S1 Ep701: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update 12.03.2021
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with RNIB's CEO Matt Stringer. They discuss some of the latest news and projects coming from the UK sight loss organisation. This week they look back at International Women's Day, the tactile rail platform safety petition and Marathon Mates is back! If you would like to sign the petition to make rail platforms safer for blind and partia...
7m Mar 12, 2021
7m
S1 Ep700: Westonbirt Arboretum Volunteer Sensory Guiding Opportunity for Visually Impaired People
As part of the Sensing Nature project re-storying landscapes for social inclusion three organisations have come together; Sensing Nature, Natural Inclusion and Westonbirt Arboretum to offer this fantastic opportunity for visually impaired people to become volunteer sensory guides at the stunning Westonbirt Arboretum in Gloucestershire. Connect Radio’s Toby Davey chats with Sarah Bell from Sens...
9m Mar 12, 2021
9m
S1 Ep702: Libby Clegg talks about Mother's Day
As Mother's Day approaches, paralympian and gold medallist, Libby Clegg, talks about the challenges of motherhood, with hints and tips she's learned along the way. Image is of Libby kissing her gold medal on the podium.
9m Mar 11, 2021
9m
S1 Ep699: Connect Voices Round Up 10 March 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 Job vacancy - RNIB National Involvement Engagement Officer working within the National Involvement team, a request from two researchers at Birkbeck College in London to help with a study into migraines and experien...
6m Mar 11, 2021
6m
S1 Ep698: The Teenage Piano Virtuoso
Ethan Loch is like any teenager, he enjoys socialising, sports, tv and surfing the web. What is different though, is that he is an internationally recognised, award winning, pianist. Despite being registered blind, Ethan has thrived on the ivories and, without a doubt, has a gift for musical performance. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Ethan to learn more about his playing and hi...
8m Mar 10, 2021
8m
S1 Ep698: Marathon Mates Gets Under Starters Orders
Marathon Mates is a fun fund raiser, which is being hosted by the UK sight loss charity RNIB. You and a partner take on a marathon distance of 26.2 miles and here's the best bit. You can partner up and run at different times or in different areas and you can divide up the distance between you. The icing on the cake is, you have a month to complete the distance! RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Ru...
4m Mar 10, 2021
4m
S1 Ep697: Glaucoma Week: Why You Should Attend Your Glaucoma Clinic Apointments Plus Help and Support from Glaucoma UK
As this week is Glaucoma Week Connect Radio’s Toby Davey chats with Joanna Bradley, head of Support Services at Glaucoma UK to find out why it is so important for glaucoma patients to attend their clinic appointments and to find out a bit more about the eye condition. Joanna also outlined the main ways that glaucoma can affect someone's vision, why it is so important to have regular eye tests ...
5m Mar 10, 2021
5m
S1 Ep696: RNIB Braille Library New on Demand Service Launching April 2021
RNIB is upgrading its Braille Library to offer library books on demand, a new personalised braille reading service designed to increase access to hardcopy braille books for readers across the UK from April 2021.   Connect Radio's Toby Davey was joined by Dave Williams, RNIB Customer Experience manager to explain more about this fantastic new on demand service for Braille users.   Dave outli...
8m Mar 10, 2021
8m
S1 Ep693: More Galleries Hosting Online Audio Described Events For Visually Impaired Enthusiasts.
With current restrictions keeping the doors to arts venues closed, many have gone online to showcase their exhibitions, performances and talks. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Anne Hornsby, from Mindseye Arts, to look at some online events, with audio description, for blind and partially sighted people. If you'd like to learn more about Mindseye Arts and keep up to date with all t...
6m Mar 09, 2021
6m
S1 Ep694: New Show - The Longest Battle, 1st episode with Maryam D’Abo
In The Longest battle Emma Martins will be chatting to 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  eye sight. Through The Longest battle Emma will be chatting to other people to fi...
