S1 Ep664: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update 12.02.2021
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB, to talk about some of the latest news stories coming from the organisation. This week there's news on Covid vaccination access, improving employment prospects for blind and partially sighted people, an award and a Royal visitor drops in on a Shape and Share event for kids. If you'd like more information a...
8m Feb 12, 2021
8m
S1 Ep663: Stay Connected In London And The South East
Charity RNIB has a host of community telephone and online groups available for London and the South East, which are helping blind and partially sighted people stay connected during the coronavirus situation.   With new groups starting up next month we caught up with RNIB's Community Connection Coordinators Hazel Cross and Shadeen Rose to hear what is available and how we can get involved.   ...
8m Feb 11, 2021
8m
S1 Ep662: Hereford College Successfully Supporting It's Visually Impaired Students Through Restrictions
The changing pandemic restrictions have made it difficult for students and teachers to continue their work in the classroom. The Royal National College in Hereford specialises in teaching students who are blind or partially sighted and provides a holistic approach to their education, including independent mobility and every day living skills. Delivering it's courses on campus and remotely, fo...
11m Feb 11, 2021
11m
Taking Care of Your Health and Wellbeing with the RNIB Shop
The RNIB Shop has many products to help with your health and wellbeing. Steven Scott talks to Dave Williams from the shop to find out about organising your tablets, taking your blood pressure independently and even going for a run with a friend.
8m Feb 10, 2021
8m
S1 Ep661: Need Support With Employment And Support Allowance?
RNIB, along with other stakeholders, has been in discussions with the Department for Work and Pensions, after claimants of the Support component of Employment and Support Allowance ran into problems with the renewal of their claims. Claire Connolly from RNIB's Legal Rights Service spoke with our Lynne Morgan about the problems claimants have faced and the work their team has undertaken to solv...
7m Feb 10, 2021
7m
S1 Ep660: Viewers Panel Improves Audio Description On ITV
After ITV's Jonathan Penny took part in an interview on RNIB Connect Radio, he received many requests from blind and partially sighted listeners hoping to take part in a user group on audio description. The panel would look at the current AD offering and suggest improvements to delivery and the accessibility of the broadcaster's platforms. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell caught up with Jon...
7m Feb 10, 2021
7m
S1 Ep658: Join RNIB Scotland For A Love Song Quiz!
For anyone who loves a good pub quiz, RNIB Scotland are hosting a fun Valentine's Day event this Sunday 14th of February. Jane Coates, RNIB Scotland Community Connection Manager spoke with us about hosting the quiz virtually and how it's a great opportunity for a giggle, a chat, and of course, some friendly competition! For more information about 'Coatesy's Sunday love songs quiz' contact Dan...
7m Feb 09, 2021
7m
S1 Ep659: How Are You Managing Your Mental Health In Lockdown?
During this challenging times, it's vital that we look after our mental health.  Whether you’re struggling with feelings of isolation and need to speak to someone, or if you just want some tips on how to stay active and maintain your mental health, RNIB can support you.  Our Lynne Morgan spoke with RNIB counsellor Tina Doyle about the charity's free emergency mental health sessions, an hour-l...
6m Feb 08, 2021
6m
S1 Ep657: RNIB Chief Exec's Weekly Update 05/02/2021
RNIB offers many services to blind and partially sighted people and each week the CEO of RNIB joins us to discuss what is available.  This week Matt Stringer tells Steven Scott about the charity's flagship reading services and also how the charity is working to make the Covid-19 tests more accessible as well as the vaccination process. Image: Matt smiling at the camera
15m Feb 05, 2021
15m
S1 Ep656: Stay Up To Date With RNIB Newsagent
Looking for something new to read? The RNIB Newsagent can help you keep up to date during the coronavirus situation by offering a free 3 month subscription to a newspaper or broadcast guide of your choice and delivered in a plain text email.   RNIB Connect Radio's Paulina Kuchorew spoke with someone who's been subscribed to the service for over two decades, avid reader Charlotte Bennie. For...
