S2 Ep1134: Getting Out And About - Roundtable
What are the biggest mobility confidence boosters? How do guide dogs comapre to canes? We gathered Luci Franks and Pete Torode to talks about the challenges and lessons they've discovered while navigating around home and away. Listen to Pete Torode's sight loss story here - RNIB Connect / Pete Torode, Sight Loss Story (https://audioboom.com/posts/8697005-pete-torode-sight-loss-story) Listen ...
31m May 30, 2025
31m
S2 Ep1136: UK Sight Loss Charity’s Monthly Campaigns Update 30/06/2025
Each month on RNIB Connect Radio we are joined by some of the RNIB Campaigns Team to discuss some of the big projects they’re working on. This month’s topics included: the RNIB ‘All Aboard’ Buses Report plus an update on benefits and accessible voting. If you’d like more information on campaigns or want to get involved, email campaigns@rnib.org.uk (mailto:campaigns@rnib.org.uk) You can visit...
8m May 30, 2025
8m
S2 Ep1135: Guide runner study needs your input
A study at University of Glasgow wants to hear from visually impaired runners who run with a guide, and the guides themselves, to find out more about the benefits of the activity. Robert Kirkwood spoke to the researcher to find out more. Image shows two hands with a bright yellow running tether around their wrists that helps blind and partially sighted people run safely with a guide runner.
5m May 28, 2025
5m
S2 Ep1132: RNIB Scotland’s HQ Gets a 21st Century Refurb
RNIB Scotland’s head quarters in Edinburgh has just gone through a programme of renovation and refurbishment to make the Hillside offices 21st century ready. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to James Adams, RNIB Scotland Director, about the work and how the building will be a magnet, not just for blind and partially sighted people, but for the community at large. Image shows the RNIB ...
5m May 28, 2025
5m
S2 Ep1133: Celebrate Pride with the RSBC LGBTQIA+ Youth Group
On the 4th June, from 5-6pm, the RSBC’s LGBTQIA+ Youth Group invites you to an online party to celebrate Pride. The session will feature games, a chance to learn some pride related-trivia, learn about projects the RSBC’s Youth Group have involved in and a chance to hear from other VI organisations about opportunities. The invitation is open to young vision impaired people aged 12-25 who are p...
8m May 27, 2025
8m
S2 Ep1131: Social Security Scotland, The Story So Far
Social Security Scotland is a young agency with growing responsibilities for welfare payments to people in Scotland. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP, Cabinet Minister with responsibility for the agency, to find out how it’s increasing responsibilities and what clients think of its way of working. Image Shows RNIB Logo, White Background RNIB in Bold Blac...
11m May 27, 2025
11m
S2 Ep1128: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - & Juliet, AD 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 of his regular audio described theatre reviews for 2025 This week we have the multi award-winning ‘& Juliet’ as the touring production visited the Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre with description by Pro...
6m May 23, 2025
6m
S2 Ep1123: Installation of Interpretive Braille Signs Opens Up Access to Pierrepont Farm
The Countryside Regeneration Trust have recently made accessibility improvements to Pierrepont Farm near Frensham in Surrey including turning a historic carriage track into an accessible pathway to a picnic area, the installation of interpretive braille signs with help from the RNIB along with disabled parking too. RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was joined by Helena Darragh, Head of Conservat...
5m May 23, 2025
5m
S2 Ep1130: UK Sight Loss Charity Launches Travel And Transport Report
When it comes to living an independent and fulfilling life, accessible public transport is vital for blind and partially sighted people. UK sight loss charity RNIB has just launched the first part of a major piece of research into getting around accessibly and safely, for blind and partially sighted people. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Erik Matthies and Ross Megan, from RNIB, t...
8m May 21, 2025
8m
S2 Ep1123: RNIB Cymru Launch Report Into Bus Travel
A new report from RNIB Cymru highlights the current state of bus travel in Wales and suggests ways to make travel more inclusive in the future. Hywel Davies has been hearing about some of the challenges to get everyone ‘All Aboard’.
