S1 Ep1216: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 29/04/2022
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio sit down with Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB, to look at some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity.   This week Matt talks to Hywel about the series of strategy meetings going on across the country this month, the launch of the IBSA Games and how RNIB's beneficiaries can have their say on the future of the charity.   If you, or someone you know, ...
8m Apr 29, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1213: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - WNO Madam Butterfly, Audio Described Theatre Review
RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng 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 was reviewing the audio described performance of Welsh National Opera’s production of Puccini’s Madam Butterfly at the Bir...
8m Apr 27, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1204: Connect Voices Round Up 27 April 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: Did you have a power cut for 2 or more days because of a winter storm? A team from Kings College London are looking for people with a disability or health  condition who experienced power cuts for 2 d...
6m Apr 27, 2022
6m
S1 Ep1212: Dan Parker Smashes Driving World Record
Did you know that there is a World Record for the fastest blindfolded driver? Well that record has been smashed by a blind driver called Dan Parker, from the United States. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Dan and Chris Danielsen, from the National Federation of the Blind in the US, to learn more about the challenge and the Guinness record attempt. #RNIBConnect Image: Dan Parker F...
10m Apr 26, 2022
10m
S1 Ep1211: Makeup Tutorials for Visually Impaired Women in Wales
A new online course is helping blind and partially sighted women in Wales to feel more confident, and more glamorous.  If you're in Wales and you're interested in taking part in the next 'Beautifully Blind' course, you can contact Carys Groves by phone on 07753 305 631 or by email carys.groves@sightlife.wales
8m Apr 25, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1210: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 23/04/2022
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB, to look at some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity. This week Matt talks about more important Parliamentary work, a new campaign to increase audio description on Video On Demand services and why were MPs playing with Lego? If you, or someone you know, would like information on the su...
8m Apr 22, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1208: Using Sight Loss in Stand Up Comedy, with Cubby
Cubby is a Glasgow based stand up comedian, in 2020 he features on ITV's Britain's Got Talent and received 4 yes's in the audition. Ellie caught up with him to find out a bit more about his life, his stand up and about how he uses his sight loss in his on stage material  To find out more about Cubby you can find him on Facebook by searching for Cubby Comedian or on Twitter @cubby_david (Image...
9m Apr 22, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1209: Audio Description Consultant Needed For New Dance Theatre Show In Wales
A new dance project in South Wales is looking for a visually impaired audio description consultant. Hywel Davies spoke to the writer and director of 'Remarkable Rhythm' Krystal S. Lowe. If you'd like to take part, you can send your application to Krystalslowe.contact@gmail.com by Monday, May 16th. You can find out more about Krystal and her other dance projects at www.krystalslowe.com   This p...
8m Apr 20, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1207: Fragile with Attitude Exhibition of Work by Disabled Artists at Westonbirt Arboretum
Westonbirt the National Arboretum in Gloucestershire Managed by the Forestry Commission has certainly been planting access at the heart of everything they do, not only with their Sensing Nature guided tours  lead by blind and partially sighted guides but Westonbirt is hosting a two-day conference titled 'Restoring Landscapes for Social Inclusion' looking at access to landscapes and the natural ...
14m Apr 20, 2022
14m
S1 Ep1205: Activating Enterprise Bank Holiday Special
Over the last months, you've heard us share stories from visually impaired entrepreneurs. From talent managers, IT specialists, disability consultants, public speakers, to those working within the creative industries. They've all shared their employment journeys with us on RNIB Connect Radio.   On this Special episode of Activating Enterprise, we will, once again hear from  public speaker and...
55m Apr 18, 2022
55m
S1 Ep1203: How the RNIB Legal Right Team can help you during the cost of living crisis.
With the cost of living crisis hitting the pockets of people across the country, Ellie spoke to Dominic Milne from the RNIB Legal Rights Team to find out how they can support you to access the benefits you are entitled to.  To find out more about the RNIB can help you with any questions or worries with regards to the benefit system and what you are entitled to, please call the helpline on 0303...
8m Apr 18, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1202: Vidar Hjarding MBE - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, 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 was reviewing the audio described performance of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat at the Birmingham Hippodrom...
8m Apr 15, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1206: Charity Chief Exec’s Weekly Update 16/04/22
Each week we chat with RNIB’s CEO Matt Stringer to discuss the big news affecting the charity.   This week Matt started with more news about the Election Bill for blind and partially sighted people to have the right to vote independently and in secret, following on from the handing in this week of the #BlindVotersCount petition signed by over 7,000 people to Michael Gove, news about the RNIB ...
