S1 Ep899: #StreetsForAll Campaign!!
Sight Loss Councils have just started the second phase of their #StreetsForAll campaign which aims to make the streets of the UK more accessible for Blind and Partially sighted people. Our Ellie Marsh's been speaking with Mike Bell from the group to find out more.  For more information visit: www.sightlosscouncil.org.uk (https://www.sightlosscouncils.org.uk/) Image shows the Sight Loss Counc...
7m Aug 02, 2021
7m
S1 Ep899: Ablenet Flying Experience
Ablenet offer all sorts of extreme sport experience, Ellie's been catching up with their CEO Paul and Nigel who's been trying something brand new. To find out more about Ablenet please visit: www.ablenet.com (https://ablenet.co.uk/)   Image shows: Ablenet logo
8m Aug 02, 2021
8m
S1 Ep898: Have you still got your sense of adventure?
With the better weather you might be looking to get out and about a bit more, Ellie's been catching up with blogger Blind Man Roy about some of his adventures over the years and that it really is not where you are, it's who you're with. Image: A picture of Roy next to a waterfall in the woods
7m Aug 02, 2021
7m
S1 Ep901: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update 30/07/21
Each week we catch up with RNIB’s CEO Matt Stringer to discuss the big news affecting the charity.  This week Steven Scott talks to Matt about a major Government announcement around its National Disability Strategy.  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 30, 2021
10m
S1 Ep900: Changes To The Blind Concession TV License
There’s a big change coming to the way blind and partially sighted people apply for the concessionary TV license.  Thanks to a ground-breaking agreement between RNIB, TV Licensing and the Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) in Northern Ireland, it will be much easier for people with severe sight impairment to access a blind concession TV License.  RNIB Connect Radio's Steven Scott has more in...
11m Jul 29, 2021
11m
S1 Ep898: RNIB's Diabetes Survey
RNIB will be launching a new survey and are looking for people who have lived experience with Diabetes and Sight loss to get involved.  RNIB Connect Radio's Ellie Marsh has more. If you'd like to find out more or get involved, please call the RNIB Helpline on, 0303 123 9999 Image shows: RNIB Logo
3m Jul 29, 2021
3m
S1 Ep898: It's never to late to reach your dreams!
After children fly the nest and you get that little bit more time to yourself you might be looking for things to fill the time. Zoe Hanscombe headed back to her youth to get back in the saddle after many years. She's been speaking to Ellie about horse riding and chasing your dreams in later life. Image shows: Zoe stood with her horse Hugo
7m Jul 29, 2021
7m
S1 Ep898: Disability Pride Month
July is Disability Pride Month and our Ellie Marsh has been catching up with The Happy Hour's Holly Tuke to find out what the month means to her and how Social Media has built up a community to be proud of. Image shows: RNIB Logo
6m Jul 29, 2021
6m
S1 Ep897: Identify Plants With This Accessible App
If you aren’t particularly green-fingered but are keen to know more about the plants in your garden, or identify flowers and plants on your daily walk, you might be interested in Picture This. It’s an app for the iPhone. RNIB Technology for Life team’s Jo Fullerton talks us through it. You can contact RNIB’s Technology For Life team on 0303 123 9999 or tfl@rnib.org.uk (mailto:tfl@rnib.org.uk)...
6m Jul 28, 2021
6m
S1 Ep896: Blind Beauty, skincare for especially for Blind and Partially Sighted
Turning your passion into a business is a dream for a lot of people, Hazal from Blind Beauty has turned her passion for Beauty and Skincare into a business. Focusing on her blind and partially sighted customers, her products are all about the contents of the bottles rather than the outsides of them.  RNIB Connect Radio's Ellie Marsh has been finding out more. To find out more about Blind Beau...
8m Jul 28, 2021
8m
S1 Ep894: Your Eyes Also Need SPF
While most people know that the sun causes skin damage, few seem to realise it is just as damaging to their eyes – increasing the chances of developing conditions such as premature cataract, age-related macular degeneration, and growths on the eye.    New report from the Association of Optometrists finds that more than half of adults fail to protect their eyes from UV rays despite their damag...
