S1 Ep682: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update 26.02.2021
Each week RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB, to look at some of the latest news and projects from the UK sight loss charity. This week there's news on a petition to have tactile paving on all UK rail platforms, progress on accessibility around Covid-19 testing and vaccinations, plus why is Matt digging out his running shoes? If you'd like to support ...
8m Feb 26, 2021
8m
S1 Ep683: Beat Loneliness With RNIB Scotland
Offering friendly befriending calls and a wide range of themed telephone and online groups, charity RNIB Scotland can help you stay connected and meet new people with similar interests. We spoke with RNIB Scotland's Community Connection Coordinator Margaret Jackson and Community Lead Volunteer Jenna Sludden to find out more. For more information about the Film Group and Forth Valley Book Club...
8m Feb 25, 2021
8m
S1 Ep681: Sight Loss Charity's New Family Support Service
Visionary UK is an umbrella organisation that brings together sight loss charities from around the UK to share training, advice and offer support, as well as work collaboratively to improve the every day lives of people who are blind or partially sighted. Sight Scotland is one of those members, and they have just launched a new support Helpline for families. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell...
7m Feb 25, 2021
7m
Can changing your eating habits improve your eye health?
Many of us are unaware that what we eat can impact our vision long term. Emma Heduan is from MacuSave and aims to tell people how they can change their eating habits to achieve better vision through their lives, and avoid one of the leading causes of sight loss in the UK. She's been talking to Steven Scott.
9m Feb 24, 2021
9m
S1 Ep678: Concern Over Future Of Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion
The Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion is well known as a centre of excellence in the treatment, research and support for people who need intervention for a variety of sight loss conditions and emergencies. There is now, however, concern over the future of the Edinburgh based hospital, due to the building being passed it's use by date as a clinical facility. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sp...
9m Feb 24, 2021
9m
S1 Ep677: Australian Government Awards Grant For Accessible Device Development
The Australian government has awarded a grant worth $1 Million, match funding, to a company which has created a voice activated device for blind and partially sighted people. In Your Pocket allows you to listen to books, newspapers, use GPS, surf the web, keep in contact with friends and family plus much, much more. What's even better is that it's all activated by your voice. RNIB Connect Ra...
7m Feb 23, 2021
7m
S1 Ep677: Get Active At Home With British Blind Sport
The charity British Blind Sport has created a variety of home activity events for people of all ages and abilities. From exercises that you can do in a chair, to high intensity work outs, there's something, live or recorded, for everyone. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Alex Pitts, from BBS, to find out more. If you'd like to join in live, or follow the recorded activities, go to...
6m Feb 23, 2021
6m
S1 Ep676: Need Support? Need To Talk Service Can Help
If you need support and live in Northern Ireland, Western Scotland, or the Republic of Ireland, the Need to Talk service can help. A partnership between RNIB Northern Ireland, RNIB Scotland and Fighting Blindness,  the service offers free counselling and confidence building to people of all ages, including children and young people (11 years plus), as well as those supporting a person with sig...
8m Feb 22, 2021
8m
S1 Ep675: UK Care Quality Commission Wants Your Feedback
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the body that monitors the quality of a variety of services like care homes, social care providers, hospitals and GP surgeries. They often ask the public for feedback on these kind of services, in order to make sure they are fit for purpose and provide the best possible care. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Helen Lee, from RNIB, to learn more a...
5m Feb 22, 2021
5m
S1 Ep674: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update 19.02.2021
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down to talk with Matt Stringer, CEO of UK sight loss charity RNIB. They talk about some of the latest news and projects being undertaken by the organisation. This week they look at accessibility improvements to Covid-19 test kits, an RNIB office move, an accessible Valentine's card from M&S plus fun and fund raising. If you, or someone you ...
7m Feb 19, 2021
7m
S1 Ep673: Charity's Successful Employment Project In Northern Ireland
Getting into employment for many blind and partially sighted people can be an uphill struggle. 1 in 4, of working age, are out of work and many of the barriers, causing this, are down to out of date stereotypes and misconceptions. Charities like RNIB run projects to help individuals maximise their skills for the work place, as well as working with employers to show them the value of having a ...
