S1 Ep775: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Round Up 17/05/2021
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB, to discuss some of the latest news coming from the UK sight loss charity. This week Matt tells us about a new survey to gather experiences of accessible voting, free mental well being support for everyone, the opening of RNIB shops and a fundraising update from Marathon Mates. To find out more about our f...
8m May 17, 2021
8m
S1 Ep774: Blind And Partially Sighted Gamers Celebrate Global Accessibility Awareness Day 2021
May 20th 2021 is Global Accessibility Awareness Day and events will be taking place across the world to promote the need for more digital accessibility for people with disabilities. As part of this, charity RNIB is organising a big fundraiser with visually impaired gamers live streaming games and much, much more. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Ian Strachan and Conor Joseph, both ...
6m May 14, 2021
6m
S1 Ep773: Volunteers Get So Much From Giving Their Time To Sight Loss Charity
Volunteering is a great way of giving back something to charity, or even building new skills when looking for a job. There are a diverse range of rolls and you can give as much, or as little, time as you can afford. RNIB Connect Radio's Barry Snell spoke to Allan and Heather Owens to find out why they volunteer for RNIB. To learn more about volunteering for RNIB, go to http://www.rnib.org.uk...
7m May 13, 2021
7m
S1 Ep773: Charity's New Resource Unlocks Sight Loss Mysteries
When you mention the word Genetics, you start to imagine a topic that's over your head, but that's not the case for those with inherited sight loss. The charity Retina UK has launched it's Unlocking Genetics resource that will help people better understand their sight loss condition and get info on the latest treatments and clinical trials. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Amy Pear...
9m May 13, 2021
9m
S1 Ep772: Charity's Marathon Mates Fundraisers Hit The Streets
May is Marathon Mates month for UK sight loss charity RNIB. They're asking us to pair up, virtually if necessary, to run a marathon distance, 26.2 miles, over the month of May, not too taxing! RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Shivani Maharana to find out why she's getting involved in the fundraiser and why she's encouraging others to join in. If you'd like more info on the fundrai...
5m May 12, 2021
5m
S1 Ep771: Connect Voices Round-Up 12 May 2021
Charlotte Jones, RNIB's National Involvement Coordinator shares the latest opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to get involved in. Opportunities highlighted included: Your chance to get involved in the Design for Everyone campaign and share your stories about how you manage food allergies as a blind or partially sighted person. An App Developer is looking for help with makin...
8m May 12, 2021
8m
S1 Ep770: David Reaney, the Importance of Phone Groups
David Reaney talks to RNIB Connect Radio about the importance of phone groups.  David wants to encourage people to join a phone group, as a chat with someone can really help. Image is RNIB Logo.  RNIB written in bold black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' in black letters underneath.  
7m May 11, 2021
7m
S1 Ep769: Supercar experiences for Blind and Partially Sighted people with Ablenet
Time for some supercar chat now, RNIB Connect Radio's Ellie Marsh has been catching up with Paul from Ablenet and Ghazie who has actually been behind the wheel about providing supercar driving experiences to blind and partially sighted people. Find out more: Blind Supercar Drive Yourself – Ablenet Experiences (https://ablenet.co.uk/product-category/supercar-experiences/blind-supercar-drive-you...
9m May 11, 2021
9m
S1 Ep765: Company Creates Clothing For Kids With Disabilities
Blossom And Best is a company that specialises in creating fantastic clothing for kids with a range of disabilities. They're now crowd funding to raise money to buy a special machine that can put Braille on clothes. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to company founder Michelle Best to find out more. To learn more about Blossom And Best, go to http://www.facebook.com/chelliescreations ...
5m May 11, 2021
5m
S1 Ep768: New Research Looks At Retinal Gene Editing To Restore Sight
Sight Loss charity Fight For Sight UK is funding new research that will look at gene editing, with an end goal of repairing damage to the retina. If successful, it could mean that people with a wide range of sight loss conditions could have their sight improved or restored. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Dr Jacqui Van Der Spuy, from University College London, to learn more about ...
