid disappointment.
For more information or to book a place contact Roisin,
Charlene or Laura
Sensory Kids Play programme (Up to age 19)
Date: Each Wednesday during the month of June, starting 7 June.
Time: 11.00am – 12.30pm
Venue: 70 Broughshane House, Main Street Broughshane BT42
4JA
A four week programme for children with complex needs. Sensory
Kids is a family business set up to help young children with special
needs as well as able-bodied children to enhance their
development.
For more information and to book, contact Charlene
Parents information evenings - Dungannon
Date: Thursday 15 June, 7.00pm
Venue: Ranfurly House, Dungannon
These evenings are aimed at parents who would like to share
concerns or gather knowledge about the different stages involved
in supporting their child. Come along and have a cuppa and a
scone and meet others in a similar situation.
For more information please contact Roisin
Lusty Beg Residential – (Ages 18 to 20)
Date: Friday 16 – Sunday 18 June
Venue: Lusty Beg Island, Ardshankill, Kesh, Enniskillen BT93 8AE
We are inviting you to an action packed weekend, not to be
missed. Activities will include: off-road driving, archery, canoeing,
and team games. We will also be including workshops to provide;
support in career searching and employment, RNIB Connect and
campaigning.
Transport, accommodation, activities and meal costs are covered.
Swimming pool optional. However, bring swimwear and towel as
we will be taking part in water activities.
Please note that we have limited spaces. Newcomers will take
priority
For more information and to book, contact Donna or Danny
Parents information evening - Portadown
Date: Wednesday 21 June, 7.00pm
Venue: Cherrytrees Resource Centre, 1A Edenderry Gardens,
Gilford Road, Portadown BT63 5EA
These evenings are aimed at parents who would like to share
concerns or gather knowledge about the different stages involved
in supporting their child. Come along and have a cuppa and a
scone and meet others in a similar situation.
For more information and to book Roisin
Go Mountain Biking Three Day Course (Ages 11-25)
Dates: Tuesday 4 July – Thursday 6 July
Venue: Belfast Activity Centre, Barnett’s Stable Yard,
Barnett Demesne, Malone Road, Belfast BT9 5PB
Three fun days where you have to opportunity to learn
new skills on a mountain bike and gain a ‘go mountain
biking’ qualification.
For more information or to book, contact Ryan Sturrock
on 028 9032 9373.
NERF Works - (Ages 6 and over)
Date: Friday 7 July, 11.00am - 1.00pm
Venue: NERF Works, 51 Green Road, Ballyclare, BT39 9PH
Blast your way to victory at NERF Works Ballyclare! Let off steam
in the purpose built arena - the only official NERF site in Northern
Ireland!
For more information and to book Charlene or Laura
Watersports Fun Day – (Ages 8 and over)
Date: Saturday 8 July, 11.00am – 2.00pm
Venue: Craigavon Watersports Centre, 1 Lake Road,
Craigavon BT64 1AS
Have a blast testing your water skills by banana boating and
canoeing on this fun day out. Wetsuits and lunch included.
Transport may be provided.
For more information or to book contact Roisin
Jungle NI – (Ages 8 and over)
Date: Tuesday 11 July, 10.30am – 3.00pm
Venue: The Jungle NI, 60 Desertmartin Road, Moneymore,
Magherafelt, BT45 7RB
Come along and enjoy some serious fun and adventure! A great
day out for the family with zorbing in the morning, BBQ for lunch,
then up into the trees we go for a treetop trail.
For more information and to book Charlene
Share Village Residential – (Ages 13 to 17)
Date: Monday 17 – Friday 21 July
Venue: Share Village, Smiths Strand, Lisnaskea, Enniskillen BT92
0JZ
It’s that time of year again. We’re inviting you to a fun-filled week
of activities and workshops. Build on your personal independence,
learn new skills and meet new people.
Activities will include: banana boating, archery, canoeing, arts and
crafts, sports and team games. Workshops will cover: support in
subject choice, career planning and I.T. Swimming pool optional.
However bring swimwear and towel as we will be taking part in
water activities.
