S1 Ep614: Books of His Life With RNIB CEO Matt Stringer
As we prepare for the festive season, RNIB CEO and book lover Matt Stringer shares the Books of His Life with Connect Radio’s Red Szell, and delivers a special Yuletide message. (Image shows a photo of a smiling Matt)   
8m Dec 09, 2020
8m
S1 Ep613: National Theatre Of Scotland Is A See Differently Winner.
UK sight loss charity RNIB hosted it's See Differently Awards, virtually, this year and the winners have been announced. The categories all focused on individuals and organisations that have gone the extra mile to help blind and partially sighted people during the current pandemic. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Caroline Newall from National Theatre of Scotland, one of our big wi...
6m Dec 07, 2020
6m
S1 Ep613: Help Red And RNIB Create A World Record.
RNIB have reimagined a classic fairy tale to help promote inclusion, diversity and reading skills for little ones. Red and The Wolf is a 21st century version of Little Red Riding Hood where Red is visually impaired but despite her sight loss, she's a martial arts expert and the hero of the story. You can buy a copy of the beautifully illustrated book which comes in 16 font, with accompanying ...
5m Dec 07, 2020
5m
S1 Ep611: RNIB Celebrates International Volunteer's Day 2020.
Saturday the 5th of December 2020 is International Volunteers Day, where charities celebrate the vital roles played by people who give up their time to make a difference. UK sight loss charity RNIB, could not provide it's wide range of vital services to it's blind and partially sighted customers without the generosity of it's huge band of volunteers. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke t...
7m Dec 04, 2020
7m
S1 Ep612: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update 04/12/2020.
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Matt Stringer, CEO of UK sight loss charity RNIB. They look at some of the latest stories, campaigns and interesting events coming from the organisation. This week they look at accessibility to the new Covid-19 vaccine, a world record attempt, results of the See Differently Awards and how did Matt do on his Stepvember challenge? If you...
7m Dec 04, 2020
7m
S1 Ep611: RNIB Celebrates International Volunteer's Day 2020.
Saturday the 5th of December 2020 is International Volunteers Day, where charities celebrate the vital roles played by people who give up their time to make a difference. UK sight loss charity RNIB, could not provide it's wide range of vital services to it's blind and partially sighted customers without the generosity of it's huge band of volunteers. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke t...
9m Dec 03, 2020
9m
S1 Ep611: Visually Impaired? Live in Northern Ireland or The Republic? Want To Play Rugby?
The Irish Rugby Football Union has launched a survey to find out if blind and partially sighted people in Northern Ireland, or the Republic of Ireland, would be interested in taking up the sport. It's already a success in many areas of the UK and the organisation is very keen to hear from interested individuals. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to David McKay, IRFU, Gareth Davies, RNI...
5m Dec 03, 2020
5m
S1 Ep611: WBU Celebrates International Day For Persons With Disabilities 2020.
December 3rd 2020 is this year's International Day for Persons with Disabilities, a UN day to highlight the work being done, and needed, to support disabled people around the globe. The World Blind Union is celebrating the event and will be looking at work around the global pandemic, and the effects this has had on blind and partially sighted people. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke t...
6m Dec 03, 2020
6m
S1 Ep610: Charity Celebrates International Volunteer Day 2020.
UK sight loss charity RNIB, could not provide the wide range of services to blind and partially sighted customers without their dedicated volunteers. They help in a variety of roles and can give as much time as they are comfortable with, as every hour is gratefully appreciated. Saturday 5th December is International Volunteer Day, where we celebrate our fantastic volunteers and highlight thei...
6m Dec 02, 2020
6m
S1 Ep609: Connect Voices Round up 2 December 2020
Clare Aldworth, RNIB's National Involvement Coordinator shares the latest opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to get involved in.   This week there are opportunities to get involved with a joint RNIB, Guide Dogs and Thomas Pocklington Trust study into the realities of life for blind and partially sighted people aged 13 plus, Retina International are looking for people to help...