8m Feb 18, 2021
8m
S1 Ep565: Visionary UK And Esme's Umbrella Tackling Sight Loss.
Visionary UK works with national, and grass roots, sight loss charities from across the UK to improve the every day lives of blind and partially sighted people. Esme's Umbrella is a Visionary partner and provides advice, support and telephone groups for people who are living with Charles Bonnet Syndrome. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Fiona Sandford, Visionary UK CEO, and Judith ...
9m Feb 17, 2021
9m
S1 Ep672: Connect Voices Round Up 17 February 2021
Charlotte Jones, RNIB's National Involvement Coordinator shares the latest opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to get involved in.   Opportunities highlighted include; results on the Connect Voices Tracker survey and news about the next one, a chance for you to take part in a prime-time Saturday night TV game show and a request from a design student who would like to hear fro...
6m Feb 17, 2021
6m
S1 Ep671: Professional Coaching For Visually Impaired People Facing Redundancy
If you are blind or partially sighted and have been made redundant, or are facing redundancy, there is help available from a collaboration between the Thomas Pocklington Trust and the Centre For Resolution. They are running a free professional coaching project with bespoke advice and support, with places now available. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Martin Sigsworth, From Pocklin...
9m Feb 16, 2021
9m
S1 Ep670: Lindsey's Fund Raiser To Remember A Life Changer
When Lindsey Moore trained with her first guide dog Charlotte, her life completely changed. Her 4 legged friend gave Lindsey back her confidence and her mobility. Sadly the Moore family lost Charlotte to cancer and Lindsey has decided to raise money to name a puppy, or puppies, after her best friend. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Lindsey to find out more about Charlotte and the...
6m Feb 16, 2021
6m
S1 Ep668: Join RNIB's LGBT+ History Month Event
It’s LGBT+ History Month, an annual event highlighting key moments in the civil rights movement for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people and to celebrate the contributions LGBT+ people have made to all aspects of society. To coincide with this, sight loss charity RNIB is holding a UK wide Celebration event where you can share stories and contributions from the community's LGBT+ people...
5m Feb 15, 2021
5m
S1 Ep668: Employment Advice Around Covid-19
The statistics are shocking, 3 out of every 4 blind people, of working age, are out of work, and 8 out of every 9 partially sighted people are in the same situation. This comes down to a mix of factors, employers being afraid to take on someone with sight loss or individuals requiring to improve their employability skills, plus many more. RNIB, along with other charities, are working to chang...
5m Feb 15, 2021
5m
S1 Ep667: Blogger Holly Tuke Hosts New Show For RNIB Connect Radio!
Monday 15th of February, award-winning blogger Holly Tuke joins forces with RNIB Connect Radio producer Paulina to present a brand new show, The Happy Hour! A mix of chat and music, with a focus on sight loss, mental health, mindfulness, and overall wellbeing, the show will feature guests like disability activist Caroline Casey and adventurer Miles Hilton Barber! Plus, some tips and advice for...
8m Feb 12, 2021
8m
S1 Ep666: Listen To Our Valentine's Day Special!
On Sunday 14th of February aka Valentine's day, we'll be hearing what it's like to navigate your way through the world of love and dating as a person with sight loss.  We speak to people from all ages and discuss some of the best, and the worst, experiences they have had on the quest to find love, and bust some misconceptions along the way.  Check out this sneak preview of the Valentine's Day...
6m Feb 12, 2021
6m
S1 Ep665: Happy Chinese New Year!
Today is Chinese New Year and to celebrate we're hearing from Ireen, an RNIB North West volunteer, about the importance of the festival and how coronavirus outbreak has led to a slight change in traditional celebrations this year. Ireen spoke with RNIB Connect Radio's Ellie Marsh.
6m Feb 12, 2021
6m
S1 Ep664: More Audio Described Theatre And Arts Events online
Each month, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Anne Hornsby from MindsEye Description to look at the latest news on audio described theatre and arts events. With many theatre productions and museum, or gallery, events going on line it's important to make sure that as many of these as possible, have audio description for blind and partially sighted patrons. This month there's news f...