11m Apr 14, 2022
11m
S1 Ep1204: Ebony Rose Dark discusses being a VI Drag and Cabaret Artist
Ellie catches up with VI Drag and Cabaret performer Ebony Rose Dark to find out what drag means to them.  To find out more about Ebony, you can search for Ebony Rose Dark on Social Media. (Image shows: Ebony with a sparkling golden gown on, with a love heart shaped hair piece and glittering golden eye shadow) 
13m Apr 14, 2022
13m
S1 Ep1201: How Accessible is Higher Education
Steven Sutherland & Mathew Clark are both registered blind but have had differing experiences with higher education. RNIB's Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to both of them to find out why. Image RNIB Scotland logo
10m Apr 14, 2022
10m
S1 Ep1202: Partnership Between CHEC and the RNIB Results in a New Community ECLO Service
On 1 April 2022 the RNIB and Community Health and Eye Care (CHEC) announced a new strategic partnership to provide a dedicated Eye Care Liaison Officer service across 10 of CHEC’s community eye care centres.  CHEC, is one of the largest providers of community-based ophthalmology services in the UK and the new Eye Care Liaison Officer service will ensure CHEC patients receive tailored practical...
9m Apr 14, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1200: Connect Voices Round up 13 April 2022
Max Conway, RNIB's National Involvement Coordinator, shares the latest opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to get involved in. Opportunities highlighted this week included: Get behind the RNIB’s Legal Rights Service campaign which is Highlighting and challenging an unfair ruling around people’s benefits just because they are a Braille reader.  Many claimants of Universal Cred...
5m Apr 13, 2022
5m
S1 Ep1201: Great News! Tech Talk Is Back!
RNIB Connect Radio's flagship technology series 'Tech Talk' is making its return next month.  Allan Russell caught up with one of the show's new presenters, Dave Williams, to find out what's planned for the big return and when the show will return to the airways. Listen out for the first episode of your brand new Tech Talk Tuesday 3rd of May from 1 PM.  Image shows RNIB Connect Radio logo. '...
9m Apr 12, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1198: Charity Chief Exec’s Weekly Update 09/04/22
Each week we chat with RNIB’s CEO Matt Stringer to discuss the big news affecting the charity. This week Matt started with news hot off the press around the Election Bill for blind and partially sighted people to have the right to vote independently and in secret, with the recent launch of RNIB Northern Ireland’s ’See Me, See Differently’ manifesto leading up to the local Assembly elections in...
9m Apr 09, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1197: Visionary Update with Retina UK!
Every month on RNIB Connect Radio we catch up with Visionary UK, this week Retina UK join Ellie and Fiona to discuss the work they do and the launch of the audience insight survey and how you can get involved. To find out more about Visionary please visit their website here: Welcome to Visionary - Visionary (https://www.visionary.org.uk/) To find out more about Retina UK and complete their su...
9m Apr 08, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1195: Susie Simons from Eye Matter
Former RNIB volunteer Susie Simons tells Red Szell how here peer support groups for BVI people flourished during the pandemic, and led to her being shortlisted for a See Differently Award, and to her working with the RNIB to provide online Living Well With Sight Loss courses.
9m Apr 08, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1199: A Life Living with Sight Loss with Aneeba Ahmed
In a series of interviews here on RNIB Connect Radio we are talking with a range of blind and partially sighted people to find out what life is really like living with sight loss, how they have coped throughout their life with the level of sight they have and the advice they would give to other people who might be starting to lose their sight or finding it difficult to cope with the level of si...
5m Apr 07, 2022
5m
S1 Ep1194: Sight Loss Stories: Julian Neale
This week on RNIB Connect Radio we are speaking to five blind and partially sighted people to find out about them, their journey with sight loss and what keeps them going through the tough times. RNIB Connect Radio's Red Szell spoke to Julian to learn about the support and the barriers he has faced over the last year.  If you'd like more information on RNIB's services, go to www.rnib.org.uk (h...
11m Apr 07, 2022
11m
S1 Ep1193: All the info on the new series of Thomas Pocklington Trust Internships!
With a new series of Thomas Pocklington Trust Internships on the horizon, Ellie's been finding out what the plan is this year and how you can get involved at any age. The deadline to apply for this years internships is the 17th of April. To find out more about the Thomas Pocklington Trust and their internship scheme for 2022, please visit this website Get Set Progress Internships Programme - T...
7m Apr 05, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1192: Charity Chief Exec’s Weekly Update 02/04/22
Each week we chat with RNIB’s CEO Matt Stringer to discuss the big news affecting the charity. This week Matt started by reflecting on the great success of the RNIB 2022 See Differently Awards which were held in London earlier this week. Following on from the recent announcement of the 100 RNIB Eye Care Liaison Officer, Matt talks about more ECLO news including the partnership with CHEC (Comm...
