S1 Ep748: Postcode Lottery Supporting Charities Through Pandemic And Beyond
The People's Postcode Lottery has given out more than £700million in grants to charities, large and small, in the UK and beyond. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to PPL Ambassador Danyl Johnson and PPL's Head of Charities, Laura Chow, to learn more about their work. #RNIBConnect Image: People's Postcode Lottery logo
8m Apr 26, 2021
8m
S1 Ep746: Is Audio Described Theatre Going Live Soon?
Each month, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Anne Hornsby, from Mind's Eye Arts, to talk about some forthcoming audio described events, like theatre performances, gallery and museum tours and a host of other options. This month, Anne tells us about some live street dance, live street theatre and a chance for audiences to watch a performance inside a theatre, all coming shortly. F...
7m Apr 23, 2021
7m
S1 Ep746: I Can Do It Project For Blind And Partially Sighted Young People
UK sight loss charity Henshaws has created a residential, and virtual, training programme for young people with sight loss. It's designed to improve confidence, develop a wide range of mobility and independence skills plus much, much more. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Mel Cooke and Alice, from Henshaws, and Emma Cruickshank, from Pocklington Trust, to learn more about the proje...
7m Apr 23, 2021
7m
S1 Ep746: Your Legacy Can Help Charities In The Future
Did you know that making a will can be really easy and, in most circumstances, free? Everyone should think about a will and once you've taken care of your family and friends, you might consider leaving something to charity? RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Lorna McPhersoon-Reed, from RNIB, and Alexis Fairclough, from Bequeathed, to learn more about legacy giving and why past legaci...
8m Apr 22, 2021
8m
S1 Ep747: Seeing in Isolation - Part 2 - Perm
We hear about a brand new arts project created by severely sight impaired photographer Karren Visser, in partnership with Multistory and Sandwell Visually Impaired. In this episode we hear from Perm, one of the participants in the project about her journey accepting her sight loss and helping to empower others. 
8m Apr 22, 2021
8m
S1 Ep744: Alex Court's Books of Your Life
Alex Court, author of 'Mixed Up', a book about interracial marriage written with his wife Tineka Smith, speaks to Red Szell for the Books of Your Life.
8m Apr 22, 2021
8m
S1 Ep743: Extant Call Out for Visually Impaired and Disabled Actors for an Actual Acting Gig This Summer!
Are you a visually impaired or disabled actor?   If so then Extant the theatre company for visually impaired actors, theatre makers and creatives is calling out for visually impaired and disabled actors for an actual gig coming up this summer as part of their Pathways Programme. Connect Radio’s Toby Davey chats with Caroline Jeyaratnam-Joyner, Pathways Programme Manager from Extant to find ou...
8m Apr 22, 2021
8m
S1 Ep745: Seeing in Isolation - Part 1 - Sandra
We hear about a brand new arts project created by severely sight impaired photographer Karren Visser, in partnership with Multistory and Sandwell Visually Impaired. In this episode we hear from Sandra from Sandwell Visually Impaired.
6m Apr 21, 2021
6m
S1 Ep742: RNIB Policy Officer John Dixon Helps to Shape Government Working Safely Guidance
As we start to come out of some of the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions many businesses, shops and other venues start to re-open inline with the Government road map. Connect Radio’s Toby Davey chats with John Dixon, RNIB Policy Officer about how the RNIB has helped to shape the government Working Safely guidance policy document to ensure that the needs of visually impaired people are reflected an...
8m Apr 21, 2021
8m
S1 Ep741: Charity Supports Legal Action Against Secretary Of State For Work And Pensions.
UK sight loss charity RNIB is giving its support to an action being taken against the Department for Work and Pensions. The case is looking at the department's dealings with customers who are in the midst of an official appeal around a decision relating to the award of Personal Independence Payments(PIP). RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Claire Connolly, from RNIB, to learn more ab...
5m Apr 21, 2021
5m
S1 Ep740: The Longest Battle with Georgie Morrell
In The Longest Battle Emma Martins chats with 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  eyesight. In today's The Longest Battle Emma is chatting with  stand-up comedian, award no...
28m Apr 19, 2021
28m
S1 Ep738: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update 17.04.2021
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with Matt Stringer, RNIB CEO, to discuss some of the big stories and projects the sight loss charity is involved in. This week Matt looks at guides for individuals and business to make the easing of restrictions easier for blind and partially sighted people, we pay tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh, the testing of an accessible voting devi...
9m Apr 17, 2021
9m
S1 Ep739: Annette Walker Looks Forward To Latest Fundraising Challenge
RNIB Connect Radio's Barry Snell chats to fundraiser Annette West about her upcoming virtual Kilt Walk event, her 5th in a row and she is hoping to raise lots of money for a charity close to her heart - RNIB Scotland. To  find out more about sponsoring Annette, please click on the link below. https://virtual.thekiltwalk.co.uk/fundraising/ScotlandsVirtualKiltwalk2021-AnnetteWest  (https://virtu...