8m Dec 02, 2020
8m
S1 Ep608: Bringing RNIB's 'Red And The Wolf' To Life
Actor and narrator Emma Powell has narrated dozens of books for the RNIB Library, but here she discusses her latest project, narrating the RNIB’s Read A-Long story Red and The Wolf, and how it has made her see fairy tales differently this Xmas. If you'd like to get your own copy of Red and the Wolf visit: www.readalong.org.uk (https://readalong.org.uk/)
8m Dec 01, 2020
8m
S1 Ep607: Stay Connected This Christmas With The In Your Pocket Device
With Christmas just around the corner, we thought it would be great to take a look at a small piece of tech packed full of accessible features and perfect for helping you stay connected with your family and friends.    Called In Your Pocket, this device from company RealSam is a fully voice controlled mobile phone that packs a punch with features going beyond just calls and texting…including ...
9m Dec 01, 2020
9m
S1 Ep606: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update 27/11/2020.
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Matt Stringer, CEO of UK sight loss charity RNIB. They discuss some of the latest news to come from the charity, highlight projects and encourage people to get in touch. This week there's news on RNIB's services for blind and partially sighted people who are struggling with lockdown restrictions, we tell you how to get an accessible let...
7m Nov 27, 2020
7m
S1 Ep605: Employment Project In Northern Ireland Is An Ongoing Success.
For many blind and partially sighted people, breaking into the world of employment can be extremely difficult because of outdated stereotypes and lack of understanding around assistive technology. UK sight loss charity RNIB runs a very successful project in Northern Ireland, called Eye Work Too, which aims to change perceptions. It not only gives 1 to 1 support to visually impaired job seeker...
8m Nov 26, 2020
8m
S1 Ep604: Keira Mills Christmas Appeal Advert
Keira Mills is the star of the RNIB Christmas Appeal advert.  11 year-old Keira spoke to RNIB Connect Radio about her experience and how she likes to spend Christmas with her family. Image is of Keira holding a brightly coloured envelope containing her Braille letter from Santa.
7m Nov 25, 2020
7m
Raising Awareness of the Dangers of Carbon Monoxide
It's often referred to as the silent killer, but what do we really know about carbon monoxide, and how to prevent ourselves becoming ill or worse as a result of it? This week is CO Awareness Week and Southern Gas Networks are keen to tell us about the ways we can keep ourselves safe as more of us spend time at home due to the pandemic, and also as we consume more gas and electricity into our h...
9m Nov 25, 2020
9m
S1 Ep603: Little Red Riding Hood has had a 21st Century make over and we're seeing Red very differently.
UK sight loss charity RNIB, has re-created the fairy tale classic to help read along with your little one. The fantastic book comes with an audio cd to help them with their reading skills and the story even helps break down stereotypes and promote inclusion. Well, did you know that Red, despite her sight loss loves martial arts? And that's just the start. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell s...
5m Nov 24, 2020
5m
S1 Ep602: Charity's Modern Take On A Classic Fairy Tale.
Many of us will be familiar with the story of Little Red Riding Hood but did you know that there is a new modern twist to the fairy tale? UK sight loss charity RNIB has launched Red and The Wolf, just in time for Christmas. The beautifully illustrated book has an accompanying audio cd of sound effects to help little ones learn to read and to make reading with them fun and engaging. The book ...
4m Nov 23, 2020
4m
S1 Ep601: The pandemic has forced charities to look at different ways of delivering their vital services to customers and make sure they're not isolated
Organisations like Halifax Society for the Blind have created telephone, and online, groups for chats and to create fun gatherings, while at the same time helping visually impaired people get online and get tech training. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Fiona Sandford, CEO Visionary UK, and Pete Hoey, CO of Halifax Society for the Blind, to find out how national, and grass roots, c...
8m Nov 23, 2020
8m
S1 Ep600: Santa Has Accessible Letters For Blind And Partially Sighted Children, Want One?
