1146: Losing Sight As A Teenager And Support From Sea Cadets
Issy was worried she’d have to leave Sea Cadets after her vision changed at age 13, but the Loughborough branch in Leicestershire adapted to help her pursue her goals. Amelia learned more… Learn more about Sea Cadets on their website
7m Jul 01, 2025
7m
1197: Jasmine Thien’s One Woman Show ‘I Dream in Colour’ is Coming to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival This Year…
Jasmine Thien is a blind Actor, writer, poet, and stand-up comedian who is bringing her one woman show ‘I Dream in Colour’ to the Edinburgh fringe Festival this year with a couple of previews in London beforehand on 22 and 23 July 2025. Jasmine began by reminding RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey about what ‘I Dream in Colour’ is all about and how the semi-autobiographical show has changed over ...
7m Jun 30, 2025
7m
S2 Ep1196: Artist Rooms At The National Galleries Of Scotland
On the 16th July the National Galleries Of Scotland (NGS) are hosting a descriptive gallery tour followed by a practical workshop for visitors with a visual impairment. This month they explore some magnificent and diverse works from ARTIST ROOMS (https://www.nationalgalleries.org/art-and-artists/features/about-artist-rooms) , the national touring collection cared for jointly by the National Ga...
7m Jun 30, 2025
7m
S2 Ep1195: David Maddocks Southampton Sight Sponsored Walk Recap
Let’s catch up with David Maddocks who recently completed a 160-mile walk of the Camino de Santiago to raise money for Southampton Sight. He’s been speaking to David Hogg…
9m Jun 30, 2025
9m
S2 Ep1189: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 28/06/2025
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 welfare campaigning, new shop, a flower clock and some great news for audio description. If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services available from RNIB, go to http://ww...
8m Jun 28, 2025
8m
S2 Ep1194: Sensational Museum Showcase
The Sensational Museum is a research project radically re-thinking the role of senses in museums. This July they are gathering together to share and celebrate their work over the last 2 years. Amelia spoke to Hannah Thompson to learn more. Join for the online showcase on 2nd July 2025, at 3pm, using the eventbrite link - The Sensational Museum: Online Showcase Tickets, Wed 2 Jul 2025 at 15:0...
9m Jun 27, 2025
9m
S2 Ep1193: What Does The UK Government’s Welfare U-Turn Mean?
The UK Government has made some concessions to its plans for changes to Personal Independence Payments and Universal Credit. Although there are some grey areas, with a better update on Monday June 30th, they have made the following proposed updates, which will go before Parliament on July 1st. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Roisin Jacklin, from RNIB’s Campaigns Team, to look at s...
7m Jun 27, 2025
7m
S2 Ep1192: Relaunch of RNIB Products And Advice Centre - Angela O'Kane
RNIB Belfast Products And Advice Centre has had a relaunch. Local blind and partially sighted people were invited along to get hands on with the products but also to chat with RNIB staff, like ECLO Angela O'Kane. Barry Snell caught up with Angela to learn more about her day to day role as an Eye Care Liaison Officer Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ writte...
2m Jun 27, 2025
2m
S2 Ep1191: Relaunch Of RNIB Belfast Products And Advice Centre - Liam Mckinney
RNIB Belfast Products And Advice Centre has had a relaunch. Local blind and partially sighted people were invited along to get hands on with the products but also to chat with RNIB staff. RNIB volunteer Liam McKinney was there helping out & he is keen to start a new group for young people with the aim of making life easier for people with sight loss. He’s been talking to RNIB Connect Radio’s...
2m Jun 27, 2025
2m
S2 Ep1190: Relaunch Of RNIB products And Advice Centre - Caroline Hunter
RNIB Belfast Products And Advice Centre has had a relaunch. Local blind and partially sighted people were invited along to get hands on with the products but also to chat with RNIB staff. One lady who popped in for a chat was Caroline Hunter. Barry Snell caught up with Caroline for a chat. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital let...
3m Jun 27, 2025
3m
S2 Ep1188: Relaunch of RNIB Belfast Product And Advice Centre - Julie Anne Crothers
RNIB Belfast Products And Advice Centre has had a relaunch. Local blind and partially sighted people were invited along to try out the new store and also to chat with the RNIB staff, including volunteer Julie Anne Crothers, who was keen to raise awareness about the sight condition Charles Bonnet Syndrome Barry Snell caught up with Julie Anne, to learn more.. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radi...
4m Jun 27, 2025
4m
S2 Ep1187: Relaunch of RNIB products And Advice Centre - Jackie Brown
RNIB Belfast Products And Advice Centre has had a relaunch. Local blind and partially sighted people were invited along to try out the new store and also to chat with the RNIB staff, including Digital Skills, Engagement & Events officer Jackie Brown. Barry Snell caught up with Jackie, to learn more about her role. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written ...
