RNIB Children and families event guide Northern IrelandOctober – JanuaryRNIB logo – ‘RNIB’ in black text on white background above pink bar, ‘See Differently’ written below

Welcome to our new-look guide! To discover more about the reasoning behind our new look, logo, and how we’re hoping to help people ‘see differently’, while continuing to support people with sight loss, visit: rnib.org.uk/seedifferently

One off eventsOctoberNorthern Trust Parent information eveningDate: Tuesday 9 October, 7pm-9pmVenue: Ballymena NorthThese 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.To book a place please contact Charlene or Marcella.

Movie and pizza evening – (For all the family)Date: Friday 12 October, 6pmVenue: Pizza Hut Lisburn followed by LisburnOmniplex, Governor’s Road, Lisburn, BT28 1PPMeet up with families over a slice or two of pizza and then it’s off to watch the latest movie. Audio description available. Movie and time to be confirmed closer to date.For more information or to book please contact Roisin.

Charge syndrome information and training dayfor professionalsVenue: SENSE Northern Ireland, MalluskDate: 12 October, 10 – 4pmCharge Syndrome is a rare and complex condition and a leading cause of vision and hearing loss in children. Gail Deuce is a

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consultant in multi-Sensory impairment who specialises in working with children with Charge Syndrome for many years.For more information or to reserve a place contact Joanne.doherty@sense.org.uk or Lori.harkin@sense.org.ukVisit gaildeuceconsultancy.com/charge-syndrome

Charge syndrome information and training day for parentsVenue: SENSE Northern Ireland, MalluskDate: 13 October, 10-3pmCharge Syndrome is a rare and complex condition and a leading cause of vision and hearing loss in children. Gail Deuce is a consultant in multi-Sensory impairment who specialises in working with children with Charge Syndrome for many years.For more information or to reserve a place contact Joanne.doherty@sense.org.uk or Lori.harkin@sense.org.ukVisit gaildeuceconsultancy.com/charge-syndrome

Play Therapy parents’ info sessionVenue: TBCDate: 13 OctoberFrom time to time every child experiences something frightening, sad or painful. Difficult feelings can sometimes linger and resurface. There are simple but very powerful steps we can take as parents to help our children grow and thrive. Plenty of relaxing and recharging is involved along with the transformational work.Places are extremely limited so book early to avoid disappointment. For more information and to book contact the RNIB team.

Parents information evening – DungannonDate: Tuesday 16 October, 7.00pmVenue: The Junction Dungannon (Beside Tesco’s),12 Beechvalley Way, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone, BT70 1BSThese 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. Speaker to be confirmed.For more information and to book contact Roisin.

Need 4 Speed Go Karting (Age 8 and up)Venue: 11 Kilbride Road, Doagh, BT39 0QA

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Date: Saturday 20 October, 2pm – 5pmA great fun day out if you like a bit of speed in your life with a double go kart for those who need one. Also, with a bit of pizza at the end.For more information please contact Charlene or Marcella.

Parents information evening – PortadownDate: Wednesday 24 October, 7.00pmVenue: Cherrytrees Resource Centre, 1A EdenderryGardens, Gilford Road, Portadown BT63 5EAThese 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. Speaker to be confirmed.For more information and to book contact Roisin.

Northern Trust Halloween Fancy Dress PartyVenue: TBCDate: Tuesday 30 OctoberHave fun and thrills at a fancy dress party with games and trick or treats.For more information contact the RNIB team.

Halloween Spooktakular at Armagh PlanetariumDate: Tuesday 30 OctoberVenue: Armagh PlanetariumCome along for some spooky workshops and experience the wonder of the universe with a family friendly.For more info and to book please contact Roisin.

Halloween Family Festival at the Ulster Folk and Transport MuseumDate: Wednesday 31 OctoberVenue: Ulster Folk and Transport MuseumJoin us in celebrating the ancient festival of Hallowe’en with a range of traditional activities. Visitors should come dressed to scare as they embark on a mysterious adventure through the museum’s misty rural dwellings and dark train carriages.For more information and to book Laura.

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NovemberHalloween Party in partnership with SENSEVenue: OmaghDate: Friday 2 NovemberWe’re having a party! Come along for and enjoy a range of activities from story telling, party games and much more.For more information or to book a place contactLaura at RNIB or Lori at SENSE on 07717308767.

World of Wonder play MorningDate: Wednesday 7 November, 11.00amVenue: 75 Belfast Rd, Carrickfergus BT38 8PHA great opportunity to get together again with the kids and have a cuppa yourself and a chat. And a great way for the kids to burn off some energy.To book a place contact Charlene or Marcella.

