Angel Eyes NI

19/03/2026

Angel Eyes NI Parent information session.

Calling all new and existing families.

Join Family support coordinator Lisa online for a parent information session.

Come along and hear about our current services and support available to you and your child/young person.

This is the perfect opportunity to also meet and connect with other parent/carers.

We look forward to welcoming existing and new families.

When: 25/3/2026
Time: 8pm
Where: online via zoom.

To book in and receive the zoom link please contact Lisa Allen.

Lisa.allen@angeleyesni.org
07546970883

Image one shows: Two children enjoying musical instruments.
Image two shows: A family VR session.
Image Three shows: Children decorating cookies.

18/03/2026

This Saturday, an amazing group of children and young people will be taking on an indoor climbing challenge in aid of Angel Eyes NI!

They’re pushing themselves to new heights for a fantastic cause—so let’s show them our support!

If you can, please consider making a donation and help make a real difference. Every contribution counts, no matter how big or small.

Let’s get behind them and cheer them all the way to the top!

https://localgiving.org/fundraising/climbingfundraiser

16/03/2026

Last chance to sign up for our SEAG Access Arrangements (Vision-specific) Webinar
19th March 2026
8:00pm – 9:15pm

Is your child currently in P5 or P6?

Are you beginning to think about the SEAG Entrance Assessment?

Are they likely to require Access Arrangements for their vision to sit the SEAG Entrance Assessment?

If so, this webinar is a vital first step for parents of children with vision impairments who are preparing for the SEAG (Schools’ Entrance Assessment Group) transfer tests.

Join our Education Advocate, Sarah Mathison, for an interactive online session designed specifically for parents and carers.


Register now: sarah.mathison@angeleyesni.org

13/03/2026

Last chance to book into Saturday Club Family Pampering Mothers Day Event
21st March in Belfast.

Join us for a day of:
•accessible yoga for children
• arts and crafts
•taster of reflexology for parent carers
•tai chi for parent carers
• Afternoon Tea

Session 1 at 1.15pm for aged 0-8 or
Session 2 at 2.30pm for 8 and over

Booking is essential so please contact Janine on 07746179463 or email janine.dougan@angeleyesni.org

This accessible family event is part of our Special Eyes project which is funded by The National Lottery Community Fund Northern Ireland.

The picture shows a display of sandwiches and scones.

12/03/2026

Money Skills Workshop – Ages 12+
Thursday 9th April in Belfast
10:00am – 3:30pm

Join us for a fun and practical day focused on building confidence with money!
This interactive workshop will help young people learn how to:
Order and pay for items independently in a café setting
Save Money
Example to manage a budget, e.g. pocket money or birthday money
Understand the difference between needs and wants

Throughout the day, young people will take part in hands-on activities and real-life practice, including the opportunity to visit our onsite cafe, order what they would like from the menu, and pay for it themselves — and of course eat it! building independence and confidence in everyday situations.
This session is designed to support young people aged 12+ with vision impairment and additional needs in a supportive, encouraging environment.

Spaces are limited — please get in touch via Rebecca to find out more!

12/03/2026

Rare Disease Day 2026

Last Saturday we were honoured to attend Northern Ireland Rare Disease Conference in the Ebrington Hotel, Derry.

We were delighted to host a stall promoting the services that we offer for children and young people in Northern Ireland affected by a rare disease that has an impact on their vision.

We heard from a range of presenters and organisations that offer support across Northern Ireland.

If your child has a rare disease that has an impact on their vision, get in touch with a member of our team: info@angeleyesni.org



Picture 1 shows Sarah Mathison at the Angel Eyes NI stand at the conference
Picture 2 shows the Conference brochure
Picture 3 shows the screen at the conference promoting Angel Eyes services

11/03/2026

We’re excited to share two upcoming Accessible Technology Events this April 💻

2nd April – Derry at 10:30am – 1:00pm
Ages 8+

4th April – Belfast at 1:30pm – 4:00pm
Ages 8+

These sessions will explore accessibility features, helping young people discover tools that make technology easier to use. Participants will also learn about internet safety and handy keyboard shortcuts to build confidence and digital skills.

More details coming soon - get in touch to express interest!

10/03/2026

Our recent Saturday Club with Angel Eyes NI was a fantastic day filled with fun, creativity and connection for our families.

