S1 Ep806: Disability Doesn't Stop Me From Fostering
Linda Garforth has been a foster carer with Oldham Fostering Service for over 30 years. She also lost the majority of her eyesight one morning in 2013, but with support and understanding, she was able to continue doing what she loves the most, offering a safe and caring home to kids in foster care.  RNIB Connect Radio's Paulina Kuchorew spoke with Linda to find out why disability needn't be a ...
8m Jul 09, 2021
8m
S1 Ep807: Unscene Suffolk, The Mystery of Syleham Manor
Unscene Suffolk's new audio play, The Mystery of Syleham Manor launches on Friday 9th July.   Unscene Suffolk is a community theatre company for visually impaired adults.  Caroline, the director and long standing member Clare, who has Glaucoma and works for Suffolk Sight, talk about the audio production, brought about by lockdown, the history of the group and their on-line rehearsals.  Image ...
8m Jul 08, 2021
8m
S1 Ep806: Our Space Our Place
We're heading across the pond today to hear about a Boston-based non-profit, whose work is all about empowering young people with sight loss.   Titled Our Space Our Place, the aim of this non-profit is to Prepare blind youth for their future by building their self-confidence, and social and independent living skills.   RNIB Connect Radio's Paulina Kuchorew spoke with the founder of the grou...
7m Jul 08, 2021
7m
S1 Ep805: White Canes & Song-Writing With Musician Rik Jones
The last year was not easy but were there any positives to a UK-wide shut down? RNIB Connect Radio's Paulina Kuchorew catches up with blind musician and singer-songwriter Rik Jones, to hear how the last year has been for him, as well as for a sneak peak at his upcoming album. Find Rik Jones on iTunes, Apple Music or follow him on Facebook.    Image shows a British Flag with Rik Jones writte...
9m Jul 05, 2021
9m
S1 Ep804: VocalEyes What’s On 5 July 2021
As theatres, museums, galleries, and other arts venues start to re-open their doors, RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey catches up with Jess Beal from VocalEyes, the national audio description charity providing access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people to share some of the accessible events that are featured in their weekly email newsletter. Items highlighted this week include: N...
6m Jul 05, 2021
6m
S1 Ep802: An Update All About Long Covid, What It Is, The Symptoms and How It Affects People
We are hearing a lot in the news about more and more people getting their Covid vaccinations which is great but we are also hearing about many cases of Long Covid too. So in this week's regular check in with Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick from New Life Pharmacy in Glasgow we thought it would be a good time to have a recap and update on Long Covid.   Connect Radio's Toby Davey asks Elizabeth whe...
4m Jul 02, 2021
4m
S1 Ep803: Diana, Princess of Wales' 60th birthday Commemoration
Thursday, 1st July would’ve been Diana, Princess of Wales’ 60th birthday.  The Princess once visited Cardiff Institute for the Blind (now known as Sight life) and Lynne Morgan has been chatting to 2 people who remember that day. Image is of Alan George, demonstrating a talking calculator to Diana Princess of Wales.
7m Jun 30, 2021
7m
S1 Ep801: Glaucoma Awareness Week 2021
Glaucoma Awareness Week 2021 runs from 28th June - 4th July and the charity Glaucoma  UK wants to emphasise the importance of family and loved ones.  RNIB Connect Radio's Barry Snell spoke with Glaucoma UK's CEO Karen Osborn and Jessica Sydenham, who is living with congenital glaucoma, to discuss how Glaucoma affects the whole family. {Image: Glaucoma UK logo in white writing against a purple...
8m Jun 28, 2021
8m
S1 Ep799: Impact Of The Pandemic On Full-Time Carers
Carla Golledge is a mum of three. She's also a full-time carer to her 8-year-old son Cameron. During the coronavirus pandemic her family struggled with receiving support, leaving Carla to forgo her own needs and wellbeing for the sake of her children.  She spoke with RNIB Connect Radio's Paulina Kuchorew about the impact the last year had on her family and how social services could be improve...