8m Jul 27, 2021
8m
S1 Ep884: The Longest Battle with John Lawson
In The Longest battle Emma Martins chats with people who have gone through a similar life changing situation to her own when Emma caught a virus in 2013 which completely changed her life for ever.    The virus that Emma caught in Vietnam caused a brain aneurysm which in turn has severely affected Emma’s eyesight.   This week in The Longest Battle Emma is chatting with Chef John Lawson, who ...
33m Jul 26, 2021
33m
S1 Ep893: New Report Helps Build Bridges Into Employment For Disabled People
New report from Policy Connect and the APPG (All Party Parliamentary Group) for Assistive Technology aims to make the UK workplaces inclusive.  Highlighting the role of technology in the experiences of disabled people transitioning into the workforce, the report makes recommendations for how the UK can harness the power of these tools and inclusive practices to make the world of work accessibl...
6m Jul 26, 2021
6m
S1 Ep892: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update 24/07/2021
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with Matt Stringer, RNIB CEO, to discuss some of the latest stories coming from the UK sight loss charity. This week Matt talks about influencing the UK government on some big campaigns, a win in Northern Ireland for the blind person's tv license discount and continuing effects on the charity's operations caused by pandemic restrictions a...
8m Jul 24, 2021
8m
S1 Ep890: Chelsea Physic Garden Research into Online AD Tours
Your chance to help develop online accessible tours of Chelsea Physic Garden in London and you could win a £200 prize! Westminster University and Chelsea Physic Garden in London are working together to research and develop accessible online tours to improve access for blind and partially sighted people. Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Dr Lindsay Bywood from Westminster University to...
8m Jul 23, 2021
8m
S1 Ep891: The award wining, Braille Ale!
An award winning Craft Beer Brewery in the US has been raising awareness for blind and partially sighted people through their new and exclusive Braille Ale.   RNIB Connect Radio's Ellie Marsh has been finding out more as she spoke with Ben from the West Side Brewing.   To find out more about Braille Ale please visit: www.westsidebrewing.com (https://www.westsidebrewing.com/) Image shows: The b...
8m Jul 23, 2021
8m
S1 Ep889: Warning Over DWP Payments Via The Post Office
In November this year DWP benefit payments via the special payment card service at the Post Office will stop. You will need to open a bank account or use an email, or text, based system to receive your payments. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Dominic Milne, from RNIB's Legal Rights Service, to hear more about the changes and how they can help blind and partially sighted people who...
5m Jul 22, 2021
5m
S1 Ep891: Muslim Sisters Group
Staying connected is always important, RNIB have lots of different ways you can stay connected and meet new people in the community, Ellie's been finding out more about one such group. If you could like to get involved or find out more about the Muslim Sisters Group you can email radio@rnib.org.uk Image shows RNIB Logo
9m Jul 22, 2021
9m
S1 Ep887: WeWalk, Amazon's Start up of the Year!
From a small social impact project to Amazon's Best Start up of the Year award, the We Walk has come far in it's short history, Ellie's been catching up with them to find out more. To find out more about the WeWalk, please visit, www.wewalk.io (https://wewalk.io/en/)   Images shows: We Walk logo
8m Jul 21, 2021
8m
S1 Ep883: Connect Voices Round-Up 21 July 2021
Max Conway, RNIB Trainee National Involvement Coordinator shares the latest opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to get involved in. Opportunities highlighted this week include: Your chance to get involved in Supporting the RNIB and the Care and Support Alliance to ensure that Prime Minister Boris Johnson keeps his promise on the reform of social care Help out a research stud...