It's the most wonderful time of the year and what little one wouldn't love a letter from the jolly big chap? Well, Santa has asked RNIB to help him get accessible letters to all the good boys and girls and it's really easy to get one. They come in Braille, large print, audio and email but there are deadlines for your requests. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell pulled on his warmest clothes ...
13m Nov 20, 2020
13m
S1 Ep599: More Audio Described Theatre And Museum Highlights.
With Christmas on the way, many theatres are hosting live events with limited audience space. Some of these performances will include audio description for blind and partially sighted patrons. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Anne Hornsby from Mindseye Arts to look at some forthcoming treats. http://www.mindseyedescription.co.uk #RNIBConnect Image: Anne Hornsby from Mindseye Arts 
6m Nov 20, 2020
6m
S1 Ep598: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update, 20/11/2020.
Each week RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Matt Stringer, RNIB CEO, to look at some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity. This week they discuss the reasons for closing the Giant Print Library and the services which will fill the gap, there's a reminder for you to vote in RNIB's #SeeDifferentlyAwards and we talk Christmas! http://www.rnib.org.uk #RNIBConnect ...
8m Nov 20, 2020
8m
S1 Ep597: Shape And Share Events For Blind And Partially Sighted Kids And Young People.
Shape and Share is a whole series of virtual events and get togethers for blind and partially sighted children and young people, from across the UK. It's also for families to join in and has everything from sing a longs, youth groups, yoga, a chance to meet Santa! And much more. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Roisin Meagher to find out what's still to come and how families can jo...
4m Nov 19, 2020
4m
S1 Ep597: Young Visually Impaired People Lead Our Futures Project.
RNIB Northern Ireland and Guide Dogs Northern Ireland are collaborating on a brand new, Lottery funded, project called, Our Futures. It is lead by, and for, blind and partially sighted children and young people from Northern Ireland. The project will help them with transitions through education, employment, learn new technology and work to improve their surroundings and public attitudes to si...
6m Nov 19, 2020
6m
S1 Ep596: Connect Voices Round up 18 November 2020
Charlotte Jones, RNIB's National Involvement Coordinator shares the latest opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to get involved in.   This week we have an opportunity for you to take part in a survey for Adaptability Canada, a request to help out with research into the social and academic inclusion of visually impaired young people and a reminder about the very active Connect ...
7m Nov 18, 2020
7m
RNIB and Amazon partnership is helping VIP's in lockdown
RNIB and Amazon have been working together on a number of projects over the past year, including Amazon donating a number of Fire Tablet devices so they could be distributed to blind and partially sighted people. Steven Scott found out more about the partnership with Amazon's Dennis Stansbury and RNIB's Gary Brunskill. Image shows a selection of Amazon Fire HD 8 tablets in a variety of colour...
9m Nov 17, 2020
9m
S1 Ep595: ReadALong With Red And The Wolf!
UK sight loss charity, RNIB, is seeing a classic fairy tale differently for Christmas and you can join in the joy of reading. Red and The Wolf has a modern twist on a story we all know and love and it's designed to get little ones reading, as well as improving inclusion and breaking down old stereotypes. Adults and tots can read along with this fabulous book and it's accompanying audio, right...
7m Nov 17, 2020
7m
S1 Ep593: The Big Jump Is Back And You Can Enjoy The Thrill Too!
UK sight loss charity RNIB is reliant on fund raising to provide it's vital services to blind and partially sighted people, of all ages. With the pandemic forcing the cancellation of many events, the organisation has had to look at other ways to fund it's work. One of the events, however, did go ahead in 2020 and will continue in 2021, so are you a thrill seeker? Do you enjoy the adrenalin ru...
6m Nov 16, 2020
6m
S1 Ep594: Have You Heard Of RNIB's ReadAlong?
This week charity RNIB launched their first book in the ReadAlong series, a retelling of a classic fairy tale with a modern twist.  Titled ‘Red and the Wolf’ the book features a little girl who can't see very well, but that doesn't stop her. Using her mystery solving skills and ninja moves, she takes on the wolf to save the day.  It's a perfect Christmas gift to open your child's mind to our ...