4m Jun 27, 2025
4m
S2 Ep1186: Relaunch of RNIB Belfast Products And Advice Centre - Robert Shilliday
RNIB Belfast Products And Advice Centre has had a relaunch. RNIB Connect Radio’s Barry Snell caught up with Robert Shilliday, RNIB Director of Northern Ireland, to find out more. 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 Jun 27, 2025
4m
S2 Ep1185: Relaunch Of RNIB Belfast Products And Advice Centre - Daphne and Kathryn
RNIB Belfast Products And Advice Centre has had a relaunch. RNIB’s Chief Financial Officer Kathryn Sherratt and also Managing Director of RNIB’s Enterprises Daphne Mavroudi-Chocholi were both in attendance and spoke with RNIB Connect Radio's Barry Snell. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink l...
9m Jun 26, 2025
9m
S2 Ep1184: Relaunch Of RNIB Belfast Products And Advice Centre - Anna Tylor
RNIB Belfast Products And Advice Centre has had a relaunch. RNIB Chair of Trustees Anna Tylor was invited along and she caught up with RNIB Connect Radio’s Barry Snell. 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 Jun 26, 2025
7m
S2 Ep1182: RNIB, British Business Bank and Ex Forces Enterprise Collaboration aims to Support Disabled Veterans To Start A Business
With the Armed Forces day taking place this week, celebrating and honouring the men and women who serve, and have served in the armed forces. Hubert has been finding out about a new collaboration between the RNIB, The British Business Bank, and X-Forces Enterprise which aims to help make startup loans for disabled veterans more accessible.
9m Jun 26, 2025
9m
S2 Ep1183: Wayne Pugh Guide Dog Refusal
RNIB Connect Radio's David Hogg speaks to Wayne Pugh about a recent guide dog refusal. 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.
6m Jun 26, 2025
6m
S2 Ep1152: Vietnamese Water Puppets And Train Street
Join Jonathan Abro on the third of our Vietnam Travelogue series. This week he goes to a mesmerising performance of traditional water puppets and visits the famous train street. Tune in to 'The Lunch Break' on RNIB Connect Radio every weekday from 12 noon to 1pm for more Travelogues. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters a...
4m Jun 25, 2025
4m
S2 Ep1180: Cara Murphy’s Braille Journey
After deciding to attend Uddingston Grammar School, near Glasgow, Cara Murphy has been, not only attending her subject classes but also learning to use braille. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke with Cara over the course of a term to find out how learning the subjects, braille and new assistive technology has helped her progress through the S3 curriculum. If you’d like more info on usi...
11m Jun 25, 2025
11m
S2 Ep1181: How Can We Support Children And Young People With Charles Bonnet Syndrome?
Esme’s Umbrella are working to improve our understanding of children and young people with Charles Bonnet Syndrome. Amelia spoke to founder of Esme's Umbrella, Judith Potts, and program coordinator, Nina Chesworth, to learn more... 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 lin...
12m Jun 24, 2025
12m
S2 Ep1178: Some Audio Described Highlights From MindsEye Description.
Each month, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Anne Hornsby from MindsEye Description to look at 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 support to get around The Glastonbury Festival, a BIG art installa...
11m Jun 24, 2025
11m
S2 Ep1177: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 21/06/2025
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 concerns around Government plans for Welfare payments, the NHS 10 year plan and bus travel. If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services available from RNIB, go to http:/...
9m Jun 21, 2025
9m
S2 Ep1173: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - The Croft, 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 Vidar was reviewing ‘The Croft’ as the UK tour visited the Birmingham Repertory Theatre with description by Professional audio Describ...
6m Jun 20, 2025
6m
Interview With John Whitfield, Deafblind Scotland.
Jennifer Murray chats to John Whitfield from Deafblind Scotland about his sight and hearing loss as well as the many different role he has had with Deafblind Scotland over a number of years. You can contact Deafblind Scotland at the following email address: info@dbscotland.org.uk (mailto:info@dbscotland.org.uk) Their website is: Home | Deafblind Scotland (https://www.dbscotland.org.uk/) Im...
8m Jun 20, 2025
8m
S2 Ep1176: This Is What You Call Taking Fundraising To New Heights!
Aoife McGlade from Mayobridge in Northern Ireland, along with family and friends, took on an incredible challenge to raise funds for RNIB by climbing the highest mountains across the UK and Ireland. RNIB Northern Ireland’s Jo Kenny spoke to Aoife and her sister Emma to find out what inspired them to take on such a physical challenge. #RNIBConnect Image shows smiling Aoife and Emma in a studi...
