S1 Ep1141: Northern Ireland Employment Focus Group
A new RNIB study in Northern Ireland wants to hear about your experiences in the workforce.   If you're based in Northern Ireland and you'd like to take part in the employment focus group, send an email to - anne.cahill@rnib.org.uk
6m Feb 22, 2022
6m
S1 Ep1139: RNIB 'Living Well with Sight Loss' Courses - Shaun Eccles
Shaun Eccles' life was turned upside down by his sight loss diagnosis in 2012. But RNIB's 'Living Well with Sight Loss Course' played a large part in him getting his confidence back.    If you'd like more information on upcoming Living Well with Sight Loss Courses, you can email lwwslenquiries@rnib.org.uk (mailto:lwwslenquiries@rnib.org.uk) or call the RNIB helpline on 0303 123 9999.
5m Feb 22, 2022
5m
S1 Ep1138: On the Edge Exhibiton
Have you every heard of the Wall of Death? Ellie catching up with Nigel Lime from Blind Bloke Racing to find out about the history, his personal connection to the attraction and an exhibition he's creating that you can visit! Nigel lost his sight in a motorbiking accident and now does challenges in extreme sports and racing, he is also a motivational speaker. We discuss the exhibition, who, wh...
8m Feb 21, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1137: Writing A Will Shouldn't Be Daunting
Do you find the idea of writing a will daunting?   Are you worried that lack of accessibility could impede on your ability to make one?   Well, you really don't have to worry as Charities RNIB and Bequeathed continue to work together to help make this process much easier by providing a free will writing service to blind and partially sighted people.   To tell us a bit more about the servi...
9m Feb 21, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1128: What Is Courier Fraud And What Should You Look Out For
Fraudsters and scammers are always looking for new ways to get their hands on your money, bank details and much more, so what should you look out for and how can you protect yourself? RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell is talking with Khatija Nichols from West Midlands Police and today they're discussing Courier fraud.   If you think your being targeted by fraudsters, report it to your bank a...
5m Feb 21, 2022
5m
S1 Ep1136: RNIB 'Living Well with Sight Loss' Courses - Kirsty Ferguson
The RNIB's free 'Living Well With Sight Loss' course is a great source of advice, information and companionship. Hywel Davies speaks to course coordinator Kirsty Ferguson to find out more about what's involved. If you'd like more information on upcoming Living Well With Sight Loss Courses, you can email lwwslenquiries@rnib.org.uk or call the RNIB helpline on 0303 123 9999.
8m Feb 21, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1135: Charity Chief Exec’s Weekly Update 19/02/22
Each week we chat with RNIB’s CEO Matt Stringer to discuss the big news affecting the charity. This week we start with news about £10,000 being raised through Take on 250 for the RNIB and some great ways blind and partially sighted people have been taking part in Take on 250 this year. Matt shares news about a trial using the NaviLens technology at Euston station in London to aid blind and pa...
9m Feb 18, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1130: Vidar Hjarding MBE - Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker! 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 reviews the audio described performance of ‘Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker!’ at the Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre with audio ...
8m Feb 18, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1134: RNIB Volunteer 'Keeping In Touch Sessions'
Volunteers are vital to the work of the RNIB. There's an opportunity for volunteers to connect and give feedback during new  'Keeping in Touch Sessions'.  If you'd like to take part, in the session on Wednesday February 23rd, send an email to volunteercouncilchair@rnib.org.uk 
4m Feb 17, 2022
4m
S1 Ep1132: Buckinghamshire Healthcare Trust’s AMD Suite Celebrates it’s 5th Year Anniversary
In the autumn of 2021 Buckingham Healthcare Trust celebrated the 5 year anniversary of the set up of their AMD Suite supporting people with Age Related Macular Degeneration by both holding an event and posting up a number of videos to their YouTube channel to celebrate their 5 year anniversary and also to raise awareness of AMD.   Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was joined by Denise Voon, Principal...