6m Feb 04, 2021
6m
Stay On Time With A Tactile Watch From The RNIB Shop
There's a few new accessible watches available now in the RNIB Shop; Dave Williams from the shop talks to Steven Scott about the new tactile and easy-to-see options available. For more technology releases for the visually impaired, why not check out Tech Talk, Tuesday's at 1PM, and also available as a podcast!
7m Feb 03, 2021
7m
S1 Ep655: Connect Voices Round Up 3 February 2021
Clare Aldworth, RNIB's National Involvement Coordinator shares the latest opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to get involved in. Opportunities highlighted include; a request from RNIB Challenge Events Team for feedback on the sign up process for Marathon mates and how it is marketed, a call for those living in West Sussex to help shape the local eye health service and a Resea...
8m Feb 03, 2021
8m
S1 Ep654: Space Hopper: The Most Recommended Book Debut of 2021
Helen Fisher used to work in the RNIB Research and Development Department.  The insight she gained there has fed into the main characters in her novel Space Hopper – which is  published this Thursday 4th of February. It’s been hailed as ‘the most recommended debut of 2021’, so Read On’s Red Szell was keen to find out more and talk about what in his mind is the most plausible blind character in...
7m Feb 02, 2021
7m
S1 Ep653: Possible Landmark Licensing Rules For Guide Dog Access On The Horizon
Sight loss charities like RNIB have been supporting many guide dog owners who have been illegally, refused access to places like shops and restaurants. It now looks like Westminster Council are considering a change to the content of their licensing regulations, which would strengthen the laws around these demeaning refusals and could, hopefully, set in motion changes by other councils. RNIB C...
9m Feb 02, 2021
9m
S1 Ep652: Virtual Events For Visually Impaired Children, Young People And Their Families.
UK sight loss charity RNIB is hosting, through it's Children, Young People & Families teams, a series of, UK wide, virtual events over the coming weeks. With pandemic restrictions forcing the popular face to face Shape and Share events online, organisers are keen to have something fun and interesting for everyone. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Roisin Meagher, from RNIB, to look ...
5m Feb 01, 2021
5m
S1 Ep648: Sight Loss Charity's Telephone Befriending Service.
Each month RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Fiona Sandford, CEO of Visionary UK, and one of the umbrella group's grass roots sight loss organisations. This month they are joined by Ian Edwards, from Sightline, to learn about their growing telephone befriending scheme. If you live in the North West of England and would like to learn more about becoming a befriender, or would like ...
7m Jan 29, 2021
7m
S1 Ep649: RNIB Chief Exec's Weekly Update 29/01/2021
Each week RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Matt Stringer, CEO of the UK sight loss charity RNIB. They discuss some of the latest news about RNIB's services and look at some of the big stories around the charity's work. This week there's news on support and advice for home learning, a new working group of UK sight loss charities and why is RNIB selling it's London HQ? If you woul...
8m Jan 29, 2021
8m
S1 Ep650: Are You Struggling With Your Mental Wellbeing In Lockdown?
Many blind and partially sighted people have faced anxiety, sadness and, even, fear about the unique challenges they have experienced since the pandemic reached the UK in March of last year. In light of this, RNIB's Sight Loss Advice Service (https://www.rnib.org.uk/cy/advice) has worked with Mind (https://www.mind.org.uk/) , the mental health charity, to offer free emergency mental health ses...
9m Jan 29, 2021
9m
S1 Ep647: UK Guide Dog Training Seriously Affected By Pandemic Restrictions.
Presenter and blogger Lucy Edwards has now retired her faithful guide dog Olga and is now waiting on  a new 4 legged friend to maintain her confident, and independent, mobility. However, due to the changing pandemic restrictions, The UK charity Guide Dogs has had it's training programme set back, creating extended waiting lists for new, and existing, guide dog owners. RNIB Connect Radio's All...
10m Jan 28, 2021
10m
S1 Ep647: Education Struggle For Visually Impaired Pupils
Many parents are facing the challenge of home schooling their children as lockdown restrictions force a change to the classroom. Technology is playing it's part, allowing teachers to provide work and support to their students, but is it excluding many pupils who are blind or partially sighted? RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Caireen Sutherland, from RNIB, to hear more about the ac...