8m Jun 20, 2025
8m
S2 Ep1172: Gold Winning Garden Designer Paul Hervey-Brookes on His RNIB Legacy Garden for RHS Flower Show Wentworth Woodhouse 2025
The RNIB Legacy Garden at RHS Flower Show Wentworth Woodhouse 2025 has been designed by Paul Hervey-Brookes a multi-award-winning garden designer, broadcaster, lecturer and plantsman. Through the design of the RNIB Legacy Garden, the planting, use of sculptures and much more besides, people will have the opportunity to explore what it might be like to live with sight loss, enabling them to see...
11m Jun 20, 2025
11m
S2 Ep1174: RNIB helps to advice on TV sight loss story.
There’s a new Eastenders story line which will be very significant to the blind and partially sighted community. Hubert spoke to Louise Gow from RNIB about this important story line.
9m Jun 19, 2025
9m
S2 Ep1171: Guide Dogs To Host Family Day At St George's Park
This summer Guide Dogs are teaming up with the English FA to give blind and partially sighted children and young people the chance to try out three different sports in one of the country’s top sporting facilities. Hywel Davies has been hearing more. 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. ...
8m Jun 19, 2025
8m
S2 Ep1170: RNIB Responds To UK Government Welfare Reform Plan
Today the UK Government released their plan for changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) along with Universal Credit and Jobseekers’ Allowance. Amelia spoke to RNIB Policy Officer, Roisin Jacklin, to learn how blind and partially sighted people will be impacted. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with...
6m Jun 18, 2025
6m
S2 Ep1169: RNIB Launch Floral Clock For Braille 200 - Volunteer Braille Teacher
Amelia went to a very sunny opening ceremony for a new landmark in Edinburgh to celebrate 200 years of braille. She spoke to volunteer braille tutor Sehar Mashiyat to learn about her passion for teaching braille. Image shows the floral clock design- an elaborate clock face made up of thousands of flowers and plants. The clock reads Royal National Institute of Blind People around the circumfer...
2m Jun 18, 2025
2m
S2 Ep1168: RNIB Launch Floral Clock For Braille 200 - Robin Spinks and Jane Coates
Amelia went to a very sunny opening ceremony for a new landmark in Edinburgh to celebrate 200 years of braille. Here she is speaking to Head of Inclusive Design, Robin Spinks, and RNIB Scotland Community manager, Jane Coates, to hear their thoughts on Braille and the clock. Image shows the floral clock design- an elaborate clock face made up of thousands of flowers and plants. The clock reads...
5m Jun 18, 2025
5m
S2 Ep1175: RNIB Launch Floral Clock For Braille 200 - Audio Description
Amelia went to a very sunny opening ceremony for a new landmark in Edinburgh to celebrate 200 years of braille. Here she is speaking to Jo MacQueen, RNIB PR and Communications Manager, who gave an audio description of the clock. Image shows the floral clock design- an elaborate clock face made up of thousands of flowers and plants. The clock reads Royal National Institute of Blind People arou...
3m Jun 18, 2025
3m
S2 Ep1167: RNIB Launch Floral Clock For Braille 200 - James Adams
Amelia went to a very sunny opening ceremony for a new landmark in Edinburgh to celebrate 200 years of braille. Here she is speaking to the Director of RNIB Scotland, James Adams, about the launch. Image shows the floral clock design- an elaborate clock face made up of thousands of flowers and plants. The clock reads Royal National Institute of Blind People around the circumference and has 12...
3m Jun 18, 2025
3m
S2 Ep1179: Linburn Estate Sale Craig Spalding
Following Sight Scotland Veteran’s decision to sell the Linburn Estate in West Lothian which houses a number of blind and partially sighted veterans, David Hogg speaks to CEO Craig Spalding…
7m Jun 18, 2025
7m
S2 Ep1151: Bai Tu Long Bay Travelogue
Join Jonathan Abro on the second of our Vietnam Travelogue series. This week he boards a converted junkship to travel through Bai Tu Long bay. Tune in to 'The Lunch Break' on RNIB Connect Radio every weekday from 12 noon to 1pm for more Travelogues. 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....
7m Jun 18, 2025
7m
Therapeutic Garden, Sight Matters, Interview With Peter Marshall.
Sight Matters (a Sight loss charity on the Isle of Man) are soon to open a new therapeutic garden. Jennifer Murry chats to Peter Marshall to learn all about it. You can contact Sight Matters in the following ways: Email Address: enquiries@sightmatters.im (mailto:enquiries@sightmatters.im) Phone: 01624674727 (https://www.sightmatters.im/support-us/) Image description: Image shows the RNIB...
8m Jun 18, 2025
8m
S2 Ep1166: Live Football With Audio Description Coming To Channel 4
More and more live events, including sport, are getting the audio description touch to support blind and partially sighted people. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Jonathan Penny, from Channel 4, to discuss live AD and look ahead to some football matches which will have a mix of pundits and audio describers who will bring the match to life. #RNIBConnect
9m Jun 18, 2025
9m
Wymondham and Attleborough Talking Newspaper, Interview With Georgette Vale.