8m Feb 17, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1131: RNIB eLearning Job Seekers Course
Getting back into work can be daunting, Ellie is joined by Kerrie McKenzie, a VI woman who has been out of work for 10 years due to caring responsibilities to discuss the support RNIB can offer.  To find out more about the eLearning Course please visit the website:  Looking for work - RNIB - See differently (https://www.rnib.org.uk/information-everyday-living-work-and-employment/looking-work) ...
8m Feb 16, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1129: Activating Enterprise Episode 5 - Clare Kennelly
In our Activating Enterprise series here on RNIB Connect Radio, we are finding out how sometimes life changing events can become catalysts for positive change when it comes to career opportunities.  In this episode Clare Kennelly shares her journey from discovering a love for teaching to starting her own disability awareness training company. Over the next weeks, we'll be sharing more stories...
9m Feb 15, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1127: Campaigning Group For Blind And Partially Sighted Young People Celebrates Grant Support
Haggeye is a campaigning group for blind and partially sighted young people in Scotland, aged between 16 and 27. It's part of RNIB Scotland and gives members a voice to talk with the public and politicians about things that are important to them. It also encourages social interactions and a whole lot more. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Rachael McMurchy, from RNIB Scotland, an...
3m Feb 15, 2022
3m
S1 Ep1122: Love yourself this Valentines Day!
We know how much pressure is put on single people to find the perfect partner, but being single and happy is a great place to be! Ellie caught up with Charlotte Faloon founder of North East Female Empowerment and Tom Home, founder of Blokes, a mental health charity set up in 2022. To discuss how being happy as a single person is a great please to be and they'll be sharing some of their top tips...
11m Feb 14, 2022
11m
S1 Ep1117: What Is Romance Fraud And What Should You Look Out For
Fraudsters and scammers are always looking for new ways to get their hands on your money, bank details and much more, so what should you look out for and how can you protect yourself? RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell is talking with Khatija Nichols from West Midlands Police and today they're discussing romance fraud.   If you think your being targeted by fraudsters, report it to your bank a...
6m Feb 14, 2022
6m
S1 Ep1126: Charity Chief Exec’s Weekly Update 12/02/22
Each week we chat with RNIB’s CEO Matt Stringer to discuss the big news affecting the charity. This week we start with an update on the ‘Don’t take away my right to vote in secret’ #BlindVotersCount and a reminder to sign the petition if you have not already done so. You can sign the petition by visiting the following link - https://e-activist.com/page/98590/petition/1?ea.tracking.id=web As ...
9m Feb 11, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1123: National Theatre London Audio Description Round Up 11 February 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 availab...
6m Feb 11, 2022
6m
S1 Ep1124: RNIB Voice of the Customer Focus Groups Making a Better Future for Blind and Partially Sighted People
There are many ways in which blind and partially sighted people can get involved in all the work that the RNIB does to improve the lives of visually impaired people and make a more inclusive society too.  One way is through getting involved in the RNIB Voice of the Customer research programme whether it might be taking part in regular surveys or joining one of the Voice of the Customer Focus G...
14m Feb 11, 2022
14m
S1 Ep1125: National Apprenticeships Week 2022
February 7th to the 13th is National Apprenticeships Week. Hywel's been speaking to one apprentice about his experiences working at an Iron Age museum in Perthshire.    If you'd like more information on how you can take up an apprenticeship, visit our website http://www.rnib.org.uk/apprenticeships or call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999
6m Feb 11, 2022
6m
S1 Ep1121: What is the Vision Alliance VIPs?
Ellie is joined by the founder of the Vision Allience VIPs, a group that meet in Newcastle every 3 months to discuss issues surrounding sight loss, make new friends and listen to guest speakers and peoples personal stories, I'll be finding out where it all came from and what people get out of it.  To find out more or join the Vision Alliance VIPs, please search for 'Northern Vision Alliance' o...