7m Feb 12, 2021
7m
S1 Ep664: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update 12.02.2021
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB, to talk about some of the latest news stories coming from the organisation. This week there's news on Covid vaccination access, improving employment prospects for blind and partially sighted people, an award and a Royal visitor drops in on a Shape and Share event for kids. If you'd like more information a...
8m Feb 12, 2021
8m
S1 Ep663: Stay Connected In London And The South East
Charity RNIB has a host of community telephone and online groups available for London and the South East, which are helping blind and partially sighted people stay connected during the coronavirus situation.   With new groups starting up next month we caught up with RNIB's Community Connection Coordinators Hazel Cross and Shadeen Rose to hear what is available and how we can get involved.   ...
8m Feb 11, 2021
8m
S1 Ep662: Hereford College Successfully Supporting It's Visually Impaired Students Through Restrictions
The changing pandemic restrictions have made it difficult for students and teachers to continue their work in the classroom. The Royal National College in Hereford specialises in teaching students who are blind or partially sighted and provides a holistic approach to their education, including independent mobility and every day living skills. Delivering it's courses on campus and remotely, fo...
11m Feb 11, 2021
11m
Taking Care of Your Health and Wellbeing with the RNIB Shop
The RNIB Shop has many products to help with your health and wellbeing. Steven Scott talks to Dave Williams from the shop to find out about organising your tablets, taking your blood pressure independently and even going for a run with a friend.
8m Feb 10, 2021
8m
S1 Ep661: Need Support With Employment And Support Allowance?
RNIB, along with other stakeholders, has been in discussions with the Department for Work and Pensions, after claimants of the Support component of Employment and Support Allowance ran into problems with the renewal of their claims. Claire Connolly from RNIB's Legal Rights Service spoke with our Lynne Morgan about the problems claimants have faced and the work their team has undertaken to solv...
7m Feb 10, 2021
7m
S1 Ep660: Viewers Panel Improves Audio Description On ITV
After ITV's Jonathan Penny took part in an interview on RNIB Connect Radio, he received many requests from blind and partially sighted listeners hoping to take part in a user group on audio description. The panel would look at the current AD offering and suggest improvements to delivery and the accessibility of the broadcaster's platforms. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell caught up with Jon...
7m Feb 10, 2021
7m
S1 Ep658: Join RNIB Scotland For A Love Song Quiz!
For anyone who loves a good pub quiz, RNIB Scotland are hosting a fun Valentine's Day event this Sunday 14th of February. Jane Coates, RNIB Scotland Community Connection Manager spoke with us about hosting the quiz virtually and how it's a great opportunity for a giggle, a chat, and of course, some friendly competition! For more information about 'Coatesy's Sunday love songs quiz' contact Dan...
7m Feb 09, 2021
7m
S1 Ep659: How Are You Managing Your Mental Health In Lockdown?
During this challenging times, it's vital that we look after our mental health.  Whether you’re struggling with feelings of isolation and need to speak to someone, or if you just want some tips on how to stay active and maintain your mental health, RNIB can support you.  Our Lynne Morgan spoke with RNIB counsellor Tina Doyle about the charity's free emergency mental health sessions, an hour-l...
6m Feb 08, 2021
6m
S1 Ep657: RNIB Chief Exec's Weekly Update 05/02/2021
RNIB offers many services to blind and partially sighted people and each week the CEO of RNIB joins us to discuss what is available.  This week Matt Stringer tells Steven Scott about the charity's flagship reading services and also how the charity is working to make the Covid-19 tests more accessible as well as the vaccination process. Image: Matt smiling at the camera
15m Feb 05, 2021
15m
S1 Ep656: Stay Up To Date With RNIB Newsagent
Looking for something new to read? The RNIB Newsagent can help you keep up to date during the coronavirus situation by offering a free 3 month subscription to a newspaper or broadcast guide of your choice and delivered in a plain text email.   RNIB Connect Radio's Paulina Kuchorew spoke with someone who's been subscribed to the service for over two decades, avid reader Charlotte Bennie. For...
