S2 Ep915: Strictly Inspires Deborah To Return To Dance
Chris McCausland’s appearance on Strictly Come Dancing encouraged dance lover Deborah to look for accessible classes and she’s fallen back in love with dance. Amelia learned more about when her love of dancing began and her current lessons with Step Change Studios. Learn more about Step Change Studios on their website www.stepchangestudios.com/
7m Jan 20, 2025
7m
S2 Ep914: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 18/01/25
Each week 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 new RNIB online shop and the improvements that have been made to make the shop even more accessible and user friendly. Then to two up-coming RNIB in person workshops enabling blind and partially sighted people who find it di...
8m Jan 18, 2025
8m
S2 Ep916: Jan Harrison Support from NESS and RNIB
Our David Hogg speaks to Jan Harrison about her sight loss journey and the support she received from North East Sensory Service and RNIB’s Counselling team. For more information on the counselling services offered by RNIB then call the helpline on 0303 123 99 99 Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bol...
8m Jan 17, 2025
8m
S2 Ep905: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - The Snowman, 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 continuing the theme of winter tales Vidar was reviewing The Snowman as the production returned home to the Birmingham Repertory Thea...
7m Jan 17, 2025
7m
S2 Ep913: RNIB Connect Voices Round Up 22 January 2025
The return of RNIB Connect Voices opportunities to RNIB Connect Radio with Amrit Dhaliwal who is just coming up to the end of her internship with the RNIB Research and Insight Team. RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey firstly asked Amrit about her internship with the RNIB, an outline of the skills and experiences she has gained during her time with the RNIB and the benefits of taking up an interns...
8m Jan 16, 2025
8m
S2 Ep912: Bron Afon Community Housing Becomes A 'Visibly Better Employer'
Becoming a ‘Visibly Better Employer’ helps businesses to widen their talent pool and increase opportunities for blind and partially sighted workers. Hywel Davies has been speaking to Bron Afon Community Housing, one of the latest employers to take part in the scheme. To learn more about becoming a Visibly Better Employer, visit the RNIB website - Visibly better employer quality standard | RNIB...
5m Jan 16, 2025
5m
Craig Brown, Blind Guitar Guy, Sight Loss Story.
Craig Brown is from Leicester and lost his sight at the age of 30 as part of having type one diabetes. To help him cope with his sight loss, Craig took up learning to play the guitar and now wants to inspire others to do likewise. He also does some work with Vista, a local sight loss charity in Leicester who helped him come to terms with his sight loss. Jennifer Murray finds out more. Blind Gu...
7m Jan 16, 2025
7m
S2 Ep911: Tesco Offers Work Experience For Blind And Partially Sighted Young People
‘Blind In Business’ are working with Tesco to offer work experience opportunities to young people aged 14 to 18. Hywel Davies has been finding out more about the scheme. For more information on the scheme, visit the Blind in Business website - Blind in Business » Blog Archive Tesco Work Experience applications Now Open! - Blind in Business (https://blindinbusiness.org.uk/events/tesco-work-expe...
8m Jan 15, 2025
8m
S2 Ep910: That Funny Blind Guy Is Back On The Road Again
After a successful 2024, That Funny Blind Guy is back on tour and one of his stops will be at the Glasgow Comedy Festival in March 2025. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Jamie MacDonald about his busy 2024, including Celebrity Master Chef, and how he gets ready for live audiences. To find out more about Jamie’s work, go to www.jamiemacdonaldcomedian.com (https://eur03.safelinks.pro...
10m Jan 15, 2025
10m
S2 Ep909: Wolf Siren By Beth O'Brien
Beth O'Brien is an author, poet and the founder Disabled Tales - a website which explores and discusses disabled characters in folklore and fairy tales. In part 2 of this 2 part interview, Amelia learns about Beth's debut novel ‘Wolf Siren’ coming out on the 27th march. This re-telling of little red riding hood follows a partially sighted ‘Red’ on her journey into the forest. Learn more about...