8m Jun 28, 2021
8m
S1 Ep800: Rachel Jones, Policy & Campaigns Officer, Wales
Rachel Jones talks about her new role as the Policy & Campiagns Officer, Wales and the route that led her to that job; beginning with a meeting with her ECLO (Eye clinic liaison officer) and volunteering on the Living With Sight Loss courses. Image is a head shot of Rachel Jones, standing infront of wall, in a pink t-shirt wearing dark glasses. 
7m Jun 25, 2021
7m
S1 Ep798: Blind Dave Heeley June Update
RNIB Connect Radio’s Barry Snell chats to Blind Dave Heeley, who is back in training after the easing of lockdown restrictions. Things are thankfully now looking up for Dave as he chats to Barry about his latest DIY projects, training with his new guide dog and also reflecting on his recent appearance on Tracks Of My Life. Image: A close up of Dave out running. he is wearing a white t-shirt w...
7m Jun 21, 2021
7m
Claire Forde in conversation with... Seán Batty
We re-join Claire Forde for another sit-down 'in conversation with', this time with current STV weather forecaster Seán Batty. Seán is a familiar face on Scottish televisions, having presented STV Weather since August 2007. His passion for meteorology began at a young age, growing up watching Ian McCaskill, Michael Fish, and Heather Reid. He left home at 18 to study meteorology at Reading Univ...
1hr 7m Jun 19, 2021
1hr 7m
S1 Ep797: Zoe Gambling, Elite Supported Employment, Jobsense Programme
If you live in Wales, have sensory loss, are over 25 and are looking for employment, then the Jobsense programme could be for you.   Zoe Gambling, team leader at Elite Supported Employment, spoke to RNIB Connect Radio about Jobsense and what it has to offer. Image is of RNIB logo. RNIB written in bold, black capital letters on a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the wo...
8m Jun 18, 2021
8m
S1 Ep796: VocalEyes What's On 28 May 2021
As theatres, museums, galleries, and other arts venues start to re-open their doors, Connect Radio's Toby Davey catches up with Jess Beal from VocalEyes, the national audio description charity providing access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people to share some of the accessible events that are featured in their weekly email newsletter.   Items highlighted this week included:   ...
6m May 28, 2021
6m
S1 Ep795: As Covid Restrictions Ease and People Get Their Vaccination Jabs How Important Is It to Still Maintain Social Distancing?
Following the easing of some of the Covid restrictions on 17 May and more to come hopefully over the next few weeks Connect Radio's Toby Davey checked in with Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick from New Life Pharmacy in Glasgow for some advice on how to keep Covid safe now that we are all able to get out and about a bit more.   Elizabeth and Toby talked about how the easing of restrictions have bee...
5m May 27, 2021
5m
S1 Ep794: New Show Features VI Dancer In Leading Role
Rationale Arts are a charity formed in 2019 after identifying a need for art to be made equally accessible to both disabled and non-disabled members of the community.  Their work, aims to improve public appreciation of the arts, and this June they have an exciting event coming up. Titled 'Trust in Care', their new show features performances from professional dancers who appeared on BBC Strictl...
8m May 21, 2021
8m
S1 Ep713: Free Pet Bereavement Service
The Pet Bereavement Service (PBSS) offers a free service to anyone who has lost an animal. They also work closely with the charity Guide Dogs. RNIB Connect Radio’s Sandra Gayer has been chatting to the PBSS manager Diane James, to find out more about the emotional support they can provide. {image: Blue paw print against a white background with the words PBSS Pet Bereavement Service)
4m May 14, 2021
4m
S1 Ep712: VocalEyes - The Interval 14 May 2021
Since the first lockdown in March 2020 with many theatres going dark and many museums, galleries and heritage sites having to close their doors, VocalEyes, the national audio description charity providing access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people, started up a weekly email newsletter titled 'The Interval' to share up-coming online accessible events for blind and partially sighte...
6m May 14, 2021
6m
S1 Ep711: Some Tips and Advice on Coping with Mental Health from Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick
As it is Mental Health Awareness Week Connect Radio’s Toby Davey checked in with Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick from New Live Pharmacy in Glasgow for some helpful tips and advice on coping with stress and mental health as we start to come out of the Covid19 restrictions. Don't forget that the RNIB Mental Health Check-In sessions are here for you too and more details can be found by calling the R...