7m Feb 11, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1120: Sight Village Exhibitions Make Their Face to Face Return
Sight Village is Europe's largest exhibition, and seminar, event for blind and partially sighted people of all ages. The large events showcase hi tech and low tech solutions, charities and local services and there's something for everyone, from gadgets for work to sport and leisure activities for all abilities. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Lottie Reid, from Sight Village, to he...
5m Feb 10, 2022
5m
S1 Ep1119: The Visionary Small Organisations Group with Wakefield District Sight Aid.
Ellie's been finding out about how small organisations have been coming together virtually through the Visionary network since lockdown to help each other in giving the best experience to those they support, and how they don't plan on stopping any time soon... To find out more about Visionary, please visit their website here: Welcome to Visionary - Visionary (https://www.visionary.org.uk/) To...
8m Feb 10, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1118: Macular and Me, from the Macular Society
Each month the Macular Society host a series of virtual clinics focusing on different macular condition and covering topics such as practical and emotional advice, technology and research. Ellie's been catching up with Colin Daniels, to find out what's happening this month with Macular and Me...  If you'd like to find out more about the work the Macular Society do please visit their website he...
6m Feb 10, 2022
6m
S1 Ep1116: Real Sam Pocket Launches in the US!
The Real Sam Pocket devices have grown in popularity over the last few years and are about to launch in the US, Ellie's been finding out how it's all going and if there are any differences in the US/UK markets. To find out more about Real Sam please visit their website: RealSam Pocket: The Smart Phone for People with Sight Loss (https://realsam.co.uk/) (Image shows: Real Sam logo. A dark blue...
7m Feb 09, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1114: Connect Voices Round Up 9 February 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: Share your experiences of help from the RNIB’s Technology for Life team The RNIB Stories Library Team is keen to hear from anyone who is age 50 and over, who has received help from RNIB's Technology ...
7m Feb 09, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1115: Can A Robot Make A Good Guide For Blind People
Students at Glasgow University are developing a robotic guide that could help blind people find their way around places like shopping centres and even identify items on a shelf in a shop. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell went along to the Forth Valley Sensory Centre in Falkirk to learn more about a robot called Pepper. If you'd like to keep up to date on the progress of this project, includ...
6m Feb 08, 2022
6m
S1 Ep1112: Bionic Eye Chip Implant Could Restore Vision….
Following on from the recent news about a lady in her 80's who has dry Age Related Macular degeneration who has just been given a bionic eye implant as part of a Europe wide clinical trial developed by Pixium Vision in France along with Consultants from Moorfields Eye Hospital here in the UK. Connect Radio's Toby Davey chats with Mahi Muqit, the Eye Consultant from Moorfields Eye Hospital, who...
8m Feb 08, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1110: Sightline - 1 to 1 Telephone Befriending Service for Blind and Partially Sighted People
In this age of technology, social media and video calling it is so easy to keep in touch with friends and family but for many blind and partially sighted people just being able to pick up the telephone and talk with someone else who is visually impaired is so important for so many reasons even if it is just to have a chat. The RNIB of course has the Talk and Support group telephone befriending...
8m Feb 07, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1113: Activating Enterprise Episode 4 - Breandan Ward
In our new Activating Enterprise series here on RNIB Connect Radio, we are finding out how sometimes life changing events can become catalysts for positive change when it comes to career opportunities.  In this episode Breandan Ward, shares his journey from investment banking in London to disability inclusion training and consultancy.  Over the next weeks, we'll be sharing more stories like t...
11m Feb 07, 2022
11m
S1 Ep1108: What does the 100th ECLO appointment mean to RNIB?
RNIB are celebrating a significant milestone in the provision of practical and emotional support for people newly diagnosed with sight loss with the appointment of its 100th Eye Clinic Liaison Officer also knows as ECLO's. Ellie is joined by  Carolyn Chamberlain Head of Eye Care Support Services here at RNIB to discuss just how significant this milestone and the amazing work ECLO's do. To find...