5m Jan 15, 2025
5m
S2 Ep908: Disability In Fairy Tales And Folklore With Disabled Tales
Beth O'Brien is an author, poet and the founder Disabled Tales - a website which explores and discusses disabled characters in folklore and fairy tales. In part 1 of this 2 part interview, Amelia learns how disability is represented in folklore, how Disabled Tales began, and about their upcoming virtual symposium on the 24th and 25th February. Read and submit work on the Disabled Tales websit...
10m Jan 15, 2025
10m
S2 Ep907: Social Media Update 14th January 2025
The social Media Update returns for 2025, and this week Hubert and Holly talk Braille, the ins and outs for 2025, and the Traitors, and just how good Cesar the Guide Dog would be on the show?
7m Jan 14, 2025
7m
S2 Ep906: Alan Thorpe Certified Perkins Brailler Fixer
Now our Daivd Hogg chats to the last certified Perkins braille fixer in the UK, Alan Thorpe. Remember if your Perkins Braille from the RNIB is in need of repair and within its one-year guarantee then call the RNIB helpline. For out of guarantee repairs contact the RNC: perkins.brailler@rnc.ac.uk
7m Jan 14, 2025
7m
905: Share Your Views On The Future Of The NHS In England
The UK Government has launched a major public consultation to gather views on how to make a health service fit for the future as part of their 10 Year Health Plan for England. Amelia spoke to Ross Meegan and Amy Craddock from the RNIB Policy and Campaigns team to learn how RNIB are making completing the consultation more accessible. Learn more about how to share your views on the consultation...
9m Jan 13, 2025
9m
S2 Ep904: BT Looking For Blind And Partially Sighted Testers
BT are moving all analogue home phone services to their One Digital Voice system and they’re looking for blind and partially sighted people to help make the switch as smooth and accessible as possible. If you take part , you’ll also receive a £50 Amazon voucher as a thank you. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Vicky Hicks, Head of Engagement, for BT’s Digital Voice Programme to find...
5m Jan 13, 2025
5m
S2 Ep903: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 11/01/25
Each week we sit down with Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB, to look at some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity. For the first catch up of 2025 Matt began by reflecting on all the great coverage in both national and local press of how the RNIB and blind and partially sighted people had been celebrating World Braille Day on 4 January 2025, marking the day that Louis Braille was ...
8m Jan 10, 2025
8m
S2 Ep900: Charity’s Employment Team Scoop Major Award.
UK sight loss charity RNIB, have picked up a major award for the work of their pre employment team. The accolade recognises the high quality work which goes into helping more blind and partially sighted people into the workplace. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to some of the team to learn more about their vital, and award winning, work. If your blind or partially sighted and would ...
9m Jan 10, 2025
9m
S2 Ep902: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story, 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 first of his regular audio described theatre reviews for 2025. Vidar was reviewing mark Gatiss’ retelling of Dickens’ classic winter tale with ‘A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story’ at the Birmingham Repertory...
6m Jan 10, 2025
6m
S2 Ep901: January Almanac - History, Nature And Folklore
Explore the celebrations, folklore and natural changes of January in the winter warmer. Amelia discusses some tasty traditions, celebrating Scotland's most famous poet and listens out for bird calls. Learn more about January nature on the RSPB website - Nature's calendar January (https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/natures-calendar/natures-calendar-january) Image shows the RNIB Connec...
6m Jan 09, 2025
6m
S2 Ep899: In Conversation with Tim Davie, Director General of the BBC
During a visit to the RNIB’s London office the Grimaldi Building on Wednesday 8 January 2025, just after a meeting with RNIB Chief Executive Matt Stringer, Tim Davie Director General of the BBC joins RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey for a look back on 2024 for the BBC and of course not forgetting the great success of blind Liverpudlian Comedian and Actor Chris McCausland winning Strictly Come Da...