6m Nov 16, 2020
6m
S1 Ep592: Dave Steele, The Blind Poet, on World Kindness Day
Today is World Kindness Day and to celebrate The Blind Poet, Dave Steele, chats to Red Szell about the nature of kindness and performs a poem about the importance of being kind to yourself and others.
8m Nov 13, 2020
8m
S1 Ep591: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update 13/11/2020.
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Matt Stringer, CEO of UK sight loss charity RNIB. They talk about some of the charity's big news stories of the week and encourage the public to get involved in their campaigns and vital work. This week they highlight a number of charities who are banding together to campaign for better accessible information, there's news on the See Di...
9m Nov 13, 2020
9m
Accessible TV Guide launches on Freeview Play
A new accessible TV guide is available on Freeview Play TVs. The provider has been working with RNIB to make it happen. Steven Scott found out more about it from RNIB's Innovation Technology Officer John Paton and Freeview's Product Manager Gavin Ellis.
10m Nov 13, 2020
10m
S1 Ep590: Blue Nails For World Diabetes Day.
Saturday 14th November 2020 is World Diabetes Day, where charities highlight the condition, treatments, prevention and support for those around the globe. This year has been a difficult one for those with the condition, with interruptions to regular medical check ups and restrictions for attending face to face groups. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Douglas Twenefour, from Diabete...
6m Nov 12, 2020
6m
S1 Ep588: RNIB Chair Hands Over The Reigns.
Ellie Southwood is not only a local Councillor, she is also the current Chair of UK sight loss charity RNIB. As her term draws to a close, we look back at her time as a Trustee and what being Chair has meant to her. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Ellie about the role and the ups and downs of her time with the charity, The challenges and her hopes for the future. http://www.rnib....
11m Nov 10, 2020
11m
S1 Ep589: RNIB See Differently Awards: Vote For Your Coronavirus Heroes
The coronavirus pandemic has seen a huge outpouring of people who have gone above and beyond in supporting others through this difficult time. Thousands of people have stepped up to help, support and find solutions to the challenges faced by people with sight loss during this time. Which is why this year's RNIB See Differently Awards will take place online to recognise the outstanding commitme...
7m Nov 10, 2020
7m
S1 Ep587: Spotlight On British Blind Sport's Young Leaders Conference.
British Blind Sport is a UK charity which works to encourage blind and partially sighted people, of all ages, to try new sporting and leisure activities. They also work with the sporting sector, including governing bodies, to make facilities and support more accessible for anyone with a visual impairment. One of their latest projects, See My Voice, was charged with helping to create young lea...
7m Nov 09, 2020
7m
S1 Ep586: Sight Loss Charities Launch The Winter Warmer Book Group
A telephone book group for blind and partially sighted people in Scotland is being launched to combat the loneliness and isolation many might feel in the approaching winter months.   Organised by the sight loss charities The Macular Society and RNIB Scotland, the group's members will be able to choose from the wide-ranging catalogue of RNIB Talking Books library and join in lively weekly disc...
8m Nov 06, 2020
8m
S1 Ep585: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update 06/11/2020.
Each week RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Matt Stringer, CEO of UK sight loss charity RNIB. They discuss some of the big stories coming out from the charity each week, on a wide range of topics. This week they look at support for blind and partially sighted people through the different lockdown measures, across the UK, the new look RNIB shop, which is showcasing a great new talk...
9m Nov 06, 2020
9m
S1 Ep584: Could Brexit Hinder The Free Movement Of Guide Dog And Pet Owners?
We are all too familiar with the battle over Brexit and what it will mean for the way we live our lives in the UK. One stumbling block, that many will not have thought about, is the, possible, loss of access to the Pet Passport scheme. This allows people to travel with their pets and assistance dogs, freely, to and from countries who operate the vital scheme. If the issue is not addressed, i...
