S1 Ep1226: Why Support Matters?
Monday 9th of May till Sunday 15th of May marks Mental Health Awareness Week, an annual event that wants to encourage everyone around the UK to focus on achieving good mental health.   This year's theme is all about combatting loneliness and understanding the impact it can have on our mental wellbeing.   Joining our Paulina Kuchorew to share his personal story and to chat about the support ...
10m May 10, 2022
10m
S1 Ep1225: Northern Ballet’s Casanova, Audio Description and more too….
Leeds based ballet company Northern Ballet are currently touring their production of Casanova around the country with audio described performances for blind and partially sighted people at Sadler’s Wells in London on Saturday 14 May at 2.30pm with an insight talk and touch tour at 12 noon with further described performances at the Lowry Salford Quays on Saturday 21 May at 2pm with the insight t...
13m May 09, 2022
13m
S1 Ep1223: What's It Like To Be A Blind Family Mediator?
Whether it’s a couple going through a divorce, a workplace dispute or discrimination against a disability, mediation services can be a vital tool for communication. Hywel Davies caught up with Ryan Compton, a visually impaired mediator to find out how the service works.
8m May 06, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1221: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 07/05/2022
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 2 campaigns that RNIB has been involved in.  A great step forward in accessible voting thanks to amendments to the UK Elections Bill and progress in getting tactile paving installed in all train stations in...
7m May 06, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1222: Return Of Premiere Exhibition And Seminars For Blind And Partially Sighted People
Sight Village is Europe's premiere  exhibition for blind and partially sighted people, of all ages. Sight Village Central returns to Solihull for it's first in person event since lockdown restrictions. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Lottie Reid to find out what people can expect when they visit the popular event. If you would like more information on Sight Village, go to http://...
6m May 06, 2022
6m
S1 Ep1219: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - RSC Henry VI Rebellion and the Wars of the Roses, 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 a double bill of audio description at the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon with Henry VI Reb...
8m May 06, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1220: Mobile Escape Room Gets The Accessible Touch
More and more of us are trying our skills out in Escape Rooms, with friends or against other teams of players. Did you know that there's a new accessible one, ideal for blind and partially sighted people? RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Mathew Harrison, creator, and Anne Hornsby, who created the audio described guides, to learn more about the challenge and how you can ask for the ...
7m May 05, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1218: Meet the new ECLO for Shetland!
Ellie's been chatting with Maeve Lawler, the new ECLO for Shetland, to find out more about her role, and the area that she covers. If you'd like to find out more about the ECLO service, please visit the website Eye Care Liaison Officers (ECLOs) - RNIB - See differently (https://www.rnib.org.uk/advice/eye-health/who-does-what/eclo) (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letter...
5m May 05, 2022
5m
S1 Ep1217: Charities Launch Campaign To Improve Accessible Video On Demand Programmes In The UK
Charities have come together to campaign for improvements to Audio Description, Subtitles and Captioning for programmes that are viewed via Video On Demand services. The provision is patchy and despite current laws, things seem to have stalled. This leaves many people unable to enjoy their shows and films in the same way that others do and with streaming being part of our conversation culture...
9m May 04, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1217: Huge Win For Accessible Vote Campaign
For many years now, charities like RNIB have been campaigning to make the UK's voting system more accessible for blind and partially sighted people. At the moment the system is not fit for purpose and does not give visually impaired people the chance to vote in secrecy or independently, something which is enshrined in law for others. After much campaigning, the recent Elections Bill will have...
11m May 04, 2022
11m
S1 Ep1215: Debbie McKenzie raises £800 for RNIB on the Glasgow Kilt Walk!
Ellie's been catching up with a RNIB Volunteer who's just raised over £800 for RNIB in a very Scottish way, she's been sharing some top tips for future fundraisers. To find out more about fundraising for RNIB, please visit this website Donations and fundraising - RNIB - See differently (https://www.rnib.org.uk/donations-and-fundraising) To find out more about volunteering for RNIB, please vis...
6m May 03, 2022
6m
S1 Ep1214: Joe Kenny tells us all about his new single
Blind singer song writer Joe Kenny is about to released a new signal, Lable Me comes out on 30th April and is all about the stereotypes you face as a person with a disability. Ellie caught up with him to find out all about the new signal and getting back to live gigs.  You can stream Label Me on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music or anywhere else you stream your music. Image shows: Joe walkin...
9m Apr 29, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1216: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 29/04/2022
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio 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 talks to Hywel about the series of strategy meetings going on across the country this month, the launch of the IBSA Games and how RNIB's beneficiaries can have their say on the future of the charity.   If you, or someone you know, ...
8m Apr 29, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1213: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - WNO Madam Butterfly, 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 audio described performance of Welsh National Opera’s production of Puccini’s Madam Butterfly at the Bir...