9m Jan 08, 2025
9m
S2 Ep898: Join Us For Braille 200: Championing Tactile Literacy Event
On Tuesday, 26 November 2024 RNIB along with their event partner, The British Library, hosted an official launch event celebrating 200 years of the power of braille. This special show was recorded live at the British Library and features a panel including Lord David Blunkett, BBC journalist Emma Tracey,  singer Jane Constance and author Betsy Griffin. Image shows the Braille 200 logo with 'Br...
58m Jan 07, 2025
58m
S2 Ep897: Braille Name Generator Is Back!
Celebrate 200 years of braille and find out how your name could look written in braille. Yes, the braille name generator is back on Tuesday 7th of January! We spoke with Holly Tuke from RNIB's Social Media team to find out more. Make sure to get your requests in via RNIB's social media channels on BlueSky, Threads and Twitter, on Tuesday 7th of January between 10 am and 1 pm. Image shows the...
7m Jan 06, 2025
7m
S2 Ep888: Tackling Digital Exclusion In Wales
There are many reasons why people may find it difficult to get online and build their digital skills. Hywel Davies has been hearing about one project in Wales that’s been working to battle digital exclusion across the country. You can find more information on Digital Inclusion on the Welsh Government website - Digital inclusion in Wales (https://www.digitalcommunities.gov.wales/digital-inclusi...
8m Jan 06, 2025
8m
S2 Ep881: Tax Advice For Online Sellers From HMRC
For many people, selling items online is an easy way to make some extra money and clear out unwanted clutter. But when do you need to start paying tax on these earnings? Hywel Davies has been speaking to HMRC for some advice. You can find out more information about selling online here - Information for online sellers - GOV.UK (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/information-for-online-sellers)
6m Jan 06, 2025
6m
S2 Ep1003: Braille - Roundtable
To celebrate Braille on World Braille Day, RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey, a braille user himself, has gathered round the table four other enthusiastic users of braille to discuss all things braille from how they learnt braille, the benefits of learning and using braille for everyone, emerging new braille technology, some quirky ways of using braille to what braille means to them. Joining Tob...
31m Jan 04, 2025
31m
S2 Ep893: A Guided Tour of the Louis Braille Museum
On World Braille Day 2025 as we mark the day that Louis Braille was born (4 January 1809) and in the year where we all celebrate 200 years since Louis Braille invented his six-dot tactile reading and writing system that we all know as Braille do join our Toby Davey for an amazing guided tour of the Louis Braille Museum. The Louis Braille Museum is located in the actual Braille family home wher...
32m Jan 04, 2025
32m
S2 Ep1004: Celebrating Braille 200 At The British Library
A special show recorded live at the British Library celebrating Braille and featuring a panel including Lord David Blunkett, BBC Journalist Emma Tracey and Author Betsy Griffin. To find out more about braille and how the RNIB is celebrating 200 years since Louis Braille invented the system visit: https://www.rnib.org.uk/about-us/braille-200 (https://www.rnib.org.uk/about-us/braille-200/) Imag...
58m Dec 31, 2024
58m
S2 Ep1780: Antarctica Trip Part 2 - Travelogue 31 With Jonathan Abro
Continue exploring Antarctica with Joanthan Abro. Listen to the Travelogues every Wednesday on The Lunch Break from 12 noon to 1 pm. 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.
7m Dec 28, 2024
7m
S2 Ep1779: Antarctica Trip Part 1 - Travelogue 30 With Jonathan Abro
Travel to the southernmost continent in the world with blind adventurer Jonathan Abro. Listen to the Travelogues every Wednesday on The Lunch Break from 12 noon to 1 pm. 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 Dec 27, 2024
5m
S2 Ep872: Christmas - Roundtable
We’ve brought four blind and partially sighted Christmas lovers together to discuss their favourite festive traditions, food and films and some of their not-so-favourite things about the Christmas period. Social Media Content Creator and RNIB Ambassador Claire Sisk, husband and wife Sam and Martin Ralfe and Haggeye member Georgea are the festive four, making some jolly conversation and sharing...
