S2 Ep1118: Global Accessibility Awareness Day, Historic Royal Palaces Access Offer
For GAAD (Global Accessibility Awareness Day) 2025 (Thursday 15 May 2025) we are focusing on access to heritage for blind and partially sighted people as RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey is joined by Aileen Pierce, Head of Interpretation and Design at Historic Royal palaces to find out more about HRP and an overview of their access offer which includes Digital Video Guides with audio description...
6m May 15, 2025
6m
S2 Ep1117: Global Accessibility Awareness Day, National Trust AccessAble Guides
For GAAD (Global Accessibility Awareness Day) 2025 (Thursday 15 May 2025) we are going to focus on access to heritage for blind and partially sighted people as RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey is joined by Rachael Osmotherley, Visitor Journey Development Manager for Access, Experiences and Partnerships at the national Trust to highlight the great accessAble Guides for over 1,000 national Trust l...
12m May 15, 2025
12m
Hull and District Talking Magazine for the Blind, Interview With Susan Connolly.
Jennifer Murray chats to Susan Connolly from Hull and District Talking Magazine for the Blind to learn about what they do. If you would like to contact Hull and District Talking Magazine for the Blind, you can do so in the following ways: Hull and District Talking Magazine for the Blind’s Website: www.hulltalkingmagazine.org.uk Phone: 01482 585822 Image description: Image shows the RNIB ...
6m May 14, 2025
6m
Causeway Talking News, Interview With Barry Williamson.
Jennifer Murray chats to Barry Williamson from Causeway Talking News based in Northern Ireland to find out more. If you would like to reach out to Barry Williamson regarding the talking newspaper, you can contact him in the following ways: Barry Williamson’s Email Address: barry.williamson@outlook.com Bary Williamson’s Mobile Number: 07843847751 Image description: Image shows the RNIB Co...
5m May 13, 2025
5m
S2 Ep1117: Take Part in the RNIB Voice of the Customer Survey on Volunteering
The latest RNIB Voice of the Customer survey is focusing on the experiences of blind and partially sighted people around volunteering. The Research and Insight Team would like to hear about your motivations, barriers, and what might encourage you to volunteer. Even if you don't volunteer, your input is invaluable in understanding your decisions and what could inspire you to get involved with a...
5m May 13, 2025
5m
Andrew Pettigrew, Sight Loss Story.
Andrew Pettigrew speaks to Jennifer Murray about his hearing and sight loss and the many different things he does. Image description: Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.
5m May 12, 2025
5m
Argyll Talking Newspapers, Interview With Robin Finlay.
Jennifer Murray catches up with Robin Finlay the Chair of Argyll Talking Newspapers. Robin Finlay can be contacted on the following number should you wish to get in touch with Argyll Talking Newspapers: 01546602718 Image description: Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the...
10m May 12, 2025
10m
S2 Ep1116: Importance of Community This Mental Health Awareness Week
Mental Health Awareness Week takes place from 12th till 18th of May, and this year we focus on the importance of community in supporting individual wellbeing. Joining us now to talk about how you could connect with a community that understands what it is like to live with sight loss, is Trish Sail Peer to Peer Coordinator at RNIB. Find out about RNIB's Connect Facebook groups here: Connect Fa...
9m May 12, 2025
9m
S2 Ep1114: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 10/05/2025
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB, to look at some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity. This week Matt talks about progress on the Accessible Health Information Standard, an ask for your feedback if you voted in the English elections on May 1st and some exciting news for RNIB Connect Radio. If you, or someone you know,...
9m May 10, 2025
9m
S2 Ep1115: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - Chicago,AD Theatre Review
RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for the next of his regular audio described theatre reviews for 2025 This week we have the multi-award winning musical ‘Chicago’ as the current UK tour visited the Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham with description ...
5m May 09, 2025
5m
Javier Rodriguez, Spain Blackout Story.
On the 28th of April 2025, Spain was one of a couple of countries effected by a massive blackout/power cut. Jennifer Murray chats to visually impaired Javier Rodriguez to learn about his experience of the blackout and how it affected him. Image description: Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pin...
8m May 09, 2025
8m
S2 Ep1115: Actor and RNIB Ambassador Victoria Smurfit on Playing Helena in Ghosts and Accessible Theatre Too
After having attended the recent audio described performance of ‘Ghosts’ at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre in London RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Actor and RNIB Ambassador Victoria Smurfit, who’s daughter is also visually impaired, to find out more about playing Helena in Gary Owen’s version of Henrik Ibsen’s ‘Ghosts’ and also about access to theatre for blind and partially sig...