*We will also be running a short film making workshop (‘Raising
awareness on issues around sight loss’). If you would like to take
part in only the film making, and not the residential, we will take
names for the one day event.
For more information and to book, contact Donna or Danny
Please note that we have limited spaces. Newcomers will take
priority
Film making with the Realise project - (Ages 13 to 17)
Date: Tuesday 18 or Thursday 20 July
Venue: Share Village, Lisnaskea, Enniskillen BT92 0JZ
This is an excellent opportunity to have fun and learn how to
create a short video using an iphone/ipad. You will be taken
through all the essential stages from generating ideas,
storyboarding, planning and filming to importing and editing,
adding transitions, sound effects and text, to sharing videos on the
internet. In just a few hours, you will gain skills to take away and
apply on your own videos.
We are running this workshop as part of our 13 to 17 year old
residential. If you would like to take part in only the film making,
and not the residential, we will take names for the one day event.
For more information and to register interest, contact Donna
or Danny
Family fun day in Dungannon
Date: Wednesday 19 July, 11.00am – 1.00pm
Venue: Dungannon Funky Monkeys, Oaks Centre, Dungannon
BT71 4NA.
Families are invited to come along for a spot of lunch and kids can
go wild in the indoor play area.
For more information and to book Roisin
Confidence Building Residential – (Ages 10 to 14)
Date: Monday 24 to Wednesday 26 July
Venue: Ardaluin House, Bryansford Road, Newcastle BT33 0LF
This residential offers children the chance to get away and meet
others while learning new skills and having fun. It may be of
particular benefit to children who haven’t been on a residential
before. Transport may be available.
For more information and to book Roisin
Family fun day- Coleraine (Up to age 12)
Date: Thursday 27 July, 11.00am – 1.00pm
Venue: Cheeky Chimps 24 Newmills Road 24 C&D Northbrook
Industrial Estate, Coleraine BT52 2JB
A great family fun day at the soft play with face panting lunch to
end the day
For more information or to book please contact Charlene
Paddling Qualification Three Day Course (Ages 11 to 25)
Date: Monday 31 July – Wednesday 2 August
Venue: Belfast Activity Centre Barnett’s Stable Yard,
Barnett Demesne, Malone Road, Belfast BT9 5PB
An excellent opportunity to enjoy three fun days of paddling
where at the end of it you get a paddling qualification.
For more information or to book contact Ryan Sturrock
on 028 9032 9373.
Movie and popcorn evening - (Ages 7 to 14)
Date: Friday 5 August
Venue: IMC Ballymena, Larne Road Link, Ballymena BT42 3HA
Have a good time watching a movie in the cinema with some
treats. Movie and time to be confirmed closer to date.
For more information or to book please contact Charlene
Share Village Residential - (Ages 10 to 12)
Date: Monday 7 – Friday 11 August
Venue: Smiths Strand, Lisnaskea, Enniskillen BT92 0JZ
It’s that time of year again. We are inviting you to a fun filled week
of activities and workshops. Build on your personal independence,
learn new skills and meet new people.
Activities will include: banana boating, archery, canoeing, arts and
crafts, sports and team games, I.T. workshop.
Swimming pool optional. (However bring swimwear and towel as
we will be taking part in water activities)
For more information and to book, contact Donna or Danny
Please note that we have limited spaces. Newcomers will take
priority.
Summer Schemes
All summer schemes for ages 8 and above.
Movie Making Madness
Lights, Camera, Action!! These three day workshops are an
opportunity to see what it’s like behind the scenes of making a
movie. Plan and develop your story, set the scene and roll the
camera.
Derry/Londonderry
Date: 14 – 16 August
Venue: The Nerve Centre, 7-8 Magazine St, L/Derry BT48 6HJ
Belfast
Date: TBC
Venue: Nerve Belfast, Ulidia Resource Centre, Somerset St,
Belfast BT7 2GS
For more information or to book a place contact Laura
Southern Trust Summer scheme – Newry
Date: 14 – 18 August
Venue: Venue in Newry TBC
This fun five day summer scheme will give our children and young
people the chance to try out different fun activities and make
friends. Activities will include arts and crafts, music, dance,
cooking, and karate to name a few. Transport may be available for
those travelling from outside areas.
