Coping With Your Child’s Sight Loss – Pt.2
Diagnosis of sight loss can be devastating, but how do you take such news when it's your child being diagnosed?   When her son Ethan was just a baby, Theresa Peacock was told he would lose his sight and possibly his hearing due to a rare genetic condition.   Theresa is now a co-founder and Trustee of the Norrie Disease Foundation supporting other families through the illness.    Speaking with R...
16m Jun 11, 2019
16m
A Picture of Isolation
RNIB Connect Radio’s Barry Snell chats to blind photographer Ian Treherne, to learn about his passion for taking photographs and also about how he plans to use his own experience of isolation to raise awareness and help others….
16m Jun 11, 2019
16m
Increasing the Public's Understanding of Diabetes
Diabetes Week 2019 aims to raise awareness for people who don’t realise they are suffering with the condition. RNIB Connect Radio's Barry Snell spoke with Dr Sarah Brewer and also to Jan Hudsell, who was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, to find out more.
4m Jun 11, 2019
4m
Nigel Limb Takes To The Drag Strip
Nigel Limb lost his sight in a sudden speedway accident in 2015.   Since then Nigel has turned his life around and is back on his bike giving the wheels a well-deserved spin.    Speaking with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley, Nigel chats his most recent bike escapade at the Bridlington 'Race the Waves' event.  (Photo shows Nigel riding his bike on a sandy beach. Photo credit: Braking Point Ima...
12m Jun 10, 2019
12m
Reflecting On RNIB’s Creative Making Workshops Exhibition 2019
RNIB’s Creative Making Workshops Exhibition took place last month.   The workshops, ran by Natanya Mark, gave an opportunity to blind and partially sighted people to explore art through non-visual mediums.   Reflecting on the exhibition, which showcased artwork from the recent workshops, Natanya explains how the project came to be and why it’s so important.   Natanya spoke with RNIB Connect Rad...
15m Jun 07, 2019
15m
Your Child’s Health Starts With Their Teeth
It’s National Smile Month 2019 and Oral Health Foundation is urging parents to teach their children good oral health habits.   Channel 4’s Celebrity dentist Dr. Uchenna Okoye and President of the Oral Health Foundation, Professor Liz Kelly MBE spoke with us about the importance of teeth in our kids’ health.   Dr. Okoye and Prof. Kelly spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley.   For more inf...
8m Jun 07, 2019
8m
Sight Loss Charity Recognised By the Queen
The sight loss charity East Sussex Association for Blind and Partially Sighted People (ESAB) has been recognised for its work with volunteers. RNIB Connect Radio’s Barry Snell caught up with their Chief Executive Daniel Brookbank to find out more about the prestigious award & also to find out more about the work that the charity do.
9m Jun 07, 2019
9m
Blind Dave Takes On The 2019 Comrades Ultramarathon
Last few months have been busy for Dave Heeley and this week is no different as he’s flying out to take on an the 2019 Comrades Ultramarathon all the way in South Africa. Speaking with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley, Dave explains what drives him to keep running and how his life changed since the famous seven marathons in seven days challenge.   Follow Dave on Facebook at ‘Blind Dave Heely’ ...
13m Jun 06, 2019
13m
Ask the Pharmacist: Honey For Cold Sores?
Our favourite pharmacist, New Life Pharmacy’s Elizabeth Roddick dropped by our studios to once again offer her health tips and advice.   This week Elizabeth considers whether honey can be used to treat cold sores, how bad is processed food, and the importance of eye drops for treating glaucoma.   Elizabeth spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley.   For more information visit: http://www.ne...
12m Jun 05, 2019
12m
Coping With Your Child’s Sight Loss – Pt.1
Diagnosis of sight loss can be devastating, even more so if it's your child being diagnosed.   20 years ago Tracy Stoneman was told her son Callum had Norrie Disease, a rare genetic condition that affects vision from birth and can also lead to loss of hearing.   Speaking with us Tracy explains how her family learned to live with the diagnosis and how much has changed since that initial shock ma...