6m Jul 21, 2021
6m
S1 Ep888: Navy Veteran Raising Funds For Blind Veterans Charity
Terry Bullingham served in the Royal Navy until he lost his sight in an air strike while serving during the Falklands conflict. After being taken back to the UK and assessed by Moorfields Eye Hospital, he was helped back on the road to recovery by the charity Blind Veterans UK. Terry's life went from strength to strength and to give something back, his story, amongst others, will now feature ...
7m Jul 21, 2021
7m
S1 Ep885: Big Win For Disability Independence Payment Claimants
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has agreed to change one of it's working practices, just 24 hours before a Judicial Review into its policies. RNIB, along with other charities, provided information, and support, to a case against the practice of cold calling claimants, during an appeal, to offer a settlement, which would be less than they were entitled to, halting the appeal. RNIB C...
7m Jul 20, 2021
7m
S1 Ep882: Canadian Charity Unveils Accessible Chip And Pin Machine
Each month, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with John Rafferty, CEO of CNIB, to discuss some of the big stories coming from the Canadian sight loss charity. This month John talks about getting back to face to face work, as restrictions ease, and the launch of an accessible chip and pin machine which is heading for tens of thousands of outlets over July and August 2021. There are load...
6m Jul 19, 2021
6m
S1 Ep879: RealSAM Launches New Version of RealSAM Pocket
RealSAM, the people behind RealSAM Pocket - the fully accessible pocket smart device for blind and partially sighted people controlled by your voice, have just launched a new version of RealSAM Pocket. Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Louise Humphreys from RealSAM to find out more about the new version of RealSAM Pocket which adds a bit more flexibility to the smart device. Louise be...
7m Jul 19, 2021
7m
S1 Ep879: RNIB DAM Radio Demo!
Check out the new RNIB DAB Radio available from the RNIB shop! Find out more here: www.shop.rnib.org.uk (https://shop.rnib.org.uk/)   Image show's RNIB Logo
9m Jul 18, 2021
9m
S1 Ep880: Chief Exec's Weekly Customer Update 17/06/2021
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with RNIB CEO Matt Stringer to discuss some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity. Matt's on holiday this week, so Director of Services David Clarke steps in to talk about the See Sport Differently campaign and encourage us to get involved in the virtual marathon challenge. If you, or someone you know, would like to fi...
11m Jul 17, 2021
11m
S1 Ep881: Westminster Event Focuses On Independent Voting For Visually Impaired People
The right to vote independently and in secrecy is enshrined in law, but for many blind and partially sighted people that simply isn't possible. For many years now, UK sight loss charity, RNIB has been pushing for change to the out of date system and a judicial review agrees. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Mike Wordingham to hear more about the charity's Turned Out Report on votin...
5m Jul 16, 2021
5m
S1 Ep878: Umbrella Group Wants More Visually Impaired People Working In Their Sector
Each month, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Visionary UK, the umbrella organisation which represents many of the UK's sight loss charities. This month we hear from Fiona and Lucy, from Visionary UK, and Mark Upton, CEO of Oxfordshire Association for the Blind, as they discuss ways of improving the amount of blind and partially sighted people working in the sight loss sector. If ...
7m Jul 15, 2021
7m
S1 Ep877: 191 Guide Dog Puppies!
Time to meet and extra special Guide dog now, Trigger has fathered over 191 puppies in his time Ellie's been catching up with his trainer to find out more...  
8m Jul 15, 2021
8m
S1 Ep876: All About RNIB Connect Voices Networks
You may have heard the regular Connect Voices round-ups here on Connect Radio every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month but have you ever wanted to know why the RNIB set up Connect Voices and what it is like getting involved in some of the great opportunities that are on offer to blind and partially sighted people?   Well Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Charlotte Jones, RNIB National...
10m Jul 15, 2021
10m
S1 Ep875: All About Blind Notes with Ravi Sagoo
Blind Notes is a new show starting here on RNIB Connect Radio on Wednesday 21 July 2021 at 6pm where Scottish Broadcaster Ravi Sagoo conducts one to one interviews with seven visually impaired musicians all about their life and career in the music industry.  Visually impaired musicians who are featured in Blind Notes include: DIANE SCHUUR- Twice Grammy award winning American jazz pianist and ...