6m May 11, 2021
6m
S1 Ep767: RNIB Counselling Service and Demystifying Some of Those Preconceived Ideas of Counselling Interview with Amanda Hawkins and Tina Doyle
You may of heard about the availability of the Mental Wellbeing Check In Sessions but did you know about the other services that the RNIB Sight Loss Counselling service is able to offer you if you are looking for help and support around mental health issues at the moment?    Amanda and Tina explained to Toby how the RNIB Sight Loss Counselling service is here to help blind and partially sight...
10m May 10, 2021
10m
S1 Ep766: Top Tips For Managing Anxiety
This Mental Health Awareness Week it's vital that we recognise the importance of discussing our feelings and emotions.  So if you're struggling with feelings of anxiety, RNIB's Organisational Development Partner Chris Simpson has some tips that could help.  You'll find resources, tips and advice, as well as information around RNIB's Mental Wellbeing Check-Ins, Living with Sight loss courses a...
7m May 10, 2021
7m
S1 Ep765: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update 10/05/2021
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with RNIB CEO Matt Stringer to discuss some of the latest news from the UK sight loss charity. This week Matt talks about mental health support for everyone, RNIB's shops re-opening, news on our Eye Clinic Liaison Officer service and a fundraising call. If you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can get free mental health support f...
8m May 10, 2021
8m
S1 Ep764: Campaign For Safer Rail Platforms Gains Momentum
After many accidents, and 1 death, on our train station platforms, UK sight loss charities RNIB and Guide Dogs launched a campaign to make the areas safer for blind and partially sighted commuters. They want all platforms to have tactile markers at the edges, so visually impaired people can recognise the danger zone and stay safe. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Roisin Jacklin, fr...
10m May 07, 2021
10m
S1 Ep763: Even More Description For Naked Attraction
It's fair to say that Channel 4's Naked Attraction show is a dating show with a difference and has the UK talking. Did you know that the show has audio description for blind and partially sighted viewers? Did you also know that a couple of Radio 1 presenters asked to become audio describers on the show? RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Graham Wilkinson, from Channel 4, and Naked A...
7m May 07, 2021
7m
S1 Ep762: Avoiding New Barriers As Pandemic Restrictions Ease
As Covid-19 restrictions ease across the UK, charities are voicing their concerns that it may lead to new, but unintended, barriers being created for many of their customers. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to James Adams, Director of RNIB Scotland, to find out what barriers could be created, as we get more freedom, and what can be done so blind and partially sighted people can enjoy ...
5m May 06, 2021
5m
S1 Ep762: Charity Volunteers Discuss Their Work Through Lockdown
The Covid-19 restrictions forced many charities to change the way they work and the ways that they support their customers. For many volunteers, this meant turning their skills to new services and new experiences to provide vital help and advice to blind and partially sighted people. RNIB's Ellie Marsh spoke to George Devlin and Conor Joseph, volunteers for sight loss charity RNIB, to find ou...
8m May 06, 2021
8m
S1 Ep762: Return Of Outdoor Activity Taster Days For Visually Impaired People.
It's been a long time but finally British Blind Sport can resume their sport, and activity, taster days around the UK. The days give blind and partially sighted people, of all ages and abilities, the chance to try some new sports and activities with professional coaching. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to David Melville, from BBS, to learn more about the first face to face event and...
4m May 06, 2021
4m
S1 Ep761: Emma Arnold, Marathon Mates
Emma Arnold experienced excruciating pain when losing the sight in one eye.   Emma told RNIB Connect Radio the counselling she received from RNIB, helped her come to terms with her condition and the pain.  Now, Emma is taking on the Marathon Mates challenge, running a distance of 26.2 miles, throughout May, along with her friend Nadia.  Image is of Marathon Mates logo.
5m May 05, 2021
5m
S1 Ep760: Canadian Sight Loss Charity Goes On The Road
Each month, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with John Rafferty, CEO of CNIB, to look at some of the latest news coming from the Canadian charity. This month, John tells us about a pilot project which will see a mobile unit travel to some outlying areas, delivering a whole host of services and support. For more information on the CNIB's services or to join in with some of their virtua...