To book or for more information please contact Roisin.
** If you would be interested in volunteering at this group or
know someone who would, please get in touch.
Northern Trust Summer scheme - Cookstown
Date: Monday 21- Wednesday 23 August
Venue: Cookstown Leisure Centre, 78 Fourtain Road, Cookstown,
BT80 8QF
This fun three day summer scheme will give our children and
young people the chance to try out different fun activities and
make friends. Activities will include arts and crafts, music, dance,
cooking.
For more information and to book contact Charlene
Family fun day in Portadown
Date: Saturday 16 September, 11.00am – 1.00pm
Venue: Peter Pan’s Neverland, Unit 4 Meadows Retail Park,
Portadown, BT62 3NJ
Families are invited to come along for a spot of lunch and kids can
go wild in the indoor play area.
For more information and to book Roisin
Dundonald fun day
Date: Saturday 16 September, 11.00am - 2.45pm
Venue: Dundonald International Ice Bowl, 111 Old Dundonald Rd,
Belfast BT16 1XT
A great family fun day out ice skating with a bit of lunch and to end
the day a great game bowling.
For more information and to book Charlene or Laura
Johnny Rocco's – Enniskillen
Date: Saturday 23 September, 11.00am
Venue: Johnny Rocco's, 35 Main St, Irvinestown, Enniskillen BT94
1GJ
Join us for a fun filled day of bowling, soft play and go karts.
For more information or to book contact Laura
Roe Park Resort Family Weekend
Date: Friday 6 October – Sunday 8 October
Venue: Roe Park Resort, 10 Lisnakilly Road, Limavady BT49 9FB
This weekend is tailored for children with sight loss and their
families and offers an opportunity to meet with other parents in a
relaxed environment while the kids are entertained with a wide
range of activities. Places on our family weekends are always in
high demand and spaces are limited so please book early. While
priority is given to families who have yet to attend a weekend, we
encourage families to put their names on the waiting list.
For more information or to book contact Laura.
Note: We will also be running an additional family weekend in
November for children with complex needs. Please contact
Laura for information.
Clubs/Groups
Kids Club in Banbridge (Ages 5 and up)
Date: Every second Friday, 7.00pm – 8.30pm
Venue: Tesco Extra Community Room, Bridgewater Retail Park,
Banbridge, Down BT32 4LF
Due to popular demand we are holding our Banbridge kids club
every second Friday. We will have games and crafts, all with a bid
to increase confidence. Numbers are limited.
For more information and to book, contact Roisin
Kids Club in Armagh (Ages 5 and up)
Date: Saturday 6 May
Venue: Market Place Theatre, Armagh BT61 7BW
Following from the success of our Banbridge group we would like
to offer a monthly one in Armagh for children/young people with
sight loss aged 5+ and their siblings.
For more information and to book, contact Roisin
** If you would be interested in volunteering at this group please
get in touch as we are in need of volunteers.
Angel Eyes NI regular clubs and groups
The Saturday Club (Ages 4 to 18 years)
Date: 22 April, 13 May, 3 June, 24 June
Time: 2.00 – 4.00pm
Venue: Jordanstown School, 85 Jordanstown Road,
Newtownabbey, BT37 0QE
Our Saturday club is getting bigger and better. The club offers
families a chance to come together for an afternoon where the
children get a chance to try out new sports, crafts, life skills
including baking and have the fun of making new friendships and
gaining confidence. At the same time, parents get together to hear
a guest speaker or simply to enjoy a bit of peer support and a
chance to talk with Angel Eyes NI’s in-house experts.
Booking essential please email [email protected]
*If you are new to the club, please contact Frances at Angel Eyes
NI on 028 9094 1632 or email [email protected] and we will
send you a one off registration form.