9m Jul 15, 2021
9m
S1 Ep864: Ricky's Tech Talk
Let's chat technology today. These days, it's everywhere around us and for many, it's almost impossible to leave the house without our smartphone. So it's no surprise that channels dedicated to technology and the hottest tech devices have gained popularity in recent years.   Ricky West is RNIB's Community Connection Coordinator for London & South East England but he's also the creator and the...
8m Jul 15, 2021
8m
S1 Ep872: Guide Dogs UK Celebrates It's 90th Anniversary
It all began in a garage, back in 1931, with a couple of dogs and a desire to help those blinded in the war to regain their independence. Fast forward 90 years and Guide Dogs UK is the biggest, of it's kind, in the world with thousands of partnerships and a variety of services for blind and partially sighted people of all ages. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke with Tom Wright, Guide D...
9m Jul 14, 2021
9m
S1 Ep871: Macular Society Virtual Clinic
Each month the Macular Society hold a virtual clinic focusing on different Macular Conditions, Ellie's been finding out about this months. To find out more please visit: www.macularsociety.org/support/virtual-clinic  (https://www.macularsociety.org/support/virtual-clinics/) Image shows: Macular Society logo
6m Jul 14, 2021
6m
S1 Ep874: The Euros might be over, but you can still get involved in Football!
The Euros have definitely captured the countries attention and imagination, and you can get involved with the fun too, Ellie's been catching up with Cambridge United to find out how blind and partially sighted people can get stuck in... To find out more please visit: www.cuctrust.co.uk (https://www.cuctrust.co.uk/) Image shows: Cambridge United logo
7m Jul 13, 2021
7m
S1 Ep874: What to look out for when choosing a University
If you are someone you know is on the hunt for a university place then you'll know how tricky it can be, Ellie's been finding out what you should look out for, red flags and how University Disability teams can help...  Image shows: RNIB Logo 
7m Jul 13, 2021
7m
S1 Ep868: New British Blind Sport Project, Looking For Young Blind And Partially Sighted People
If you, or someone you know, are aged between 14 and 19 and blind or partially sighted, British Blind Sport wants to hear from you. Their See My Voice project has places, starting in September 2021, that aim to build confidence, a range of skills, and promote volunteering to help young people go forward in education and employment. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Mel and Connor, f...
9m Jul 13, 2021
9m
S1 Ep871: Wrekin Rowers - July Update
With lockdown restrictions lifting the Wrekin Rowers crew have finally taken to the high seas as they step up their training schedule, ahead of the ‘Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge’, which will see the boys attempt to row 3000 miles from the Canary Islands to Antigua, with all money raised going to RNIB and the Severn Hospice. Barry Snell caught up with the crew members - Stuart Shepherd, M...
6m Jul 13, 2021
6m
S1 Ep870: The Longest Battle with Kiko Matthews
In The Longest battle Emma Martins chats with people who have gone through a similar life changing situation to her own when Emma caught a virus in 2013 which completely changed her life for ever.  The virus that Emma caught in Vietnam caused a brain aneurysm which in turn has severely affected Emma’s eyesight. This week Emma is chatting with Kiko Matthews who in 2018 became the World Record ...
32m Jul 12, 2021
32m
Paul Ryb Podcasts: BioTech
Paul Ryb is a former banker who recently lost his sight. He got in touch with RNIB Connect Radio as he wanted to share his story. Over the next four episodes Paul will be sharing how employment, peer support, sport and the latest bio-tech has inspired him. Steven Scott sat down with Paul for this extended conversation and began by discussing BioTech from Paul’s unique perspective.
23m Jul 10, 2021
23m
S1 Ep869: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update 10/07/2021.
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB, to discuss some of the latest news coming from the UK sight loss charity. This week Matt talks about a Parliamentary report on accessible voting, UK unlocking from restrictions and audio described football on BT Sport. If you, or someone you know, is blind or partially sighted, there's a wealth of support...