6m Apr 16, 2021
6m
Supporting sight loss in Kirklees during lockdown
The Kirklees Visual Impairment Network is a local charity that has continued to support its members during lockdown thanks to the use of technology such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams. Sam Heaton from the charity talks to Steven Scott about how they made it happen.
7m Apr 15, 2021
7m
S1 Ep733: Local Sight Loss Charity's Virtual Success
Visionary UK is an umbrella organisation that brings together national and grass roots sight loss charities to improve collaborative working and the sharing of best practice. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Amy Pearman, from Visionary, and Susanette Mansour, from Croydon Vision, to find out how services can be delivered, successfully, using accessible technology. If you'd like mor...
7m Apr 15, 2021
7m
S1 Ep737: Be My Eyes at-home Covid testing
The Be My Eyes app have teamed up with the UK Department of Health and Social Care to provide blind and partially sighted people with support from health care professionals when doing an at-home Covid test.  Find out more here: Blog (bemyeyes.com) (https://www.bemyeyes.com/blog)
6m Apr 15, 2021
6m
S1 Ep735: The new Echo Show: Smart displays are on the move
Amazon have launched the latest Echo Show device to their range which features a tracking camera that moves the screen around to follow you in the kitchen or living room of your house during calls and even when watching videos.  Dennis Stansbury from Amazon UK joins Steven Scott on Tech Talk to discuss this new gadget, and also discuss the latest accessibility features across their range of pr...
8m Apr 14, 2021
8m
S1 Ep736: The Northern Ballet Audio Described Online Videos
Ellie catches up with the team from The Northern Ballet to discuss accessibility through Covid, and beyond... 
9m Apr 14, 2021
9m
S1 Ep734: Back to the High Street - how do we keep safe?
As non-essential retail stores open their doors once again to the public, what measures are in place to ensure safety for all customers and what support is in place for blind and partially sighted people? Steve Packer from RNIB talks to Steven Scott about what we need to be aware of when heading back out to the high street.
7m Apr 14, 2021
7m
S1 Ep732: Connect Voices Round-Up 14 April 2021
Charlotte Jones, RNIB's National Involvement Coordinator shares the latest opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to get involved in. Opportunities highlighted included: Call out from BBC News Team for visually impaired people's experiences of Covid19 for TV, Radio and online, an opportunity to become a Disabled Lay Researcher from Sharing Our Lives, and finally a chance for peo...
9m Apr 14, 2021
9m
S1 Ep731: Sight Loss Charities Support For Education Professionals And Institutions
For many people, going to college or university can be, both, exciting and daunting. If the student is blind or partially sighted, there are further worries around accessible course materials, mobility around campus and will the institution be able to support someone with sight loss to progress at the same pace as their peers? Several sight loss charities have created comprehensive guides for...
8m Apr 14, 2021
8m
S1 Ep730: Health Bodies Benefit From Vaccination Guidance For Visually Impaired Patients
Sight loss charities, RNIB and Guide Dogs, have created new guides based around the Covid-19 vaccination roll out.   The guides will help national health bodies, including hospitals, GP surgeries and pharmacies, to create programmes around the roll out that will inform and support blind and partially sighted people at all stages. This will include accessible information, accessible info for a...
7m Apr 13, 2021
7m
S1 Ep728: Sight Loss Charity's Shape And Share Events Are For All The Family
UK charity RNIB runs numerous events, throughout the year, for blind and partially sighted children and young people, including their family and friends. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Roisin Meagher, from RNIB, to hear more about their Shape and Share events and how you can join in. We also heard from Tiernan, who loves the weekly youth clubs, music lessons and had a blast on th...
6m Apr 09, 2021
6m
S1 Ep729: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update 09.04.2021
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB, to discuss some of the latest stories coming from the UK sight loss charity. This week, there's tech news and offers from Apple and Amazon, a well deserved awards nomination and it's full steam ahead for the Marathon Mates fund raiser. If you'd like more information on RNIB's services or offers, go to http://...
7m Apr 09, 2021
7m
S1 Ep727: New RNIB Partnership Offers Remote Support Through Simple App
RNIB have partnered up with the US support provider Aira to deliver remote support here in the UK. Steven Scott spoke to Dave Williams from RNIB and Jenine Stanley from Aira to find out about how the service supports blind and partially sighted people as well as a special offer for RNIB customers. For more information visit: https://aira.io/  Image shows the RNIB logo. 
8m Apr 08, 2021
8m
S1 Ep725: First Blind Staff members Take Up NHS Post
Mark and Kerry Fielding have managed to secure employment with the NHS, at a time when, due to the global pandemic, many people are losing their jobs.  They are also the first blind members of staff to work within the Business Services Authority, as call handlers and have been supported throughout their training and employment journey, with a focus on accessibility. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan...