Children and families enjoyed celebrating Chinese New Year with themed arts and crafts, followed by some cookie decorating. The challenge of the day certainly seemed to be how many sprinkles can we fit on one cookie?

We were also delighted to welcome Stuarty from Football Fun Factory, who brought along the amazing inflatable pitch. The children had a brilliant time taking part in ball games, practising their goal scoring skills and enjoying friendly football tournaments. The activity was a huge success and a highlight of the day.

While the children enjoyed their activities, parents and carers had the opportunity to relax, connect with each another and enjoy a hot cup of tea and a biscuit.

Thank you to Strand Presbyterian Church for generously providing their hall and facilities for the event.

Feedback from our families highlights.

Getting to speak with other parents while the children were entertained and having great fun in a safe environment

I loved this event! My kids really enjoyed themselves and all the staff were lovely. Thank you so much

Saturday Club is delivered as part of our SpecialEyes project, kindly funded by The National Lottery Community Fund.

Images show children enjoying the Inflatable pitch and cookie decorating.

08/03/2026

Last week, Angel Eyes NI delivered a series of Family Virtual Reality (VR) sessions for 13 family members of children and young people living with vision impairment.

The sessions were led by our Eye Clinician, Molly, who met with each family individually to discuss their child’s specific eye condition. These dedicated appointments provided families with the opportunity to ask questions, gain clinical insight, and develop a clearer understanding of their child’s diagnosis.

The VR enabled families to better understand how their child experiences the world around them.

Throughout the sessions, our Family Support Coordinator, Lisa, provided emotional support and offered advice, practical strategies, and guidance to help families feel more confident in supporting their child at home, in school, and within the wider community.

Images show: family members wearing the VR headsets.

07/03/2026

What an amazing achievement Freddie…..this is just the beginning! Congratulations and good luck in Dubai!

Young blind athlete Freddie Wallace from Hillsborough goes for gold in Dubai. Read the full story at the link in the comments

05/03/2026

Thursday 5th March- World Book Day

Here at Angel Eyes we believe passionately that having a visual impairment shouldn’t be a barrier to enjoying reading. There is a wealth of accessible book resources available right here in Northern Ireland for pupils of all ages.

Whether it’s for the classroom or under the covers at bedtime, here are the top ways to access stories:

RNIB Bookshare: A massive online library for schools. It offers textbooks and leisure books in formats like PDF, Braille, and Audio. Teachers can sign up for FREE!

Guide Dogs CustomEyes: They create tailor-made large-print books (from Dr. Seuss to Shakespeare) for the same price as a standard book. You pick the font size and paper colour!

ClearVision Project: A postal library providing books with Braille, print, and pictures all on the same page—perfect for shared reading with sighted friends or siblings.

Living Paintings: Brings books to life through "Touch to See" tactile images and audio descriptions.

Libraries NI: Don’t forget your local library!

Call to Action: Know a teacher or parent who needs to see this? Tag them below! Let’s make sure every child in NI has a book in their hands (or ears!).

If you need any support in accessing any of the above, don't hesitate to contact us:
Sarah Mathison, Education Advocate: sarah.mathison@angeleyesni.org



Image shows yellow background with the words World Book Day 5 March 2026

04/03/2026

VR Vision Impairment Stakeholder Training

Last week, Angel Eyes NI delivered Virtual Reality (VR) EmpathEyes training sessions with community stakeholders to help strengthen inclusive practice for children and adults with vision impairment.
Led by our Eye Clinician, Rebecca, the sessions explored different eye conditions and how they can affect how a child experiences the world. Using immersive VR technology, participants experienced simulations of visual conditions, helping bring learning to life.
Our Family Support Coordinator, Lisa, also shared practical strategies and guidance to support stakeholders in their roles.
The impact:
• Greater understanding of how vision impairment affects everyday experiences
• Increased confidence supporting children and young people with vision impairment
• Practical ideas for making environments and activities more accessible
• Stronger commitment to inclusive practice across community services
To express your interest in attending our next Stakeholder training session, please contact Lisa.allen@angeleyesni.org
Images show: participants wearing VR headsets during the training sessions.



Money Ready Northern Ireland Vision Sports Ireland Autism NI Kicks & Dreams Queen's University Belfast Shine - Spina bifida • Hydrocephalus • Information • Networking • Equality Children's Law Centre Belfast Health and Social Care Trust Titanic Belfast Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council