Would you like to hear about Wymondham and Attleborough Talking Newspaper? Jennifer Murray catches up with Georgette Vale to learn more. You can listen to Wymondham and Attleborough Talking Newspaper on their website at: https://www.watn.org.uk/ To find your local newspaper, you can visit the Talking News Federation's website at the following link: https://tnf.org.uk/ Image description: Ima...
10m Jun 17, 2025
10m
S2 Ep1159: Open Water Swimming Can Be Accessible For Blind And Partially Sighted People.
A collaborative project between the University of Brighton and Sight Support Worthing is looking at ways of making outdoor swimming an accessible option for blind and partially sighted people. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Sadie Rockliffe, from Brighton University, to learn more about the research and their successful pilot event. If you’d like more info on the research, or swim...
8m Jun 17, 2025
8m
S2 Ep1164: Update on RNIB’s Work Around Accessible Voting Following May 2025 Local Elections
In this podcast Hubert gets an update on the progress of RNIB’s work around accessible voting, following the recent local elections that took place in May 2025 in England. 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 ...
8m Jun 16, 2025
8m
S2 Ep1163: Queer Stories In Art At National Galleries of Scotland
Join the National Galleries of Scotland (NGS) as they celebrate Pride Month by delving into queer stories within the collection. Amelia spoke to Meg Faragher, from the learning & Engagement team, to learn more. Learn more about the session on the NGS website - Visually Impaired Programme (Online) | Queer stories in art | National Galleries of Scotland (https://www.nationalgalleries.org/event/...
6m Jun 16, 2025
6m
S2 Ep1162: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 14/06/2025
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 has some welfare and employment news and would you be interested in becoming RNIB’s next CEO? If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services available from RNIB, go to http://www.rnib....
13m Jun 16, 2025
13m
Volunteering Experience With Vista, Interview With Craig Brown.
Would you like to hear all about Craig Brown's experience of volunteering with a sight loss charity? Well, Jennifer Murray finds out more. 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.
4m Jun 13, 2025
4m
Chatterbox Talking Newspaper, Interview With Paul Henderson.
Would you like to hear about a talking newspaper called Chatterbox based in Norwich? Jennifer Murray chats to Paul Henderson to find out more. You can contact Chatterbox Talking Newspaper in any of the following ways: Email Address: contact@cbtn.org.uk (mailto:contact@cbtn.org.uk) Phone: 01603765365 Website: www.cbtn.org.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567246585194 (htt...
6m Jun 13, 2025
6m
S2 Ep1148: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - Marie & Rosetta, 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 Vidar was reviewing the musical ‘Marie & Rosetta’ at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre which tells the story of the pairing of Sister R...
6m Jun 13, 2025
6m
S2 Ep1161: RNIB's Reaction To Government Spending Review
The UK government recently released their spending review but how will it affect the sight loss community. Barry Snell spoke to RNIB's Head of Campaigns and Public Affairs Sophie Dodgeon to find out more Click here to find out more about RNIB (https://www.rnib.org.uk/) Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline wit...
8m Jun 13, 2025
8m
S2 Ep1160: Join Us For The RNIB Products And Advice Centre Relaunch
The RNIB's Products And Advice Centre in Belfast City Centre is relaunching on the 26th July and the public are invited to come along on the day and be part of things Barry Snell chats to RNIB’s Product Coordinator, Louise Kenny to learn more about the relaunch of RNIB’s Products and Advice Centre To find out more about RNIB Northern Ireland click here (https://www.rnib.org.uk/nations/norther...
5m Jun 13, 2025
5m
Forest Talk Talking Newspaper, Interview With Christine Mora.
Would you like to hear about Forest Talk Talking Newspaper? Jennifer Murray chats to Christine Mora to learn more. You can contact Forest Talk Talking Newspaper in any of the following ways: Website: https://foresttalk.co.uk/ Mobile: 07903 240 296 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ForestTalkII (https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FFo...
7m Jun 13, 2025
7m
S2 Ep1156: Father's Day 2025 - Callum Stoneman On Life As A Blind Parent
Callum Stoneman is well known to listeners of RNIB Connect Radio as the host of ‘Tech Talk’, but he’s also recently become a dad. Ahead of Father’s Day Hywel Davies has been finding out what Callum’s experience has been like as a blind parent.
21m Jun 12, 2025
21m
S2 Ep1158: Edward Burra and Ithell Colquhoun, Two Very Influential British Artists at Tate Britain
Two new exhibitions at Tate Britain are showcasing the work of Edward Burra and Ithell Colquhoun, two very influential British artists who had links with the Surrealists movement. After the press view at Tate Britain for both exhibitions on Wednesday 11 June 2025 RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Eliza Spindel, Assistant Curator of both the Edward Burra and Ithell Colquhoun exhibi...
12m Jun 12, 2025
12m