14m May 09, 2025
14m
S2 Ep1113: Monumental Explores Edinburgh's Hidden Women
Did you know there are more statues of animals in Edinbugh than Women? Theatre company F-bomb have a new theatre show dedicated to women who made the city, including a visually impaired saint. Amelia learns more from writer and founder of Visually Impaired Creators Scotland (VICS) Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and ...
8m May 09, 2025
8m
East Lothian Messenger Talking News, Interview With Veronica Wallace.
Would you like to learn all about East Lothian Messenger Talking News? Well, Jennifer Murray chats to Veronica Wallace to find out more. You can contact Veronica Wallace on either of the following phone numbers: Landline: 01368830363 Personal Mobile: 07879870232 Image description: Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters ...
10m May 08, 2025
10m
Something For the Weekend - 09.05.2025
Something for the Weekend highlights the best in accessible audio content each week. Hear Hannah Sweeney's picks of unmissable content here. Image description: Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.
9m May 08, 2025
9m
S2 Ep1112: Caroline Burton Runs London Marathon for RNIB
What would be your first snack after running a marathon? Amelia spoke to Caroline who just completed the London marathon to raise money for RNIB about her experience… Learn more about running for RNIB next year here - Run the London Marathon 2026 for RNIB | RNIB (https://www.rnib.org.uk/get-involved/fundraise/challenge-events/london-marathon/) Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a wh...
6m May 08, 2025
6m
S2 Ep1110: Blind Veterans UK - VE Day 80: After the Darkness
On 8 May 1945, after almost six years of brutal war, Germany finally surrendered to the Allies, and Victory in Europe was declared. 'VE Day 80: After the Darkness’ is a new Blind Veterans UK online exhibition featuring the extraordinary first-hand accounts from a number of Blind Veterans who were there on the day. Each story is also accompanied by a wonderful illustration by award-winning Arti...
15m May 08, 2025
15m
Bolton Newstalk, Interview With James Walton
With technology advancing and volunteer numbers declining, Jennifer Murray chats to James Walton about the impact this is having on Bolton Newstalk. You can visit Bolton Newstalk's website and listen to their podcasts. The link to Bolton Newstalk's website is: Bolton Newstalk (https://www.boltonnewstalk.org.uk/) They can be contacted by email at the following email address: newstalk@icloud....
8m May 07, 2025
8m
S2 Ep1108: Inclusive Surfing Sessions Coming To Swansea This Weekend
Have you ever wanted to get out on the water and try surfing? There’s a surf school in South Wales aiming to make catching waves more accessible than ever. Hywel Davies has been finding out about and event in Swansea this weekend. For more information on Surfability UK, visit their website - Adapted and inclusive surfing experiences - Surfability UK CIC (https://surfabilityukcic.org/)
5m May 06, 2025
5m
S2 Ep1105: May Almanac - History, Nature and Folklore
What is international dawn chorus day? How did May Day celebrations begin? Amelia is here to fill you in with the May Almanac. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.
5m May 06, 2025
5m
S2 Ep1104: A Cultural Journey of St Albans Cathedral for Blind and Partially Sighted People
St Albans Cathedral is the oldest site of continual Christian worship in the country, from small pilgrim church to huge Abbey and Monastery, to parish church and Cathedral which has stood firm through Reformation, Civil War, Plagues, and Pandemics. St Albans is the only Cathedral in the country to house two medieval pedestal shrines that belong to St Alban and St Amphibalus.  The Cathedral dat...
27m May 05, 2025
27m
S2 Ep1104: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 03/05/25
Each week, on RNIB Connect Radio we sit down with Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB, to look at some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity. This week Matt began by talking about the DCC (Disability Charity Consortium) meeting with the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) on how the DCC work with the DWP going forward covering topics like the review into employment, then to news a...
9m May 03, 2025
9m
S2 Ep1102: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - Pig Heart Boy, AD Theatre Review
RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for the next of his regular audio described theatre reviews for 2025. This week we have the brand new stage adaptation of Malorie Blackman OBE’s novel ’Pig Heart Boy’ as the touring production visited the Wolverha...
6m May 02, 2025
6m
S2 Ep1107: 'Help To Save' Accounts From HMRC
A scheme from HMRC has helped more than half a million people in the UK to top up their savings with a ‘Help To Save’ account. Hywel Davies has been finding who's eligible and how to get started. For more information, visit the Help to Save website -  Get help with savings if you’re on a low income (Help to Save): How it works - GOV.UK (https://www.gov.uk/get-help-savings-low-income)
8m May 02, 2025
8m
VisionPK, Interview With Kate Charles.