Family Weekend for Children with sight lossVenue: Roe Park Resort, Limavady, BT49 9FBDate: Friday 23 November – Sunday 25 NovemberAs always, demand for these weekends is very high and places are limited. To ensure everyone has an opportunity to attend, we offer priority to those families who have yet to attend a weekend. If you have attended a weekend before and would like to go again, please still request to put your name down as places may become available but we ask that you understand that you may not get a place.Contact the team for more info or to put your name down.

Movie and popcorn eveningDate: Friday 16 November, time TBCVenue: Larne Rd Link, Ballymena BT42 3HAA great way to spend an evening with the family with a good family movie and popcorn.To book a place please contact Marcella or Charlene.

Funky MonkeysDate: Monday 5 November, 10.30amVenue: Junction One Antrim, BT41 4LL

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A great way to spend an afternoon with other parents and a great way for kids to work off some energy.To book, please contact Marcella.

Parents information Session NewryDate: Tuesday 20 NovemberVenue: Ballybot House, Cornmarket, NewryThese 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. Speaker to be confirmed.For more information and to book Roisin.

December

Visit Santa’s Cottage in the MournesDate: Saturday 1 DecemberVenue: Sandbank Rd, Newry Co Down, BT34 5XXCome and visit Santa’s Cottage and experience for yourself the wonders of the old time Christmas. Every child deserves something special at Christmas. We will visit his cottage, meet his elves and reindeer, visit the igloo and Christmas garden and maybe meet the main man himself. Places are limited.For more information or to book contact the team.

Christmas Pantomime – Peter PanDate: Sunday 2 DecemberVenue: Millennium forum, 3 Newmarket St,L/Derry, BT48 6EBJoin Peter Pan, Wendy and the Darling family on their spine tingling adventures to Neverland where they meet Tinkerbell, Captain Hook, and his murderous motley crew. Peter Pan is packed with fantasy, bucketfuls of fun and amazing stunts. With a powerful mix of music, dance and plenty of audience participation, it’s guaranteed to entertain and delight children of all ages! There will be a touch tour before the show. Places are limited.Contact the RNIB team to book.

Angel Eyes Christmas Pantomime, Alice: The MusicalDate: Sunday 9 December, 1.00pm

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Venue: The Lyric Theatre, 55 Ridgeway St,Belfast BT9 5FBThe Lyric have taken a family classic and added a twist to make a magical musical version of Lewis Carroll’s much-loved classic tale. The performance starts at 1pm and will include a Touch Tour beforehand to meet the characters, hear about the story and get a feel for the props and all the things that bring the story to life.Tickets are £5 each (non-refundable). They are limited and only available to families registered with Angel Eyes NI. Please note that priority will be given to children with a visual impairment when it comes to allocating seats.To book, contact Angel Eyes NI at 028 9094 1632 or info@angeleyesni.org

Jungle NI Christmas Wonderland TrailDate: Saturday 15 December, 9.45amVenue: 60 Desertmartin Road, Moneymore,Magherafelt BT45 7RBThe Jungle’s Christmas Wonderland is the perfect festive family day out and offers something for all ages.For more information or to book a place contact the RNIB team.

Ongoing activities/clubs

RNIB Banbridge Kids Club (Ages 8 and up)Date: Every second Friday, 7.00pm – 8.30pmVenue: Tesco Extra Community Room, BridgewaterRetail Park, Banbridge, Down BT32 4LFDue 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

IFA Weekly Partially Sighted Football ClubDates: Saturdays, 10am-11.00am (Ages 7 to 14)Wednesdays 7.00pm – 8:00pm (Ages15+)Venue: Lagan Valley Leisureplex, 18 Leisure Park, LisburnIf you have a keen interest in football and are partially sighted, come along and participate in our sessions.

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New players are welcomed each week. Sessions include fun games, ball mastery, passing, shooting and small sided games.For more information contact: mal.donaghy@irishfa.com, mobile 07894614325.

Toddler GroupsFamily Focus Time to PlayA new opportunity for children up to four years old to come together in a fun environment that provides assessment and learning 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, Angel Eyes NI, and Sense, with funding from the Big Lottery.For more information please contact Guide Dogs NI 0345 143 0193.