8m Apr 27, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1204: Connect Voices Round Up 27 April 2022
Charlotte Jones, RNIB's National Involvement Coordinator shares the latest opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to get involved in. Opportunities highlighted this week included: Did you have a power cut for 2 or more days because of a winter storm? A team from Kings College London are looking for people with a disability or health  condition who experienced power cuts for 2 d...
6m Apr 27, 2022
6m
S1 Ep1212: Dan Parker Smashes Driving World Record
Did you know that there is a World Record for the fastest blindfolded driver? Well that record has been smashed by a blind driver called Dan Parker, from the United States. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Dan and Chris Danielsen, from the National Federation of the Blind in the US, to learn more about the challenge and the Guinness record attempt. #RNIBConnect Image: Dan Parker F...
10m Apr 26, 2022
10m
S1 Ep1211: Makeup Tutorials for Visually Impaired Women in Wales
A new online course is helping blind and partially sighted women in Wales to feel more confident, and more glamorous.  If you're in Wales and you're interested in taking part in the next 'Beautifully Blind' course, you can contact Carys Groves by phone on 07753 305 631 or by email carys.groves@sightlife.wales
8m Apr 25, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1210: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 23/04/2022
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 more important Parliamentary work, a new campaign to increase audio description on Video On Demand services and why were MPs playing with Lego? If you, or someone you know, would like information on the su...
8m Apr 22, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1208: Using Sight Loss in Stand Up Comedy, with Cubby
Cubby is a Glasgow based stand up comedian, in 2020 he features on ITV's Britain's Got Talent and received 4 yes's in the audition. Ellie caught up with him to find out a bit more about his life, his stand up and about how he uses his sight loss in his on stage material  To find out more about Cubby you can find him on Facebook by searching for Cubby Comedian or on Twitter @cubby_david (Image...
9m Apr 22, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1209: Audio Description Consultant Needed For New Dance Theatre Show In Wales
A new dance project in South Wales is looking for a visually impaired audio description consultant. Hywel Davies spoke to the writer and director of 'Remarkable Rhythm' Krystal S. Lowe. If you'd like to take part, you can send your application to Krystalslowe.contact@gmail.com by Monday, May 16th. You can find out more about Krystal and her other dance projects at www.krystalslowe.com   This p...
8m Apr 20, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1207: Fragile with Attitude Exhibition of Work by Disabled Artists at Westonbirt Arboretum
Westonbirt the National Arboretum in Gloucestershire Managed by the Forestry Commission has certainly been planting access at the heart of everything they do, not only with their Sensing Nature guided tours  lead by blind and partially sighted guides but Westonbirt is hosting a two-day conference titled 'Restoring Landscapes for Social Inclusion' looking at access to landscapes and the natural ...
14m Apr 20, 2022
14m
S1 Ep1205: Activating Enterprise Bank Holiday Special
Over the last months, you've heard us share stories from visually impaired entrepreneurs. From talent managers, IT specialists, disability consultants, public speakers, to those working within the creative industries. They've all shared their employment journeys with us on RNIB Connect Radio.   On this Special episode of Activating Enterprise, we will, once again hear from  public speaker and...
55m Apr 18, 2022
55m
S1 Ep1203: How the RNIB Legal Right Team can help you during the cost of living crisis.
With the cost of living crisis hitting the pockets of people across the country, Ellie spoke to Dominic Milne from the RNIB Legal Rights Team to find out how they can support you to access the benefits you are entitled to.  To find out more about the RNIB can help you with any questions or worries with regards to the benefit system and what you are entitled to, please call the helpline on 0303...
8m Apr 18, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1202: Vidar Hjarding MBE - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Audio Described Theatre Review
RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjarding 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 audio described performance of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat at the Birmingham Hippodrom...
8m Apr 15, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1206: Charity Chief Exec’s Weekly Update 16/04/22
Each week we chat with RNIB’s CEO Matt Stringer to discuss the big news affecting the charity.   This week Matt started with more news about the Election Bill for blind and partially sighted people to have the right to vote independently and in secret, following on from the handing in this week of the #BlindVotersCount petition signed by over 7,000 people to Michael Gove, news about the RNIB ...
11m Apr 14, 2022
11m
S1 Ep1204: Ebony Rose Dark discusses being a VI Drag and Cabaret Artist
Ellie catches up with VI Drag and Cabaret performer Ebony Rose Dark to find out what drag means to them.  To find out more about Ebony, you can search for Ebony Rose Dark on Social Media. (Image shows: Ebony with a sparkling golden gown on, with a love heart shaped hair piece and glittering golden eye shadow) 
13m Apr 14, 2022
13m
S1 Ep1201: How Accessible is Higher Education
Steven Sutherland & Mathew Clark are both registered blind but have had differing experiences with higher education. RNIB's Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to both of them to find out why. Image RNIB Scotland logo
10m Apr 14, 2022
10m
S1 Ep1202: Partnership Between CHEC and the RNIB Results in a New Community ECLO Service
On 1 April 2022 the RNIB and Community Health and Eye Care (CHEC) announced a new strategic partnership to provide a dedicated Eye Care Liaison Officer service across 10 of CHEC’s community eye care centres.  CHEC, is one of the largest providers of community-based ophthalmology services in the UK and the new Eye Care Liaison Officer service will ensure CHEC patients receive tailored practical...