36m Mar 08, 2021
36m
S1 Ep692: RNIB Women's Group North
Celebrating international woman's day and as well as hearing from inspiring women from the blind and partially sighted community we are also going to hear what women within the community are doing for each other, in the form of a new RNIB woman's group, Ellie Marsh speaks to Janette Donnelly. If you want to find out more about the women's group you can contact Janette on Janette.Donnelly@rnib....
4m Mar 08, 2021
4m
S1 Ep691: International Women's Day - Anna Tylor & Sandi Wassmer
Celebrating inspiring women on RNIB Connect Radio as we hear part of the conversation Ellie Marsh had with two women in key leadership roles - RNIB Chair Anna Tylor and Sandi Wassmer CEO of Employers Network for Equality and Inclusion.
10m Mar 08, 2021
10m
S1 Ep690: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update 06.03.2021
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with RNIB's CEO Matt Stringer to discuss some of the big stories coming out of the UK charity. This week there's news from the UK Vaccine Minister, a reminder of our petition to have tactile markings on all rail platform edges and a great offer for a month that includes World Book Day. Please sign our petition and make sure that all rail...
6m Mar 06, 2021
6m
S1 Ep689: Free Online Seminars For Blind And Partially Sighted Job Seekers
With 3 in 4 of all blind people, of working age, out of work, many charities are collaborating to support job seekers find employment. Sometimes it means working with employers to show them the benefits  of employing someone who is blind or partially sighted but it's equally important to give the individuals themselves, as much support and training as possible. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russ...
10m Mar 05, 2021
10m
S1 Ep689: Free Virtual Sessions For Blind And Partially Sighted People
Synergy Dance Outreach is providing free, online, sessions for a variety of dance, fitness, singing and meditation activities. They are free, suitable for all ages and abilities,, and fully accessible for blind and partially sighted people. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Rachael Hurton, from Synergy Dance Outreach, to learn more about the free activities and why it's so important...
6m Mar 05, 2021
6m
Eye of the Storm Movie - Special Feature
James Morrison  is widely recognized as one of Britain’s finest landscape artists. But in the twilight of his life he faces his greatest challenge: his eyesight is fading fast, and he has one more major painting to complete. Robert Kirkwood finds out about James Morrison from Guy Peploe of The Scottish Gallery, learns some tips and tricks to painting with sightloss from artist Fiona Powell and...
37m Mar 05, 2021
37m
S1 Ep687: Charity Highlights Access Challenges For Vaccinations In The USA
Each month, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Chris Danielsen, PR Director of the National Federation of the Blind in the USA. They look at some of the charity's latest campaigns, projects and top news stories. This month the discussion is around the accessibility problems in accessing Covid-19 vaccination centres and information around restrictions and safety recommendations for ...
7m Mar 04, 2021
7m
S1 Ep686: Charity's Sixties And Seventies Virtual Event Invite
The UK's National Federation of the Blind has been hosting virtual, online, events for a few months now and they are proving very popular. The 12th of March will see their latest event, a celebration of the sixties and seventies, and you're invited. There will be a host of things to take part in and listen to, including mix and mingle rooms. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Priti ...
5m Mar 03, 2021
5m
S1 Ep685: Sight Loss Charity's Requests, Ahead Of Scottish Elections
The Scottish Parliamentary elections take place in May and, like many charities, RNIB Scotland is engaging with the political parties on behalf of their customers. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to James Adams, Director of RNIB Scotland, to hear more about the political engagements and what the charity's Manifesto is asking politicians to consider. If you would like to learn more ab...
6m Mar 02, 2021
6m
S1 Ep685: Support Charity's Petition And Save Lives On Rail Platforms
Over the past few years, the number of accidents, and even deaths, caused by people falling off rail platforms has been brought to our attention from across the UK. Blind and partially sighted people rely on tactile markers to show that they are approaching the edge of the platform but did you know that most of the UK's stations don't have these, simple, life saving markers? UK sight loss cha...