BallynahinchTime: 10am to 12 noonDates: Thursdays – 13 September, 11 October,8 November, 13 December, 10 January, 14 February, 14 March

BanbridgeTime: 10am to 12 noonDate: Fridays – 14 September, 12 October,9 November, 14 December, 11 January, 8 February, 8 March

BelfastTime: 10am to 12 noonDates: Fridays – 21 September, 19 October,16 November, Friday 21st December, Friday 18 January, 15 February, 15 March

BroughshaneTime: 10am to noon or 2pm to 4pmDate: Wednesdays – 12 September, 10 October, 14 November, 12 December, 9 January, 13 February, 13 March

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JordanstownTime: 11am to 1pmDates: Saturdays – 22 September, 27 October,24 November, 22 December, 26 January, 24 February,24 March

Derry/LondonderryTime: TBCDates: Mondays – 1 October, 15 Oct, 29 Oct, 12 November, 26 November, 10 December, 7 January, 21 January, 4 March

SENSE “Touching Lives, Transforming Families” ProjectDate: Every second Wednesday starting 12 SeptemberVenue: Derry/LondonderryThis parent and toddler group is run by SENSE and is for pre-school children with vision and/or hearing loss or complex needs. This is a great opportunity to meet with other families. Activities include, sensory storytime sessions, advice and information sessions and much more.For more information or to book contact Lori on 07717308767

The Realise Project – thank youThe Realise Project is in the midst of its sixth and final year and will be closing in November 2018. We are delighted and very proud of the overwhelming response and success the project has had since its launch in 2013. We would just like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has been involved or participated over the last five and a half years, helping us to provide the best possible service.

It has been a pleasure to see our young people have so much fun, meet new friends, overcome challenges and with the determination to succeed. We hope that the skills, knowledge, confidence and self-belief you have gained over the years will help you along as you make your way through life.

Thank you to all the parents and carers, stakeholders, facilitators and RNIB staff for all your support. Special thanks to the Big Lottery Fund for making Realise possible.

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Although the project is ending we urge our young people and families, to utilise the other support available throughout your communities and within RNIB. We have included some information below on the continued support available with Duke of Edinburgh awards. In addition, the Realise project webpage will be updated throughout the next few months with information and resources you may find beneficial, so please make sure to check this out.

BAC Duke of Edinburgh Open AwardThe Duke of Edinburgh Award has been a very popular and successful aspect of the Realise project, so we are delighted to inform you that this will be still available through the Belfast Activity Centre.

The ‘Duke of Edinburgh’s Open Award’ is a volunteer led initiative supported by BAC for over 20 years. The Open Award programme offers open access to young people who do not have, or may find difficulty accessing the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Programme through other providers.

The BAC Open Award offers programmes for Bronze, Silver and Gold levels. It also includes additional BAC equipment and staff support for expeditions locally and internationally. The Open Award Programme runs by academic year beginning September each year. They will attend evening and weekend training sessions throughout the autumn, winter and spring, completing final expeditions during the summer months.For further information contact Nicola Campbell at Belfast Activity Centre on 028 9060 0132 or email admin@belfastactivitycentre.co.uk

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Contact usRNIBRoisin Meagher – Southern Trust Family Officer028 9033 4122 or 07939 300 949

Charlene Brunty – Northern Trust Family Officer(Part-time, working hours: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday AM)028 9033 4117 or 07772 693 446Marcella Dempsey – Northern Trust Family Officer(Part-time, working hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday AM)028 9033 4117 or 07506 689 795

Laura McCauley – Family Insight Project Coordinator(Belfast, South Eastern and Western Trust Areas)028 9032 9373 or 07710 066 727

Donna McNicholl – Realise Project Coordinator (Ages 8 to 20)028 7122 9545 or 07889 301 449

Angel Eyes NIPaula Robson – (Early Years Parent Support – Family Focus project)028 9094 1633 or paula.robson@angeleyesni.org

Karen Wilson – Education Advocate (Family Insight project)028 9094 1634 or karen.wilson@angeleyesni.org

Frances Floyd028 9094 1632 or 07735 059 763info@angeleyesni.org

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’s Empowering Young People Programme.

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We also gratefully receive funding towards our services from: The Education Authority, Northern Health and Social Care Trust, and Southern Health and Social Care Trust.

RNIB Helpline 0303 123 9999helpline@rnib.org.ukFollow us online:facebook.com/rnibuktwitter.com/RNIByoutube.com/user/rnibukrnib.org.uk

RNIB registered charity in England and Wales (226227), Scotland (SC039316), Isle of Man (1226). Also operating in Northern Ireland.

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