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Peer Support Programs

Understanding, support, mentorship and advice. Peer Support groups give you the opportunity to connect with others who are living with sight loss.

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Virtual Coffee Group

Join us every Friday for a virtual meet up in the prairies with a friendly bunch of people looking to connect with others across the country! Make new connections and find friendships and enjoyable conversation. The focus is on a positive, inclusive, and safe support network of people who have experienced sight loss. Everyone is welcome. Virtual Coffee Group meets every Friday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Central Time on Zoom. 
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Tuesday Zoom Coffee and Chat

The informal coffee chat group is a chance to socialize and meet new people. It is a very warm and welcoming group of regulars and newcomers. Every Tuesday from 10 to 11 a.m. Atlantic Time on Zoom. 
Two Indigenous participants sit at a table in CNIB Thunder Bay smiling. During a holiday program, they create decorations out of fresh cedar bows, dried orange slices, homemade gingerbread cookies, ribbons, bells, cinnamon sticks, and jute twine.

Saskatchewan and Manitoba Indigenous Peer Support Group

This program is designed for blind or partially sighted indigenous individuals who are wanting to connect with others who are experiencing similar circumstances in a safe and comfortable setting. Participants will have the opportunity to help choose various topics this group would like to discuss each session as well as have the option to share ideas, suggestions, stories, worries, etc. with the group. This Saskatchewan and Manitoba Indigenous Peer Support Group meet on the first and third Wednesday of every month from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. CDT on Zoom.
A group of five people sit in a circle and engage in lively conversation.

Eastern Canada Social Meet Up

Are you craving that social interaction you normally get from going for coffee with friends ? We are here to keep the virtual conversation going post pandemic! Since we've gotten to know each other, lets stay connected and share some good news stories, discuss practical tips and successes with others living with vision loss. Every Tuesday from 10 to 11 a.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
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Brampton Coffee and Chat

Join us for coffee and great conversation. An opportunity to talk with others living with sight loss. Hear from guest speakers, get new information, and share resources and tips.  Come on out, meet with your peers, let’s chat! Second Wednesday of every month from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the CNIB Brampton Hub.
Two Indigenous participants sit at a table in CNIB Thunder Bay smiling. During a holiday program, they create decorations out of fresh cedar bows, dried orange slices, homemade gingerbread cookies, ribbons, bells, cinnamon sticks, and jute twine.

First Nations Peer Support Group

This program is for First Nations participants with sight loss to connect with others who are experiencing similar circumstances for mutual support and networking in a safe and comfortable setting. Second Wednesday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. at CNIB Thunder Bay. 
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Algoma After Sight Group

A peer support group for people who are blind or partially sighted to learn from and connect to others who understand their experiences. Come and share tips and tricks with other participants relevant to your community and connect with local resources. This group is for people with sight loss living in the Sault Ste. Marie/Algoma district. Second and fourth Thursday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. on Zoom or telephone.
A cup sits on a table filled with an artisan cappuccino and foaming milk

Ottawa Coffee & Chat

Join us for coffee or tea and great conversation. There will be guest speakers, interesting conversations and a chance to connect with your peers and community. Snacks and refreshments will be provided. Come on out, meet with your peers, let’s chat! Third Wednesday of every month from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Eastern Time at the CNIB Ottawa Hub. 
A cup sits on a table filled with an artisan cappuccino and foaming milk

Ottawa Coffee/Tea and Chat

Join us for coffee or tea and great conversation. There will be guest speakers, interesting conversations and a chance to connect with your peers and community. Snacks and refreshments will be provided. Come on out, meet with your peers, let’s chat! Third Wednesday of every month from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the CNIB Ottawa Hub.
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Pride Connection

Intended for adults who are blind or partially sighted and are members of the LGBTQ2S+ community. Participants from across the country meet monthly to share experiences, listen to guest speakers, and discuss topics chosen by the group. Third Wednesday of every month from 12 to 1 p.m. Eastern Time.
A cup sits on a table filled with an artisan cappuccino and foaming milk