14m Jun 04, 2019
14m
Map Reading vs Technology
Are paper maps accessible or is digital the way to go?    We spoke with Adventurer Sean Conway and MD of Ordnance Survey Leisure Nick Giles about the usefulness of paper maps and whether they can be just as accessible as our phones.    Sean and Nick spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley.   For more information visit: https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/shop/os-maps-online.html (Photo shows ...
8m Jun 03, 2019
8m
Vidar Hjardeng Reviews AD ‘Les Misérables’
ITV’s Vidar Hjardeng returns with a review of an audio-described performance of the famous musical ‘Les Misérables’.   Based on Victor Hugo's novel, the story follows Jean Valjean on his journey to redemption. Swept into the chaos of the Paris Uprising, Jean Valjean’s struggle for forgiveness will reach its peak in this riveting musical production.   Vidar spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon ...
9m Jun 03, 2019
9m
Hygiene in the Garden (With Dr Hilary Jones)
Summer’s around the corner but new research shows that almost 80% us do not consider how hygienic garden furniture is before using it.    TV’s Dr Hilary Jones warns against the serious health risks that can come from venturing out in our own backyard.     Dr Hilary spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley.   For more information visit: https://www.jeyesfluid.co.uk/help-advice/ (Photo shows ...
7m Jun 03, 2019
7m
Take Your Eye-Health Seriously (With Former ‘Stig’)
New research shows that more than 4 million motorists admit to driving illegally by not checking their eyesight regularly or not wearing the correct eye-wear.    Former Top Gear’s 'Stig' Ben Collins and optician Shailesh Varsani from Asda Opticians spoke with RNIB Connect Radio about the need to take our eye-health seriously.    Ben and Shailesh spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley.  Fo...
8m May 30, 2019
8m
14,000 Feet Dive In Support Of Charity
Would you dive 14,000 feet out of a plane to help raise funds for a good cause?   The Wirral Society of the Blind and Partially Sighted (WSBPS) is celebrating its 30th Anniversary and Sue Hadley is taking a leap of faith in support of the charity by Skydiving later this month.    Sue spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. To support Sue’s skydiving challenge go to her fundraising page: h...
14m May 30, 2019
14m
Ask the Pharmacist: Don't Let Hay Fever Bring You Down
New Life Pharmacy’s Elizabeth Roddick is back to answer all of your burning medical questions.   This time Elizabeth advises on how to keep hay fever at bay and looks at the latest medical headlines relating to Alzheimer’s disease.   Elizabeth spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. 
14m May 30, 2019
14m
Think Differently About Dyslexia
Almost 15 percent of Britons have dyslexia, yet despite such big numbers many consider being dyslexic a burden. But can we look at dyslexia differently?   Campaigner and author of 'The Dyslexic Code', Karl de Leeuw hopes to launch the world’s first International Celebration of Dyslexia (ICD) event next year.   He spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley about the event and what being dyslex...
15m May 29, 2019
15m
Sleep Vs Heat
Last summer was one of the hottest on record and left many of us struggling to sleep; adding even more stress and exhaustion to our holiday period.    RNIB Connect Radio spoke with legendary Meteorologist, AccuWeather’s Elliot Abrams and Chief Development Officer at Soak&Sleep Sarah Smith to find out how we can brave this year’s summer.   Elliot and Sarah spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon P...
7m May 29, 2019
7m
Rik Jones Talks Movie Soundtrack Debut
Blind singer and songwriter Rik Jones is back from a well-deserved holiday to speak with us about his latest film success. Rik’s song ‘Walk a Mile in My Shoes’ appears in the film ‘7 Days: The Story of Blind Dave Heeley’. Chatting about music and production, Rik explains to RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley how his song has taken on a life of its own.  To listen to Rik’s song ‘Walk a Mile in My...
