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 FunhouseDate: Saturday 29 April, 11.00am – 1.00pmVenue: Greenbank Industrial Estate, Rampart Road BT34 2QUFamilies 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 – 1.30pmVenue: RNIB NI, First Floor, Embassy Building, 3 Strand Road, L'Derry BT48 7BHThese 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 rosaleen.dempsey@rnib.org.uk

Family fun day - Cooley Castles, Omagh Date: Saturday 13 May, 12.00pm – 2.00pm Venue: 47 Cooley Rd, Sixmilecross, Omagh BT79 0SPCome 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 DayDate: Saturday 20 May, 10.30am – 1.30pmVenue: RNIB NI, Victoria House, 15-17 Gloucester Street, Belfast, BT1 4LSThese 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 rosaleen.dempsey@rnib.org.uk

Air-Tastic – Bangor Date: Saturday 27 May, 11.00am Venue: Air – Tastic Units 3-5, South Circular Retail Park, Newtownards Road, Bangor, BT19 7AGCome 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 – 4.30pmWhere: RNIB Victoria House, 15-17 Gloucester Street, Belfast, BT1 4LSFrom 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 needsDate: Friday 2– Sunday 4 JuneVenue: La Mon Hotel and Country Club, Castlereagh, Belfast BT23 5RFThis 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 CruiseDate: Saturday 17 JuneVenue: 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 – 12.30pmVenue: 70 Broughshane House, Main Street Broughshane BT42 4JAA 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, 7.00pmVenue: Ranfurly House, DungannonThese 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 JuneVenue: Lusty Beg Island, Ardshankill, Kesh, Enniskillen BT93 8AEWe 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 priorityFor more information and to book, contact Donna or Danny

Parents information evening - PortadownDate: Wednesday 21 June, 7.00pmVenue: 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 JulyVenue: Belfast Activity Centre, Barnett’s Stable Yard,Barnett Demesne, Malone Road, Belfast BT9 5PB

Three fun days where you have to opportunity to learnnew skills on a mountain bike and gain a ‘go mountainbiking’ qualification.For more information or to book, contact Ryan Sturrockon 028 9032 9373.

NERF Works - (Ages 6 and over)Date: Friday 7 July, 11.00am - 1.00pmVenue: NERF Works, 51 Green Road, Ballyclare, BT39 9PHBlast 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 – 2.00pmVenue: Craigavon Watersports Centre, 1 Lake Road, Craigavon BT64 1ASHave 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 – 3.00pmVenue: The Jungle NI, 60 Desertmartin Road, Moneymore, Magherafelt, BT45 7RBCome 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 JulyVenue: Share Village, Smiths Strand, Lisnaskea, Enniskillen BT92 0JZIt’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 DannyPlease 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 JulyVenue: Share Village, Lisnaskea, Enniskillen BT92 0JZThis 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 DungannonDate: Wednesday 19 July, 11.00am – 1.00pmVenue: 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 JulyVenue: 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 2JBA great family fun day at the soft play with face panting lunch to end the dayFor more information or to book please contact Charlene

Paddling Qualification Three Day Course (Ages 11 to 25)Date: Monday 31 July – Wednesday 2 AugustVenue: Belfast Activity Centre Barnett’s Stable Yard,Barnett Demesne, Malone Road, Belfast BT9 5PB

An excellent opportunity to enjoy three fun days of paddlingwhere at the end of it you get a paddling qualification.For more information or to book contact Ryan Sturrockon 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 AugustVenue: 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 DannyPlease note that we have limited spaces. Newcomers will take priority.