10m May 21, 2025
10m
S2 Ep1125: AI For Service Dog Training
How can AI help with assistance dog training? Amelia spoke to Dr. Mohammad Amir-Hosseini to learn about some exciting research taking place at the University Of East London. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.
7m May 21, 2025
7m
S2 Ep1129: What Does The UK-EU Agreement Mean For Travelling With A Guide Dog?
How will upcoming changes to the UK pet travel rules impact guide dog users? Amelia spoke Chris Theobald, the Senior Policy, Public Affairs and Campaigns Manager from Guide Dogs UK, to learn more. For information on travelling from Great Britain, visit the GOV.UK website - Travelling with Pets | Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/tra...
8m May 20, 2025
8m
S2 Ep1126: Atlantic Challenge Will Test This Crew To Their Limits
Adam Benjamin, along with 3 intrepid rowers, aim to row across the Atlantic Ocean to raise funds and awareness for a variety of charities. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Adam to find out how you prepare for something like this, what they’re expecting on the journey and how adaptations can be made for Adam, who is registered blind, to take part in this mammoth undertaking. For mor...
10m May 20, 2025
10m
Sefton Talking Newspaper, Interview With Sylvia Cooperthwaite.
Jennifer Murray chats to Sylvia Cooperthwaite from Sefton Talking Newspaper to learn all about it. You can phone Sefton Talking Newspaper on: 01519289775. Image description: Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.
7m May 19, 2025
7m
Somerset Sight, Interview With Jackie and Kate.
Would you like to know about a charity called Somerset Sight? Jennifer Murray chats to Jackie and Kate from the charity. You can contact Somerset Sight in any of the following ways: Somerset Sight’s Website: Somerset Sight – Working with people who lack sight, not vision (https://www.somersetsight.org.uk/) Phone: 01823333818 Email: admin@somersetsight.org.uk (mailto:admin@somersetsight....
7m May 19, 2025
7m
S2 Ep1121: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 17/05/25
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio 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 Global Accessibility Awareness Day, RNIB's involvement with upcoming storylines on Eastenders, plus a night at the ARIAS for RNIB Connect Radio. If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and servi...
7m May 16, 2025
7m
S2 Ep1124: Network With Scottish VI Creators At The VICS Get Together
Visually Impaired Creators Scotland (VICS) are hosting an in-person and online get together on Monday 19th May. Amelia spoke to Kirin Saeed, VICS founder, to learn more. Join in person from 1 to 4 pm at The Dean Centre in Leith, Edinburgh, or online from 3 to 4 pm. Refreshments and reasonable travel expenses provided. Contact kirinsaeed@btinternet.com to learn more and rsvp for refreshments.
9m May 16, 2025
9m
S2 Ep1118: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - A Thousand Splendid Suns, AD 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 of his regular audio described theatre reviews for 2025 This week we have the return of the stage adaptation of Khaled Hosseini’s best-selling novel ‘A Thousand Splendid Suns’ to the Birmingham Repert...
6m May 16, 2025
6m
Luke Howarth, Sight Loss Story.
Jennifer Murray chats to Luke Howarth to learn about his sight loss journey and about his own business he has set up. You can contact Luke in any of the following ways: Contact Details for Vision With Luke: Email Address: luke@visionwithluke.co.uk (mailto:luke@visionwithluke.co.uk) Phone: 07496902749 Website:  https://www.visionwithluke.co.uk/ Facebook page:  Vision with Luke | Burnley...
11m May 16, 2025
11m
Bankietalk Talking Newspaper, Interview With Irene McKelvie.
Would you like to learn about Bankietalk Talking Newspaper based in Clydebank Scotland? Well, Jennifer Murray chats to Irene McKelvie to find out more. Bankietalk Talking Newspaper's office is only staffed on a Wednesday however, you can contact them via any of the following ways (including leaving a message on their answer phone): Bankietalk Talking Newspaper's Email Address: bankietalk@yah...