11m May 29, 2019
11m
Football Club Introduces Wearable Smart Device For It's Blind & Partially Sighted Supporters
The OrCam MyEye 2.0 is an artificial vision device with a lightweight smart camera that instantly reads text aloud- from any surface – and recognises faces, products and money notes in real time.  Rangers Football Club recently bought one for their blind & partially sighted supporters... becoming the first UK club to do so. Will other clubs now follow suit? RNIB Connect Radio's Barry Snell caug...
14m May 22, 2019
14m
Lego Braille Bricks
Lego have recently announced some exciting news for blind and partially sited people. RNIB Connect Radio’s Basil Oxtoby spoke to Stine Storm and Morten Bonde to find out more. 
12m May 22, 2019
12m
Stacy Cervenka introduces The Blind Traveler's Network
2018 Holman Prize winner, Stacey Cervenka talks to RNIB Connect Radio's very own Holman Prize winner, Red Szell, about her new website, The Blind Traveler's Network.
14m May 20, 2019
14m
The Big Lunch – Bringing Communities Together! (with Manon Lagrève)
Started by the Eden Project, The Big Lunch is an initiative aiming to bring millions of people together to share food and get to know each other in gardens, streets, communal spaces and parks right across the UK. Made possible by the National Lottery, this year’s event will take place on the 1st and 2nd of June. Speaking with us, Great British Bake Off’s Manon Lagrève and Eden Project’s Execu...
12m May 17, 2019
12m
Vicky Pattison talks Mental Health and achieving your goals
Recently, former Queen Of The Jungle, Vicky Pattison broke down on Instagram and shared her story of mental health issues with her followers. She is hoping to set herself physical challenges this year to minimize the negative feelings she has, and since it’s always best to share your challenges with friends, Vicky wants to take this Mental Health Awareness week to ask you to join her in ticking...
10m May 16, 2019
10m
Spine Tinglers..! – Interview with author of the Dan Foster trilogy.
David Lindsley is an engineering communicator, speaker and author of conspiracy techno-thrillers featuring Dan Foster. Speaking with us, David revealed how audio-books became an essential part of his life since his sight loss diagnosis almost 10 years ago. David spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. You can follow David on twitter @Danfosternovels To find ‘Far Point’ visit: https://...
16m May 15, 2019
16m
Recognising the Symptoms of Sepsis
Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick dropped into RNIB Connect HQ to offer some invaluable advice on some of the latest medical headlines. This week Elizabeth discusses Sepsis. She is talking to RNIB Connect Radio's Barry Snell. Get in touch with Elizabeth through the New Life Pharmacy website: www.newlifepharmacy.co.uk (http://www.newlifepharmacy.co.uk/)
11m May 07, 2019
11m
New Tactile Project Allows Blind People To Embrace Their Heritage
RNIB Connect Radio’s Barry Snell spoke with Bret Shah, director of Stoke Your Grattitude, to find out about a new tactile heritage project, which aims to create 3D tactile 'Minton' tiles so that blind people can enjoy their unique patterns and designs.
7m Apr 29, 2019
7m
Vidar Hjardeng Reviews AD 'Kunene and the King'
ITV’s Vidar Hjardeng takes a look at the audio-described performance of Royal Shakespeare Company’s ‘Kunene and the King’. Twenty-five years have passed since the first post-apartheid democratic elections took place in South Africa and as faith has it, two men with very opposing views are thrust together to reflect on how their world has changed. Vidar spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pa...
7m Apr 26, 2019
7m
Being VI Doesn’t Mean You Can’t Be a Photographer
Mark Pile is a member of Blind Veterans UK and a keen photographer. His recent series of photographs is currently being exhibited at Bath’s Guildhall until 14th of May and will be moving onto Bridgwater later on. Speaking with RNIB Connect Radio Mark shared his tips for taking great photos. Mark spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. To view more of Mark’s photography visit his page:...
11m Apr 26, 2019
11m
London Marathon 2019 (with Olympian Iwan Thomas)
London Marathon 2019 will be taking place this Sunday and it’s expected to reach a record-breaking number of donations. We spoke with medal-winning Olympian and Commonwealth Sprinter Iwan Thomas about the event and what can we expect when undertaking this World-famous challenge. Iwan spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley.