6m Mar 02, 2021
6m
S1 Ep684: Canadian Sight Loss Charity Looks To The Future
Each month, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with John Rafferty, CEO of the Canadian sight loss charity CNIB. They look at some of the latest news, and projects, from the national organisation. This week we hear about easing of pandemic restrictions, new way of delivering services to rural areas and John embraces his inner child with some Lego. For more information about CNIB, or if ...
7m Mar 01, 2021
7m
S1 Ep682: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update 26.02.2021
Each week RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB, to look at some of the latest news and projects from the UK sight loss charity. This week there's news on a petition to have tactile paving on all UK rail platforms, progress on accessibility around Covid-19 testing and vaccinations, plus why is Matt digging out his running shoes? If you'd like to support ...
8m Feb 26, 2021
8m
S1 Ep683: Beat Loneliness With RNIB Scotland
Offering friendly befriending calls and a wide range of themed telephone and online groups, charity RNIB Scotland can help you stay connected and meet new people with similar interests. We spoke with RNIB Scotland's Community Connection Coordinator Margaret Jackson and Community Lead Volunteer Jenna Sludden to find out more. For more information about the Film Group and Forth Valley Book Club...
8m Feb 25, 2021
8m
S1 Ep681: Sight Loss Charity's New Family Support Service
Visionary UK is an umbrella organisation that brings together sight loss charities from around the UK to share training, advice and offer support, as well as work collaboratively to improve the every day lives of people who are blind or partially sighted. Sight Scotland is one of those members, and they have just launched a new support Helpline for families. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell...
7m Feb 25, 2021
7m
Can changing your eating habits improve your eye health?
Many of us are unaware that what we eat can impact our vision long term. Emma Heduan is from MacuSave and aims to tell people how they can change their eating habits to achieve better vision through their lives, and avoid one of the leading causes of sight loss in the UK. She's been talking to Steven Scott.
9m Feb 24, 2021
9m
S1 Ep678: Concern Over Future Of Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion
The Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion is well known as a centre of excellence in the treatment, research and support for people who need intervention for a variety of sight loss conditions and emergencies. There is now, however, concern over the future of the Edinburgh based hospital, due to the building being passed it's use by date as a clinical facility. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sp...
9m Feb 24, 2021
9m
S1 Ep677: Australian Government Awards Grant For Accessible Device Development
The Australian government has awarded a grant worth $1 Million, match funding, to a company which has created a voice activated device for blind and partially sighted people. In Your Pocket allows you to listen to books, newspapers, use GPS, surf the web, keep in contact with friends and family plus much, much more. What's even better is that it's all activated by your voice. RNIB Connect Ra...
7m Feb 23, 2021
7m
S1 Ep677: Get Active At Home With British Blind Sport
The charity British Blind Sport has created a variety of home activity events for people of all ages and abilities. From exercises that you can do in a chair, to high intensity work outs, there's something, live or recorded, for everyone. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Alex Pitts, from BBS, to find out more. If you'd like to join in live, or follow the recorded activities, go to...
6m Feb 23, 2021
6m
S1 Ep676: Need Support? Need To Talk Service Can Help
If you need support and live in Northern Ireland, Western Scotland, or the Republic of Ireland, the Need to Talk service can help. A partnership between RNIB Northern Ireland, RNIB Scotland and Fighting Blindness,  the service offers free counselling and confidence building to people of all ages, including children and young people (11 years plus), as well as those supporting a person with sig...
8m Feb 22, 2021
8m
S1 Ep675: UK Care Quality Commission Wants Your Feedback
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the body that monitors the quality of a variety of services like care homes, social care providers, hospitals and GP surgeries. They often ask the public for feedback on these kind of services, in order to make sure they are fit for purpose and provide the best possible care. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Helen Lee, from RNIB, to learn more a...
5m Feb 22, 2021
5m
S1 Ep674: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update 19.02.2021
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down to talk with Matt Stringer, CEO of UK sight loss charity RNIB. They talk about some of the latest news and projects being undertaken by the organisation. This week they look at accessibility improvements to Covid-19 test kits, an RNIB office move, an accessible Valentine's card from M&S plus fun and fund raising. If you, or someone you ...
