S1 Ep1120: Sight Village Exhibitions Make Their Face to Face Return
Sight Village is Europe's largest exhibition, and seminar, event for blind and partially sighted people of all ages. The large events showcase hi tech and low tech solutions, charities and local services and there's something for everyone, from gadgets for work to sport and leisure activities for all abilities. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Lottie Reid, from Sight Village, to he...
5m Feb 10, 2022
5m
S1 Ep1119: The Visionary Small Organisations Group with Wakefield District Sight Aid.
Ellie's been finding out about how small organisations have been coming together virtually through the Visionary network since lockdown to help each other in giving the best experience to those they support, and how they don't plan on stopping any time soon... To find out more about Visionary, please visit their website here: Welcome to Visionary - Visionary (https://www.visionary.org.uk/) To...
8m Feb 10, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1118: Macular and Me, from the Macular Society
Each month the Macular Society host a series of virtual clinics focusing on different macular condition and covering topics such as practical and emotional advice, technology and research. Ellie's been catching up with Colin Daniels, to find out what's happening this month with Macular and Me...  If you'd like to find out more about the work the Macular Society do please visit their website he...
6m Feb 10, 2022
6m
S1 Ep1116: Real Sam Pocket Launches in the US!
The Real Sam Pocket devices have grown in popularity over the last few years and are about to launch in the US, Ellie's been finding out how it's all going and if there are any differences in the US/UK markets. To find out more about Real Sam please visit their website: RealSam Pocket: The Smart Phone for People with Sight Loss (https://realsam.co.uk/) (Image shows: Real Sam logo. A dark blue...
7m Feb 09, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1114: Connect Voices Round Up 9 February 2022
Charlotte Jones, RNIB's National Involvement Coordinator, shares the latest opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to get involved in. Opportunities highlighted this week included: Share your experiences of help from the RNIB’s Technology for Life team The RNIB Stories Library Team is keen to hear from anyone who is age 50 and over, who has received help from RNIB's Technology ...
7m Feb 09, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1115: Can A Robot Make A Good Guide For Blind People
Students at Glasgow University are developing a robotic guide that could help blind people find their way around places like shopping centres and even identify items on a shelf in a shop. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell went along to the Forth Valley Sensory Centre in Falkirk to learn more about a robot called Pepper. If you'd like to keep up to date on the progress of this project, includ...
6m Feb 08, 2022
6m
S1 Ep1112: Bionic Eye Chip Implant Could Restore Vision….
Following on from the recent news about a lady in her 80's who has dry Age Related Macular degeneration who has just been given a bionic eye implant as part of a Europe wide clinical trial developed by Pixium Vision in France along with Consultants from Moorfields Eye Hospital here in the UK. Connect Radio's Toby Davey chats with Mahi Muqit, the Eye Consultant from Moorfields Eye Hospital, who...
8m Feb 08, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1110: Sightline - 1 to 1 Telephone Befriending Service for Blind and Partially Sighted People
In this age of technology, social media and video calling it is so easy to keep in touch with friends and family but for many blind and partially sighted people just being able to pick up the telephone and talk with someone else who is visually impaired is so important for so many reasons even if it is just to have a chat. The RNIB of course has the Talk and Support group telephone befriending...
8m Feb 07, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1113: Activating Enterprise Episode 4 - Breandan Ward
In our new Activating Enterprise series here on RNIB Connect Radio, we are finding out how sometimes life changing events can become catalysts for positive change when it comes to career opportunities.  In this episode Breandan Ward, shares his journey from investment banking in London to disability inclusion training and consultancy.  Over the next weeks, we'll be sharing more stories like t...
11m Feb 07, 2022
11m
S1 Ep1108: What does the 100th ECLO appointment mean to RNIB?
RNIB are celebrating a significant milestone in the provision of practical and emotional support for people newly diagnosed with sight loss with the appointment of its 100th Eye Clinic Liaison Officer also knows as ECLO's. Ellie is joined by  Carolyn Chamberlain Head of Eye Care Support Services here at RNIB to discuss just how significant this milestone and the amazing work ECLO's do. To find...