6m May 16, 2025
6m
S2 Ep1122: Some Audio Described Highlights From MindsEye Description.
Each month, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Anne Hornsby from MindsEye Description about some forthcoming events with Audio Description. AD makes television, movies, galleries  and other arts events more inclusive, accessible and enjoyable for blind and partially sighted people. This month they’re looking at An American smash hit, a children’s classic and more. If you'd like mo...
9m May 16, 2025
9m
S2 Ep1114: What Is Global Accessibility Awareness Day?
Each year we celebrate Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) which aims to make the world a more accessible place for people with disabilities. Why should we highlight the annual event and why should the public and private sectors, in particular, pay close attention to it’s importance? RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Gavin Neate, from NeateBox, to find out… If you’d like to l...
12m May 15, 2025
12m
The Cotswold Listener, Interview With June Little.
Would you like to learn more about The Cotswold Listener? Well, Jennifer Murray speaks to June Little to find out more. You can get in touch with the Cotswold Listener in any of the following ways: The Cotswold Listener’s Website: https://www.cotswoldlistener.co.uk/ Email Address: admin@cotswoldlistener.co.uk (mailto:admin@cotswoldlistener.co.uk) Phone: 01242252072 Image description: Im...
6m May 15, 2025
6m
S2 Ep1118: Global Accessibility Awareness Day, Historic Royal Palaces Access Offer
For GAAD (Global Accessibility Awareness Day) 2025 (Thursday 15 May 2025) we are focusing on access to heritage for blind and partially sighted people as RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey is joined by Aileen Pierce, Head of Interpretation and Design at Historic Royal palaces to find out more about HRP and an overview of their access offer which includes Digital Video Guides with audio description...
6m May 15, 2025
6m
S2 Ep1117: Global Accessibility Awareness Day, National Trust AccessAble Guides
For GAAD (Global Accessibility Awareness Day) 2025 (Thursday 15 May 2025) we are going to focus on access to heritage for blind and partially sighted people as RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey is joined by Rachael Osmotherley, Visitor Journey Development Manager for Access, Experiences and Partnerships at the national Trust to highlight the great accessAble Guides for over 1,000 national Trust l...
12m May 15, 2025
12m
Hull and District Talking Magazine for the Blind, Interview With Susan Connolly.
Jennifer Murray chats to Susan Connolly from Hull and District Talking Magazine for the Blind to learn about what they do. If you would like to contact Hull and District Talking Magazine for the Blind, you can do so in the following ways: Hull and District Talking Magazine for the Blind’s Website: www.hulltalkingmagazine.org.uk Phone: 01482 585822 Image description: Image shows the RNIB ...
6m May 14, 2025
6m
Causeway Talking News, Interview With Barry Williamson.
Jennifer Murray chats to Barry Williamson from Causeway Talking News based in Northern Ireland to find out more. If you would like to reach out to Barry Williamson regarding the talking newspaper, you can contact him in the following ways: Barry Williamson’s Email Address: barry.williamson@outlook.com Bary Williamson’s Mobile Number: 07843847751 Image description: Image shows the RNIB Co...
5m May 13, 2025
5m
S2 Ep1117: Take Part in the RNIB Voice of the Customer Survey on Volunteering
The latest RNIB Voice of the Customer survey is focusing on the experiences of blind and partially sighted people around volunteering. The Research and Insight Team would like to hear about your motivations, barriers, and what might encourage you to volunteer. Even if you don't volunteer, your input is invaluable in understanding your decisions and what could inspire you to get involved with a...
5m May 13, 2025
5m
Andrew Pettigrew, Sight Loss Story.
Andrew Pettigrew speaks to Jennifer Murray about his hearing and sight loss and the many different things he does. Image description: Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.