9m Apr 01, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1191: We’re With You - Ukraine Benefit Concert, Saturday 16 April 2022
We know how devastating the war in Ukraine is and you might be wondering is there anything we can do to support our fellow blind and partially sighted people who are court up in the war in Ukraine? Well Jaffar Sidek Ahmad thinks so and has set up a benefit concert called We're With You which will be broadcast online around the world on Saturday 16 April 2022 and is looking for contributions fr...
5m Apr 01, 2022
5m
S1 Ep1190: Northern Ballet: Merlin in Cinemas with Audio Description from 24 April 2022
Northern Ballet, the Leeds based ballet company who have been providing access to their productions for over 20 years for blind and partially sighted people with live through audio description along with their In Sight dance workshops/touch tours, will have their first cinema screening of one of their productions with audio description when Merlin is released in cinemas from Sunday 24 April 202...
13m Mar 31, 2022
13m
S1 Ep1189: All the reaction after the RNIB See Differently Awards!
Last night Ellie, Toby and Paulina we're at the RNIB See Differently Awards 2022. Just  before everyone hit the dance floor for the after part, the team from Connect Radio we're on hand to collect reaction about how the event played out… Congratulations again to all the winners, until next year! Find out more here: RNIB See Differently Awards 2022 – headline sponsor Amazon Alexa - RNIB - See ...
8m Mar 30, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1188: RNIB See Differently Awards 2022 - Volunteer Of The Year
RNIB See Differently Awards took place in London on the 29th of March 2022 and were a celebration of individuals, teams and companies that have gone the extra mile to help break down barriers and smash stereotypes associated with sight loss.     The Volunteer of the year award, sponsored by Bayer, recognised an exceptional individual who dedicated their time, skills and energy within their co...
3m Mar 30, 2022
3m
S1 Ep1188: RNIB See Differently Awards 2022 - Employer Of The Year
RNIB See Differently Awards took place in London on the 29th of March 2022 and were a celebration of individuals, teams and companies that have gone the extra mile to help break down barriers and smash stereotypes associated with sight loss.     The Employer of the year award, sponsored by Thomas Pocklington Trust, recognised an exceptional organisation which has committed to providing an acc...
3m Mar 30, 2022
3m
S1 Ep1187: RNIB See Differently Awards 2022 - 6th Duke of Westminster Lifetime Achievement Award
RNIB See Differently Awards took place in London on the 29th of March 2022 and were a celebration of individuals, teams and companies that have gone the extra mile to help break down barriers and smash stereotypes associated with sight loss.     The 6th Duke of Westminster Lifetime Achievement Award recognised    RNIB Connect Radio was on hand at the ceremony and our Toby Davey spoke with w...
3m Mar 30, 2022
3m
S1 Ep1187: RNIB See Differently Awards 2022 - Design For Everyone Award
RNIB See Differently Awards took place in London on the 29th of March 2022 and were a celebration of individuals, teams and companies that have gone the extra mile to help break down barriers and smash stereotypes associated with sight loss.     The Design for Everyone Award, sponsored by Kellogg's, recognised an individual or organisation that has understood the everyday challenges faced by ...
2m Mar 30, 2022
2m
S1 Ep1187: RNIB See Differently Awards 2022 - Team Of The Year
RNIB See Differently Awards took place in London on the 29th of March 2022 and were a celebration of individuals, teams and companies that have gone the extra mile to help break down barriers and smash stereotypes associated with sight loss.     The Team of the Year award recognised a team that has made a significant contribution to improving the lives of people who are blind or partially sig...
3m Mar 30, 2022
3m
S1 Ep1187: RNIB See Differently Awards 2022 - Best Social Media Impact Of The Year
RNIB See Differently Awards took place in London on the 29th of March 2022 and were a celebration of individuals, teams and companies that have gone the extra mile to help break down barriers and smash stereotypes associated with sight loss.     The Social Media Impact of the Year, sponsored by Pantene, recognised someone who used social media to break down the barriers faced by blind and par...
3m Mar 30, 2022
3m
S1 Ep1186: RNIB See Differently Awards 2022 - Community Contributor Of The Year
RNIB See Differently Awards took place in London on the 29th of March 2022 and were a celebration of individuals, teams and companies that have gone the extra mile to help break down barriers and smash stereotypes associated with sight loss. The Community Contributor of the Year award, sponsored by Santen, recognised the unsung hero of the sight loss community, who had dedicated themselves to ...
2m Mar 30, 2022
2m
S1 Ep1186: RNIB See Differently Awards 2022 - Campaigner Of The Year
RNIB See Differently Awards took place in London on the 29th of March 2022 and were a celebration of individuals, teams and companies that have gone the extra mile to help break down barriers and smash stereotypes associated with sight loss. Campaigner of the Year award, sponsored by Mastercard, recognised an exceptional individual who has shown great commitment and courage in campaigning to i...