7m Apr 08, 2021
7m
S1 Ep726: Donum Visi
Time to take a hop over the pond now all the way over to Silicon Vally where Dorum Visi, an organisation that focuses on developing accessible technology for students amongst many other things, Ellie speaks to their Co-President. If you want to find out more about what Dorma Visi does and get involved in their events their website is http://www.donumvisi.org 
7m Apr 07, 2021
7m
S1 Ep724: US Sight Loss Charity Looks Forward To It's 2021 National Convention
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 time Chris is looking ahead to this year's National Convention which, for the 2nd time, will take place virtually and they're expecting around 10,000 visitors. Allan found out what people can expect from the convention, which everyone is invited to...
6m Apr 07, 2021
6m
S1 Ep723: Gary Moritz Partially Sighted Artist
Time to hear from one of our own now, you might recognise this next voice from Sunset Melodies here on RNIB Connect Radio but low and behold, it's not only radio that Gary has a passion for, he is a brilliant partially sighted artist, Ellie and been chatting to him to find out where his love for art started.  Remember you can catch Gary on Sunset Melodies every Wednesday at 7 and again on Sunda...
7m Apr 06, 2021
7m
S1 Ep721: See What’s Next Website and Campaign Launches Supporting - People with Wet AMD
A new website and campaign supported by the Macular Society has just launched titled ‘See What’s Next’ providing information and support for people with wet age related macular degeneration including case studies, hints and tips, life hacks and much more to enable people to manage Wet AMD and maintain an independent life. Connect Radio’s Toby Davey chats with Cathy Yelf, Macular Society Chief ...
8m Apr 06, 2021
8m
S1 Ep722: The Longest Battle with Paul (Mad Dog) McGuinness
In The Longest battle Emma Martins chats with 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 eyesight. In today's The Longest Battle Emma is chatting with Paul (Mad Dog) McGuinness, a C...
30m Apr 05, 2021
30m
S1 Ep721: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update 02.04.2021
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with Matt Stringer, CEO of UK sight loss charity RNIB, to talk about some of the big stories and events coming from the organisation. This week Matt talks about the new National Disability Strategy, There's advice for individuals and commerce for easing out of lockdown in an accessible way, then finishes with a look at the Marathon Mates ...
7m Apr 02, 2021
7m
TPT launches Aira pilot for patients visiting Moorfields Hospital
New technology from Aira is set to give visual assistance to blind and partially sighted patients and support them to attend hospital eye appointments.   The 6-month trial, launched today, will support patients attending appointments at Moorfields Eye Hospital. It is funded by Thomas Pocklington Trust and will be free of charge for blind and partially sighted people to use.   It will link visua...
11m Apr 01, 2021
11m
S1 Ep721: Sight Village Goes Virtual For April 2021
For many years now the Sight Village events have toured the UK, bringing together a host of international exhibitors and speakers, attracting thousands of blind and partially sighted visitors. The event showcases the latest in hi, and low, tech gadgets, services for people of all ages and charities from around the UK who support and empower those with sight loss. Due to current restrictions, ...
6m Apr 01, 2021
6m
S1 Ep720: Help Make Scotland More Inclusive For Visually Impaired People
Ahead of the Scottish Parliamentary election, which will take place in May 2021, RNIB Scotland are calling on candidates to support their key manifesto asks.  James Scotland, RNIB Scotland director spoke with us about their manifesto, and how by asking your candidates to become RNIB Champions, you can help deliver profound change for blind and partially sighted people living in Scotland.    F...
7m Mar 31, 2021
7m
Call the RNIB Helpline on any Alexa-enabled device
People with sight loss can now connect directly to the RNIB Helpline by saying “Alexa, call RNIB Helpline”.    This simple voice command, spoken to an Alexa-enabled device, triggers a new Amazon skill, which was developed in partnership with RNIB.    RNIB’s Helpline is a gateway to essential services for blind and partially sighted people, services which have been vital during the pandemic ...
12m Mar 31, 2021
12m
S1 Ep719: Canadian Sight Loss Charity Looks Beyond Restrictions.
Each month, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with John Rafferty, CEO of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind. They talk about some of the latest news stories and projects coming from the national organisation. This month John talks about accessible Covid-19 info and support at vaccination centres, accessible literature for the 21st century and the education attainment gap for...
7m Mar 31, 2021
7m
S1 Ep719: Open Days For Hereford College For Students With Visual Impairments.
The Royal National College in Hereford specialises in courses, from A level upwards, for students who are blind or partially sighted. As well as a range of academic courses, at their modern campus, they also improve independent living skills and mobility for all it's students. The college is hosting open days for prospective parents and pupils, to come along and see what the campus, and colle...
