Family Support and Events
RNIB Shape and Share events bring children and young people with a vision impairment and their families together for peer support, to share experiences and take part in fun activities virtually via Microsoft Teams.
Each event offers:
- A chance to meet other families
- Activities, games or crafts for younger children
- Engagement opportunities for young people
- Support, information and discussion for families on a range of topics relating to everyday life at home, education, transitions, social life and leisure, mobility and independence
- Opportunities to have your say, shape and get involved in local and national campaigns
- Information about wider services from RNIB and partner organisations.
All children and young people aged 0-25 with a vision impairment, their siblings, parents and family members are welcome to attend.
There is no cost to attend any of our shape and share events.
Our Children, Young People and Family (CYPF) teams can provide information and advice for parents and young people. Please contact us on cypf@rnib.org.uk or call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999.
2024-25 Event Programme
We have a packed programme of virtual events for 2024-25 to allow families across the UK to get involved, no matter where you are. Each family attending will receive a pack of resources for the event so that you can fully engage in the activities on offer.
These events are aimed at the whole family. If you have queries about the suitability of an event for your child, please contact us.
Please note that during our virtual events we may take screenshot images or recordings of the activities and participants, which may be featured in internal and external RNIB media. This will be fully explained during the event, including how you can opt out and not be featured. Your decision does not in any way affect your involvement in the event and we assure you that we will not use any footage or images without your consent.
Shape and Share – A bug’s life
Date: Saturday 29 June 2024
Time: 10am – 12pm
Come and join us in getting back to nature by creating bug friendly areas in your garden. Whether you want to make somewhere for the worm that lives at the bottom of the garden, a fun setting for an ugly bug ball, or a place for ants like Flik to build a colony, we can help you create the best environment for all bugs to thrive.
Booking deadline: Saturday 7 June 2024
Shape and Share – Wonka’s wild and wonderful workshop
Date: Saturday 13 July 2024
Time: 10.30am – 12.30pm
Come and join us as we pay a visit to Willy Wonka’s famous chocolate store, where we will help him celebrate World Chocolate Day in style. We will create some amazing chocolate treats and immerse ourselves in the colourful, spectacular, magical world of Wonka.
Booking Deadline: Saturday 22 June 2024
Shape and Share – Happy Halloween specials
Creepy and cool Halloween makeup tips
Date: Friday 25 October 2024
Time: 7pm – 8.30pm
In this Halloween session we will explore some spellbinding makeup tricks to turn you into your favourite spooky characters, alongside some great ghoulish goings on.
Booking deadline: Wednesday 9 October 2024
Spooktacular family fun time
Date: Saturday 26 October 2024
Time: 10.30am – 12.30pm
Let us put a spell on you in our spooktacular Halloween party! Join us for some hocus pocus, ‘fangtastic’ fun, and tantalising trick or treats.
Booking deadline: Wednesday 9 October 2024
Shape and Share – A Christmas cracker
Date: Saturday 7 December 2024
Time: 10.30am – 12.30pm
Join us as we start the festive season in style with fun activities to get everyone into the Christmas spirit. A session full of good cheer and festivities, celebrating all things Christmas as only RNIB knows how.
Booking deadline: Saturday 15 November 2024
Shape and Share – pancake party
Date: Saturday 22 February 2025
Time: 10.30am – 12pm
Do you like to toss or flip your pancake? Brush up these skills when you join us to celebrate Shrove Tuesday. We will be mixing and stirring up some delicious treats and exploring weird and wacky toppings to tickle your taste buds.
Booking deadline: Saturday 1 February 2025
Shape and Share – World Book Day
Date: Saturday 8 March 2025
Time: 10.30am – 12.30pm
For all budding bookworms! Let’s celebrate World Book Day together in style. Join us for an amazing adventure: whether you’re a David Walliams, Julia Donaldson or Enid Blyton fan, we will have something for everyone.
Booking deadline: Saturday 15 February 2025
Important note:
Places are limited so to ensure fair access for all families submitting a booking form does not automatically guarantee a place. Submitted forms will be processed by the booking deadline date for the event and confirmations sent out shortly after.
If you need any help and support from our team, or would like us to stay in touch with you, please email us at cypf@rnib.org.uk.
You can also call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or email helpline@rnib.org.uk.
For more information see the pages listed below: