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RNIB NI

@rnibni.bsky.social
115 followers 117 following 46 posts

We're the Royal National Institute of Blind People in Northern Ireland and we support people living with sight loss. Our Profile image shows the text RNIB Northern Ireland on a white background above a pink line with the words see differently beneath.

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RNIB NI @rnibni.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
RNIB NI is on the Move! We have moved out of our Victoria House office in Belfast. We’re still here for everyone affected by sight loss. Our Products and Advice Centre appointments will move online & all other services will continue as normal. Email: rnibni@rnib.org.uk or call: 0303 123 9999
Image shows a group of RNIB NI volunteers and campaigners posing for a photo in Belfast city centre. There are 13 people, guide dog Waffle and four white canes.
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RNIB NI @rnibni.bsky.social · 31/12/2025
This is the energy everyone needs to take into 2026. Adding alt text always set to 'on'🥳 #HappyNewYear #2026 #NewYear #NewYearsEve
Two iPhone style sliders, like the ones where you turn reminders on and off. The slider at the bottom is black and set to an ‘Off’ position. It says “2025: No alt text.” The slider at the top is green and set to the ‘On’ position. It says: “2026: Adding alt text.”
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RNIB NI @rnibni.bsky.social · 29/12/2025
Join with over 1500 people with sight loss, friends and allies in our Northern Ireland Facebook group: facebook.com/groups/RNIBConnectNI Find out about upcoming events, get help with any queries about new tech, and feel part of something bigger!
facebook.com
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RNIB NI @rnibni.bsky.social · 09/12/2025
Minister Gordon Lyons has launched the consultation on the NI Executive’s Disability Strategy. RNIB NI said: “We want to ensure lived experience of sight loss is central to the shaping, implementation and review of this strategy.” A 14 week consultation is now open: bit.ly/490E15G
Image shows @communities_ni Minister @gordonlyonsmla1 pictured with Deena Nimick from the Centre for Independent Living Northern Ireland and Paula Beattie from RNIB at the launch of the consultation of the Executive Disability Strategy.
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RNIB NI @rnibni.bsky.social · 11/11/2025
In episode 3 of the RNIB NI Podcast, Mike Farrar, NI Permanent Secretary at the Department of Health joins us for a fascinating discussion and as November is #DiabetesAwarenessMonth Suzy Hull from Diabetes UK NI talks about the importance of screening. audioboom.com/posts/880132...
audioboom.com
RNIB NI Podcast episode 03 Health is Horizontal
Welcome to the RNIB NI Podcast episode 3. Listen up, speak up, break down barriers.
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RNIB NI @rnibni.bsky.social · 28/10/2025
Our next Tech Support Hub will take place on Tuesday 4 November in our Victoria House, Belfast office. Drop in between 11am and 1pm with your device and any tech related queries and we can hopefully help. www.rnib.org.uk/living-with-sight-l…
rnib.org.uk
Getting started with technology
If you're affected by sight loss, we're here for you
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RNIB NI @rnibni.bsky.social · 24/10/2025
Tune into That's TV tonight to listen to Joe and Laura talk about the RNIB NI Technology Fair 2026! Watch That's TV on Freeview channel 7 and Virgin Media channel 159.
This image shows Joe and Laura in front of the TV camera being interviewed about Tech Fair 2025. Behind the camera sits the journalist and behind Joe and Laura is a wall in the RNIB NI Belfast conference room displaying the words 'Breaking down barriers for people with sight loss'
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RNIB NI @rnibni.bsky.social · 17/10/2025
Visitor registration is now open for the 2026 RNIB Northern Ireland Technology Fair! We hope to see you there! RNIBTechFair26.eventbrite.co.uk More info on confirmed exhibitors and Tech Talk speakers to come soon! Please share the word!
rnibtechfair26.eventbrite.co.uk
RNIB NI Technology Fair 2026
This unique event connects blind and partially sighted people with technological solutions that help maintain and increase independence
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RNIB NI @rnibni.bsky.social · 16/10/2025
We loved listen to Professor Mark Taylor, Regional Clinical Director for Elective Care, speaking at #NICON25 today. He certainly had an interesting approach to chairing a panel on Waiting Lists lol!
Image shows Professor Mark Taylor, Regional Clinical Director for Elective Care standing at the lectern at the NICON conference holding a saw up
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RNIB NI @rnibni.bsky.social · 16/10/2025
@dannydonnelly1.bsky.social, MLA and member of the APGVI, at the #NICON25 waiting lists session. He mentioned that one of his top 3 priorities is 'waiting well', which is great to hear
Image shows Danny Donnelly sitting in stage as part of a panel discussion with two women on either side of him
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RNIB NI @rnibni.bsky.social · 16/10/2025
We were delighted get a chat with @philipmcguigan.bsky.social, MLA, Chair of the NI Health Committee at #NICON25 RNIB NI’s Gillian and Mary Alice spoke to Mr McGuigan about the heath issues facing blind and partially sighted people, including issues around waiting lists! Great to have his support
Image shows RNIB NI’s Gillian Clifford and Mary Alice Clancy standing with Mr Philip McGuigan, MLA, Chairperson of the NI Health Committee. The trio stand between the RNIB table and the Committee for Health standImage is a zoomed in shot of Mr McGuigan’s wrist wearing an RNIB branded bracelet as he speaks on the panel
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RNIB NI @rnibni.bsky.social · 16/10/2025
Sir Stephen Marmot, whose work on health inequalities underpins everything you'll hear from DoH, particularly on fuel poverty #NICON25
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RNIB NI @rnibni.bsky.social · 14/10/2025
We're looking forward to joining other health and social care professionals at #NICON25 to explore how we can work collectively to stabilise, reform and deliver Health and Social Care for the future. We'll be talking: waiting times, *accessible* information and early intervention #EyeCareWeCare
White text on pink and blue background: Standing with you through every challenge
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RNIB NI @rnibni.bsky.social · 22/09/2025
It’s National Eye Health Week, time to book an eye test if you’re due one 🗓 Regular eye tests are an important health check for your eyes, even if you have no current problems with your vision. Over 50 per cent of sight loss is avoidable. Get checked out. Your eyes will love you, and so will we.
“It’s recommended to have an eye test at least every two years”. A yellow graphic with black text. Below is an image of a calendar with ‘Eye test!’ circled on 25 September.
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RNIB NI @rnibni.bsky.social · 10/09/2025
Have you heard of Camel Case? It's a hashtag convention referring to capitalising the first letter of each word in a hashtag, ensuring they are read out correctly by screen readers and easier to read visually. Find out more about making your social media accessible. bit.ly/4cw04zS
bit.ly
How to make your social media accessible
If you're affected by sight loss, we're here for you
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RNIB NI @rnibni.bsky.social · 05/09/2025
We are excited to announce that our PR and Communications Manager Laura Cummings has been asked to speak about Social media accessibility at this year's #SocialMediaBelfast conference on Thursday, 11 Sept. Everyone should be able to join the online conversation!
This image is a graphic with head and shoulders shot of Laura on the right surrounded by social media logos. On the left, text reads, 'Social Media Conference, Belfast. Laura Cummings, PR and Communications Manager, RNIB Northern Ireland. 11.09.25. Titanic, Belfast
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RNIB NI @rnibni.bsky.social · 05/09/2025
🚧Pavement parking, uneven streets, obstacles like bin bags, overhanging branches, and electric bikes and e-scooters. There are an increasing number of obstacles which can stop blind and partially sighted people from walking around safely and confidently. t.co/pSCfEdgJ2z
“92% of blind and partially sighted people have had to walk into the road to avoid street obstacles”. Graphic with a car outline and a line to represent a road.
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RNIB NI @rnibni.bsky.social · 04/09/2025
Here's some tips to make social media content accessible for your blind and partially sighted followers: 1. Add alt text to images 2. Use only 1-2 emojis per post 3. Ensure videos are audio-led or have audio descriptions 4. Write hashtags in Camel Case For more, visit rnib.in/AccessibleSocialMedia
Smiley face on yellow background with white pink on pink background below reading: How to make blind and partially sighted people happy on social media - A quick and easy guide
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RNIB NI @rnibni.bsky.social · 03/09/2025
It’s here! Episode 1 of the new RNIB NI Podcast Listen up, speak up, break down barriers. We’ve called this first episode ‘Disability is a team sport’, hosts Joe Kenny and Micheal Smith discuss RNIB NI’s key campaigns and we hear from Country Director for NI Robert Shilliday. bit.ly/4lY8apw
Image shows a photo of podcast hosts Joe and Micheal sitting in the recording studio smiling at the camera. there’s a pink banner at the top and bottom with wite writing at the top reads ‘It’s the new ‘RNIB NI Podcast’!’
Wording at the bottom reads ‘Listen up, speak up, break down barriers.’
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RNIB NI @rnibni.bsky.social · 29/08/2025
Got a question about sight loss or want to know more about RNIB support services? Call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999. Open Monday to Friday, 9am – 6pm. Email helpline@rnib.org.uk or say: "Alexa, call RNIB Helpline" Our specialist Helpline team are waiting for your call. www.rnib.org.uk/helpline
rnib.org.uk
RNIB Helpline
If you're affected by sight loss, we're here for you
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RNIB NI @rnibni.bsky.social · 28/08/2025
Coming to Ballymena Central Library on Thursday 18 September - Would you like to get more confident with using a smartphone or tablet? Find out about free one to one sessions through 'Go ON NI'. To register interest contact: daniel.mccurdy@librariesni.org.uk or Ballymena library on 028 2563 3950
Over shoulder image of someone being shown how to use a tablet computer
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RNIB NI @rnibni.bsky.social · 27/08/2025
Discover RNIB’s Belfast Products and Advice Centre. We're here to help you live independently and confidently. Try accessible products Get free expert advice Book a demo or consultation Invite us to your local event #RNIBNI #SeeDifferently #RNIBProductsAndAdviceCentre shop.rnib.org.uk/stores
shop.rnib.org.uk
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RNIB NI @rnibni.bsky.social · 26/08/2025
#RNIBBookshare enables learners who cannot read standard print, including those with dyslexia or who are blind or partially sighted, to read the same books, at the same time as their peers. Find out how to get access for the school year ahead today #InclusiveEducation www.rnibbookshare.org
rnibbookshare.org
Home - RNIB Bookshare
RNIB Bookshare opens up the world of reading in education for learners with a print-disability, including those with dyslexia or who are blind or partially sighted.
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RNIB NI @rnibni.bsky.social · 23/08/2025
Did you know that you can set up a reminder to add Alt Text on BlueSky? Just go to Settings, then Accessibility and make sure "Require alt text before posting" is toggled on - it’s a handy way to make sure you never forget, and it helps blind and partially sighted people to enjoy your posts!
Photo of two young children sitting at table holding their glasses of juice up to 'cheers' and smiling. White Text on bright pink background below reads 'Happy Saturday!', with confetti popper graphics bursting in each bottom corner towards the centre
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RNIB NI @rnibni.bsky.social · 22/08/2025
Curious about making your iPhone or iPad more user-friendly? Join us on 9 or 16 September at the Belfast Apple Store for hands-on workshops to discover tools like Voiceover (9 Sept), Zoom, Spoken Content, Magnifier, and more! To reserve your spot contact fiona.joyce@rnib.org.uk or 07514 623182
Group of approx 6 people of various ages round table at previous Apple store session with phones and tablets out listening to Apple store genius
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RNIB NI @rnibni.bsky.social · 21/08/2025
#Ballyclare
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Reposted by RNIB NI
Age NI @age-ni.bsky.social · 21/08/2025
Did you catch our Head of Advice Brenda Kearns on UTV Northern Ireland last night ➡️ www.itv.com/news/utv/202... If you or a loved one has questions about top up fees for nursing or residential care, call our advice line 0808 808 7575 or visit our website www.ageni.org/advice
itv.com
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RNIB NI @rnibni.bsky.social · 20/08/2025
We love helping people find the joy in being together. Our 18-35s group had another fab day at Hillsborough Castle Gardens last week. We've karaoke coming up next month on 27th September. If you fancy joining the craic, contact fiona.joyce@rnib.org.uk. The more the merrier!
 Photo shows 13 smiling group members sitting on the grass and picnic blankets at Hillsborough gardens with sun shining and shades on
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RNIB NI @rnibni.bsky.social · 05/08/2025
The #GrandOperaHouse in #Belfast is running an audio described heritage talk on Wednesday 13 August,12.30pm - cost £5. Learn about what happens backstage during a performance and explore the symbolism of the elephants, stars and other decorative features in the auditorium. To book, call 02890271919
Old black and white drawing of the 'Grand Opera House and Cirque' as it was then known, circa 1895 on its opening. Image shows horse and carraiges passing in front, entrance is on the corner of Glengall street with entrances showing 'Dress Circle', 'stalls and boxes', upper circle.
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RNIB NI @rnibni.bsky.social · 04/08/2025
Another month, another chance to share our programme of activities happening across NI. From walking and talking, to paddle boards and picnics, it’s all going on. Visit our website and if something takes your fancy, just get in touch. #OutAndAbout #WhatsOnInNI #RNIB www.rnib.org.uk/nations/nort...
rnib.org.uk
RNIB NI Community Connection
If you're affected by sight loss, we're here for you
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RNIB NI @rnibni.bsky.social · 25/07/2025
If someone you care about is worried about their eyes, waiting for an appointment with an eye specialist or has found out they have an eye condition, there’s lots of ways you can support them. From top tips to practical advice, we can help you offer your support. www.rnib.org.uk/living-with-...
rnib.org.uk
Supporting a loved one with an eye condition
If you're affected by sight loss, we're here for you
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RNIB NI @rnibni.bsky.social · 17/07/2025
Join us for a session on Accessible technology at the Belfast Apple Store on Wednesday 23 July, 11am. Registration essential. Contact: fiona.joyce@rnib.org.uk or mobile: 07514 623182
Group of approx 8 people sit round large table in the Apple store holding their phones and tablets as Apple colleague talks through accessibility options
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RNIB NI @rnibni.bsky.social · 28/06/2025
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the relaunch of our Products and Advice Centre on Thursday. It was wonderful to see so many through the door. If you need advice or have queries about the RNIB product range, call 028 9033 4110.
Image shows: RNIB volunteer Melanie Stewart, RNIB Products Co-Ordinator Louise Kenny, Managing Director of Enterprises Daphne Mavroudi-Chocholi, Chief Financial Officer Kathryn Sherratt, chair of RNIB trustees Anna Tylor, and Director of RNIB in Northern Ireland, Robert shilliday.
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RNIB NI @rnibni.bsky.social · 09/06/2025
Call into celebrate the relaunch of RNIB’s Products and Advice Centre Belfast. Thursday 26 June from 10am to 3pm. Our stores have a new name, but the great range of products and customer care is still the same. Browse the range of RNIB products and grab a some time in one of our advice clinics.
Image shows two people at a table looking at an item of technology. Text reads Celebrate the relaunch of RNIB's Products and Advice Centre Belfast on Thursday 26 June.
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RNIB NI @rnibni.bsky.social · 03/06/2025
This week is #VolunteersWeek and we wanna say a big thank you to all our volunteers. Raena, a medical student from Queen’s University Belfast, volunteered at our RNIB Tech Fair in Feb: “The experience deepened my appreciation for the daily challenges faced by individuals with visual impairments.”
Image shows four rows of our amazing RNIB volunteers in pink t-shirts standing on the steps of the Lagan Valley Island Island Centre during our RNIB Tech Fair in February 2025.
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RNIB NI @rnibni.bsky.social · 21/05/2025
Hello Belfast! RNIB's important message about using Alt Text is now live on billboards across three busy Belfast hotspots. Have you seen them? Our PR Manager Laura went on a billboard treasure hunt and was delighted with herself at finding this one loud and proud on Belfast's Upper Newtownards Road
Here's Laura in front of the billboard, arms outstretched upwards towards the billboard. Laura is wearing her pink RNIB T-Shirt and is smiling set against some cool graffiti art on the wall. The billboard text reads, 'No one deserves to be left out Without alt text, people with sight loss can’t join the conversation online. Image descriptions make posts accessible and help everyone feel included.' The billboard shows an image of an Instagram photo that is distorted with a filter depicting how it might be visible to someone with Diabetic Retinopathy.
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RNIB NI @rnibni.bsky.social · 16/05/2025
It can feel uncomfortable talking about your sight loss. But you’re not alone and we’re here to talk. Our counselling team are a group of professional accredited telephone and online counsellors. so find out more about our confidential counselling service here: www.rnib.org.uk/living-with-...
[Image description: “RNIB Sight Loss Counsellor incoming call” is displayed on a dark grey mock up of a phone screen, on a yellow background. The RNIB See Differently logo is in a circular caller ID icon in the middle. Below are the red ‘Decline’ and green ‘Accept’ call buttons.]
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RNIB NI @rnibni.bsky.social · 15/05/2025
Thanks to the guys at Apple Store Belfast for hosting another of their inspiring tech sessions on Apple VoiceOver. On Global Accessibility Awareness Day let's recognise how much tools like screen readers and magnification help make devices more accessible to people with sight loss. #GAAD #AppleStore
Photo shows a group of men and women sitting around the table with their iphones with Andy and Donna from the Apple Store demonstrating VoiceOver.
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RNIB NI @rnibni.bsky.social · 12/05/2025
This #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek we're talking about courses available from @RNIB. Steff from Belfast attended a Focus on Health & Wellbeing Course: "We discussed support like counselling and I particularly enjoyed the meditation." Call RNIB's Helpline on 0303 1239999 www.rnib.org.uk/events-and-c...
rnib.org.uk
Events and courses
If you're affected by sight loss, we're here for you
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RNIB NI @rnibni.bsky.social · 07/05/2025
RNIB research finds up to two fifths of new mothers with sight loss said that they encountered misconceptions from medical professionals about sight loss either during pregnancy or in the early stages of motherhood. www.opticianonline.net/content/news...
opticianonline.net
RNIB reveals barriers faced by mothers with sight loss - Optician Online
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RNIB NI @rnibni.bsky.social · 06/05/2025
Did you know that we have our very own Radio station featuring content from blind and partially sighted presenters? @RNIBradio.bsky.social broadcasts 24/7. Enjoy a mix of information, entertainment and interviews hosted by our blind and partially sighted presenters. www.rnib.org.uk/connect-radio/
rnib.org.uk
RNIB Connect Radio
If you're affected by sight loss, we're here for you
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RNIB NI @rnibni.bsky.social · 17/04/2025
Whether you’re new to sight loss or want info on how cooking in the kitchen can be made easier? take a look at our blog ‘six ways to adapt your kitchen’ on the RNIB Shop webpage. Loads of ideas and inspiration here on how to make the kitchen more accessible. shop.rnib.org.uk/blogs/news/s... #RNI
shop.rnib.org.uk
Six ways to adapt your kitchenAmerican ExpressApple PayDiners ClubDiscoverGoogle PayMaestroMastercardPayPalShop PayUnion PayVisa
Whether you’re adapting to sight loss, or starting to find your way around cooking for yourself, there’s plenty of ways you can adapt your kitchen to make cooking easier. 1. Good lighting If you have ...
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RNIB NI @rnibni.bsky.social · 16/04/2025
We love this!
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RNIB NI @rnibni.bsky.social · 16/04/2025
We think it would be great if all social media content was accessible to blind and partially sighted people? On big step is to always provide an alt-text description of your photos here on BlueSky. It takes a few seconds but means that a person who can't see the image knows what's going on!
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RNIB NI @rnibni.bsky.social · 14/04/2025
Only a few spaces left now for our focus group to inform and develop Northern Ireland’s next Disability Strategy. David Man and RNIB’s Micheal Smith share some thoughts on why you should register for our online meeting on Wednesday 16 April from 2pm. To register email campaignsni@rnib.org.uk.
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Reposted by RNIB NI
RNIB Connect Radio @rnibradio.bsky.social · 14/04/2025
RNIB has recently undergone a 10-month Transformation Programme. In his weekly update CEO Matt Stringer tells Allan Russell why the programme was necessary and what the changes will mean for staff and customers.
audioboom.com
UK Sight Loss Charity Transforms Its Operations
The UK’s leading sight loss charity, RNIB, has recently undergone a 10 month Transformation Programme.
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RNIB NI @rnibni.bsky.social · 11/04/2025
We’re RNIB in Northern Ireland and we’re delighted to be here on #Bluesky Just saying hello for now! If you need to call us RNIB Helpline is 0303 123 9999 and check out our website at www.rnib.org.uk/northernIreland
rnib.org.uk
Northern Ireland
If you're affected by sight loss, we're here for you
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