4m May 13, 2021
4m
S1 Ep710: Hay Fever - What Is It and How to Keep It At Bay!
With summer just around the corner and knowing that many people do suffer quite badly from hay fever, RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey checked in with Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick from New Live Pharmacy in Glasgow to talk all about hay fever.   What hay fever is, what treatments are out there for hay fever sufferers and some tips on how to cope with hay fever over the summer months.   To get ...
5m May 07, 2021
5m
S1 Ep709: VocalEyes - The Interval 5 May 2021
Since the first lockdown in March 2020 with many theatres going dark and many museums, galleries and heritage sites having to close their doors, VocalEyes, the national audio description charity providing access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people, started up a weekly email newsletter titled The Interval to share up-coming online accessible events for blind and partially sighted ...
6m May 05, 2021
6m
S1 Ep708: Watch The Coastal Combat Fish-Off Event!
Wayne Vowden, The Blind Angler is going head to head in a live YouTube fish-off in his Coastal Combat: East vs West.  The event will take place on Saturday 8th of May at 7 PM and everyone is invited to join in for some live chat, answering questions and great banter between him and fully sighted fisherman Joe from the the Essex foraging and fishing channel. RNIB Connect Radio's Paulina Kuchor...
8m Apr 29, 2021
8m
S1 Ep705: How Lockdown Changed Volunteering
Jenna Sludden and George Duncan have been volunteering for UK sight loss charity RNIB, for some time now. In March 2020, their volunteering roles changed due to lockdown, as the charity adapted to the new restrictions and calls for more help from it's customers cam flooding in. RNIB Connect Radio's Paulina Kuchorew spoke to Jenna and George to learn more about their changing roles and why the...
9m Apr 29, 2021
9m
S1 Ep707: Get Involved In Some Virtual Fun
RNIB Connect Radio's Barry Snell finds out about an upcoming weekend of virtual entertainment, which is being run by Virtually Eastbourne, a group of friends who have got together to raise money for the sight loss charity NFB UK. The weekend, which takes place on the 7th & 8th Of May, promises to provide, music, food, a raffle and lots of fun.  If you would like to find out more information p...
6m Apr 29, 2021
6m
S1 Ep706: Gordon Harries, Technology Loan and Grant
RNIB volunteer, Gordon Harris is also a member of Ceredigion Association for the Blind.  The society is offering blind and partially sighted people in the county, who are interested in technology, the opportunity to apply for a loan or grant.  Gordon explains the process and talks about how technology has made his life easier. Image is of of several tablets stacked on a table.
7m Apr 28, 2021
7m
S1 Ep704: A Year in Lockdown, Stewart Ross
As lockdown eases UK sight loss charity RNIB is asking for awareness of the challenges facing blind and partially sighted people. Sharing his experience of a year in lockdown is Stewart Ross, RNIB's Volunteer Campaign Coordinator, who found the world has gone unusually quiet a year ago.  To find out how you can support blind and partially sighted people as we come out of lockdown visit: rnib....
7m Apr 26, 2021
7m
S1 Ep703: Make Eyedrops Part Of Your Ramadan Routine
RNIB Connect Radio’s Barry Snell chats with Glaucoma UK’s Jo Bradley, who was keen to share some important advice regarding the use of eyedrops during Ramadan. {Image, A young woman self administering eye drops)
4m Apr 26, 2021
4m
S1 Ep702: A Year in Lockdown, Maggie
Sightlife member, Maggie from Cardiff, talks about her feelings of social isolation, her difficulty with shopping but how the phone became her lifeline, as she joined various phone groups to maintain social contact.   Maggie is worried about returning to her old, active life, despite receiving the vaccine. Image is of the RNIB Connect Radio logo.  Spaced black letters above and below a pink lin...
5m Apr 26, 2021
5m
S1 Ep702: A Year in Lockdown, Hilary Lester
RNIB Connect Radio regular and guide dog owner Hilary, talks about her experience of a year in lockdown.  Hilary is saddened because she feels the collective sentiment of “we’re all in it together” experienced during the first lockdown, has gone.  Walking daily has kept Hilary’s spirits up but she hopes people will take their time getting back to normality, as she fears a third wave. Image is o...