Angel Eyes NI In Tune Music sessions
Our In Tune sessions are very popular. The children meet to
have fun with friends while making music under the guidance
of a variety of musical tutors. Angel Eyes NI staff stay with the
kids to help them join in and access whatever is on offer. It has
proven to be a huge confidence builder!
Date: Saturday 6 May, 2.00pm-4.00pm
Venue: Spectrum Centre, Shankill Road, Belfast BT13 3AA
Date : Saturday 10 June, 2.00pm-4.00pm
Venue: Spectrum Centre, Shankill Road, Belfast BT13 3AA
Date: Tuesday 4 July, Intensive Day 10.30am - 3.00pm
Venue: Spectrum Centre, Shankill Road, Belfast BT13 3AA
Date: August session to be confirmed.
For more information, please contact Angel Eyes NI 028 9094
1632 or email [email protected]
Angel Eyes NI North West Sunday Sports Club
Date: 14 May and 25 June, 2.00 – 3.00 pm
Venue: Foyle Arena, 2 Limavady Road Derry/Londonderry BT47
6JY
Join us for a variety of activities, and our sports day in June.
For more information and to book please contact Angel Eyes
NI on 028 9094 1632 or email [email protected]
Ongoing activities
RNIB NI ongoing one to one sessions
We can provide and refer to a variety of activities and lessons.
If something you are interested in is not listed here please
enquire with a member of the RNIB Children, youth and
families team.
 One to one music classes (under 8)
 One to one swimming classes (under 8)
 One to one music therapy for children with complex needs
For more information, please contact any member of the RNIB
Children and families team.
•
One to one activities – 8 to 16 years
One-to-one lessons in swimming, music, horse riding etc to build
confidence and learn a new skill.
•
One to one Touch typing – 8 to 16 years
These lessons provide an introduction to touch typing.
•
One to one I.C.T. support – 8 to 20 years
I.T. lessons focus on accessibility of PC /Mac/iPad, Microsoft Word
and Excel, and useful apps, tips and tricks to best use your device
to meet your needs.
•
One to one Careers – 13 to 20 years
Subject choice / careers planning / employment support.
 Duke of Edinburgh Award
The Duke of Edinburgh award, run in partnership with RNIB and
Belfast Activity Centre, is currently ongoing. We are now taking
names for the next intake in September 2017.
To express interest in any of the above for ages 8 to 20,
contact Donna.
IFA Weekly Partially sighted Football Club Lisburn
Dates: Saturdays 10.00am – 11.00am (ages 6 to 15)
Wednesdays 7.00pm- 8.00pm (16+)
Venue: Lagan Valley Leisureplex, 18 Lisburn Leisure Park,
Lisburn BT28 1LP
Cost: £2.00 per session
If you have a keen interest in football and are partially sighted then
come along to the weekly group and receive coaching from former
Northern Ireland International player Mal Donaghy. New players
are welcomed each week.
Contact Mal for more info on 078 9461 4325
Parent and tots groups
Please come and join us at a group nearest you. Have a cuppa
and a scone and let the little ones have fun with lots of sensory
toys. Open to children aged 0-4 and their parents/carers.
Parents and Tots - Coleraine
Dates: Thursday 18 May, 15 June, 7 September
Time: 10.30am - 12.30pm
Venue: Cheeky Chimps, 24 Newmills Road, 24 C&D Northbrook
Industrial Estate, Coleraine BT52 2JB
For more information and to book contact Charlene
Dates: 22 April*, 3 June *, 15 July, 26 August, 4 October
* with Time to Play
Time: 11.00am – 1.00pm
Venue: Jordanstown School, 85 Jordanstown Road,
Newtownabbey, BT37 0QE
Saturday Parents and tots club will be running every six weeks
For more information and to book contact Charlene and Paula
at Angel Eyes NI for Time to Play
Parent and Tots - Lurgan
Date: Thursday 25 May, 10.30 – 12.00pm.
Venue: Links, 23a Castle lane, Lurgan, BT 67 9BD
In partnership with Splash SureStart. Come along to this great
space for a fun session with Party Animals NI and meet some of
their furry, spiky and slimy friends.
