S2 Ep1584: Waymo Launches In London
Have you ever taken a ride in a taxi without a driver? The autonomous ride-sharing service ‘Waymo’ will launch its service in London later this year. Hubert Pawelkiewicz went along to the launch event to find out more. Whilst there he spoke to Guide Dogs CEO Andrew Lennox.
3m Jan 29
3m
S2 Ep1581: England Para Talent Day With Bloomsbury Football
An upcoming football talent day in London is hoping to find the next generation of England players. Hywel Davies has been finding out more. To sign up for the event, visit the Bloomsbury Football website - Bloomsbury X Para Football England Talent Day - Bloomsbury Football (https://bloomsburyfootball.com/product/bloomsbury-x-para-football-england-talent-day/)
6m Jan 28
6m
S2 Ep1562: Virpazar, Montenegro Travelogue
Join Jonathan Abro as he crosses from Albania into Montenegro and makes some suprise friends. Listen to Jonathan's Travelogues every Wednesday on The Lunch Break from 12 noon to 1 pm. 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 smal...
6m Jan 28
6m
S2 Ep1580: VocalEyes Describing Heritage: Co-creating Access - Update
An update on the VocalEyes Describing Heritage: Co-creating Access Project, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund with the input of blind and partially sighted people from a number of Thomas Pocklington Trust Sight Loss Councils, will explore through the co-creation of audio description in 10 heritage hubs across the country, ways of improving access to museums, galleries and heritage...
14m Jan 28
14m
S2 Ep1248: RNIB Sector Roundtable With Schools Minister - Lucy Merritt
RNIB hosted a sector roundtable last week with Schools Minister Georgia Gould MP where blind and partially sighted people got the chance to highlight issues in terms of support for special educational needs. Following the event, Hubert spoke to Lucy Merritt from Thomas Pocklington Trust to find out more about a framework which is in place to help provide an understanding of support for childre...
5m Jan 27
5m
S2 Ep1579: RNIB Sector Roundtable With Schools Minister - Young Student Voices
RNIB hosted a sector roundtable last week with Schools Minister Georgia Gould MP where blind and partially sighted people got the chance to highlight issues in terms of support for special educational needs. Our Hubert attended the event at RNIB's Grimaldi Building and spoke to some of the young people who provided their lived experience of education support with sight loss. Image shows the R...
5m Jan 27
5m
S2 Ep1578: RNIB Sector Roundtable With Schools Minister - Georgia Gould OBE MP
RNIB hosted a sector roundtable last week with Schools Minister Georgia Gould OBE MP where blind and partially sighted people got the chance to highlight issues in terms of support for special educational needs. Following the event, Hubert managed to catch up with the Schools Minister. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters ...
6m Jan 27
6m
S2 Ep1577: More Support for Blind and Partially Sighted People in Saint Boswells
RNIB Scotland has a new project which aims to provide more advice, support, events and community connections for blind and partially sighted people living in rural or isolated areas of Scotland. David Hogg spoke to Marion Bauer form the Scottish Borders
4m Jan 26
4m
1569: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - The BFG, 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 first of his regular audio described theatre reviews for 2025. This week we have Tom Wells’ magical new adaptation of Roald Dahl’s powerful and darkly funny story ‘the BFG’ (Big Friendly Giant) at the RSC ...
5m Jan 23
5m
S2 Ep1575: Scottish Budget Reaction From RNIB
The Scottish Budget was announced recently but what does it all mean for eye care in Scotland? Our Allan Russell  headed to Edinburgh to learn more.
8m Jan 23
8m
S2 Ep1574: Join RNIB Scotland On Their Accessible Museum Visits
RNIB Scotland is back with their popular accessible explorations of Glasgow museums. Our Paulina Kuchorew spoke with Community Coordinator, Conor Joseph, about their plans for this year and their upcoming visit to Riverside Museum. To find out more, email: Conor.Joseph@rnib.org.uk Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and ...
4m Jan 22
4m
S2 Ep1573: RNIB's Platform for Change Report Highlights Barriers to Train Travel
Sight loss charity RNIB, has published the final part of a three stage report on independent travel for blind and partially sighted people. Allan Russell spoke to Ross Megan and Erik Mathies, from the charity’s Campaigns Team to hear about the latest publication on train travel. Find the report here: https://bit.ly/RNIBPlatformForChange Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white bac...