41m Dec 24, 2024
41m
S2 Ep896: Grace Kidd Shares Her Festive Short Story
Take a seat and get wrapped up in Grace’s wonderful short story, The Christmas Bake-off Bonanza. 🧁 It follows her main character Holly, who is blind, as she takes on a challenge with her best friend Hazel. Grace is a passionate young writer, who was born with a condition called Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) and only has light perception. She won RNIB's World Book Day competition with her p...
10m Dec 24, 2024
10m
S2 Ep895: New York Liner - Travelogue 29 With Jonathan Abro
Join Jonathan for a very special festive trip to New York. Tune in to 'The Lunch Break' on RNIB Connect Radio every weekday from 12 noon to 1pm for more Travelogues. 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 Dec 23, 2024
8m
S2 Ep895: Festivities In Mexico - Travelogue 28 With Jonathan Abro
Join Jonathan as he celebrates Hannukah and Christmas with friends across the world. Tune in to 'The Lunch Break' on RNIB Connect Radio every weekday from 12 noon to 1pm for more Travelogues. 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 i...
4m Dec 23, 2024
4m
S2 Ep894: Strictly Inspires New Dancers At Step Change Studios
Chris McCausland's Strictly win has prompted more blind and partially sighted people to get dancing. Amelia spoke to Dr Rashmi Becker MBE, the founder of inclusive Dance Company Step Change Studios, to hear about their new students and why more people are trying out their twinkle toes. Learn more about their classes on the Step Change Studio website - www.stepchangestudios.com/ Image shows t...
7m Dec 23, 2024
7m
S2 Ep880: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - The Red Shoes, 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 in his regular Connect Radio theatre reviews This week Vidar was reviewing a new version of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Red Shoes by Playwright Nancy Harris at the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Swan T...
5m Dec 20, 2024
5m
S2 Ep884: Audio Describing The Royal Ballet’s Cinderella
The Royal Ballet and Opera House in London continue their programme of access to their productions for blind and partially sighted people with both live and recorded audio described performances, along with accompanying introductory notes and touch tours. If you have ever wondered what goes in to audio describing ballet and dance then do join RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey for an insight into...
28m Dec 20, 2024
28m
S2 Ep891: RNIB Campaigns Round Up Of 2024.
RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell sat down with some of RNIB’s campaigns team to look back at a few national and local projects the charity took on in 2024. If you’d like more information on campaigns or want to get involved, email campaigns@rnib.org.uk (mailto:campaigns@rnib.org.uk) Visit rnib.org.uk/news or call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 If you like your socials, follow @RNIB_Campaign...
13m Dec 20, 2024
13m
S2 Ep891: UK Sight Loss Charity Publishes Annual Report
UK sight loss charity has recently published it’s annual report for 2024. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Matt Stringer, RNIB CEO, to find out what the report contains and how people can read the interactive document. If you’d like to read the report, go to http://www.rnib.org.uk #RNIBConnect Image Shows A Smiling Matt Stringer Wearing A Grey Jacket and Glasses
4m Dec 20, 2024
4m
S2 Ep890: RNIB Chief Exec’s Review Of 2024
As we approach the end of 2024, RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell sits down with some of the world’s leading sight loss charities to look back at the year and ahead to the next. They discuss the organisations challenges, highlights and memorable moments. Today, it’s Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital ...
10m Dec 20, 2024
10m
S2 Ep887: Hot And Cold Waterfall - Travelogue 27 With Jonathan Abro
Today Jonathan takes us on an adventure to a natural wonder. Join him as he visits a waterfall in Guatemala which runs both hot and cold. Tune in to 'The Lunch Break' on RNIB Connect Radio every weekday from 12 noon to 1pm for more Travelogues. 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. Under...