5m Mar 31, 2021
5m
S1 Ep718: Connect Voices Round-Up 31 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: Your chance to re-name the RNIB mental health support service, a request for visually impaired people living in the West Midlands to help the West Midlands Combined Authority and Midland Mencap by sharing how th...
7m Mar 31, 2021
7m
S1 Ep716: Bill Skipworth on his book Now I See
Over the past 30 years, Bill Skipworth has gone from having perfect sight, to no sight, to regaining some of his vision after an operation.  And faced with lockdown he saw it as an opportunity to write down his experiences.  His book ‘Now I See’ has just been published in print, eBook and as an audiobook.  Read On’s Red Szell caught up with him to find out more. 
8m Mar 30, 2021
8m
S1 Ep717: The Longest Battle with Trisha Goddard
In The Longest Battle Emma Martins chats with 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 eyesight.   In today's The Longest Battle Emma is chatting with Trisha Goddard, who is b...
32m Mar 29, 2021
32m
S1 Ep716: Chief Exec’s Weekly Update 29/03/2021
Our weekly catch up with RNIB CEO Matt Stringer to share some of the latest news and projects coming from the UK sight loss organisation. This week Matt and Connect Radio’s Toby Davey look forward to the next financial year with some key messages from the RNIB Business Plan, with lifting of some Coronavirus lockdown restrictions, the new RNIB Coming Out of Lockdown campaign, Matt and Toby talk...
9m Mar 29, 2021
9m
S1 Ep715: Progress Of Covid 19 Vaccinations In Wales
How is the Covid-19 Vaccination programme coming along in Wales? Dr Gill Richardson is the chair of Wales' Covid-19 Vaccine programme and she spoke about the progress of vaccinations and their liaison with RNIB Cymru to ensure accessibility for blind and partially sighted people.  For more COVID-19 vaccination information visit Public Health Wales’ website (https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/immuni...
9m Mar 29, 2021
9m
S1 Ep714: The Bank of England New £50 Note with Tactile Markings
This summer on 23 June The Bank of England will be introducing a new £50 note into circulation. The bank of England and the RNIB have worked together to ensure that the new note is accessible for blind and partially sighted people.  Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was joined by Sarah John from The Bank of England to explain a bit more about the new £50 note. Sarah explained how The Bank of England...
7m Mar 25, 2021
7m
S1 Ep713: City of Threads Podcast; meet the Hosts
Are you a fan of experiencing new cities, even during lockdown? Well, this podcast might be the one for you!  City of Threads is a brand new immersive podcast, which provides the listener with an immersive journey through Bristol, and RNIB Connect Radio's Ellie Marsh has been talking to some of the creators. City of Threads is available on Spotify and audible, and you can find out more about ...
8m Mar 24, 2021
8m
S1 Ep712: Visionary UK & RNIB Collaborating For A Better Future
Each month RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Fiona Sandford, CEO of Visionary UK, and one of the umbrella group's partners. This month they are joined by Campbell Chalmers from sight loss charity RNIB, to discuss collaboration, supporting grass roots charities, and how that work will continue onward as we come out of lockdown. For more information visit: https://visionary.org.uk/ ...
7m Mar 24, 2021
7m
S1 Ep711: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update 20.03.2021
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB, to discuss some of the latest news and projects coming from the UK sight loss charity. This week it's the new Life Changer fund raiser, tactile platform petition and why charities are collaborating more than ever. If you'd like to sign the petition to make our rail platforms safer, go to https://e-activis...
7m Mar 20, 2021
7m
S1 Ep710: Free Tandem Hire For People With Disabilities In The UK
When Alex Reeves was looking for a tandem to take his daughter Charlotte for a  cycle, he was shocked at the high cost. After starting with a low cost machine, he soon realised that Charlotte, who has various disabilities, was loving the freedom of the road and the activity was having a very positive impact on family life. He decided to start a charity that could loan out tandems, free of cha...
7m Mar 19, 2021
7m
S1 Ep708: Changes Will Make Care Home Visits For Visually Impaired People Easier
When Steve Springthorpe went to his mother's care home for a visit, he was shocked to be told that as visits were restricted to 1 visitor, he could not be accompanied by his wife. This meant that Steve, who is registered blind, had no guide and could not continue to see his mother. After an intervention by John Dixon from RNIB, the situation has now been resolved and changes have been made to...
6m Mar 18, 2021
6m
S1 Ep709: Talking Books and Navigation with In Your Pocket
In Your Pocket is a voice driven smart device which as the product name says fits neatly into your pocket and can perform many tasks while you are out and about.    Connect Radio's Toby Davey caught up with Liam O'Carroll who is registered blind and a great fan of In Your Pocket to share the benefits for him of the device as a visually impaired person.    Liam explained to Toby why he decid...
7m Mar 18, 2021
7m