S1 Ep1311: Thailand Fund Raising Challenge With A Sensory Twist
When Ed Smith decided to raise funds for UK sight loss charity RNIB, it was to say thank you for the services they provide and for the help they've given his sister Harriet. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Ed and Harriet about the Thai endeavour and why he's chosen to add some sensory deprivation to make it more challenging. If you'd like more to follow the challenge or make a don...
7m Jul 11, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1308: Some Audio Described Highlights From MindsEye Description
For blind and partially sighted people, Audio Description is hugely important to make television, movies and other arts venues accessible and enjoyable. Audio Description is a narration which describes what is physically happening, say on stage, the big screen or in museums, galleries or other arts events. It comes in many forms but never interrupts actors dialogue or guides. Each month, RNI...
8m Jul 11, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1306: Tom Skelton Is Back At Edinburgh Fringe With New Show
Could you see the funny side to going blind? Well, twelve years on from losing most of his sight, Tom Skelton ‘looks’ back at over a decade of being blind and wonders what might have been. He’s heading to the Edinburgh Fringe this year with his show 2020 Visions: (What If I Hadn't Gone Blind?) and he joined Ellie to tell us all about it. To follow Tom online you can find him on Instagram on @...
9m Jul 10, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1310: Sing And Smile With Goldies Cymru
One musical charity in Wales is hoping to bring a smile to people's faces using the power of song. You can find out more information about a Goldies session near you by calling programme leader Cheryl Davies on 07860 944 410. Or head to the website http://www.goldiescymru.org.uk 
7m Jul 09, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1309: Latest News From UK Sight Loss Charity RNIB
RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sat down with David Clarke, Chief Operating Officer, from RNIB, to discuss some of the big stories of the week. This time they're looking at their #AudioDescription campaign, help with cost of living, grants for technology and improving education for blind and partially sighted pupils and students. If you'd like more info on their services, groups and much m...
7m Jul 08, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1308: That Funny Blind Guy Heads For The Fringe
Fresh from a successful stint at the Glasgow Comedy Festival and recording another series of tv show, The Scots, that funny blind guy Jamie MacDonald is heading to the Edinburgh Fring. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Jamie to find out what's in store. If you'd like more info about Jamie and his tours, go to www.jamiemacdonaldcomedian.com (https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook...
7m Jul 08, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1308: Sight Loss Charity's Board Visits Edinburgh
The board of sight loss charity RNIB, visits locations around the UK to hold it's meetings and meet staff, customers and other stakeholders. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to James Adams, RNIB Scotland Director, to find out more about the visit. If you'd like more info on RNIB Scotland's services, go to http://www.rnib.org.uk/Scotland You can also call the Helpline 0303 123 9999 or...
4m Jul 08, 2022
4m
S1 Ep1302: Blind Bloke Racing sets a new world record!
Nigel Limb is back setting record, this time he's on al electric bike, powered completely by the sun... You can find out more about Nigel on his YouTube channel here: (185) Nigel blindblokeracing - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwWAlp-6P3Xf6QQXRumUTWQ) (Image shows: Nigel with a biker jacket on, sunglasses and his thumbs up)
9m Jul 08, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1307: Wake This Ground at the Arnolfini, Bristol with Audio Description…
Bristol’s International Centre for Contemporary Arts, The Arnolfini, this summer and into the autumn will be offering an immersive exhibition of sensory delights with 'Forest: Wake This Ground’ which is also accessible to blind and partially sighted people through audio described recordings, tours and events. RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Keiko Higashi, Engagement Producer at ...
7m Jul 08, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1303: Blind Man Minutes From Death After Platform Fall
When Michael Tornow fell onto the tracks of his local train station in Glasgow, it was down to quick thinking and brave actions by the public to get him to safety before a train arrived. This was another example of how simple tactile markings on platform edges can save lives. UK sight loss charity RNIB is campaigning to have Network Rail install these life saving markers across all rail stati...
6m Jul 07, 2022
6m
S1 Ep1303: UK Sight Loss Charity's Advice And Support Around Cost Of Living Crisis.
RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell is talking, regularly, with Dominic Milne, from RNIB's Legal Rights Service. They're looking at how blind and partially sighted people can maximise their income during these difficult economic times. Today, they're looking at Attendance Allowance. If you'd like more information about RNIB, it's services or cost of living support, go to http://www.rnib.org.u...
8m Jul 06, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1302: Visionary UK and Sight Scotland
Each month we catch up with Visionary UK and a charty member organisation to find out about the amazing work being done across the sight loss sector. This month we're joined by the CEO of Sight Scotland to discus the work they do. To find out more about the work Visionary do, please visit their website here: Welcome to Visionary - Visionary (https://www.visionary.org.uk/) To find out more abo...