9m Jul 10, 2021
9m
S1 Ep868: New Quality Assurance Mark Gives Confidence In Health Information
More than ever we need to know that any health information that we are looking at is safe, accurate and from a trusted source. The Patient Information Forum, in the UK, has launched its PIF Tick mark, that will guarantee the content of any information that achieves its quality assurance standard. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Sophie Randall, from the Patient Information Forum, t...
7m Jul 09, 2021
7m
S1 Ep860: Sight Loss Cross-Sector Campaigning Delivers a More Inclusive Society for Blind and Partially Sighted People
In the next feature of our new series of interviews looking at how the RNIB is working in partnership with sight loss sector partners and other charities to make a more inclusive and accessible society for blind and partially sighted people Connect Radio’s Toby Davey checks in with members of the Strategic Engagement Lead - Third Sector Team here at the RNIB this time to focus on campaigning. ...
7m Jul 09, 2021
7m
S1 Ep859: Tactile Doctor Who Campaign!
Doctor Who has been around for nearly 60 years and some fans still don't know what the different alien creatures look like, one young man from Bradford is trying to change this, Ellie's been finding out more. If you want to support Louis campaign you can go to www.crowdfunder.co.uk/louis-campaign  (https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/louis-campaign) Image shows: The Tardis 
8m Jul 09, 2021
8m
S1 Ep859: Write to your MP with RNIB!
Voting in privacy is one of our basic rights, but for some blind and partially sighted people this still isn't possible, RNIB are working to change this, Ellie's been finding out how. To write a letter to your MP, please visit this website: RNIB campaigns | Ask your MP to learn how to better support constituents with sight loss (e-activist.com) (https://e-activist.com/page/55845/action/1?local...
6m Jul 09, 2021
6m
S1 Ep867: RNIB Support Free Will Writing Service
The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has been working closely with Bequeathed, championing their work on the accessibility of their free will-writing service, to ensure that people with sight loss can now use the service.  Barry Snell spoke with Alex McDowell, RNIB's  Head of Public Fundraising and also Bequeathed's Chief operating officer, Pier Thomas, to find out more. {image...
7m Jul 08, 2021
7m
S1 Ep866: Vision Friends Project, Wales
Many of us know that people's vision changes and can often worsen with age but how many of us know how to spot the signs of sight loss and offer the right kind of support?  Carol McKinlay, Project Engagement and Training officer at RNIB Cymru, explained to RNIB Connect Radio how the Vision Friends Project can help. Image is of an older pair of hands holding a cup of tea, with a younger pair of ...
4m Jul 08, 2021
4m
S1 Ep865: Exploring Sound Through Touch with Lunatraktors New Track Larentalia
Broken folk’ duo Lunatraktors (Clair Le Couteur and Carli Jefferson) are a Margate based partnership routed in research-led music and art experimentations. Often drawing inspiration from British folk heritage, and influences from contemporary art, theatre, and music, ‘Lunatraktors search for new solutions to old problems, and old solutions to new ones.’ For their commission for Kent Medway Mus...
8m Jul 08, 2021
8m
S1 Ep862: Sight Village Exhibition Gets Back To Face To Face Events
The Queen Alexandra College Sight Village events have become the biggest and best known exhibitions for blind and partially sighted people, of all ages, to find out about the latest assistive technology, support services, leisure events and much, much more. Pandemic restrictions had forced the events, which go around the UK, to halt in person exhibitions and move them, virtually, on line. The...
6m Jul 08, 2021
6m
S1 Ep863: Don't Ignore Your Eye Health
Out of sight, out of mind?  It's all too easy to dismiss our own health concerns, but when it comes to our eyes, pushing these worries to the side can have serious consequences. Cataracts is the leading cause of blindness globally, and it is estimated that more than 2% of people over 40 years of age could have cataracts in 2020. This means that more half a million people across the UK could b...
14m Jul 08, 2021
14m