7m Jan 28, 2021
7m
S1 Ep645: Have Your Say On E Scooters Taking To The Streets
RNIB, along with other charities, has been working to highlight their concerns around the licensing of E scooters for hire and trials of the devices on our streets. The Transport Select Committee has reported back to the government with it's recommendations but there are still worries around public safety and the guidance for manufacturers and operators. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spo...
7m Jan 27, 2021
7m
S1 Ep646: Atlantic Row Challenge Update
Barry Snell catches up with three crew members from the 'Wrekin Rowers' who are set to compete in the upcoming Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge. They are aiming to raise as much money as possible, for RNIB and the Severn Hospice. Despite lockdown restrictions - the crew, one of whom is visually impaired are managing to keep in good spirits and are keeping their fingers crossed the race will...
7m Jan 26, 2021
7m
S1 Ep644: Free Employment Webinars For Blind & Partially Sighted Job Seekers
RNIB & Blind Ambition are inviting blind and partially sighted people to a series of free webinars which will focus on a variety of topics around employment and self employment. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Martin O'Kane, from RNIB, along with Seema Flower and Alka Dass from Blind Ambition. They discussed the creation of the NEW YEAR, NEW ME, NEW JOB EMPLOYMENT ADVICE WEBINARS ...
7m Jan 26, 2021
7m
S1 Ep643: You Can Help Make Test & Trace Kits More Accessible.
UK sight loss charity RNIB is working with the Department for Health and Social Care but need your help. They are looking for blind and partially sighted people to help them to make the Covid-19 test kits more accessible for people with sight loss. 2020 saw some improvements to the kit, thanks to RNIB's sample group who fed back their thoughts on the whole process of self testing. However, t...
4m Jan 25, 2021
4m
Cook up a treat with kitchenware from the RNIB Shop
This week we find out about the range of cooking products that are available from RNIB to help you around the kitchen. Dave Williams from RNIB Shop talks to Steven Scott about a talking induction hob, tools to help you know you are placing the pots correctly on the cooker and more.
8m Jan 20, 2021
8m
S1 Ep642: Join RNIB Scotland For A Virtual Burns Night Supper
Fancy yourself as a budding young bard or like some haggis, Irn Bru and some good old Burns poetry?   Then, you might be interested in joining RNIB Scotland for the Virtual Burns Supper from 4 PM this Monday 25th of January.    Daniel Meikle, Community Connection Coordinator with RNIB Scotland, spoke with us about the upcoming event and how to take part. To register your interest, contact ...
6m Jan 19, 2021
6m
S1 Ep641: The 21st Century Smart Cane For Blind And Partially Sighted People.
The white cane has been around for a very long time and still helps those with a visual impairment navigate their environment, increasing independent mobility. However, we are now in the 21st Century and a new company has taken the cane and given it an accessible tech upgrade, along with an app which is packed with orientation and mobility aids. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Jea...
9m Jan 19, 2021
9m
S1 Ep640: Smart With Your Money Week - Dominic Milne
RNIB Connect Radio have teamed up with Uswitch to help you get Smart with your money. January can be a tough time to balance the bills and we all need to make the money we have work even harder for us. That's why we'll be looking at a range of ways for you to get the best out of your finances including looking at how switching providers can help you get a better deal. RNIB Connect Radio's All...
8m Jan 18, 2021
8m
S1 Ep640: Smart With Your Money Week - Max Beckett
RNIB Connect Radio have teamed up with Uswitch to help you get Smart with your money. January can be a tough time to balance the bills and we all need to make the money we have work even harder for us. That's why we'll be looking at a range of ways for you to get the best out of your finances including looking at how switching providers can help you get a better deal. RNIB Connect Radio's All...
7m Jan 18, 2021
7m
S1 Ep640: Smart With Your Money Week - Jean Graham
RNIB Connect Radio have teamed up with Uswitch to help you get Smart with your money. January can be a tough time to balance the bills and we all need to make the money we have work even harder for us. That's why we'll be looking at a range of ways for you to get the best out of your finances including looking at how switching providers can help you get a better deal. RNIB Connect Radio's Tob...