5m Nov 06, 2020
5m
Make Cooking Easier With a Talking Microwave
A new talking microwave has been launched by RNIB that aims to simplify the cooking experience for blind and partially sighted people. Steven Scott spoke to Claire Maxwell from the RNIB Products Team about the new kitchen appliance, and also to Kim Jaye, a blind cook who has been testing it out. 
11m Nov 06, 2020
11m
S1 Ep582: Interview with Maaza Mengiste
Booker shortlisted author Maaza Mengiste takes us back to 1935 and introduces us to the African women who fought Mussolini's invasion of Ethiopia.
8m Nov 05, 2020
8m
S1 Ep584: A New Award And A Call For The Public's Help.
UK sight loss charity RNIB has been awarded a quality tick mark from the Patient Information Forum (PIF). This means that their sight loss information booklets and support are of a consistently high standard, something the charity is very proud off. However, to make these booklets as up to date as possible, they need your help. If you have any of the following eye conditions, they would like...
5m Nov 05, 2020
5m
S1 Ep584: Personal Independence Payment Moving To Scottish Government Control.
For several years now, the Scottish Government has been creating and developing it's new Social Security Scotland department, with input at every stage from members of the public. Several welfare payments have been transferred to Scotland for administration, among them is Personal Independence Payment (PIP) which many blind people are in receipt of at the moment. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Ru...
8m Nov 05, 2020
8m
S1 Ep580: Help from RNIB with Online Deliveries Ahead of Lockdown
Since lockdown, many blind and partially sighted people have found it challenging getting their online deliveries, however RNIB are here to help, and have worked tirelessly with supermarkets to ensure we are not forgotten. As England goes back into lockdown, Steven Scott spoke to Steve Packer to find out what support is available from the charity.
10m Nov 05, 2020
10m
S1 Ep583: Share Your Views With RNIB
RNIB have launched a new survey to gauge the views of blind and partially sighted people on a wide range of issues.  To find out more on what the survey aims to achieve and how you can get involved, Steven Scott spoke to RNIB's Senior Research and Data Analyst, Emma Edwards. (Image: RNIB Logo. On a white background words RNIB written in bold black letters and underscored by a bright pink line...
6m Nov 04, 2020
6m
S1 Ep581: Sight Loss Charity's Virtual Accessibility Boutiques.
With many training events and projects going online due to the global pandemic, one of the US's largest sight loss charities is increasing it's tech offerings. The National Federation of the Blind, USA, has many virtual events for blind and partially sighted people, on  a whole host of topics, but these events are now being created for the commercial sector, focusing on accessibility. RNIB Co...
7m Nov 04, 2020
7m
S1 Ep578: Connect Voices Round up 4 November 2020
Clare Aldworth, RNIB's National Involvement Coordinator shares the latest opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to get involved in. This week there are opportunities to get involved with the Connect Voices Tracker survey, help an undergraduate Product Design Engineer  at Strathclyde University with their new Braille labelling concept and a request from RNIB’s Stories Library Tea...
7m Nov 04, 2020
7m
S1 Ep579: Nathan Owen E-Scooter Response
Nathan Owen, Policy and Public Affairs Manager at RNIB Cymru has written a response to the increasing call for e-scooters to be used in Wales.   Photo is a blurry image of someone's legs, on a moving e-scooter.
5m Nov 03, 2020
5m
S1 Ep577: The Purple Pound Is Worth Hundreds Of Billions!
Many businesses are struggling to stay afloat, due to the affects of the global pandemic. So the question being asked on #PurpleTuesday is can you really afford to miss out on a share of £274 Billion worth of sales? It may surprise you to know that is exactly what is happening because of poor accessibility, on the high street and online for customers with disabilities. RNIB Connect Radio's A...
8m Nov 03, 2020
8m
S1 Ep576: Interview with Brandon Taylor, author of 'Real Life'
Brandon Taylor discusses his Booker shortlisted novel 'Real Life', and reveals how it had to be rescued from the trash! 
7m Nov 03, 2020
7m