10m Feb 06, 2022
10m
S1 Ep1109: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update 05/02/2022
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with RNIB's CEO Matt Stringer to discuss some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity. This week Matt talks about a milestone in their Eye Clinic Liaison Officer programme, a petition to make sure blind and partially sighted people have the same voting rights as sighted people and who's on BBC's Casualty? If you'd like m...
8m Feb 05, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1111: A Call to the RNIB Helpline Could Change Your Life!
Calling the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 could open the door to a wide range of help and support around anything related to sight loss from general advice to making contact with some of the specialist RNIB Teams such as the Welfare Rights Team, the Tech for Life Team or even to talk with a Sight Loss Counsellor which could even help to change your life around too. Perm (Permjit) Bhachu’s lif...
7m Feb 04, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1107: Free Sight Loss Advice Service Can Change Lives, Do You Have An Enquiry
The UK's leading sight loss charity, RNIB, has a Sight Loss Advice Service that can answer any questions that you may have about sight loss. This could be anything from benefits advice, support with your rights, to advice on assistive technology or local leisure services that are accessible. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Alan Atherton, a Sight Loss Advisor, to learn more about t...
8m Feb 03, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1106: US Sight Loss Charity Battles For Accessible Covid Tests.
Each month, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Chris Danielsen, PR Director, from the National Federation of the Blind in the USA. This month they talk about the work to make Covid test kits accessible for blind and partially sighted people and the barriers they are facing. To learn more about the US charity, go to http://www.nfb.org #RNIBConnect Image: Chris Danielsen, PR Directo...
7m Feb 03, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1105: Georgie Morrell guest stars in Casualty this Saturday!
Our very own Georgie Morrell, presenter of Sounds of the Silver Screen, is guest starring on Casualty this weekend! Ellie caught up with her to find out what it was like, and how important representation is in the media.  You can catch Georgie on Casualty this Saturday at 9:30pm  Image shows: Georgie's Character in a hospital bed with an oxygen tube on her nose. 
6m Feb 03, 2022
6m
S1 Ep1104: RNIB appoints their 100th ECLO!
The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) is celebrating a significant milestone in the provision of practical and emotional support for people newly diagnosed with sight loss with the appointment of its 100th Eye Clinic Liaison Officer (ECLO). The ECLO, Renu Walia, is based in Chase Farm Hospital in Enfield, North London and also provides support to patients in Barnet Hospital and E...
8m Feb 03, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1103: ITV Drama Takes Audio Description To The Next Level
Audio Description is a narrated track which plays between actors dialogue on tv programmes and movies. It allows blind and partially sighted people to follow what's visually happening on screen and more and more offerings are available in the UK on a variety of viewing platforms. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to ITV's Jonathan Penny to find out more about a new AD addition to a bra...
7m Feb 02, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1102: Interview with Hannah Lowe, Winner of the Costa Book of the Year Award 2021
Poet Hannah Lowe has won the 2021 Costa Book of the Year Award for her collection of sonnets 'The Kids'. Read On’s Red Szell was on hand to catch a quick interview with her after last night’s ceremony in London, in which she discussed the inspiration behind the collection, and her excitement at her upcoming visit to The RNIB Talking Books Studios in Camden to record an audio version.
9m Feb 02, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1101: Holman Prize for Blind Ambition 2022 - Applications Now Open!
Do you as a blind or partially sighted person have a project idea or an ambition to do something that will shatter other people’s misconceptions about blindness? Well, don’t miss your opportunity to get your ideas in for the 2022 Holman Prize for Blind Ambition which has just opened with the deadline for applications on Sunday 20 March 2022.  Now in it’s sixth year in 2022, the Holman Prize f...