10m Jul 06, 2022
10m
S1 Ep1302: The 2022 Macular Society Conference
This year the Macular Society Annual Conference is back, taking place on the 10th September. Ellie Marsh has been finding out more... To find out more about the Macular Society, please head to their website, here: Beating Macular Disease - Macular Society (https://www.macularsociety.org/) (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined wi...
6m Jul 06, 2022
6m
S1 Ep1302: Theresa Osborn Bell VI Climber
Theresa Osborn Bell climbed the equivalent of the Gherkin in 2014, she now has her sights set on competing internationally for team GB later this year. Ellie's been catching up with Theresa to find out more...  (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)
10m Jul 06, 2022
10m
S1 Ep1303: Charity's Board Visits The Scottish Capital
The board of sight loss charity RNIB holds meetings at various UK locations, meeting staff, customers and engaging with other stake holders. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to CEO Matt Stringer and some of the board members to learn more about their visit to Edinburgh. If you'd like more information about RNIB and it's services, go to http://www.rnib.org.uk You can also call the Hel...
17m Jul 06, 2022
17m
S1 Ep1305: Connect Voices Round Up 6 July 2022
Max Conway, RNIB's National Involvement Coordinator shares the latest opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to get involved in. Opportunities highlighted this week included: Support the RNIB Legacy Team throughout the year! The RNIB is looking for people with sight loss aged 50+ to provide feedback on a range of legacy projects and campaigns throughout the year. This will help...
6m Jul 06, 2022
6m
S1 Ep1304: Sight Loss Stories - Andrew Causton
This week on RNIB Connect Radio we are speaking to five blind and partially sighted people to find out about them, their journey with sight loss and what keeps them going through the tough times. RNIB Connect Radio's Ellie Marsh spoke to Andrew  Causton to learn about the support and the barriers he has faced over the last year.  If you'd like more information on RNIB's services, go to www.rni...
8m Jul 05, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1276: RNIB Tax Advice
With the cost-of-living increases impacting on every area of our lives, it's more important than ever to maximise our income.   David Hogg spoke to Mark Rogerson from RNIB's Tax Advice team to hear how RNIB can help you with your taxes. Youcan get in touch with the RNIB Tax Advice team by phoning the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or email tax@RNIB.org.uk 
6m Jul 05, 2022
6m
S1 Ep1302: Dorset Blind Association
How important can Charity shops be for local sight loss charities, and how can they help local blind and partially sighted people to access more services, Ellie's been chatting to one local charity to find out...  To find out more about Dorset Blind Association please visit their website, here:  Image shows: Dorset Blind Association Logo
8m Jul 05, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1301: Charity Needs Your Help To Lobby Government On Cost Of Living Crisis
It is well known that blind and partially sighted people are adversely effected by the current cost of living crisis because of the extra costs that go with living with a disability. UK sight loss charity RNIB are asking blind and partially sighted people to take a few minutes to complete an E Action, that will be used to lobby the government for changes, like improvements to the Warm Heating ...
6m Jul 05, 2022
6m
S1 Ep1300: Celebrating 10 Years Of Music Box!
Are you a lover of classical and modern music?   Do you wait in anticipation each week to hear what wonderful compositions are going to appear on our Music Box show?    Well then, we have a treat for you as a very special anniversary is taking place this month.   Find out more about what you can look forward to throughout July, as we speak to Soprano, Voice Over Artist and the voice behin...
17m Jul 04, 2022
17m
S1 Ep1298: Access Liberty Festival 2022 with Audio Description
The free Liberty Festival, a celebration of Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists and part of Lewisham London Borough of Culture 2022, will take place from Friday 22 July to Sunday 24 July 2022 with many, many accessible events with audio description for blind and partially sighted people. RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Linda Rocco, Liberty Festival 2022 Creative Producer t...
11m Jul 04, 2022
11m
S1 Ep1299: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 02/07/2022
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 help with the Cost Of Living Crisis and why he, and the RNIB board, were in Edinburgh. If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services from RNIB, go to http://www.rnib.org.u...
5m Jul 01, 2022
5m
S1 Ep1298: Real Sam Pocket, The Voice Controlled Smart Device That Fits in Your Pocket!
If you are looking for a fully accessible smart device to take out and about with you as a blind or partially sighted person that is fully controlled by your voice which fits into your pocket, to make phone calls, send text messages, listen to audio books, read the newspaper and much more? Then Real Sam Pocket might be the solution for you. RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Louise...
13m Jul 01, 2022
13m
S1 Ep1297: Did You Know About RNIB Community Spotlight?