10m Feb 06, 2022
10m
S1 Ep1109: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update 05/02/2022
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with RNIB's CEO Matt Stringer to discuss some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity. This week Matt talks about a milestone in their Eye Clinic Liaison Officer programme, a petition to make sure blind and partially sighted people have the same voting rights as sighted people and who's on BBC's Casualty? If you'd like m...
8m Feb 05, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1111: A Call to the RNIB Helpline Could Change Your Life!
Calling the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 could open the door to a wide range of help and support around anything related to sight loss from general advice to making contact with some of the specialist RNIB Teams such as the Welfare Rights Team, the Tech for Life Team or even to talk with a Sight Loss Counsellor which could even help to change your life around too. Perm (Permjit) Bhachu’s lif...
7m Feb 04, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1107: Free Sight Loss Advice Service Can Change Lives, Do You Have An Enquiry
The UK's leading sight loss charity, RNIB, has a Sight Loss Advice Service that can answer any questions that you may have about sight loss. This could be anything from benefits advice, support with your rights, to advice on assistive technology or local leisure services that are accessible. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Alan Atherton, a Sight Loss Advisor, to learn more about t...
8m Feb 03, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1106: US Sight Loss Charity Battles For Accessible Covid Tests.
Each month, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Chris Danielsen, PR Director, from the National Federation of the Blind in the USA. This month they talk about the work to make Covid test kits accessible for blind and partially sighted people and the barriers they are facing. To learn more about the US charity, go to http://www.nfb.org #RNIBConnect Image: Chris Danielsen, PR Directo...
7m Feb 03, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1105: Georgie Morrell guest stars in Casualty this Saturday!
Our very own Georgie Morrell, presenter of Sounds of the Silver Screen, is guest starring on Casualty this weekend! Ellie caught up with her to find out what it was like, and how important representation is in the media.  You can catch Georgie on Casualty this Saturday at 9:30pm  Image shows: Georgie's Character in a hospital bed with an oxygen tube on her nose. 
6m Feb 03, 2022
6m
S1 Ep1104: RNIB appoints their 100th ECLO!
The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) is celebrating a significant milestone in the provision of practical and emotional support for people newly diagnosed with sight loss with the appointment of its 100th Eye Clinic Liaison Officer (ECLO). The ECLO, Renu Walia, is based in Chase Farm Hospital in Enfield, North London and also provides support to patients in Barnet Hospital and E...
8m Feb 03, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1103: ITV Drama Takes Audio Description To The Next Level
Audio Description is a narrated track which plays between actors dialogue on tv programmes and movies. It allows blind and partially sighted people to follow what's visually happening on screen and more and more offerings are available in the UK on a variety of viewing platforms. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to ITV's Jonathan Penny to find out more about a new AD addition to a bra...
7m Feb 02, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1102: Interview with Hannah Lowe, Winner of the Costa Book of the Year Award 2021
Poet Hannah Lowe has won the 2021 Costa Book of the Year Award for her collection of sonnets 'The Kids'. Read On’s Red Szell was on hand to catch a quick interview with her after last night’s ceremony in London, in which she discussed the inspiration behind the collection, and her excitement at her upcoming visit to The RNIB Talking Books Studios in Camden to record an audio version.
9m Feb 02, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1101: Holman Prize for Blind Ambition 2022 - Applications Now Open!
Do you as a blind or partially sighted person have a project idea or an ambition to do something that will shatter other people’s misconceptions about blindness? Well, don’t miss your opportunity to get your ideas in for the 2022 Holman Prize for Blind Ambition which has just opened with the deadline for applications on Sunday 20 March 2022.  Now in it’s sixth year in 2022, the Holman Prize f...
8m Jan 31, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1100: RNIB Reaches Out to Work Closer in Partnership with Sight Loss and Other Charities
In the next of our series of interviews looking at how the RNIB is working in partnership with sight loss sector partners and other organisations 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 home in on technology. Toby wa...