9m Apr 14, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1200: Connect Voices Round up 13 April 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: Get behind the RNIB’s Legal Rights Service campaign which is Highlighting and challenging an unfair ruling around people’s benefits just because they are a Braille reader.  Many claimants of Universal Cred...
5m Apr 13, 2022
5m
S1 Ep1201: Great News! Tech Talk Is Back!
RNIB Connect Radio's flagship technology series 'Tech Talk' is making its return next month.  Allan Russell caught up with one of the show's new presenters, Dave Williams, to find out what's planned for the big return and when the show will return to the airways. Listen out for the first episode of your brand new Tech Talk Tuesday 3rd of May from 1 PM.  Image shows RNIB Connect Radio logo. '...
9m Apr 12, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1198: Charity Chief Exec’s Weekly Update 09/04/22
Each week we chat with RNIB’s CEO Matt Stringer to discuss the big news affecting the charity. This week Matt started with news hot off the press around the Election Bill for blind and partially sighted people to have the right to vote independently and in secret, with the recent launch of RNIB Northern Ireland’s ’See Me, See Differently’ manifesto leading up to the local Assembly elections in...
9m Apr 09, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1197: Visionary Update with Retina UK!
Every month on RNIB Connect Radio we catch up with Visionary UK, this week Retina UK join Ellie and Fiona to discuss the work they do and the launch of the audience insight survey and how you can get involved. To find out more about Visionary please visit their website here: Welcome to Visionary - Visionary (https://www.visionary.org.uk/) To find out more about Retina UK and complete their su...
9m Apr 08, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1195: Susie Simons from Eye Matter
Former RNIB volunteer Susie Simons tells Red Szell how here peer support groups for BVI people flourished during the pandemic, and led to her being shortlisted for a See Differently Award, and to her working with the RNIB to provide online Living Well With Sight Loss courses.
9m Apr 08, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1199: A Life Living with Sight Loss with Aneeba Ahmed
In a series of interviews here on RNIB Connect Radio we are talking with a range of blind and partially sighted people to find out what life is really like living with sight loss, how they have coped throughout their life with the level of sight they have and the advice they would give to other people who might be starting to lose their sight or finding it difficult to cope with the level of si...
5m Apr 07, 2022
5m
S1 Ep1194: Sight Loss Stories: Julian Neale
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 Red Szell spoke to Julian 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.rnib.org.uk (h...
11m Apr 07, 2022
11m
S1 Ep1193: All the info on the new series of Thomas Pocklington Trust Internships!
With a new series of Thomas Pocklington Trust Internships on the horizon, Ellie's been finding out what the plan is this year and how you can get involved at any age. The deadline to apply for this years internships is the 17th of April. To find out more about the Thomas Pocklington Trust and their internship scheme for 2022, please visit this website Get Set Progress Internships Programme - T...
7m Apr 05, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1192: Charity Chief Exec’s Weekly Update 02/04/22
Each week we chat with RNIB’s CEO Matt Stringer to discuss the big news affecting the charity. This week Matt started by reflecting on the great success of the RNIB 2022 See Differently Awards which were held in London earlier this week. Following on from the recent announcement of the 100 RNIB Eye Care Liaison Officer, Matt talks about more ECLO news including the partnership with CHEC (Comm...
9m Apr 01, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1191: We’re With You - Ukraine Benefit Concert, Saturday 16 April 2022
We know how devastating the war in Ukraine is and you might be wondering is there anything we can do to support our fellow blind and partially sighted people who are court up in the war in Ukraine? Well Jaffar Sidek Ahmad thinks so and has set up a benefit concert called We're With You which will be broadcast online around the world on Saturday 16 April 2022 and is looking for contributions fr...
5m Apr 01, 2022
5m
S1 Ep1190: Northern Ballet: Merlin in Cinemas with Audio Description from 24 April 2022
Northern Ballet, the Leeds based ballet company who have been providing access to their productions for over 20 years for blind and partially sighted people with live through audio description along with their In Sight dance workshops/touch tours, will have their first cinema screening of one of their productions with audio description when Merlin is released in cinemas from Sunday 24 April 202...
13m Mar 31, 2022
13m
S1 Ep1189: All the reaction after the RNIB See Differently Awards!