Barry Snell chats to RNIB's Community Engagement Manager, Sej Maisuria and also visually impaired chef Kim Jaye, to find out about RNIB's Community Spotlight - an initiative that's being led by blind and partially sighted volunteers, which aims to foster a community of mutual support and showcase the talents of people with sight loss. It's packed with interesting stories, reviews, recipes and m...
6m Jun 27, 2022
6m
S1 Ep1296: Are You 'In The Know' About Deafblindness?
Monday 27th of June marks the beginning of Deafblind Awareness Week, an important event that wants to not only bring awareness but also help smash misconceptions.   To help de-stigmatise deafblindness, our Paulina Kuchorew spoke with Shirley Scotcher from Deafblind UK.   Find out more about Deafblind UK here: Deafblind UK | Supporting Deafblindness in the UK (https://deafblind.org.uk/) Ima...
9m Jun 27, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1295: In Conversation With Falklands Conflict Veteran - Steven Tuffen
14th of June 2022 saw the 40th anniversary of the end of the Falklands Conflict.  RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke with Steve Tuffen, who served with 2 Para, to talk about his part in the re-taking of the islands, how an enemy bullet robbed him of his sight and how he has rebuilt his life thanks to the support of the Royal British Legion and Blind Veterans UK. Image shows an image fro...
16m Jun 24, 2022
16m
S1 Ep1294: Charity Chief Exec’s Weekly Update 25/06/22
Each week we chat with RNIB’s CEO Matt Stringer to discuss the big news affecting the charity. This week Matt started by talking about the launch of the RNIB and PAC IOU – Inclusive Opportunities and Universal Design  Global Charter which will help encourage global packaging companies and brands to commit to creating accessible packaging information and provide greater career opportunities wit...
9m Jun 24, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1293: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - The Playboy of the West Indies, Audio Described 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 audio described theatre reviews. This week Vidar was reviewing the ‘Playboy of the West Indies’ at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre on Tuesday 21 June 20222 with audio des...
7m Jun 24, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1292: How Can VoiceAbility Support Those Living In Scotland?
VoiceAbility is an advocacy organisation which works with Social Security Scotland to provide free support to anyone in Scotland who is looking to engage with the department. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Andrew Craigie to learn about VoiceAbility's connection with the Scottish Government and how they can support people in maximising their income. Find out more here: VoiceAbilit...
7m Jun 23, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1291: Tyne and Wear Metro Introduce Tactile Paving
The Tyne and Wear Metro has become the first railway in England to install tactile paving on all platform edges in a bid to support blind and partially sighted people. All 60 metro stations now feature tactile surfacing which provides both a visual and physical alert to the edge of the platform and will support people with visual impairment and comes alongside the delivery of step-free access ...
7m Jun 23, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1290: National Theatre London Audio Description Round Up 23 June 2022
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. Our Toby Davey was joined again by David Bellwood, Head of Access at the National Theatre, to chat about a couple of up-coming audio described shows at the National Theatre and a couple of gems from the archives that are availa...
6m Jun 23, 2022
6m
S1 Ep1289: Extant Celebrates it’s 25th Anniversary with the Launch of Extant Evolve
Extant, the UK’s leading performing arts company run by, and for, visually impaired people providing a performance space for inclusive theatre for everyone, celebrates it’s 25th anniversary with the launch of a new exciting initiative called Extant Evolve to innovate the arts with new blind and partially sighted talent. RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Maria Oshodi, Artistic Dire...
14m Jun 22, 2022
14m
S1 Ep1288: Connect Voices Round Up 22 June 2022
Max Conway, RNIB's National Involvement Coordinator shares the latest opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to get involved in. Opportunities highlighted this week included: A survey about the new RNIB website structure -  The RNIB would like to hear your feedback on the structure and organisation of the pages on our new RNIB website in order to make it more user-friendly. Yo...
7m Jun 22, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1287: Star Trek Strange New Worlds - Bruce Horak Interview
Bruce Horak is the first legally blind actor with a lead role in Star Trek. He plays Chief Engineer Hemmer of the USS Enterprise in the new series, Star Trek - Strange New Worlds, a prequel to the original series of Star Trek available on Paramount+ in the UK This interview was originally broadcast in three parts,  In part 1 Bruce tells Robert Kirkwood about losing his vision at a very young ...
38m Jun 22, 2022
38m
S1 Ep1285: Jennifer Doherty Conquers the Challenge of Trekking to Everest Base Camp
Have you ever wondered whether it might be possible to follow in the foot steps of some of those great mountaineers and trek to Everest Base Camp as a blind or partially sighted person?   Well, Jennifer Doherty from County Donegal has certainly conquered the challenge  having recently taken part as the only blind person on a trek to Everest Base Camp having been invited by local well-known mou...