10m Jan 22
10m
S2 Ep1572: VI Comedian Jake Donaldson wants to be the fifth Weezer
Visually Impaired comedian Jake Donaldson has a new show about nostalgia, sight loss and his boyhood dream of joining the band Weezer. Amelia learned more about the show ahead of the Glasgow International Comedy Festival. Book Tickets for the Glasgow International COmedy Festival date at 9 pm on Friday 13th March here - Jake Donaldson: The Fifth Weezer - Glasgow International Comedy Festival ...
9m Jan 19
9m
S2 Ep1576: VI Photographer William Hickie
Let’s talk photography, our David Hogg catches up with VI photographer William Hickie
4m Jan 19
4m
S2 Ep1570: RNIB Gaming Group
Let’s talk gaming and how you can get involved in accessible gaming with other blind and partially sighted people. David Hogg has more. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underlined with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.
7m Jan 19
7m
S2 Ep1571: UK Sight Loss Charity Has A New CEO
Simon Antrobus is the new Chief Executive of UK sight loss charity, RNIB. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell sat down with Simon to learn more about his career, so far, his thoughts on the charity’s direction and how he switches off from the day job. Image shows Simon smiling for the camera. He is a white man with neat, short fair hair, dressed in a white shirt and charcoal suit jacket.
18m Jan 17
18m
S2 Ep1568: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - AD Theatre Highlights 2025
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 a look back over some great theatre shows he saw in 2025 with audio description as well as some highlights of productions that Vidar is looking forward to seeing in 2026. Don’t forget to catch Vidar’s regular ...
8m Jan 16
8m
S2 Ep1561: Shkodër, Albania Travelogue
Join Jonathan as he continues exploring the Balkans by bus, stopping at the modern city of Shkodër. He learns more about the community came together after a dark period of history. Listen to Jonathan's Travelogues every Wednesday on The Lunch Break from 12 noon to 1 pm. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline w...
4m Jan 14
4m
S2 Ep1567: Harnessing resources and Skills To Improve Independent Mobility.
The Motability Foundation and UK sight loss charity RNIB, are collaborating on several research projects to improve the independent mobility of blind and partially sighted people. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to John Worsfold, RNIB, and Nicola Gampell, Motability Foundation, to learn more about the work and it’s goals. If you’d like to learn more about the research, go to http://w...
12m Jan 14
12m
S2 Ep1558: Tirana, Albania Travelogue
Join Jonathan as he begins his bus journey through the Balkans. Listen to more Travelogues every Wednesday on The Lunch Break from 12 noon to 1 pm. 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.
8m Jan 13
8m
S2 Ep1566: Sight Scotland Veterans on NaviLens introduction in West Lothian
NaviLens has arrived at some bus stops in the West Lothian area. David Hogg finds out more..
6m Jan 13
6m
S2 Ep1565: Counsellor Sally Clay On Reconnecting
How can you reconnect with the people you care about? VI Counsellor Sally Clay spoke to Amelia about reasons distance can happen and ways you can come back together. Listen to Good Company on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 7pm and 1st Sunday of each month at 8pm. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a...
10m Jan 13
10m
S2 Ep1559: Rehoming Accessible Technology In Shropshire
A free service from the charity ‘Sight Loss Shropshire’ is matching blind and partially sighted people with accessible technology. Hywel Davies has been finding out more.
6m Jan 12
6m
S2 Ep1556: Inclusive Farm Are Making Agriculture More Accessible
Inclusive Farm offers opportunities for people with disability and difference to gain skills in Agriculture. Amelia spoke to blind farmer and CEO, Mike Duxbury, for an update on their Aberdeenshire farm and their plans for 2026. Learn more on the Inclusive Farm website - Inclusive Farm | Cultivating Ideas for Growth (https://inclusivefarm.co.uk/) Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a...
10m Jan 09
10m
S2 Ep1557: Clive Jones on Becoming an MBE
Army veteran Clive Jones has recently become an MBE. He shares his story with David Hogg and what it was like to receive the honour. 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 Jan 09
5m
S2 Ep1560: Berat, Albania Travelogue
Join Jonathan as he continues exploring the Balkans by bus, taking a chaotic journey to the 'city of windows' and exploring impactful museums. Listen to Jonathan's Travelogues every Wednesday on The Lunch Break from 12 noon to 1 pm. 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 li...
5m Jan 07
5m
S2 Ep1555: RNIB Responds To NHS England Online Hospital Announcement
The government has announced a new NHS online hospital service is being launched in England next year. It will focus on nine health conditions, including glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. Amelia spoke to RNIB Head of Policy, Mike Wordingham, to learn about what this means for blind and partially sighted people in England. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a w...