8m Jan 31, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1100: RNIB Reaches Out to Work Closer in Partnership with Sight Loss and Other Charities
In the next of our series of interviews looking at how the RNIB is working in partnership with sight loss sector partners and other organisations to make a more inclusive and accessible society for blind and partially sighted people Connect Radio’s Toby Davey checks in with members of the Strategic Engagement Lead - Third Sector Team here at the RNIB this time to home in on technology. Toby wa...
7m Jan 31, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1085: Books of Your Life with Monique Roffey
Read On's Red Szell speaks to Monique Roffey, winner of last year's Costa Book of the Year Award with 'The Mermaid of Black Conch', for the Books of Her Life. 
6m Jan 31, 2022
6m
S1 Ep1091: Activating Enterprise Episode 3 - Tina Lowe
In our new Activating Enterprise series here on RNIB Connect Radio, we are finding out how sometimes life changing events can become catalysts for positive change when it comes to career opportunities.  In this episode Tina Lowe, shares her journey from losing her sight at the age of 27, going back to university, to finding work in accessibility support. Over the next weeks, we'll be sharing ...
9m Jan 31, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1099: RNIB working with the local community to effect change!
RNIB are there for you to help fight the issues effecting blind and partially sighted people in your local area. Ellie's been catching up with Lewis Winton from RNIB North East and Angus Huntley from Newcastle vision support, to find out how working together with the community is the best way to invoke positive change... To find out more about local campaigns please visit your local RNIB Conne...
9m Jan 30, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1097: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update 28/01/2022.
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with Matt Stringer, CEO of UK sight loss charity RNIB, to discuss some of the latest stories coming from the organisation. This week Matt talks about offices opening up, a new education drive for blind and partially sighted children and young people, as well as an Atlantic size challenge. If you'd like more information about RNIB and it'...
8m Jan 29, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1096: Vidar Hjarding MBE - Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Audio Described Theatre Review
RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjarding MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the channel Islands for the next in his regular Connect Radio audio described theatre reviews. This time Vidar was reviewing the audio described performance of  ‘Goldilocks and the Three Bears’ at the Birmingham Hippodrome which sees...
6m Jan 28, 2022
6m
S1 Ep1097: Singing Their Way To A Fundraising Success
When the Gibson's from Northern Ireland decided to fund raise for the UK sight loss charity RNIB, there was only 1 challenge for the musical family. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to them to find out why they chose RNIB and how the fund raising is going. You can still donate to the Gibson's 250 challenge, go to http://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lindsay-gibson4 #RNIBConnect Imag...
5m Jan 28, 2022
5m
S1 Ep1098: Give VI Pilates a try with Cam Sight!
January is a great time to start a new hobby and get active, but if going for a run doesn't sound like your cup of tea, why not try Pilates. Ellie's been finding out about the free VI Pilates Cam Sight are offering for blind and partially sighted people in Cambridgeshire. To find out more about Cam Sight, please visit their website here: The Cambridgeshire Society for the blind (camsight.org.u...
5m Jan 28, 2022
5m
S1 Ep1095: RNIB Helping Employers Understand Sight Loss
Charity RNIB are calling for businesses in Northern Ireland to 'see the employee, not the sight loss.' Through their new 'Understanding Sight Loss For Employers and work colleagues’ course, they hope to help strengthen inclusion practices within the workforce and ensure people with sight loss have equal opportunities. The free eLearning tool is designed to help employers and work colleagues g...
8m Jan 27, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1094: Sensory Workshop Opportunity with Irish Athanasiadi!
Iris Aathanasiadi an artist working in the realm of mindfulness and multisensory experiences. Ellie catches up with her and Ben Rendle from RNIB to find out about an exciting new series of workshops you can get involved in.  If you'd like to find out more about the workshops please email Ben on ben.rendle@rnib.org.uk or give him a call on 02073 912 075  (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written ...