8m Jun 21, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1286: Find out more about the Eye Can Shooting Club
Eye Can Can a sight loss charity based in Wolverhampton run lots of different sports groups, including a new Shooting club. Ellie's been finding out more about it... To find out more about Eye Can, please search for @TeamEyeCan on Facebook Image shows: RNIB Connect Radio Logo
8m Jun 20, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1284: Cost Of Living Tax Advice From HMRC
With the cost of living increases impacting on every area of our lives, it's more important than ever to maximise our income. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke with Marguerite Kerr, from HMRC, to discuss two allowances for blind people and married couples.
7m Jun 20, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1283: Some Audio Described Highlights From MindsEye Description
For blind and partially sighted people, Audio Description is hugely important to make television, movies and other arts venues accessible and enjoyable. Audio Description is a narration which describes what is physically happening, say on stage, the big screen or in museums, galleries or other arts events. It comes in many forms but never interrupts actors dialogue or guides. Each month, RNI...
9m Jun 20, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1280: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 18/06/2022
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 help with the Cost Of Living Crisis and Tesco becoming a Visibly Better Employer. If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services from RNIB, go to http://www.rnib.org.uk Yo...
7m Jun 18, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1282: What's happening in Junes Macular and Me?
Just what are the Macular and Me Webinars? Ellie's been catching up with Colin Daniels who runs the session to find out, and to find out about some exciting new research that will feature in this month's session...  To find out more about the Macular and Me monthly webinars, please visit their website, Register to join our My Macular and Me webinars - Macular Society (https://www.macularsociet...
6m Jun 17, 2022
6m
S1 Ep1281: Katya Balen, winner of the 2022 Yoto Carnegie Medal
Katya Balen, author of 'October October', speaks to Red Szell about winning the Yoto Carnegie Medal 2022.
7m Jun 17, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1279: New RNIB Visibly Better Employer Quality Standard Helping to Make a More Inclusive Workplace
The new RNIB Visibly Better Employer Quality Standard has been launched to help employers better support their blind and partially sighted employees, future employees and visually impaired job seekers as well as helping to make a more inclusive workplace for everyone. RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Marie Clarkson, RNIB Visibly Better Employer quality standard Project Co-ordinat...
7m Jun 16, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1278: US Sight Loss Charity's First Face To Face Convention Since Lockdown
The National Federation of the Blind in the USA is getting ready for it's National Convention, the first since lockdown restrictions were lifted and there's an invite for anyone, around the globe, to join virtually. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Chris Danielsen, PR Director for NFB, to find out what's in store for face to face visitors and, if you can't make it in person, how the...
6m Jun 16, 2022
6m
S1 Ep1268: Jason Reynolds: Books of Your Life from the winner of the 2021 Carnegie Medal
Jason Reynolds, author of 'Look Both Ways', won the Carnegie Cilip Medal in 2021, celebrating the best in children's literature. He joined Red Szell to share the Books of His Life.
7m Jun 16, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1276: The SCVO Gathering 2022!
For the first time since 2019, the Scottish Council of Voulentry Organisations annual Gathering is happening in person! Ellie's been down to find out about the work RNIB's Youth Campaigns group Haggeye are doing, with Guide Dogs to raise awearness of accessible voting. To find out more about SCVO, please visit their website Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (scvo.scot) (https://scvo...
8m Jun 15, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1268: Yusef Salaam: Books of Your Life from the Yoto Carnegie shortlisted author
Yusef Salaam, author of 'Punching the Air' with Ibi Ziboi, has been shortlisted for the Yoto Carnegie Medal, celebrating the best of children's books. He joined Red Szell to share the Books of His Life. 
8m Jun 15, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1275: UK Sight Loss Charity's Advice And Support for Cost Of Living Crisis.
UK sight loss charity RNIB, is encouraging blind and partially sighted people to get in touch if they're struggling with the current cost of living crisis. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell will be talking with Dominic Milne, from the charity's Legal Rights Service, over the coming months to find out how the organisation can help. This time they're looking at Pension Credit for those at or a...
6m Jun 14, 2022
6m
S1 Ep1268: Phil Earle: Books of Your Life from the Yoto Carnegie shortlisted author
Phil Earle, author of 'When the Sky Falls', has been shortlisted for the Yoto Carnegie Medal, celebrating the best of children's books. He joined Hannah Tausz to share the Books of His Life. 
8m Jun 14, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1266: Julian Sedgwick: Books of Your Life from the Yoto Carnegie shortlisted author
Julian Sedgwick author of 'Tsunami Girl', has been shortlisted for the Yoto Carnegie Medal, celebrating the best of children's books. He joined Red Szell to share the Books of His Life. 
9m Jun 13, 2022
9m