Summer SchemesAll 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/LondonderryDate: 14 – 16 AugustVenue: The Nerve Centre, 7-8 Magazine St, L/Derry BT48 6HJ

BelfastDate: TBCVenue: 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 AugustVenue: Venue in Newry TBCThis 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 - CookstownDate: Monday 21- Wednesday 23 August Venue: Cookstown Leisure Centre, 78 Fourtain Road, Cookstown, BT80 8QFThis 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 – 1.00pmVenue: Peter Pan’s Neverland, Unit 4 Meadows Retail Park, Portadown, BT62 3NJFamilies 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 dayDate: Saturday 16 September, 11.00am - 2.45pmVenue: Dundonald International Ice Bowl, 111 Old Dundonald Rd, Belfast BT16 1XTA 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 1GJJoin 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 OctoberVenue: 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 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

Kids Club in Armagh (Ages 5 and up)Date: Saturday 6 May Venue: Market Place Theatre, Armagh BT61 7BWFollowing 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 0QEOur 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 info@angeleyesni.org*If you are new to the club, please contact Frances at Angel Eyes NI on 028 9094 1632 or email info@angeleyesni.org 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 guidanceof a variety of musical tutors. Angel Eyes NI staff stay with thekids to help them join in and access whatever is on offer. It hasproven 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 info@angeleyesni.org

Angel Eyes NI North West Sunday Sports ClubDate: 14 May and 25 June, 2.00 – 3.00 pmVenue: Foyle Arena, 2 Limavady Road Derry/Londonderry BT47 6JYJoin 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 info@angeleyesni.org

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 yearsThese 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 yearsSubject choice / careers planning / employment support.

Duke of Edinburgh AwardThe 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 1LPCost: £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 groupsPlease 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 - ColeraineDates: Thursday 18 May, 15 June, 7 September Time: 10.30am - 12.30pmVenue: Cheeky Chimps, 24 Newmills Road, 24 C&D Northbrook Industrial Estate, Coleraine BT52 2JBFor more information and to book contact Charlene

Dates: 22 April*, 3 June *, 15 July, 26 August, 4 October * with Time to PlayTime: 11.00am – 1.00pmVenue: Jordanstown School, 85 Jordanstown Road, Newtownabbey, BT37 0QESaturday Parents and tots club will be running every six weeksFor more information and to book contact Charlene and Paula at Angel Eyes NI for Time to Play

Parent and Tots - LurganDate: Thursday 25 May, 10.30 – 12.00pm.Venue: Links, 23a Castle lane, Lurgan, BT 67 9BDIn 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 - NewryDate: Friday 19 May, Friday 23 June, Monday 11 September 10.30am- 12.00pmVenue: Orana child and family centre, 2 Warrenpoint Road, Newry, BT34 2PFWe 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, paula.robson@angeleyesni.orgGuide dogs (NI) - 0845 3727 402, Belfast@guidedogs.org.uk 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 1BSTo book, please contact Michelle O’Neill from Sense on 07572151267

Ballynahinch Home StartDates: Thursday 11 May, Thursday 8 JuneTime: 10.00am -12.00pm Venue: Homestart, 10B Lisburn Street, Ballynahinch BT24 8BDContact Paula from Angel Eyes NI for further dates and to book.

Belfast Ballynafeigh Community Group Dates: Friday 21 April, Friday 19 May, Friday 16 JuneTime: 10.00am – 12.00pmVenue: Ballynafeigh Community Building, 283 Ormeau Rd, Belfast BT7 3GGContact Paula from Angel Eyes NI for further dates and to book.

Derry/Londonderry groupDates: Thursday 4 May and Thursday 1 JuneTime: 10.00am-12.00pmVenue: Waterside Theatre Derry/Londonderry BT47 6BGContact Paula from Angel Eyes NI for further dates and to book.

Eglinton – Art Space – SENSEDate: Tuesday 9 May and Tuesday 13 JuneTime: 10.00am – 12.00pm Venue: Art Space Complex, 3c1, 15 Killylane Rd, Derry/Londonderry BT47 3DWContact Sense on 028 9083 3430 for further dates and to book

Newtownards – Coffee and ChatDates: Thursday 27 April, Thursday 25 May and Thursday 22 JuneTime: 10.00am – 12.00pmVenue: Regent Street Methodist Church, Newtownards BT23 4BTContact Paula from Angel Eyes NI for further dates and to book

Contact UsRoisin Meagher – Southern Trust Family Officer 028 9033 4122 or 07939 300 949

Charlene Brunty – Northern Trust Family Officer028 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 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, Empowering Young People Programme

We also gratefully receive funding towards our services from:

© 2017 RNIB Registered charity number 226227