7m May 05, 2021
7m
S1 Ep759: Blind Driving Record Attempt For US Sight Loss Charity
10 Years ago the National Federation of the Blind, in the USA, demonstrated it's tech packed car that would allow a blind person to independently drive. The challenge, at Daytona, was a big success and 10 years later, they're involved in a world record attempt to prove that a blind person can drive a car, on a race track, at over 200 miles per hour. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to...
6m May 04, 2021
6m
S1 Ep757: Looking into Audio Description of the Performing Arts in London, Adelaide and Singapore
If you are a fan of theatre audio description, then it is your chance to help out Kari Seeley, an Audio Describer from Australia with her research into theatre audio description in London, Adelaide and Singapore. Kari Seeley is a professional Audio describer from Adelaide who is carrying out research into visually impaired people’s experience of audio description of the performing arts in Lond...
8m May 04, 2021
8m
S1 Ep759: Casting Your Vote As A Partially Sighted Person
On May 6th 2021 the UK will be going to the polls, on a variety of elections, in the biggest day of voting outside the General Election. How easy is it to independently and secretly cast your vote if you are blind or partially sighted? RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Holly Matthies, who is partially sighted, to find out what her experience was like and what she thinks would make i...
5m May 04, 2021
5m
S1 Ep756: The Longest Battle with Alex Corbisiero
In The Longest Battle Emma Martins chats with people who have gone through a similar life changing situation to her own when Emma caught a virus in 2013 which completely changed her life for ever.  The virus that Emma caught in Vietnam caused a brain aneurysm which in turn has severely affected Emma’s eyesight. In today's The Longest Battle Emma is chatting with rugby legend Alex Corbisiero w...
33m May 03, 2021
33m
S1 Ep651: RNIB Employment Service - Jurgen’s employment success story
Jurgen Donaldson started to lose his sight in August/September 2019, he had to take some time away from his job at the time, when he returned his employer was not that accommodating to his situation.   After being made redundant and reached out to the RNIB Employment Service for support through this tricky time for him and was teamed up with Emma Griffiths RNIB Employment Advisor. Thankfully J...
9m Apr 30, 2021
9m
S1 Ep758: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update 30.04.2021
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB, to discuss some of the latest news coming from the UK sight loss charity. This week Matt talks about the free will service from RNIB, work on accessible voting, Marathon Mates and believe it or not? Naked Attraction! If you'd like to learn more about RNIB and it's services, go to http://www.rnib.org.uk Y...
7m Apr 30, 2021
7m
S1 Ep752: Michelle And Eli Take On Marathon Mates Challenge For Charity
Michelle Baker and her son Eli are taking on the challenge of running a marathon distance, 26.2 miles, over the month of May to raise funds for the UK sight loss charity RNIB. There's still time to sign up, raise funds, get some fresh air and get a friend to join in the fun. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Michelle to find out why she's getting involved and how RNIB supported her ...
5m Apr 29, 2021
5m
S1 Ep752: Is Voting Getting More Accessible For Blind And Partially Sighted People?
Casting your vote independently and in secrecy is a statutory right in the UK but if you have a visual impairment, that's not always true. UK sight loss charity RNIB has worked with the UK Cabinet Office and the Electoral Commission to improve the voting process and they are also piloting a new way of independent voting. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Mike Wordingham, from RNIB, ...
5m Apr 29, 2021
5m
S1 Ep755: Angel Eyes NI
Lockdown has been tough and people have needed that extra bt of support. Angel eyes NI, a charity based in Northern Ireland have been supporting local families before, during and after the lockdowns. Ellie caught up with Sara to find out more about what they do You can find our more about Angel Eyes NI here: www.angeleyesni.org  Image shows: The Angel Eyes NI logo, three animated people, blue...
7m Apr 28, 2021
7m
S1 Ep754: Lockdown lifting - Transport for All
Everyone is looking forward to lockdown lifting, but the relaxation of restrictions is throwing up different issues for blind and partially sighted people. Ellie Marsh spoke to Katie from Transport for all about what needs to be done as we slowly return to normality. Find out more about transport for all here:  www.transportforall.org.uk Image shows: The transport for all logo, TFA in white l...