Jennifer Murray chats to Kate Charles, Chief Executive of VisionPK, a sensory impairment charity based in Perth, Scotland. If you would like to learn more about VisionPK or contact them, you can do so in the following ways: VisionPK’s Website: Home - VisionPK (https://visionpk.org.uk/) VisionPK’s Email Address: info@visionpk.org.uk (mailto:info@visionpk.org.uk) Phone: 01738626969 Image ...
9m May 02, 2025
9m
S2 Ep1106: Poet And Theatre Maker Ellen Renton
Ellen Renton is a poet, performer and play-wright with albinism. She recently received An Unlimited UK Partner Award 2025 commission with Imaginate and funding from Creative Scotland. She told Amelia about her career and upcoming theatre project, PALS, A musical theatre piece for blind and partially blind children. Learn more about Ellen on her website - Ellen Renton (https://ellenrenton.co....
10m May 02, 2025
10m
S2 Ep1103: Tech For Life Volunteer Reaches 20 Year Anniversary
Tim has been a volunteer with RNIB for over 20 years. He told Amelia about his most memorable experiences, how his role has changed, and why volunteering is so beneficial to him. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller f...
4m May 02, 2025
4m
S2 Ep1101: UK Sight Loss Charity’s Monthly Campaigns Update 02/05/2025
Each month, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell is joined by some of the RNIB Campaigns Team to discuss some of the big projects they’re working on. This month’s topics include work to stop financially detrimental changes to some welfare payments and we look ahead to a couple of projects that you can get involved in. If you’d like more information on campaigns or want to get involved , email c...
9m May 02, 2025
9m
Pendle Voice, Interview With Luke Howarth.
Would you like to learn all about Pendle Voice? Well Jennifer Murray chats to Luke Howarth, chair of the Talking Newspaper, to find out more. If you would like to contact Pendle Voice, you can do so in the following ways: Website: Talking Newspaper – Talking Newspaper (https://www.pendlevoice.com/) Email Address: admin@pendlevoice.mytn.uk Image description: Image shows the RNIB Connect R...
6m May 01, 2025
6m
S2 Ep1100: Looking Ahead To 'Sight Village Glasgow'
Sight Village exhibitions are a great way to learn more about products and services designed for blind and partially sighted people in your area. Hywel Davies has been hearing all about plans for this year’s Sight Village Glasgow.
6m Apr 30, 2025
6m
Mid-Ulster Talking Newspaper, Interview With Michael May.
Jennifer Murray chats to Michael May from Mid-Ulster Talking Newspaper, based in Northern Ireland. If you would like to contact Michael directly, you can email him on: m.smay@btinternet.com (mailto:m.smay@btinternet.com) Image description: Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Undernea...
6m Apr 29, 2025
6m
S2 Ep1099: Our We Facing a Crisis Point in Eye Care Services?
Will the rapid growth in independent eye care services put patients with more complex eye conditions at greater risk of losing their sight? With increasing numbers of NHS Eye consultants taking on more private work such as cataract operations this could mean fewer NHS appointments being available for patients with more complex conditions such as glaucoma or macular degeneration which in turn c...
10m Apr 29, 2025
10m
S2 Ep1099: RNIB Scotland Living With Sight Loss Information Event, Isle of Arran, 23 May 2025
RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was joined by RNIB Project Support Officer Ian White to find out more about the up-coming RNIB Scotland Living With Sight Loss Information Event on the Isle of Arran on Friday 23 May 2025. Ian explains to Toby more about the event, who it is for, the other organisations and assistive technology manufacturers who will be joining RNIB Scotland on the day. To find...
5m Apr 29, 2025
5m
S2 Ep1098: Simon Savidge Share the Vision Challenge
Our David Hogg finds out about a library tour taking place across the UK this week…
4m Apr 29, 2025
4m
S2 Ep1109: Ayrshire Recording Services Rikki Farquarson
Our David Hogg finds out about a talking newspaper service for blind and partially sighted people in Ayrshire…
5m Apr 28, 2025
5m
S2 Ep1094: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - Boys from the Blackstuff, AD Theatre Review
RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for the next of his regular audio described theatre reviews for 2025 This week we are taken back to Liverpool in the 1980s with James Graham’s powerful new stage adaptation of Alan Bleasdale’s BAFTA award-winning ...
6m Apr 25, 2025
6m
S2 Ep1095: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 26/04/2025
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB, to look at some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity. This week Matt talks about a group of charities meeting with DWP to look at employment, Team RNIB taking on London Marathon on Sunday, and finally he looks ahead to accessible voting for the English local elections. If you, or someo...
9m Apr 25, 2025
9m
S2 Ep1097: Join The New Public Speaking Club In Glasgow!
 A new public speaking club is launching in Glasgow and blind and partially sighted people are invited to come along. Joining Paulina Kuchorew to tell us more about it, is Conor Joseph, who is a Community Coordinator with RNIB Scotland. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath th...
5m Apr 25, 2025
5m
S2 Ep1096: VI Photographer Karren Visser
Our David Hogg speaks to professional photographer Karren Visser about their love of photography, how they take photographs with sight loss and some career highlights so far. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.
9m Apr 25, 2025
9m
Mid Devon Messenger, Interview With Helen McIntosh.
Jennifer Murray chats to Helen McIntosh from Mid Devon Messenger to learn more. If you would like to contact Mid Devon Messenger, you can do so in the following ways: Website: Mid Devon Messenger | A Talking Newspaper for the Visually Impaired (https://middevonmessenger.org.uk/) Email Address: helen@middevonmessenger.org.uk (mailto:helen@middevonmessenger.org.uk) Mobile: 07834688838 Ima...
9m Apr 25, 2025
9m
S2 Ep1137: David Maddocks Walks Camino de Santiago for Southampton Sight
Our David Hogg hears from one man who’ll be walking 160 miles to give back to Southampton Sight.
5m Apr 24, 2025
5m
S2 Ep1093: East Kilbride Talking Newspaper
Now, our David Hogg finds out about a talking newspaper service in East Kilbride…
4m Apr 24, 2025
4m
Reading Talking News, Interview With Pam Downing.
Jennifer Murray catches up with Pam Downing to learn all about Reading Talking News. Image description: Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.
8m Apr 23, 2025
8m
S2 Ep1094: UK Premier of Tales from the 15th Floor by Blind Composer Michael Stimpson
Tales from the 15th Floor by blind composer Micheal Stimpson reflects on his time in intensive care at Charing Cross Hospital after a life-changing illness that left him blind will have it’s UK premier during a concert celebrating Creativity in Hospitals to thank the NHS in aid of Horatio’s Garden on Friday 2 May 2025 at Sinfonia Smith Square in London. Michael talks to RNIB Connect Radio’s To...
19m Apr 23, 2025
19m
S2 Ep1092: National Theatre London Audio Description Round Up Spring/Summer 2025
Now for the next in our regular slots here on RNIB Connect Radio highlighting what is on offer at the National Theatre in London for blind and partially sighted people with audio description. RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was joined again by David Bellwood, Head of Access at the National Theatre to chat about a few up-coming audio described shows at the NT and a couple that are available onl...
7m Apr 22, 2025
7m
S2 Ep1091: Get Involved In Local And National Campaigning
UK sight loss charity RNIB, runs monthly Campaigns Groups to help inform and carry out their campaigning strategies. They’re looking for more blind and partially sighted people to get involved and you can do it from the comfort of your own home. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Clay Nash, from RNIB, to find out more… If you’d like to get involved, email campaigns@rnib.org.uk (mail...
5m Apr 22, 2025
5m
S2 Ep1086: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - Only Fools and Horses The Musical, AD Theatre Review
RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for the next of his regular audio described theatre reviews for 2025. This week we have the smash-hit musical that is ‘Only Fools and Horses The Musical’ as the current tour visited the Birmingham Hippodrome Theat...
5m Apr 18, 2025
5m
S2 Ep1089: Josh Loebner - Global Head Of Inclusive Design at VML
Josh Loebner, PhD, has 20 years of experience in advertising and inclusive design. He is partially sighted and supports global brand initiatives centring on inclusive design, disability, and accessibility. He also does research focused on greater disability inclusion within integrated marketing campaigns, and the advertising creative process. Here he is talking to Amelia about his career so f...
10m Apr 17, 2025
10m
Sound Arounds Ards Talking Newspaper, Interview With Alison Coyle.
Would you like to learn all about Sound Around Ards Talking Newspaper? Well Jennifer Murray chats to Alison Coyle to find out more. If you would like to contact Sound Around Ards Talking Newspaper, you can do so in the following ways: Sound Arounds Ards Email Address: soundaroundards@outlook.com (mailto:soundaroundards@outlook.com) Mobile: 07977473080 Image description: Image shows the R...
5m Apr 17, 2025
5m
S2 Ep1090: Accessible Voting for the Local Elections in England on 1 May 2025
With the up-coming local elections in England on 1 May 2025 RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Tom Skelton, RNIB policy Officer and lead on accessible voting to explain all about how to request reasonable adjustments at the polling station to make the experience as accessible as possible for blind and partially sighted people. Tom outlines the types of accessible voting that you ca...
10m Apr 17, 2025
10m