5m Apr 26, 2019
5m
Blind Dave Gears Up For London Marathon 2019
London Marathon 2019 is coming up and Blind Dave Heeley is preparing to take on the world-famous event for the 16th time. Find out how our favourite adventurer is keeping motivated as he chats with RNIB Connect Radio's Simon Pauley.
14m Apr 25, 2019
14m
How to Ensure Our Children Have a Healthy Diet
A healthy and balanced diet can not only aid our children's health, but it can also help their eyesight. But what can we do if our youngest one is very picky? Food Scientist and Flavour expert Dr Rachel Edwards-Stewart – spoke with us about fussy eaters and how to get our kids to try new things. For more information visit: https://www.hellofresh.co.uk (Photo shows a young boy dressed in a br...
12m Apr 25, 2019
12m
Fiaz Hussain Iqbal – An Incredible Story of Survival
Sight loss is never easy, but what if life throws another hurdle your way? In 2016 Fiaz Hussain Iqbal's world changed drastically after a horrific accident cost him his arm. Now three years on, Fiaz has fought hard to get his life back to how it was and is enjoying being a dotting dad. Fiaz spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. (Photo shows passengers rushing by a train parked at a ...
15m Apr 23, 2019
15m
Blind Dave On His Bike
Earlier this month adventurer and fundraiser Blind Dave Heeley was a little bit occupied. In fact Dave was busy pedalling through The Annual Albion Foundation’s Bike Ride, Baggies Bike Challenge 2019! Dave spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. For more information about The Albion Foundation visit: https://www.wba.co.uk/foundation/
11m Apr 22, 2019
11m
How To Tackle Hay Fever (With Dr Ranj Singh)
Allergy season is almost upon us and last summer almost 50,000 hay fever sufferers visited their GP. But is this always the right course of action? ITV’s Dr Ranj Singh and Pharmacist Maq Din explain how we can best manage hay fever symptoms and enjoy the warmer days. Dr Ranj and Maq spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. [Photo shows Dr Ranj dressed in a lab coat and holding up a stet...
9m Apr 17, 2019
9m
Keep Yourself & Your Dog Safe This Summer
As summer approaches and we start venturing outside more often with our furry friends, it’s worth considering what dangers lurk in the tall grass. Speaking with RNIB Connect Radio, professor of Zoology, Richard Wall advises how to best keep ourselves and our favourite companions safe. Professor Wall spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. [Photo shows a hand pulling on a blade of grass...
12m Apr 15, 2019
12m
Nicki Kelly Chats Music And Showcases Debut Single
Depression and sight loss can go hand in hand. When Nicki Kelly lost her sight unexpectedly 12 years ago, passion for music became her saving grace. Now, years on Nicki released here debut single “Show You What I’m Made Of” and speaking with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley she explains what inspires her. To find out more about Nicki’s music visit her website: https://www.nickikelly.co.uk/
16m Apr 10, 2019
16m
Guide Dog Saved His Life
When you lose your sight it can seem like an uphill battle to get your life back on track. Mark Pile spent almost 10 years in isolation before deciding that things needed to change and seeking out help. Now, Mike is bravely taking on the world with his fateful guide dog Echo at his side and the support of Blind Veterans UK. Mark spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. (Photo shows Mark...
12m Apr 09, 2019
12m
Confidence Is Beauty
New research found that confidence and beauty go hand in hand for Generation X women. We spoke with Confidence Coach Jo Emerson and Scientific Skincare Advisor Claire O’Connor to hear some tips for feeling confident and how we can achieve that when we’re blind or visually impaired. Jo and Claire are chatting with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. For more information on making an appointmen...
9m Apr 09, 2019
9m
Could Drinking Hot Tea Or Coffee Double Your Risk Of Developing Cancer Of The Esophagus?
Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick popped in to RNIB Connect Radio HQ, to discuss some recent medical headlines, including one which suggested drinking hot tea and coffee could increase your risk of developing cancer of the espohagus. Elizabeth spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Barry Snell. Get in touch with Elizabeth through the New Life Pharmacy website: http://www.newlifepharmacy.co.uk/
14m Apr 04, 2019
14m
The UK's First Accessible Family Festival
RNIB Connect Radio's Barry Snell chats to Kevin Satizibal from the charity LOOK UK, who are hosting this summer's LOOKfest - an accessible summer festival for visually impaired young people and their families.  It will take place on July 26-29th, in the great outdoors and under canvass in rural Herefordshire.
5m Apr 03, 2019
5m
Music Affects Future Tastes & Behaviours
If the youngster in your household listens to Reggae or Classical Music it could mean they will grow to be open to more things and be a little more adventurous in general. RNIB Connect Radio's Kris Wallace has been talking to leading neuro-psychological expert, Catherine Loveday of Westminster University, who’s been investigating how the music children hear growing up has a direct impact on th...
8m Apr 03, 2019
8m
You Snooze, You Lose
You might not realise it but those extra few minutes in bed could have a negative impact on your mental health. Professor of Psychology at Goldsmiths University Michael Banissy, and Mental Health Expert Matt Janes spoke with us about the importance of getting a good night’s rest. Michael and Matt chatted with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. For more information visit: https://www.evesleep...
9m Apr 02, 2019
9m
Can A VIP Be A Magistrate? (With Paul Quigley)
Can a Visually Impaired Person become a magistrate? White cane warrior and Connect member Paul Quigley puts on his research hat and investigates. Paul spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. If you are a magistrate or are considering applying please get in touch with us at: radio@rnib.org.uk
10m Apr 02, 2019
10m
Writing Helps This Blind Blogger Combat Stigma and Anxiety
Losing your sight can be a big shock and adjusting to a live with sight loss is never easy. However, not many of us feel comfortable talking about the obstacles and the stigma that we can face when blind or partially sighted. Elin Williams, author of award winning disability and lifestyle blog: ‘My Blurred World', spoke in a candid interview about living with sight loss, anxiety, stigma, and o...
13m Apr 01, 2019
13m
Busy Moms - ‘Don’t Neglect Your Health!’
It’s hard to have a balanced life as a busy mom. Latest findings show that many women put their health at risk by neglecting their own well-being when looking after their families. Elizabeth O'Shea, Leading Parenting Expert and Tan Kaur, Digital Pharmacist, spoke with us about the research and explained how to get that work-life balance without risking our health. Elizabeth and Tan spoke wit...
8m Mar 29, 2019
8m
Blind Dave: Toilet Humour & DIY
It’s time to catch up with Blind Dave Heeley, DIY expert and adventurer extraordinaire. But what has Dave been up to? Could he become the voice of Virgin Trains’ toilets? Find out as Dave drops some toilet humour whilst chatting with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. Follow Dave on Facebook at ‘Blind Dave Heely’ or on twitter: @blinddaveheeley
11m Mar 28, 2019
11m
David Clarke On Disability Confident Workplaces
The RNIB recently launched their disability confident programme to increase employers’ knowledge about recruiting and retaining blind and visually impaired people within their workforce. RNIB Connect Radio’s Red Szell spoke to David Clarke, Director of Services for RNIB at the launch event.
5m Mar 27, 2019
5m
Zurich's Disability Inclusion Group Executive Champion On Being Disability Confident
The RNIB recently launched their disability confident programme to increase employers’ knowledge about recruiting and retaining blind and visually impaired people within their workforce. RNIB Connect Radio’s Basil Oxtoby spoke to Richard Peden, Disability Inclusion Group Executive Champion for Zurich at the programmes launch.
5m Mar 27, 2019
5m
‘A Mother Alternative’ - A Very Special Interview
David Hogg, host of ‘A Little Alternative’ has something very special prepared for you this week. As we’re nearing Mother’s Day, Dave invited his mom Susan along to the studio to present this Friday’s show together. The son and mother duo spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley about their bond and more importantly, how easy is it to present a show when your mom is watching… (Photo show...
12m Mar 27, 2019
12m