8m Apr 28, 2021
8m
S1 Ep753: Seeing in Isolation - Part 3 - Karren
We hear about a brand new arts project created by severely sight impaired photographer Karren Visser, in partnership with Multistory and Sandwell Visually Impaired. In this episode we hear from Karren about her experience with this project and going infront of the camera for the first time 
9m Apr 28, 2021
9m
S1 Ep751: Connect Voices Round-Up 28 April 2021
Clare Aldworth, RNIB's National Involvement Coordinator shares the latest opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to get involved in. Opportunities highlighted included: A reminder about a call out from the BBC News Team for visually impaired people to share their Covid experiences for BBC News output on radio, TV and online, an opportunity to give feedback and help Legal and Gen...
6m Apr 28, 2021
6m
S1 Ep750: RNIB Pocket Guide to Voting
With elections on 6th May, RNIB has produced a Pocket Guide for blind and partially sighted people to take with them to their local polling stations.  Nathan Owen, Policy and Public Affairs Manager for RNIB Cymru, gave the details to RNIB Connect Radio. Image is of the RNIB logo.  RNIB in bold, black capital letters, underlined with a pink line and below, the words 'See differently' in bold bla...
4m Apr 27, 2021
4m
S1 Ep749: Tenby Museum and Art Gallery New Audio Described Podcasts
Tenby Museum and Art Gallery are opening up their collection to blind and partially sighted people through a series of audio described podcasts which will also be aired on RNIB Connect Radio during the Daily Connect show on Wednesdays for the next few weeks. The audio described podcasts have been written presented and produced by Mark Lewis the curator of Tenby Museum and Art Gallery.  RNIB C...
9m Apr 27, 2021
9m
S1 Ep748: Postcode Lottery Supporting Charities Through Pandemic And Beyond
The People's Postcode Lottery has given out more than £700million in grants to charities, large and small, in the UK and beyond. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to PPL Ambassador Danyl Johnson and PPL's Head of Charities, Laura Chow, to learn more about their work. #RNIBConnect Image: People's Postcode Lottery logo
9m Apr 26, 2021
9m
S1 Ep746: Is Audio Described Theatre Going Live Soon?
Each month, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Anne Hornsby, from Mind's Eye Arts, to talk about some forthcoming audio described events, like theatre performances, gallery and museum tours and a host of other options. This month, Anne tells us about some live street dance, live street theatre and a chance for audiences to watch a performance inside a theatre, all coming shortly. F...
7m Apr 23, 2021
7m
S1 Ep746: I Can Do It Project For Blind And Partially Sighted Young People
UK sight loss charity Henshaws has created a residential, and virtual, training programme for young people with sight loss. It's designed to improve confidence, develop a wide range of mobility and independence skills plus much, much more. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Mel Cooke and Alice, from Henshaws, and Emma Cruickshank, from Pocklington Trust, to learn more about the proje...
7m Apr 23, 2021
7m
S1 Ep746: Your Legacy Can Help Charities In The Future
Did you know that making a will can be really easy and, in most circumstances, free? Everyone should think about a will and once you've taken care of your family and friends, you might consider leaving something to charity? RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Lorna McPhersoon-Reed, from RNIB, and Alexis Fairclough, from Bequeathed, to learn more about legacy giving and why past legaci...
8m Apr 22, 2021
8m
S1 Ep747: Seeing in Isolation - Part 2 - Perm
We hear about a brand new arts project created by severely sight impaired photographer Karren Visser, in partnership with Multistory and Sandwell Visually Impaired. In this episode we hear from Perm, one of the participants in the project about her journey accepting her sight loss and helping to empower others. 
8m Apr 22, 2021
8m
S1 Ep744: Alex Court's Books of Your Life
Alex Court, author of 'Mixed Up', a book about interracial marriage written with his wife Tineka Smith, speaks to Red Szell for the Books of Your Life.