5m Apr 26, 2021
5m
S1 Ep701: A Year In Lockdown, Maqsood Sheikh
As lockdown eases UK sight loss charity RNIB is asking for awareness of the challenges facing blind and partially sighted people. Today, we hear from Maqsood Sheikh RNIB's Regional Campaigns Officer about his experience of a year in lockdown, from not being able to do the London Marathon in person, to struggles around public transport and worries over restrictions easing. To find out how you ...
9m Apr 21, 2021
9m
S1 Ep700: A Year in Lockdown, Karishma Shah
Karishma Shah is the Regional Campaigns Officer for London.  Karishma talks about the anxiety of not being able to access online shopping and others not socially distancing but welcomed lockdown, as a means to slow down.  As lockdown eases, Karishma hopes people will be more empathetic, remember how lockdown made them feel and realise, that feeling is how many disabled people feel every day.   ...
8m Apr 19, 2021
8m
S1 Ep697: A Year In Lockdown, Liz Jones
Liz Jones from Holyhead on Anglesey, tells RNIB Connect Radio about her experience during lockdown. Image is of RNIB Connect logo.  RNIB' written in bold black letters, with the words 'See differently' written underneath. There is also a striking pink line underneath the RNIB logo, set against a white background.
5m Apr 19, 2021
5m
S1 Ep699: VocalEyes - The Interval 16 April 2021
Since the first lockdown in March 2020 with many theatres going dark and many museums, galleries and heritage sites having to close their doors, VocalEyes the national audio description charity providing access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people started up a weekly email newsletter titled The Interval to share up-coming online accessible events for blind and partially sighted pe...
7m Apr 16, 2021
7m
S1 Ep698: A Year In Lockdown Lord Blunkett
RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Lord Blunkett about 12 months of lockdown and he tells us why he's looking forward to mixing with friends, taking a holiday abroad but has concerns around people's mental health and ability to confidently get out and about again. #RNIBConnect Image: RNIB's Connect Radio logo
8m Apr 15, 2021
8m
S1 Ep696: The AstraZeneca Coronavirus Vaccine and Some Advice Regarding the Impact of Lockdowns on Mental Health
RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey checked in with Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick from New Live Pharmacy in Glasgow to talk about the current news regarding the AstraZeneca Coronavirus vaccine, what should people do if they have had the vaccine and are about to have their second jab, has all the news affected people’s confidence in the vaccine roll out, finally we touch on how the lockdowns have imp...
5m Apr 15, 2021
5m
S1 Ep695: Audio Described Football at Wrexham AFC
Steve GIlbert, chairman of Wrexham AFC Disabled Sports Association tells RNIB Connect Radio about the audio described games they have on offer and also talks about his hopes for the club, as it's now owned by actors, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. Image is of Wrexham AFC Disabled Supporters Badge.  A circle with a red strip around most of it but a green bottom, representing a pitch.  There a...
8m Apr 13, 2021
8m
S1 Ep694: Vaccine Programme in Wales
Dr Gill Richardson, Chair of Wales' Vaccine Programme, gives RNIB Connect Radio a progress report on what is happening in Wales.   Image is of RNIB Connect Radio logo.
9m Apr 13, 2021
9m
S1 Ep692: A Year In Lockdown, Alex Morgan
Alex Morgan from Gwent tells RNIB Connect Radio about her year in lockdown. Image is RNIB Connect Radio logo.
3m Apr 12, 2021
3m
S1 Ep693: A Year In Lockdown, Claire Lawrence
Claire Lawrence works for RNIB as a Regional Campaigns Officer and is also a competitive bodybuilder. Like many blind and partially sighted people, lockdown has been a pretty testing time for Claire, who has autosomal retinitis pigmentosa. As gyms closed and competitions were cancelled, Claire had to transfer the family home into both a gym and an office - as she got to grip with working from...