8m Jan 27, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1090: Activating Enterprise Episode 2 - Ben Price
In our new Activating Enterprise series here on RNIB Connect Radio, we are finding out how sometimes life changing events can become catalysts for positive change when it comes to career opportunities.  In this episode artist Manager Ben Price shares his journey from tour management to starting his own business amidst a pandemic.  Over the next weeks, we'll be sharing more stories like this o...
11m Jan 26, 2022
11m
S1 Ep1093: Connect Voices Round Up 26 January 2022
Max Conway, RNIB's National Involvement Coordinator shares the latest opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to get involved in. Opportunities highlighted this week included: Casting call for blind and partially sighted actors to star in a new Paramount Pictures feature film called  'Need Your Eyes' - The film is about a psych student who volunteers to receive anonymous video c...
6m Jan 26, 2022
6m
S1 Ep1089: RNIB Shop January Sales!
Find out all about the 2022 January RNIB Shop sales! As Ellie catches up with Louise Kenny from the Belfast shop. You can find out more about the shop and book a product consultation you can call the helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visit their website RNIB Online Shop (https://shop.rnib.org.uk/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAubmPBhCyARIsAJWNpiNjQduq18pHhFcXh1r5aXaVYj_FRinkZZuvT3iE5KueZ3Zxrk83QO8aAmpwEALw_wcB)   ...
6m Jan 24, 2022
6m
S1 Ep1085: Books of Your Life with Hannah Lowe
Read On's Red Szell, speaks to Hannah Lowe, winner of this year's Costa Poetry Award with 'The Kids', for the Books of Her Life
7m Jan 24, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1085: Books of Your Life with Manjeet Mann
Read On's Red Szell speaks to Manjeet Mann, winner of this year's Costa Childrens' Book of the Year Award with 'The Crossing', for the Books of Her Life. 
8m Jan 24, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1084: Books of Your Life with Claire Fuller
Read On's Red Szell speaks to Claire Fuller, winner of this year's Costa Novel of the Year Award with 'Unsettled Ground', for the Books of Her Life. 
6m Jan 24, 2022
6m
S1 Ep1092: Books of Your Life with John Preston
Read On's Red Szell speaks to John Preston, winner of this year's Costa Biography of the Year Award with 'Fall: The Mystery of Robert Maxwell', for the Books of His Life. 
7m Jan 24, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1083: Books of Your Life with Caleb Azumah Nelson
Read On's Red Szell speaks to Caleb Azumah Nelson, winner of this year's Costa First Novel of the Year Award with 'Open Water', for the Books of His Life. 
7m Jan 24, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1087: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update 22/01/2022
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with RNIB CEO Matt Stringer, to discuss some of the latest stories and projects coming from the UK sight loss charity. This week Matt looks at charities working together, next steps in their accessible voting campaign and fund raising turns to Double Dash. If you'd like more information on RNIB's services, go to http://www.rnib.org.uk Y...
7m Jan 21, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1088: Tyne & Wear: Discussing Sight Loss & Mental Health More Openly
Tyne & Wear Sight Loss Council has a very important virtual event coming up this Wednesday 26th of January.   Their Tyne & Wear Mental Health VI Forum, will be all about shining a light on the impact sight loss can have on our mental wellbeing and the support available.    Eamonn Dunne from Thomas Pocklington Trust, joined our Paulina Kuchorew to tell us what we can expect on the day includ...
8m Jan 21, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1086: Michael Tupper awarded a British Empire Medal in the Queens Honours list!
Michael Tupper has been honoured in the Queen's New Year Honours List for his Services to the sight loss community. Ellie's been catching up with him to find out all about his work and what it's like to be recognised for all his hard work... If you'd like to get involved with volunteering, campaigning or fundraising for RNIB, you can find out more on their website: Changing society - RNIB - Se...
9m Jan 21, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1083: Vidar Hjarding MBE - The Snowman, Audio Described Theatre Review
RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjarding MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the channel Islands for the next in his regular Connect Radio audio described theatre reviews. This time Vidar was reviewing the longest running Christmas show in English Theatre history, ‘The Snowman’ at the Birmingham Repertory The...