7m Feb 19, 2021
7m
S1 Ep673: Charity's Successful Employment Project In Northern Ireland
Getting into employment for many blind and partially sighted people can be an uphill struggle. 1 in 4, of working age, are out of work and many of the barriers, causing this, are down to out of date stereotypes and misconceptions. Charities like RNIB run projects to help individuals maximise their skills for the work place, as well as working with employers to show them the value of having a ...
8m Feb 18, 2021
8m
S1 Ep565: Visionary UK And Esme's Umbrella Tackling Sight Loss.
Visionary UK works with national, and grass roots, sight loss charities from across the UK to improve the every day lives of blind and partially sighted people. Esme's Umbrella is a Visionary partner and provides advice, support and telephone groups for people who are living with Charles Bonnet Syndrome. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Fiona Sandford, Visionary UK CEO, and Judith ...
9m Feb 17, 2021
9m
S1 Ep672: Connect Voices Round Up 17 February 2021
Charlotte Jones, RNIB's National Involvement Coordinator shares the latest opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to get involved in.   Opportunities highlighted include; results on the Connect Voices Tracker survey and news about the next one, a chance for you to take part in a prime-time Saturday night TV game show and a request from a design student who would like to hear fro...
6m Feb 17, 2021
6m
S1 Ep671: Professional Coaching For Visually Impaired People Facing Redundancy
If you are blind or partially sighted and have been made redundant, or are facing redundancy, there is help available from a collaboration between the Thomas Pocklington Trust and the Centre For Resolution. They are running a free professional coaching project with bespoke advice and support, with places now available. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Martin Sigsworth, From Pocklin...
9m Feb 16, 2021
9m
S1 Ep670: Lindsey's Fund Raiser To Remember A Life Changer
When Lindsey Moore trained with her first guide dog Charlotte, her life completely changed. Her 4 legged friend gave Lindsey back her confidence and her mobility. Sadly the Moore family lost Charlotte to cancer and Lindsey has decided to raise money to name a puppy, or puppies, after her best friend. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Lindsey to find out more about Charlotte and the...
6m Feb 16, 2021
6m
S1 Ep668: Join RNIB's LGBT+ History Month Event
It’s LGBT+ History Month, an annual event highlighting key moments in the civil rights movement for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people and to celebrate the contributions LGBT+ people have made to all aspects of society. To coincide with this, sight loss charity RNIB is holding a UK wide Celebration event where you can share stories and contributions from the community's LGBT+ people...
5m Feb 15, 2021
5m
S1 Ep668: Employment Advice Around Covid-19
The statistics are shocking, 3 out of every 4 blind people, of working age, are out of work, and 8 out of every 9 partially sighted people are in the same situation. This comes down to a mix of factors, employers being afraid to take on someone with sight loss or individuals requiring to improve their employability skills, plus many more. RNIB, along with other charities, are working to chang...
5m Feb 15, 2021
5m
S1 Ep667: Blogger Holly Tuke Hosts New Show For RNIB Connect Radio!
Monday 15th of February, award-winning blogger Holly Tuke joins forces with RNIB Connect Radio producer Paulina to present a brand new show, The Happy Hour! A mix of chat and music, with a focus on sight loss, mental health, mindfulness, and overall wellbeing, the show will feature guests like disability activist Caroline Casey and adventurer Miles Hilton Barber! Plus, some tips and advice for...
8m Feb 12, 2021
8m
S1 Ep666: Listen To Our Valentine's Day Special!
On Sunday 14th of February aka Valentine's day, we'll be hearing what it's like to navigate your way through the world of love and dating as a person with sight loss.  We speak to people from all ages and discuss some of the best, and the worst, experiences they have had on the quest to find love, and bust some misconceptions along the way.  Check out this sneak preview of the Valentine's Day...