2m Mar 30, 2022
2m
S1 Ep1186: All the action before the SDA Awards 2022!
Last night in central London a very special award ceremony took place, the RNIB See Differently Awards, Toby, Ellie and Paulina we're on hand to catch all the action before the winners were announced. Find out more here: RNIB See Differently Awards 2022 – headline sponsor Amazon Alexa - RNIB - See differently (https://www.rnib.org.uk/see-differently-awards) Image shows 'RNIB See Differently A...
8m Mar 30, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1184: Connect Voices Round up 30 March 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: Join the RNIB Voice of the Customer focus groups - The RNIB is looking for a broad range of blind and partially sighted people from across the UK to take part in a series of the RNIB online Voice of t...
7m Mar 30, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1185: Sight Saver Equal UN Campaign with Gertrude Oforiwa Fefoame
Sight Savers have launched a new campaign to ensure gender equality is maintained on the CRPD committee, Ellie's been speaking to one woman who is a member of the committee, to find out what this means and why it's so important...  To find out more about Sight Savers and the #EqualUN Campaign, please visit their website here: Sightsavers launches global #EqualUN campaign | News | Sightsavers (...
9m Mar 29, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1183: Meet RNIB See Differently Awards Headline Sponsor - Amazon Alexa
On Tuesday 29th of March, sight loss charity RNIB are holding their See Differently Awards 2022 in London. The awards ceremony will celebrate the people and organisations dedicated to improving the lives of blind and partially sighted people.  Previous winner and our Happy Hour host, Holly Tuke spoke with Dennis Stansbury from Amazon Alexa, who are the headline sponsor of the awards, to find ...
7m Mar 28, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1182: Activating Enterprise Episode 10 - Karina Jones
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, actor, voice coach, and aerialist Karina Jones talks learning belly dancing in Egypt, performing with the Royal Shakespeare Company and overcoming obstacles to achieve her dream of...
10m Mar 28, 2022
10m
S1 Ep1181: Singing Sensation Will WOW Audience At Charity Awards!
The RNIB See Differently Awards will take place in London on March 29th 2022. They will shine a light on individuals, teams and companies that have gone the extra mile to help break down barriers and smash stereotypes associated with sight loss. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to blind singer Andrea Begley, a former winner of ITV's The Voice, to find out why she's so excited about pe...
7m Mar 28, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1180: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 26/03/2022
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB, to look at some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity. This week Matt talks about more help for blind and partially sighted people effected by the invasion of Ukraine, good news on the charity's finances and work going forward and we look ahead to the See Differently Awards on March 29th...
7m Mar 26, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1179: Vidar Hjarding MBE - Disney’s Beauty and The Beast, Audio Described
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 was reviewing a tale as old as time with the audio described performance of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at the Birmingha...
8m Mar 25, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1180: Audio Description Goes Beyond The Theatre
Each month, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Anne Hornsby from MindsEye Description to look at some forthcoming audio described highlights. This month there's news on an audio described escape experience, a new gallery tour and a fantastic new theatre production. #RNIBConnect Image: Anne Hornsby from MindsEye Description
10m Mar 25, 2022
10m
S1 Ep1179: National Theatre London Audio Description Round Up 25 March 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...
7m Mar 25, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1178: Blind Braille Artist Clarke Reynolds: Journey By Dots Show and Art In Sight Podcast
Clarke Reynolds, the Blind Braille Artist who turns the tactile form of Braille into colourful works of art, talks with our Toby Davey about the success of his recent show Decoding Braille, Decoding Me, his up-coming show at Aspex Portsmouth, Journey By Dots and his Arts council podcast, Art In Sight. Clarke began by explaining to Toby what his Braille art is all about the success of Decoding ...
9m Mar 24, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1177: What Is Social Media Hacking 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 social media hacking.   If you think your being targeted by fraudsters, report it to your...
5m Mar 23, 2022
5m
S1 Ep1177: Charity Launches Residential Weekends For Blind And Partially Sighted Kids
The Outlook Trust has announced the dates for it's residential weekends for visually impaired children and young people, aged from 8 to 17 years old. There are lots of fun activities and a chance to meet new, and old, friends. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Jeff Davies, from the trust, to find out more. You can get more info from http://www.outlooktrust.org #RNIBConnect Image: ...
4m Mar 23, 2022
4m
S1 Ep1176: Give Yoga a try this weekend!
Fancy giving Yoga a try! Why not try it out with HERU Yoga for the Blind. Ellie's been catching up with Hanna Wroblewski, the founder of HERU to find out more about the benefits of Yoga and how you can get involved in the free taster sessions.  If you'd like to find out more about HERU Yoga for the Blind, or sign up for this Saturday's 10am event, please email Hanna on hello@hannawroblewski.co...
8m Mar 23, 2022
8m