8m Jan 21, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1083: New Year’s Honour For Visually Impaired Tokyo Paralympics Javelin Gold Medal Winner!
Here at RNIB Connect Radio we were very pleased to see a number of blind and partially sighted people honoured in the 2022 New Year's Honours list including many Paralympics GB medal winners from the Tokyo Paralympic Games. Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Dan Pembroke MBE, visually impaired athlete who not only smashed Paralympic records but also won a Javelin Gold medal at the Tokyo...
6m Jan 20, 2022
6m
S1 Ep1082: Research into the domestic abuse of people with sight loss.
Nanya Coles and Nicola Stokes from Safe Lives, a UK-wide charity dedicated to ending domestic abuse, for everyone and for good, are about to embark on a research project in partnership with the Vision Foundation looking into domestic abuse experience of blind and partially sighted people. With disabled people three times more likely to be in abusive relationships than non-disabled people they ...
9m Jan 20, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1079: Visionary UK, Moorvision and what working together, can achieve!
Ellie's been catching up with CEO of Visionary Fiona Sandford and a very special guest to hear all about a new project, Children and Young People’s Sight Loss MOT... To find out more about Visionary and the work they do, please visit their website here: Welcome to Visionary - Visionary (https://www.visionary.org.uk/) To find out more about Moorvision, please visit their website here: Welcome ...
10m Jan 19, 2022
10m
S1 Ep1081: Battle For Accessible Voting Continues After Westminster Vote
On Monday 17th January, MPs in the House of Commons discussed the latest Elections Bill and possible changes to its content. Many sight loss charities were hoping for strengthened legislation to make sure that blind and partially sighted people are guaranteed changes, to make voting independently a secret and private process, guaranteed to all UK voters. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spo...
7m Jan 18, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1080: National Theatre London Audio Description Round Up
Now for the first of regular features here on RNIB Connect Radio to highlight what is on offer at the National Theatre in London for blind and partially sighted people. Our Toby Davey was joined by David Bellwood, Head of Access at the National Theatre. David began by giving Toby a bit of background to his life in theatre from performing as a professional dancer in a very well known touring Ir...
10m Jan 18, 2022
10m
S1 Ep1078: Xtra Potential
Ellie has been finding out about a not for profit organisation set up in 2020 who are offering an opportunity for a young blind or partially sighted person. If you'd like to find out more about the work Xtra Potential do or get involved in their latest project, you can visit their website here: Xtra Potential | We believe in every child's potential (https://www.xtrapotential.org.uk/) Image sh...
8m Jan 18, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1077: Activating Enterprise Episode 1 - Brian Rothery
In our new Activating Enterprise series here on RNIB Connect Radio, we are finding out how sometimes life changing events can become catalysts for positive change when it comes to career opportunities.    In this episode journalist, author, lecturer, programmer and systems manager, Brian Rothery explains the concept of displacement factor, how it has played a major role in his career outcomes...
8m Jan 17, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1074: New Year’s Honour For Visually Impaired Tokyo Gold Medal Winning Rower!
Here at RNIB Connect Radio we were very pleased to see a number of blind and partially sighted people honoured in the 2022 New Year's Honours list including many Paralympics GB medal winners from the Tokyo Paralympic Games. Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Ellen Buttrick MBE, visually impaired rower who along with the rest of the Paralympics GB Adaptive Rowing Coxed 4 Team won Gold in...
6m Jan 17, 2022
6m
S1 Ep1075: Canadian Sight Loss Charity Pushing Braille In 2022
Each month, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with John Rafferty, CEO of Canada's largest sight loss charity CNIB. They discuss some of the big stories coming from the organisation and this month Braille is big, as well as invites for you to join their virtual offerings. If you'd like to learn more about CNIB or would like to take part in some of the virtual events, where ever you are ...
10m Jan 14, 2022
10m