5m May 12, 2025
5m
Argyll Talking Newspapers, Interview With Robin Finlay.
Jennifer Murray catches up with Robin Finlay the Chair of Argyll Talking Newspapers. Robin Finlay can be contacted on the following number should you wish to get in touch with Argyll Talking Newspapers: 01546602718 Image description: Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the...
10m May 12, 2025
10m
S2 Ep1116: Importance of Community This Mental Health Awareness Week
Mental Health Awareness Week takes place from 12th till 18th of May, and this year we focus on the importance of community in supporting individual wellbeing. Joining us now to talk about how you could connect with a community that understands what it is like to live with sight loss, is Trish Sail Peer to Peer Coordinator at RNIB. Find out about RNIB's Connect Facebook groups here: Connect Fa...
9m May 12, 2025
9m
S2 Ep1114: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 10/05/2025
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 progress on the Accessible Health Information Standard, an ask for your feedback if you voted in the English elections on May 1st and some exciting news for RNIB Connect Radio. If you, or someone you know,...
9m May 10, 2025
9m
S2 Ep1115: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - Chicago,AD 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 of his regular audio described theatre reviews for 2025 This week we have the multi-award winning musical ‘Chicago’ as the current UK tour visited the Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham with description ...
5m May 09, 2025
5m
Javier Rodriguez, Spain Blackout Story.
On the 28th of April 2025, Spain was one of a couple of countries effected by a massive blackout/power cut. Jennifer Murray chats to visually impaired Javier Rodriguez to learn about his experience of the blackout and how it affected him. Image description: Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pin...
8m May 09, 2025
8m
S2 Ep1115: Actor and RNIB Ambassador Victoria Smurfit on Playing Helena in Ghosts and Accessible Theatre Too
After having attended the recent audio described performance of ‘Ghosts’ at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre in London RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Actor and RNIB Ambassador Victoria Smurfit, who’s daughter is also visually impaired, to find out more about playing Helena in Gary Owen’s version of Henrik Ibsen’s ‘Ghosts’ and also about access to theatre for blind and partially sig...
14m May 09, 2025
14m
S2 Ep1113: Monumental Explores Edinburgh's Hidden Women
Did you know there are more statues of animals in Edinbugh than Women? Theatre company F-bomb have a new theatre show dedicated to women who made the city, including a visually impaired saint. Amelia learns more from writer and founder of Visually Impaired Creators Scotland (VICS) Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and ...
8m May 09, 2025
8m
East Lothian Messenger Talking News, Interview With Veronica Wallace.
Would you like to learn all about East Lothian Messenger Talking News? Well, Jennifer Murray chats to Veronica Wallace to find out more. You can contact Veronica Wallace on either of the following phone numbers: Landline: 01368830363 Personal Mobile: 07879870232 Image description: Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters ...
10m May 08, 2025
10m
Something For the Weekend - 09.05.2025
Something for the Weekend highlights the best in accessible audio content each week. Hear Hannah Sweeney's picks of unmissable content here. Image description: Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.
9m May 08, 2025
9m
S2 Ep1112: Caroline Burton Runs London Marathon for RNIB
What would be your first snack after running a marathon? Amelia spoke to Caroline who just completed the London marathon to raise money for RNIB about her experience… Learn more about running for RNIB next year here - Run the London Marathon 2026 for RNIB | RNIB (https://www.rnib.org.uk/get-involved/fundraise/challenge-events/london-marathon/) Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a wh...
6m May 08, 2025
6m
S2 Ep1110: Blind Veterans UK - VE Day 80: After the Darkness
On 8 May 1945, after almost six years of brutal war, Germany finally surrendered to the Allies, and Victory in Europe was declared. 'VE Day 80: After the Darkness’ is a new Blind Veterans UK online exhibition featuring the extraordinary first-hand accounts from a number of Blind Veterans who were there on the day. Each story is also accompanied by a wonderful illustration by award-winning Arti...