6m Feb 12, 2021
6m
S1 Ep665: Happy Chinese New Year!
Today is Chinese New Year and to celebrate we're hearing from Ireen, an RNIB North West volunteer, about the importance of the festival and how coronavirus outbreak has led to a slight change in traditional celebrations this year. Ireen spoke with RNIB Connect Radio's Ellie Marsh.
6m Feb 12, 2021
6m
S1 Ep664: More Audio Described Theatre And Arts Events online
Each month, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Anne Hornsby from MindsEye Description to look at the latest news on audio described theatre and arts events. With many theatre productions and museum, or gallery, events going on line it's important to make sure that as many of these as possible, have audio description for blind and partially sighted patrons. This month there's news f...
7m Feb 12, 2021
7m
S1 Ep664: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update 12.02.2021
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB, to talk about some of the latest news stories coming from the organisation. This week there's news on Covid vaccination access, improving employment prospects for blind and partially sighted people, an award and a Royal visitor drops in on a Shape and Share event for kids. If you'd like more information a...
8m Feb 12, 2021
8m
S1 Ep663: Stay Connected In London And The South East
Charity RNIB has a host of community telephone and online groups available for London and the South East, which are helping blind and partially sighted people stay connected during the coronavirus situation.   With new groups starting up next month we caught up with RNIB's Community Connection Coordinators Hazel Cross and Shadeen Rose to hear what is available and how we can get involved.   ...
8m Feb 11, 2021
8m
S1 Ep662: Hereford College Successfully Supporting It's Visually Impaired Students Through Restrictions
The changing pandemic restrictions have made it difficult for students and teachers to continue their work in the classroom. The Royal National College in Hereford specialises in teaching students who are blind or partially sighted and provides a holistic approach to their education, including independent mobility and every day living skills. Delivering it's courses on campus and remotely, fo...
11m Feb 11, 2021
11m
Taking Care of Your Health and Wellbeing with the RNIB Shop
The RNIB Shop has many products to help with your health and wellbeing. Steven Scott talks to Dave Williams from the shop to find out about organising your tablets, taking your blood pressure independently and even going for a run with a friend.
8m Feb 10, 2021
8m
S1 Ep661: Need Support With Employment And Support Allowance?
RNIB, along with other stakeholders, has been in discussions with the Department for Work and Pensions, after claimants of the Support component of Employment and Support Allowance ran into problems with the renewal of their claims. Claire Connolly from RNIB's Legal Rights Service spoke with our Lynne Morgan about the problems claimants have faced and the work their team has undertaken to solv...
7m Feb 10, 2021
7m
S1 Ep660: Viewers Panel Improves Audio Description On ITV
After ITV's Jonathan Penny took part in an interview on RNIB Connect Radio, he received many requests from blind and partially sighted listeners hoping to take part in a user group on audio description. The panel would look at the current AD offering and suggest improvements to delivery and the accessibility of the broadcaster's platforms. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell caught up with Jon...
7m Feb 10, 2021
7m
S1 Ep658: Join RNIB Scotland For A Love Song Quiz!
For anyone who loves a good pub quiz, RNIB Scotland are hosting a fun Valentine's Day event this Sunday 14th of February. Jane Coates, RNIB Scotland Community Connection Manager spoke with us about hosting the quiz virtually and how it's a great opportunity for a giggle, a chat, and of course, some friendly competition! For more information about 'Coatesy's Sunday love songs quiz' contact Dan...
7m Feb 09, 2021
7m
S1 Ep659: How Are You Managing Your Mental Health In Lockdown?
During this challenging times, it's vital that we look after our mental health.  Whether you’re struggling with feelings of isolation and need to speak to someone, or if you just want some tips on how to stay active and maintain your mental health, RNIB can support you.  Our Lynne Morgan spoke with RNIB counsellor Tina Doyle about the charity's free emergency mental health sessions, an hour-l...
6m Feb 08, 2021
6m