Last night Ellie, Toby and Paulina we're at the RNIB See Differently Awards 2022. Just  before everyone hit the dance floor for the after part, the team from Connect Radio we're on hand to collect reaction about how the event played out… Congratulations again to all the winners, until next year! Find out more here: RNIB See Differently Awards 2022 – headline sponsor Amazon Alexa - RNIB - See ...
8m Mar 30, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1188: RNIB See Differently Awards 2022 - Volunteer Of The Year
RNIB See Differently Awards took place in London on the 29th of March 2022 and were a celebration of individuals, teams and companies that have gone the extra mile to help break down barriers and smash stereotypes associated with sight loss.     The Volunteer of the year award, sponsored by Bayer, recognised an exceptional individual who dedicated their time, skills and energy within their co...
3m Mar 30, 2022
3m
S1 Ep1188: RNIB See Differently Awards 2022 - Employer Of The Year
RNIB See Differently Awards took place in London on the 29th of March 2022 and were a celebration of individuals, teams and companies that have gone the extra mile to help break down barriers and smash stereotypes associated with sight loss.     The Employer of the year award, sponsored by Thomas Pocklington Trust, recognised an exceptional organisation which has committed to providing an acc...
3m Mar 30, 2022
3m
S1 Ep1187: RNIB See Differently Awards 2022 - 6th Duke of Westminster Lifetime Achievement Award
RNIB See Differently Awards took place in London on the 29th of March 2022 and were a celebration of individuals, teams and companies that have gone the extra mile to help break down barriers and smash stereotypes associated with sight loss.     The 6th Duke of Westminster Lifetime Achievement Award recognised    RNIB Connect Radio was on hand at the ceremony and our Toby Davey spoke with w...
3m Mar 30, 2022
3m
S1 Ep1187: RNIB See Differently Awards 2022 - Design For Everyone Award
RNIB See Differently Awards took place in London on the 29th of March 2022 and were a celebration of individuals, teams and companies that have gone the extra mile to help break down barriers and smash stereotypes associated with sight loss.     The Design for Everyone Award, sponsored by Kellogg's, recognised an individual or organisation that has understood the everyday challenges faced by ...
2m Mar 30, 2022
2m
S1 Ep1187: RNIB See Differently Awards 2022 - Team Of The Year
RNIB See Differently Awards took place in London on the 29th of March 2022 and were a celebration of individuals, teams and companies that have gone the extra mile to help break down barriers and smash stereotypes associated with sight loss.     The Team of the Year award recognised a team that has made a significant contribution to improving the lives of people who are blind or partially sig...
3m Mar 30, 2022
3m
S1 Ep1187: RNIB See Differently Awards 2022 - Best Social Media Impact Of The Year
RNIB See Differently Awards took place in London on the 29th of March 2022 and were a celebration of individuals, teams and companies that have gone the extra mile to help break down barriers and smash stereotypes associated with sight loss.     The Social Media Impact of the Year, sponsored by Pantene, recognised someone who used social media to break down the barriers faced by blind and par...
3m Mar 30, 2022
3m
S1 Ep1186: RNIB See Differently Awards 2022 - Community Contributor Of The Year
RNIB See Differently Awards took place in London on the 29th of March 2022 and were a celebration of individuals, teams and companies that have gone the extra mile to help break down barriers and smash stereotypes associated with sight loss. The Community Contributor of the Year award, sponsored by Santen, recognised the unsung hero of the sight loss community, who had dedicated themselves to ...
2m Mar 30, 2022
2m
S1 Ep1186: RNIB See Differently Awards 2022 - Campaigner Of The Year
RNIB See Differently Awards took place in London on the 29th of March 2022 and were a celebration of individuals, teams and companies that have gone the extra mile to help break down barriers and smash stereotypes associated with sight loss. Campaigner of the Year award, sponsored by Mastercard, recognised an exceptional individual who has shown great commitment and courage in campaigning to i...
2m Mar 30, 2022
2m
S1 Ep1186: All the action before the SDA Awards 2022!
Last night in central London a very special award ceremony took place, the RNIB See Differently Awards, Toby, Ellie and Paulina we're on hand to catch all the action before the winners were announced. Find out more here: RNIB See Differently Awards 2022 – headline sponsor Amazon Alexa - RNIB - See differently (https://www.rnib.org.uk/see-differently-awards) Image shows 'RNIB See Differently A...
8m Mar 30, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1184: Connect Voices Round up 30 March 2022
Charlotte Jones, RNIB's National Involvement Coordinator shares the latest opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to get involved in. Opportunities highlighted this week included: Join the RNIB Voice of the Customer focus groups - The RNIB is looking for a broad range of blind and partially sighted people from across the UK to take part in a series of the RNIB online Voice of t...
7m Mar 30, 2022
7m