8m Jan 31, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1085: Books of Your Life with Monique Roffey
Read On's Red Szell speaks to Monique Roffey, winner of last year's Costa Book of the Year Award with 'The Mermaid of Black Conch', for the Books of Her Life. 
6m Jan 31, 2022
6m
S1 Ep1091: Activating Enterprise Episode 3 - Tina Lowe
In our new Activating Enterprise series here on RNIB Connect Radio, we are finding out how sometimes life changing events can become catalysts for positive change when it comes to career opportunities.  In this episode Tina Lowe, shares her journey from losing her sight at the age of 27, going back to university, to finding work in accessibility support. Over the next weeks, we'll be sharing ...
9m Jan 31, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1099: RNIB working with the local community to effect change!
RNIB are there for you to help fight the issues effecting blind and partially sighted people in your local area. Ellie's been catching up with Lewis Winton from RNIB North East and Angus Huntley from Newcastle vision support, to find out how working together with the community is the best way to invoke positive change... To find out more about local campaigns please visit your local RNIB Conne...
9m Jan 30, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1097: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update 28/01/2022.
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with Matt Stringer, CEO of UK sight loss charity RNIB, to discuss some of the latest stories coming from the organisation. This week Matt talks about offices opening up, a new education drive for blind and partially sighted children and young people, as well as an Atlantic size challenge. If you'd like more information about RNIB and it'...
8m Jan 29, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1096: Vidar Hjarding MBE - Goldilocks and the Three Bears, 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 time Vidar was reviewing the audio described performance of  ‘Goldilocks and the Three Bears’ at the Birmingham Hippodrome which sees...
6m Jan 28, 2022
6m
S1 Ep1097: Singing Their Way To A Fundraising Success
When the Gibson's from Northern Ireland decided to fund raise for the UK sight loss charity RNIB, there was only 1 challenge for the musical family. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to them to find out why they chose RNIB and how the fund raising is going. You can still donate to the Gibson's 250 challenge, go to http://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lindsay-gibson4 #RNIBConnect Imag...
5m Jan 28, 2022
5m
S1 Ep1098: Give VI Pilates a try with Cam Sight!
January is a great time to start a new hobby and get active, but if going for a run doesn't sound like your cup of tea, why not try Pilates. Ellie's been finding out about the free VI Pilates Cam Sight are offering for blind and partially sighted people in Cambridgeshire. To find out more about Cam Sight, please visit their website here: The Cambridgeshire Society for the blind (camsight.org.u...
5m Jan 28, 2022
5m
S1 Ep1095: RNIB Helping Employers Understand Sight Loss
Charity RNIB are calling for businesses in Northern Ireland to 'see the employee, not the sight loss.' Through their new 'Understanding Sight Loss For Employers and work colleagues’ course, they hope to help strengthen inclusion practices within the workforce and ensure people with sight loss have equal opportunities. The free eLearning tool is designed to help employers and work colleagues g...
8m Jan 27, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1094: Sensory Workshop Opportunity with Irish Athanasiadi!
Iris Aathanasiadi an artist working in the realm of mindfulness and multisensory experiences. Ellie catches up with her and Ben Rendle from RNIB to find out about an exciting new series of workshops you can get involved in.  If you'd like to find out more about the workshops please email Ben on ben.rendle@rnib.org.uk or give him a call on 02073 912 075  (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written ...
8m Jan 27, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1090: Activating Enterprise Episode 2 - Ben Price
In our new Activating Enterprise series here on RNIB Connect Radio, we are finding out how sometimes life changing events can become catalysts for positive change when it comes to career opportunities.  In this episode artist Manager Ben Price shares his journey from tour management to starting his own business amidst a pandemic.  Over the next weeks, we'll be sharing more stories like this o...
11m Jan 26, 2022
11m