4m Dec 19, 2024
4m
S2 Ep887: Niagra Falls - Travelogue 26 With Jonathan Abro
Join Jonathan as he visits the iconic Niagra Falls in North America. Tune in to 'The Lunch Break' on RNIB Connect Radio every weekday from 12 noon to 1pm for more Travelogues. 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.
4m Dec 19, 2024
4m
S2 Ep887: Brazil And Argentina Waterfalls - Travelogue 25 With Jonathan Abro
Join Jonathan as he enjoys a tango performance and visits the waterfalls of Brazil and Argentina. Tune in to 'The Lunch Break' on RNIB Connect Radio every weekday from 12 noon to 1pm for more Travelogues. 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 writt...
5m Dec 19, 2024
5m
S2 Ep886: Victoria Falls - Travelogue 24 With Jonathan Abro
Time for a trip to the famous Victoria Falls with Jonathan Abro. He takes us to the world's largest waterfall in today's Travelogue. Tune in to 'The Lunch Break' on RNIB Connect Radio every weekday from 12 noon to 1pm for more Travelogues. 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 pi...
5m Dec 19, 2024
5m
S2 Ep885: Accessible Lego Instructions From Bricks For The Blind
Build something magical with text-based lego instructions. Bricks For The Blind share free guides so blind and partially sighted people can enjoy the beloved sets. Amelia spoke to CEO and Founder, Matthew Shifrin, to learn more. Learn more about Bricks For The Blind and access their accessible building instructions on their website - https://bricksfortheblind.org/ Image shows Matthew, a whi...
9m Dec 18, 2024
9m
S2 Ep884: The Nutcracker and Audio Description
In the lead up to Christmas and with many productions of what is a real classic festive ballet treat The Nutcracker, what might it be like going to an audio described ballet performance from a blind or partially sighted persons point of view. Well for a bit of a festive audio described theatre review RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was not only joined by ITV News Inclusion and Diversity Consul...
16m Dec 18, 2024
16m
S2 Ep884: Braille 200 - Lord Blunkett
As we all celebrate 200 years since Louis Braille invented his six-dot tactile reading and writing system for blind and partially sighted people through the RNIB Braille 200 year long celebrations raising the awareness of braille to visually impaired and sighted people here on RNIB Connect Radio we are chatting with people who are braille users to find out what braille means to them and how bra...
15m Dec 18, 2024
15m
S2 Ep883: Matt Stringer Reflects on RNIB’s Evening Of Festive Music
At the end of RNIB’s Evening Of Festive Music, Hubert grabbed a word with our chief executive Matt Stringer to get his reflections on what was a very successful and enjoyable event.
3m Dec 18, 2024
3m
S2 Ep882: British Paralympic Association Chief Exec’s Review Of 2024
As we approach the end of 2024, RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell sits down with some of the world’s leading sight loss charities to look back at the year and ahead to the next. They discuss the organisations challenges, highlights and memorable moments. Today, it’s David Clarke, CEO of British Paralympic Association. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ wri...
10m Dec 18, 2024
10m
S2 Ep882: Guide Dogs UK Chief Exec’s Review Of 2024.
As we approach the end of 2024, RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell sits down with some of the world’s leading sight loss charities to look back at the year and ahead to the next. They discuss the organisations challenges, highlights and memorable moments. Today, it’s Andrew Lennox, CEO of Guide Dogs UK. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold bla...
13m Dec 18, 2024
13m
S2 Ep882: British Blind Sport Chief Exec’s Review Of 2024
As we approach the end of 2024, RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell sits down with some of the world’s leading sight loss charities to look back at the year and ahead to the next. They discuss the organisations challenges, highlights and memorable moments. Today, it’s Alaina MacGregor, CEO of British Blind Sport. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in...
11m Dec 18, 2024
11m