8m Apr 22, 2021
8m
S1 Ep743: Extant Call Out for Visually Impaired and Disabled Actors for an Actual Acting Gig This Summer!
Are you a visually impaired or disabled actor?   If so then Extant the theatre company for visually impaired actors, theatre makers and creatives is calling out for visually impaired and disabled actors for an actual gig coming up this summer as part of their Pathways Programme. Connect Radio’s Toby Davey chats with Caroline Jeyaratnam-Joyner, Pathways Programme Manager from Extant to find ou...
8m Apr 22, 2021
8m
S1 Ep745: Seeing in Isolation - Part 1 - Sandra
We hear about a brand new arts project created by severely sight impaired photographer Karren Visser, in partnership with Multistory and Sandwell Visually Impaired. In this episode we hear from Sandra from Sandwell Visually Impaired.
6m Apr 21, 2021
6m
S1 Ep742: RNIB Policy Officer John Dixon Helps to Shape Government Working Safely Guidance
As we start to come out of some of the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions many businesses, shops and other venues start to re-open inline with the Government road map. Connect Radio’s Toby Davey chats with John Dixon, RNIB Policy Officer about how the RNIB has helped to shape the government Working Safely guidance policy document to ensure that the needs of visually impaired people are reflected an...
8m Apr 21, 2021
8m
S1 Ep741: Charity Supports Legal Action Against Secretary Of State For Work And Pensions.
UK sight loss charity RNIB is giving its support to an action being taken against the Department for Work and Pensions. The case is looking at the department's dealings with customers who are in the midst of an official appeal around a decision relating to the award of Personal Independence Payments(PIP). RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Claire Connolly, from RNIB, to learn more ab...
6m Apr 21, 2021
6m
S1 Ep740: The Longest Battle with Georgie Morrell
In The Longest Battle Emma Martins chats with people who have gone through a similar life changing situation to her own when Emma caught a virus in 2013 which completely changed her life for ever.  The virus that Emma caught in Vietnam caused a brain aneurysm which in turn has severely affected Emma’s  eyesight. In today's The Longest Battle Emma is chatting with  stand-up comedian, award no...
28m Apr 19, 2021
28m
S1 Ep738: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update 17.04.2021
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with Matt Stringer, RNIB CEO, to discuss some of the big stories and projects the sight loss charity is involved in. This week Matt looks at guides for individuals and business to make the easing of restrictions easier for blind and partially sighted people, we pay tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh, the testing of an accessible voting devi...
9m Apr 17, 2021
9m
S1 Ep739: Annette Walker Looks Forward To Latest Fundraising Challenge
RNIB Connect Radio's Barry Snell chats to fundraiser Annette West about her upcoming virtual Kilt Walk event, her 5th in a row and she is hoping to raise lots of money for a charity close to her heart - RNIB Scotland. To  find out more about sponsoring Annette, please click on the link below. https://virtual.thekiltwalk.co.uk/fundraising/ScotlandsVirtualKiltwalk2021-AnnetteWest  (https://virtu...
6m Apr 16, 2021
6m
Supporting sight loss in Kirklees during lockdown
The Kirklees Visual Impairment Network is a local charity that has continued to support its members during lockdown thanks to the use of technology such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams. Sam Heaton from the charity talks to Steven Scott about how they made it happen.
7m Apr 15, 2021
7m
S1 Ep733: Local Sight Loss Charity's Virtual Success
Visionary UK is an umbrella organisation that brings together national and grass roots sight loss charities to improve collaborative working and the sharing of best practice. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Amy Pearman, from Visionary, and Susanette Mansour, from Croydon Vision, to find out how services can be delivered, successfully, using accessible technology. If you'd like mor...
7m Apr 15, 2021
7m
S1 Ep737: Be My Eyes at-home Covid testing
The Be My Eyes app have teamed up with the UK Department of Health and Social Care to provide blind and partially sighted people with support from health care professionals when doing an at-home Covid test.  Find out more here: Blog (bemyeyes.com) (https://www.bemyeyes.com/blog)
6m Apr 15, 2021
6m