6m Feb 04, 2021
6m
Stay On Time With A Tactile Watch From The RNIB Shop
There's a few new accessible watches available now in the RNIB Shop; Dave Williams from the shop talks to Steven Scott about the new tactile and easy-to-see options available. For more technology releases for the visually impaired, why not check out Tech Talk, Tuesday's at 1PM, and also available as a podcast!
7m Feb 03, 2021
7m
S1 Ep655: Connect Voices Round Up 3 February 2021
Clare Aldworth, RNIB's National Involvement Coordinator shares the latest opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to get involved in. Opportunities highlighted include; a request from RNIB Challenge Events Team for feedback on the sign up process for Marathon mates and how it is marketed, a call for those living in West Sussex to help shape the local eye health service and a Resea...
8m Feb 03, 2021
8m
S1 Ep654: Space Hopper: The Most Recommended Book Debut of 2021
Helen Fisher used to work in the RNIB Research and Development Department.  The insight she gained there has fed into the main characters in her novel Space Hopper – which is  published this Thursday 4th of February. It’s been hailed as ‘the most recommended debut of 2021’, so Read On’s Red Szell was keen to find out more and talk about what in his mind is the most plausible blind character in...
7m Feb 02, 2021
7m
S1 Ep653: Possible Landmark Licensing Rules For Guide Dog Access On The Horizon
Sight loss charities like RNIB have been supporting many guide dog owners who have been illegally, refused access to places like shops and restaurants. It now looks like Westminster Council are considering a change to the content of their licensing regulations, which would strengthen the laws around these demeaning refusals and could, hopefully, set in motion changes by other councils. RNIB C...
9m Feb 02, 2021
9m
S1 Ep652: Virtual Events For Visually Impaired Children, Young People And Their Families.
UK sight loss charity RNIB is hosting, through it's Children, Young People & Families teams, a series of, UK wide, virtual events over the coming weeks. With pandemic restrictions forcing the popular face to face Shape and Share events online, organisers are keen to have something fun and interesting for everyone. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Roisin Meagher, from RNIB, to look ...
5m Feb 01, 2021
5m
S1 Ep648: Sight Loss Charity's Telephone Befriending Service.
Each month RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Fiona Sandford, CEO of Visionary UK, and one of the umbrella group's grass roots sight loss organisations. This month they are joined by Ian Edwards, from Sightline, to learn about their growing telephone befriending scheme. If you live in the North West of England and would like to learn more about becoming a befriender, or would like ...
7m Jan 29, 2021
7m
S1 Ep649: RNIB Chief Exec's Weekly Update 29/01/2021
Each week RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Matt Stringer, CEO of the UK sight loss charity RNIB. They discuss some of the latest news about RNIB's services and look at some of the big stories around the charity's work. This week there's news on support and advice for home learning, a new working group of UK sight loss charities and why is RNIB selling it's London HQ? If you woul...
8m Jan 29, 2021
8m
S1 Ep650: Are You Struggling With Your Mental Wellbeing In Lockdown?
Many blind and partially sighted people have faced anxiety, sadness and, even, fear about the unique challenges they have experienced since the pandemic reached the UK in March of last year. In light of this, RNIB's Sight Loss Advice Service (https://www.rnib.org.uk/cy/advice) has worked with Mind (https://www.mind.org.uk/) , the mental health charity, to offer free emergency mental health ses...
9m Jan 29, 2021
9m
S1 Ep647: UK Guide Dog Training Seriously Affected By Pandemic Restrictions.
Presenter and blogger Lucy Edwards has now retired her faithful guide dog Olga and is now waiting on  a new 4 legged friend to maintain her confident, and independent, mobility. However, due to the changing pandemic restrictions, The UK charity Guide Dogs has had it's training programme set back, creating extended waiting lists for new, and existing, guide dog owners. RNIB Connect Radio's All...