15m May 08, 2025
15m
Bolton Newstalk, Interview With James Walton
With technology advancing and volunteer numbers declining, Jennifer Murray chats to James Walton about the impact this is having on Bolton Newstalk. You can visit Bolton Newstalk's website and listen to their podcasts. The link to Bolton Newstalk's website is: Bolton Newstalk (https://www.boltonnewstalk.org.uk/) They can be contacted by email at the following email address: newstalk@icloud....
8m May 07, 2025
8m
S2 Ep1108: Inclusive Surfing Sessions Coming To Swansea This Weekend
Have you ever wanted to get out on the water and try surfing? There’s a surf school in South Wales aiming to make catching waves more accessible than ever. Hywel Davies has been finding out about and event in Swansea this weekend. For more information on Surfability UK, visit their website - Adapted and inclusive surfing experiences - Surfability UK CIC (https://surfabilityukcic.org/)
5m May 06, 2025
5m
S2 Ep1105: May Almanac - History, Nature and Folklore
What is international dawn chorus day? How did May Day celebrations begin? Amelia is here to fill you in with the May Almanac. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.
5m May 06, 2025
5m
S2 Ep1104: A Cultural Journey of St Albans Cathedral for Blind and Partially Sighted People
St Albans Cathedral is the oldest site of continual Christian worship in the country, from small pilgrim church to huge Abbey and Monastery, to parish church and Cathedral which has stood firm through Reformation, Civil War, Plagues, and Pandemics. St Albans is the only Cathedral in the country to house two medieval pedestal shrines that belong to St Alban and St Amphibalus.  The Cathedral dat...
27m May 05, 2025
27m
S2 Ep1104: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 03/05/25
Each week, on RNIB Connect Radio we 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 began by talking about the DCC (Disability Charity Consortium) meeting with the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) on how the DCC work with the DWP going forward covering topics like the review into employment, then to news a...
9m May 03, 2025
9m
S2 Ep1102: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - Pig Heart Boy, AD 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 of his regular audio described theatre reviews for 2025. This week we have the brand new stage adaptation of Malorie Blackman OBE’s novel ’Pig Heart Boy’ as the touring production visited the Wolverha...
6m May 02, 2025
6m
S2 Ep1107: 'Help To Save' Accounts From HMRC
A scheme from HMRC has helped more than half a million people in the UK to top up their savings with a ‘Help To Save’ account. Hywel Davies has been finding who's eligible and how to get started. For more information, visit the Help to Save website -  Get help with savings if you’re on a low income (Help to Save): How it works - GOV.UK (https://www.gov.uk/get-help-savings-low-income)
8m May 02, 2025
8m
VisionPK, Interview With Kate Charles.
Jennifer Murray chats to Kate Charles, Chief Executive of VisionPK, a sensory impairment charity based in Perth, Scotland. If you would like to learn more about VisionPK or contact them, you can do so in the following ways: VisionPK’s Website: Home - VisionPK (https://visionpk.org.uk/) VisionPK’s Email Address: info@visionpk.org.uk (mailto:info@visionpk.org.uk) Phone: 01738626969 Image ...
9m May 02, 2025
9m
S2 Ep1106: Poet And Theatre Maker Ellen Renton
Ellen Renton is a poet, performer and play-wright with albinism. She recently received An Unlimited UK Partner Award 2025 commission with Imaginate and funding from Creative Scotland. She told Amelia about her career and upcoming theatre project, PALS, A musical theatre piece for blind and partially blind children. Learn more about Ellen on her website - Ellen Renton (https://ellenrenton.co....
10m May 02, 2025
10m
S2 Ep1103: Tech For Life Volunteer Reaches 20 Year Anniversary
Tim has been a volunteer with RNIB for over 20 years. He told Amelia about his most memorable experiences, how his role has changed, and why volunteering is so beneficial to him. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller f...
4m May 02, 2025
4m