6m Apr 09, 2021
6m
S1 Ep691: A Year In Lockdown, Danielle McCann
RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Danielle McCann, in the USA, to find out how her faith has helped her through the pandemic restrictions and why she still feels nervous about going out in public with her guide dog Schultz. #RNIBConnect Image: RNIB Connect Radio logo
7m Apr 07, 2021
7m
S1 Ep690: John O'Groats to Lands End for RNIB
Lockdown has given all of us a little bit extra time to get some exercise in, the daily walks have been a lifeline! But this next gentlemen has taken walking, to the next level. You can follow Richard, sponsor him and even join him on his walk from John O'Groats to Lands End here: https://www.justgiving.com/richardsbigblindjogl 
6m Apr 07, 2021
6m
A Year In Lockdown, Nathan Tree
When Boris Johnson announced the UK lockdown one year ago, Nathan Tree decided it was time to do something useful, so he contacted RNIB and began the not so easy task of learning braille.  How is he getting on, one year on? RNIB's Steven Scott spoke to the Oxford man to find out.
10m Apr 07, 2021
10m
S1 Ep689: England football player tells RNIB about his new project, Learn with ESS
England blind football player Azeem Amir has achieved such a lot at his young age and his newest venture, a workshop session to take into schools and other settings to shed a light on disability and change peoples perceptions of what a disabled person is capable of, Ellie finds out more. If you want to find out more about Azeem and Learn ESS you can go to their website http://www.learnwithess.c...
9m Apr 06, 2021
9m
S1 Ep708: In Conversation With Germany's First Blind Electro DJ & Producer
What is it like to work in radio and music production in Germany, when you have a visual impairment?  RNIB Connect Radio's Paulina Kuchorew finds out as she speaks with 26-year-old DJ, Artin Akhavan, about his experience of an industry that he's been working in for over 10 years now.  For more information visit: https://djartin.de/  Image: black and white photo of hands adjusting sliders on ...
7m Apr 03, 2021
7m
S1 Ep688: VocalEyes - The Interval 2 April 2021
Since the first lockdown in March 2020 with many theatres going dark and many museums, galleries and heritage sites having to close their doors, VocalEyes the national audio description charity providing access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people started up a weekly email newsletter titled The Interval to share up-coming online accessible events for blind and partially sighted pe...
6m Apr 02, 2021
6m
S1 Ep685: The Covid Lateral Flow Test, Eye Problems and ‘Call The Pharmacist’ Now Available as an E-Book and Audiobook in the RNIB Library
RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey checked in with pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick from New Live Pharmacy in Glasgow to talk about the Covid lateral flow test with regards to the potential increase in Covid testing in schools, Care Homes and for possible travel too and what happens if you get a positive result from the test.  In Elizabeth’s Pharmacy in Glasgow many people have been coming in and see...
5m Apr 02, 2021
5m
S1 Ep686: First partially sighted CEO of Oxfordshire association for the Blind
The first ever Partially Sighted CEO has been appointed at the Oxfordshire Association for the Blind, RNIB Connect Radio's Ellie Marsh caught up with him to find out what some of his aims are for his time as CEO. If you want to find out more about the Oxfordshire Association for the Blind you can go to their website http://www.oxeyes.org.uk 
8m Apr 01, 2021
8m
S1 Ep687: Join This Virtual Bake-In Event For Visually Impaired People
Do you enjoy baking? Perhaps you have picked up a liking for making tasty treats throughout lockdown or spent the last few months polishing your baking skills. No matter, if a veteran baker or a star-baker-in-the-making, there's a great live online event in which you can bake together with other blind and visually impaired people from the comfort of your own home. The Online bake-in event will...
8m Mar 31, 2021
8m
S1 Ep684: A Year In Lockdown, Monty Lilburn
RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Monty Lilburn, who lives in Vancouver, to find out what his year in lockdown has been like as a blind person and what positives have come from it, including a better work life balance. #RNIBConnect Image: RNIB Connect Radio logo
6m Mar 31, 2021
6m
S1 Ep683: Art Meant To Be Touched
Annie Fennymore is an award-winning blind artist who was told that by the age of 40 she would completely lose her sight.  In response, she created a unique form of tactile art which she's been showcasing all across the UK, through exhibitions, workshops, collaborations and public talks.    Having founded Blind Alley Art, Annie now uses her tactile art to encourage anyone who is worried their ...
10m Mar 26, 2021
10m