7m Jan 07
7m
S2 Ep1554: Studies on Wellbeing, Sleep Quality and Visual Impairment
Researchers in Jordan are exploring health-related wellbeing and sleep quality among visually impaired people. Amelia spoke to one of the researchers, Dr.Hisham Jammal, to learn what they discovered and how it will impact support for blind and partially sighted people. Read 'Jammal, H. M., Khader, Y., Kanaan, S. F., Al-Dwairi, R., Mohidat, H., Al-Omari, R., … Al Bdour, M. The Effect of Visual...
8m Jan 06
8m
S2 Ep1553: January 2026 Almanac
How do people around the world welcome the new year? Which red animals will appear this month? Amelia is back with the first almanac of 2026. Learn more about the birds and nature you can enjoy this month on the RSPB website - The year in nature (https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/the-year-in-nature) Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold...
5m Jan 06
5m
S2 Ep1552: 'A Christmas Carol' Comes To Leeds Playhouse
Leeds Playhouse is hosting a new staging of the Charles Dickens tale ‘A Christmas Carol’. Hywel Davies caught up with visually impaired actor Amy Forrest to hear more about the production.
9m Jan 05
9m
S2 Ep1551: Travelogue Festive Special
Join globe-trotter Jonathan Abro as he reflects on some of his most memorable journeys around the world. Through great music picks and conversation with Amelia Hilton, he shares joyful, moving and exhilarating stories from his travels. The music in this podcast has been shortened from the original broadcast for rights reasons. Listen to Jonathan's travelogues every Wednesday on The Lunch Brea...
35m Jan 01
35m
S2 Ep1550: Christmas Traditions With Emmy Anstee
Happy Holidays! On RNIB Connect Radio we spoke with young Emmy Anstee to find out how she and her family make the festive period inclusive. 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 Dec 24, 2025
7m
S2 Ep1549: Outgoing Chief Exec Looks Back At Charity’s 2025
Matt Stringer is standing down as the CEO of UK sight loss charity RNIB. Before he signed off, he spoke to RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell to look back at the charity’s 2025 and take a look ahead to what’s in store for 2026. If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services available from RNIB, go to http://www.rnib.org.uk You can call our Helpline on 0303 123...
11m Dec 23, 2025
11m
S2 Ep1540: Charity Chief Exec Bids Farewell To RNIB
After 7 years at the helm of the UK’s leading sight loss charity, Matt Stringer has decided to step down as it’s Chief Executive. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell sat down with Matt to look at his time with the charity and what the future holds for him, beyond the boardroom. #RNIBConnect Image Show RNIB's CEO Matt Stringer, A Smiling Matt Wearing Glasses And A Grey Jacket
19m Dec 23, 2025
19m
S2 Ep1548: Albania's Capital Travelogue
Join Jonathan Abro on his bus trip around the Balkans. The first stop is the capital of Albania, Tirana. Listen to Jonathan's Travelogues every Wednesday on The Lunch Break from 12 noon to 1 pm. 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 blac...
8m Dec 22, 2025
8m
S2 Ep1547: UK Guide Dogs Charity Reflects On 2025
As we draw closer to the end of 2025, the CEO of Guide Dogs has been looking back at the year and ahead to 2026. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Andrew Lennox to find out how the charity has faired through the year. To learn more about Guide Dogs, go to www.guidedogs.org.uk (https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.guidedogs.org.uk%2F&data=05%7C02%7CJa...
9m Dec 22, 2025
9m
S2 Ep1546: RNIB Campaigns 2025 Review
RNIB Connect Radio caught up with members of RNIB’s Campaigns team to hear about some of the most successful work undertaken this year, and a look ahead to what 2026 might hold.
10m Dec 22, 2025
10m
S2 Ep1542: RNIB Volunteers Visit Windsor Castle For The Big Help Out And The Big Lunch
RNIB volunteers attended an event by the Big Help Out and The Big Lunch, for their majesties the King and Queen and the President and First Lady of Germany. Jonathan Abro represented the RNIB volunteers and told amelia about his experience. Learn more about The Big Help out here - The Big Help Out | Returning in 2026 – Get Involved (https://www.thebighelpout.org.uk/) Listen to Jonathan Abro'...
14m Dec 19, 2025
14m
S2 Ep1545: Sight Loss Sports Charity Reflects On 2025
As we approach the end of 2025, RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Alaina MacGregor, CEO of British Blind Sport, to look back at the year and ahead to 2026. To find out more about the charity, go to www.britishblindsport.org.uk (https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.britishblindsport.org.uk%2F&data=05%7C02%7CJane.Donnelly%40rnib.org.uk%7C1a0706c1e1df4a9...