Kingston Coffee and Chat

Join us for coffee and great conversation. We will have guest speakers, and an opportunity to talk with others who are going through similar challenges in a confidential and non-judgmental setting. Third Thursday of every month from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the CNIB Kingston Hub.
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Beyond Sight Series

The Beyond Sight Series feature monthly virtual presentations from various services, businesses and organizations in our community. Each month, we will offer a different topic and speaker will join us to discuss a variety of topics. Examples include: RDSP’s, wills, budgeting, nutrition and lots more. Fourth Monday of every month from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Newfoundland Time on Zoom.
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Hamilton Friendly Chat Group – Waitlist

This is a waitlist for when we have enough interest in the Hamilton area for a Friendly Chat Peer Social Group. The program will be for those who are wanting friendly conversation and encouragement.
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Brantford Friendly Chat Group – Waitlist

This is a waitlist for when we have enough interest in the Brantford area for a Friendly Chat Peer Social Group. The program will be for those who are wanting friendly conversation and encouragement.
A cup sits on a table filled with an artisan cappuccino and foaming milk

Coffee Club – Thunder Bay Area

Connecting people with vision loss from Thunder Bay and across Northwestern Ontario for social interaction, information sharing, supporting one another and camaraderie. First Wednesday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. at CNIB Thunder Bay.
A person sits in a group circle. Their hands are clasped in their lap.

Windsor Friendly Chat Group – Waitlist

This is a waitlist for when we have enough interest in the Windsor area for a Friendly Chat Peer Social Group. The program will be for those who are wanting friendly conversation and encouragement. It is designed for individuals who are blind or low vision to connect with others who are experiencing similar circumstances. Meetings will tie in good practices, information, discussions, caring and support. We hope that this group will start by being offered once a month in person. Once we are able to run this group, you will be contacted.
A group of five people sit in a circle and engage in lively conversation.

Brockville VIP Group

The Brockville VIP Group is a social support group for people living with vision loss in the Brockville area. Join us for coffee or tea and a light snack to socialize and connect with others who are living with vision loss. First Tuesday of every month from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Wall Street United Church
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St. Catharines Friendly Chat Group – Waitlist

This is a waitlist for when we have enough interest in the St. Catharines area for a Friendly Chat Peer Social Group. The program will be for those who are wanting friendly conversation and encouragement. It is designed for individuals who are blind or low vision to connect with others who are experiencing similar circumstances. Meetings will tie in good practices, information, discussions, caring and support. We hope that this group will start by being offered once a month in person. Once we are able to run this group, you will be contacted.
A person sits in a group circle. Their hands are clasped in their lap.

Burlington Friendlies

Join to connect with other people in the Burlington area for conversation, support and good practices. First, second and third Thursday of every month from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Zoom
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Toronto In Person Friendly Chat Group

Discover the GTA Friendly Chat Group! If you're a person who is blind or has low vision, join our supportive community and experience friendly conversations, encouragement, and mutual connection while sharing experiences, gaining insights, and participating in informative discussions in a caring environment. Third Tuesday of every month from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the CNIB GTA Community Hub.
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Oakville EnVision Group – In-person

This is an Oakville based peer social group that meets in person and on Zoom. Connect with other friendly people in the Oakville area for conversation, support and good practices. The Oakville EnVision Group meets at the Oakville Trafalgar Community Centre on the first Tuesday of every month from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and virtually on Zoom on the third Tuesday of every month.
A person sits in a group circle. Their hands are clasped in their lap.

Oakville EnVision Group – Virtual

This is an Oakville based peer social group that meets in person and on Zoom. Connect with other friendly people in the Oakville area for conversation, support and good practices. The Oakville EnVision Group meets at the Oakville Trafalgar Community Centre on the first Tuesday of every month from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and virtually on Zoom on the third Tuesday of every month.
A person sits in a group circle. Their hands are clasped in their lap.

London Friendly Chat Group

This is a waitlist for when we have enough interest in the London area for a Friendly Chat Peer Social Group. The program will be for those who are wanting friendly conversation and encouragement. The London Friendly Chat Group meets on the third Saturday of every month from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the CNIB London Community Hub.