For more information and to book Roisin
Parents and Tots - Newry
Date: Friday 19 May, Friday 23 June, Monday 11 September
10.30am- 12.00pm
Venue: Orana child and family centre, 2 Warrenpoint Road,
Newry, BT34 2PF
We are excited to be up and running in partnership with SureStart
Newry and Mencap. Each month we have themed sensory
play/music and additional workshops.
For more information and to book contact Roisin
Family Focus Time to Play Groups
A new opportunity for children aged between 0-4 to come together
in a fun environment that provides habilitation assessment and
learning through play. The groups will provide the opportunity to
access specialist help and advice for you and your child through
play, art, music therapy and much more.
The Time to Play groups will feed into the parent and toddler
groups already in operation, where possible. These sessions are in
partnership with Guide Dogs, Blind Children UK (NI), Angel Eyes
NI and Sense and are being facilitated through funding from the
Big Lottery.
For more information please contact:
Angel Eyes NI – Paula Robson 028 9094 1633,
[email protected]
Guide dogs (NI) - 0845 3727 402, [email protected]
Sense - Colette Gray 028 9083 3430
SureStart Dungannon - tailored for children with complex
needs (Led by Sense)
Dates: Last Wednesday of each month, 10.00am – 12.00pm
Venue: Surestart Multisensory room, Ballysaggart Business
Complex, Ballygawley Road, Dungannon BT70 1BS
To book, please contact Michelle O’Neill from Sense on
07572151267
Ballynahinch Home Start
Dates: Thursday 11 May, Thursday 8 June
Time: 10.00am -12.00pm
Venue: Homestart, 10B Lisburn Street, Ballynahinch BT24 8BD
Contact Paula from Angel Eyes NI for further dates and to book.
Belfast Ballynafeigh Community Group
Dates: Friday 21 April, Friday 19 May, Friday 16 June
Time: 10.00am – 12.00pm
Venue: Ballynafeigh Community Building, 283 Ormeau Rd, Belfast
BT7 3GG
Contact Paula from Angel Eyes NI for further dates and to book.
Derry/Londonderry group
Dates: Thursday 4 May and Thursday 1 June
Time: 10.00am-12.00pm
Venue: Waterside Theatre Derry/Londonderry BT47 6BG
Contact Paula from Angel Eyes NI for further dates and to book.
Eglinton – Art Space – SENSE
Date: Tuesday 9 May and Tuesday 13 June
Time: 10.00am – 12.00pm
Venue: Art Space Complex, 3c1, 15 Killylane Rd,
Derry/Londonderry BT47 3DW
Contact Sense on 028 9083 3430 for further dates and to book
Newtownards – Coffee and Chat
Dates: Thursday 27 April, Thursday 25 May and Thursday 22
June
Time: 10.00am – 12.00pm
Venue: Regent Street Methodist Church, Newtownards BT23 4BT
Contact Paula from Angel Eyes NI for further dates and to book
Contact Us
Roisin Meagher – Southern Trust Family Officer
028 9033 4122 or 07939 300 949
Charlene Brunty – Northern Trust Family Officer
028 9033 4117 or 07772 693 446
Laura McCauley – Family Insight Project Coordinator (Belfast,
South Eastern and Western Trust Areas)
028 7122 6323 or 077 1006 6727
Donna McNicholl - Realise Project Coordinator (Ages 8 to 20)
028 7122 9545 or 07889 301 949
Danny Cartin - Realise Project Assistant (Ages 8 to 20)
028 7122 9544
Angel Eyes NI
Paula Robson - Early Years Parent Support (Family Focus
project)
028 9094 1633 or [email protected]
Karen Wilson – Education Advocate (Family Insight project)
028 9094 1634 or [email protected]
Frances Floyd
028 9094 1632 or 07735 059 763
[email protected]
Funded by the Big Lottery in Northern Ireland, Family Insight is a five
year project led by RNIB NI in partnership with Angel Eyes NI.
The Realise project is funded by the Big Lottery
Fund, Empowering Young People Programme
We also gratefully receive funding towards our services from:
© 2017 RNIB Registered charity number 226227