11m Dec 19, 2025
11m
S2 Ep1544: Lord Holmes Calls For Urgent Employment Action
Lord Chris Holmes has raised a question in the UK House Of Lords regarding the shocking employment gap faced by blind and partially sighted people. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Lord Holmes about the figures, the reasons for the worsening gap and what can be done to help more visually impaired people into employment. #RNIBConnect Image Shows RNIB's Connect Radio Logo, RNIB In B...
12m Dec 19, 2025
12m
S2 Ep1543: What's Your Filing Style?
Are you an early-bird, a dipper or a last-minute panicker? Hywel Davies has been speaking to HMRC to find out about each of the “filing-styles” people are using for their Self Assessment tax return. For more information on Self Assessment, visit the Gov.uk website - Self Assessment tax returns: Overview - GOV.UK (https://www.gov.uk/self-assessment-tax-returns?&utm_source=google&utm_medium=sear...
12m Dec 18, 2025
12m
S2 Ep1541: More Support for Blind and Partially Sighted People in Brora
RNIB Scotland has a new project which aims to provide more advice, support, events and community connections for blind and partially sighted people living in rural or isolated areas of Scotland. David Hogg spoke to Lorna Small from Brora.
9m Dec 18, 2025
9m
S2 Ep1539: Sporting CEO Looks Back At 2025
David Clarke is the Chief Exec of the British Paralympic Association and he’s been talking with RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell about 2025 and what 2026 holds for the organisation. #RNIBConnect Image Shows RNIB Connect Radio Logo, RNIB In Bold Black Letters A Solid Pink Line Below with Connect Radio Underneath
11m Dec 18, 2025
11m
S2 Ep1538: International Tournament For Disabled Golfers On The Horizon.
A major international golf tournament for golfers with a  wide range of disabilities, including those who are blind or partially sighted, will be taking place in the USA, this summer. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke with Jim Gales from Phoenix Golf and Mark Arnold from American Blind Golf. Image Shows RNIB Connect Radio Logo, RNIB In Bold Black Letters A Solid Pink Below With Connect...
14m Dec 18, 2025
14m
S2 Ep1537: Road Experience Training Track For VI People In Stapleford
A road experience training track for visually impaired people has opened in Stapleford, which is the first of it's kind in the UK. It features traffic lights, button-operated crossings, bus stops, kerbs, road and pavement markings and has tactile maps provided by RNIB. Amelia spoke to Ryan Vaughan, Economic Development Officer from Broxtowe Borough Council, and Rebecca Morley, a Habilitation S...
12m Dec 17, 2025
12m
S2 Ep1536: Hair And Care Festive Prize Draw
Hair And Care are hosting a Christmas Prize Draw to raise funds that support their work with blind and low vision women. Amelia speaks to Amie Douglas to hear about why they're running the draw and the prizes contestants can win. Learn more on their website - Hair&Care | Self care Workshops for the Visually Impaired Community in Greater London (https://www.hairandcareproject.com/)
7m Dec 17, 2025
7m
S2 Ep1535: Getting Active With VICTA
VICTA are giving blind and partially sighted young people the chance to try a number of different sports over the next few weeks. Hywel Davies has been finding out about some of the opportunities. More information on each of the activities can be found on the VICTA website: Free Junior Partially Sighted Football Taster Session - Manchester - VICTA (https://www.victa.org.uk/victa-calendar/free...
7m Dec 17, 2025
7m
S2 Ep1534: Henshaws 12 Days Of Giving Appeal
Henshaws are running a 12 Days Of Giving Appeal to support for the Artmakers at the Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre in Knaresborough. The sessions support visually impaired and disabled adults to express themselves creatively. Amelia learned more from Senior Philanthropy Manager Flora Simpson... Learn more on their website - Craft Activities for Visually Impaired and Disabled Adults - Henshaws ...
6m Dec 17, 2025
6m
S2 Ep1533: Leading US Sight Loss Charity Reflects on 2025
RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell has been talking to Chris Danielsen, from the National Federation of the Blind in the USA, about some of their highlights and challenges of 2025. To get more info on their work, go to www.nfb.org (https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nfb.org%2F&data=05%7C02%7CJane.Donnelly%40rnib.org.uk%7Cf10419035c744474178208de3cb43d94%7C5d4...
9m Dec 17, 2025
9m
S2 Ep1532: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 13/12/2025
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 the charity’s annual report, sight loss charity meetings and farewell drinks as he approaches the end of his time as CEO. If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services ava...
9m Dec 12, 2025
9m