10m Jan 28, 2021
10m
S1 Ep647: Education Struggle For Visually Impaired Pupils
Many parents are facing the challenge of home schooling their children as lockdown restrictions force a change to the classroom. Technology is playing it's part, allowing teachers to provide work and support to their students, but is it excluding many pupils who are blind or partially sighted? RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Caireen Sutherland, from RNIB, to hear more about the ac...
7m Jan 28, 2021
7m
S1 Ep645: Have Your Say On E Scooters Taking To The Streets
RNIB, along with other charities, has been working to highlight their concerns around the licensing of E scooters for hire and trials of the devices on our streets. The Transport Select Committee has reported back to the government with it's recommendations but there are still worries around public safety and the guidance for manufacturers and operators. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spo...
7m Jan 27, 2021
7m
S1 Ep646: Atlantic Row Challenge Update
Barry Snell catches up with three crew members from the 'Wrekin Rowers' who are set to compete in the upcoming Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge. They are aiming to raise as much money as possible, for RNIB and the Severn Hospice. Despite lockdown restrictions - the crew, one of whom is visually impaired are managing to keep in good spirits and are keeping their fingers crossed the race will...
7m Jan 26, 2021
7m
S1 Ep644: Free Employment Webinars For Blind & Partially Sighted Job Seekers
RNIB & Blind Ambition are inviting blind and partially sighted people to a series of free webinars which will focus on a variety of topics around employment and self employment. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Martin O'Kane, from RNIB, along with Seema Flower and Alka Dass from Blind Ambition. They discussed the creation of the NEW YEAR, NEW ME, NEW JOB EMPLOYMENT ADVICE WEBINARS ...
7m Jan 26, 2021
7m
S1 Ep643: You Can Help Make Test & Trace Kits More Accessible.
UK sight loss charity RNIB is working with the Department for Health and Social Care but need your help. They are looking for blind and partially sighted people to help them to make the Covid-19 test kits more accessible for people with sight loss. 2020 saw some improvements to the kit, thanks to RNIB's sample group who fed back their thoughts on the whole process of self testing. However, t...
4m Jan 25, 2021
4m
Cook up a treat with kitchenware from the RNIB Shop
This week we find out about the range of cooking products that are available from RNIB to help you around the kitchen. Dave Williams from RNIB Shop talks to Steven Scott about a talking induction hob, tools to help you know you are placing the pots correctly on the cooker and more.
8m Jan 20, 2021
8m
S1 Ep642: Join RNIB Scotland For A Virtual Burns Night Supper
Fancy yourself as a budding young bard or like some haggis, Irn Bru and some good old Burns poetry?   Then, you might be interested in joining RNIB Scotland for the Virtual Burns Supper from 4 PM this Monday 25th of January.    Daniel Meikle, Community Connection Coordinator with RNIB Scotland, spoke with us about the upcoming event and how to take part. To register your interest, contact ...
6m Jan 19, 2021
6m
S1 Ep641: The 21st Century Smart Cane For Blind And Partially Sighted People.
The white cane has been around for a very long time and still helps those with a visual impairment navigate their environment, increasing independent mobility. However, we are now in the 21st Century and a new company has taken the cane and given it an accessible tech upgrade, along with an app which is packed with orientation and mobility aids. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Jea...
9m Jan 19, 2021
9m
S1 Ep640: Smart With Your Money Week - Dominic Milne
RNIB Connect Radio have teamed up with Uswitch to help you get Smart with your money. January can be a tough time to balance the bills and we all need to make the money we have work even harder for us. That's why we'll be looking at a range of ways for you to get the best out of your finances including looking at how switching providers can help you get a better deal. RNIB Connect Radio's All...
8m Jan 18, 2021
8m
S1 Ep640: Smart With Your Money Week - Max Beckett
RNIB Connect Radio have teamed up with Uswitch to help you get Smart with your money. January can be a tough time to balance the bills and we all need to make the money we have work even harder for us. That's why we'll be looking at a range of ways for you to get the best out of your finances including looking at how switching providers can help you get a better deal. RNIB Connect Radio's All...
7m Jan 18, 2021
7m