7m Jan 18, 2021
7m
S1 Ep639: Smart With Your Money Week - Salman Haqqi
RNIB Connect Radio have teamed up with Uswitch to help you get Smart with your money. January can be a tough time to balance the bills and we all need to make the money we have work even harder for us. That's why we'll be looking at a range of ways for you to get the best out of your finances including looking at how switching providers can help you get a better deal. RNIB Connect Radio's All...
6m Jan 18, 2021
6m
S1 Ep639: Smart With Your Money Week - Janette Scott
RNIB Connect Radio have teamed up with Uswitch to help you get Smart with your money. January can be a tough time to balance the bills and we all need to make the money we have work even harder for us. That's why we'll be looking at a range of ways for you to get the best out of your finances including looking at how switching providers can help you get a better deal. RNIB Connect Radio's Tob...
8m Jan 18, 2021
8m
S1 Ep639: Smart With Your Money Week - Catherine Hiley
RNIB Connect Radio have teamed up with Uswitch to help you get Smart with your money. January can be a tough time to balance the bills and we all need to make the money we have work even harder for us. That's why we'll be looking at a range of ways for you to get the best out of your finances including looking at how switching providers can help you get a better deal. RNIB Connect Radio's Pau...
8m Jan 18, 2021
8m
S1 Ep638: Take on 250 for RNIB
Everyday in the UK, 250 people start to lose their sight.  This is why the RNIB is asking you to Take on 250 for RNIB and help to support more and more  people who are living with sight loss. RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Nicola Nicolaou, RNIB Challenge Events manager to find out more about Take on 250 for RNIB and how you can help in raising funds and awareness of sight loss....
7m Jan 18, 2021
7m
S1 Ep200: Challenges Of Shopping For The VI Community During Lockdown
If you're blind or partially sighted, accessing food and groceries in the UK right now can present a challenge.    Which is why, since the very beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, charity RNIB have been working to help support blind and partially sighted people who are struggling with access to their essential shopping.    And now with another lockdown in place and stores tightening thei...
9m Jan 15, 2021
9m
S1 Ep636: Sailing Event For Visually Impaired People, Even Beginners!
Each year an event takes place, for 1 week, along the South Coast of England. Skippers and their yachts, with a sighted crew, invite blind and partially sighted people to join them for a week on the water and it's open to experienced sailors and complete novices. Despite the current pandemic situation, the organisers are getting ready for a summer sail but will adapt as restrictions change, o...
7m Jan 14, 2021
7m
S1 Ep636: New Complex UK Rules For EU Travel With Assistance Dogs
The UK is trying to get used to new rules and regulations for many aspects of our relationship with our European neighbours. A consequence of this is that it is now more complicated for people travelling with assistance dogs, like Guide Dogs, to travel from the UK into the EU, with further complexities for travel between mainland UK and Northern Ireland. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spo...
9m Jan 14, 2021
9m
S1 Ep637: Sarah Holton, from RNIB Children, Young People and Families Team
Sarah Holton, the Assistant UK Specialist Lead for CYPF (Children, Young People and Families) tells RNIB Connect Radio about the support the team are providing during lockdown.  Image is a tablet on top of a stack of tablets. 
12m Jan 14, 2021
12m
S1 Ep635: Allan Russell discusses books with Red Szell
Let's learn a little bit more about Connect Radio’s Allan Russell and which books he's been reading over the festive period. Here's Allan in conversation with Read On host, Red Szell… 
9m Jan 13, 2021
9m
S1 Ep634: Theatres Move More Performances Online, Including Audio Described
Once again as restrictions change, theatres and arts venues are closing their doors and adapting their shows and exhibitions. More and more are now moving online and many of these have audio description for their blind and partially sighted customers. RNIB Connect radio's Allan Russell spoke to Anne Hornsby from MindsEye Arts, providers of audio description, to look at some of the online cont...
8m Jan 13, 2021
8m
S1 Ep633: Connect Voices Round up 13 January 2021
Clare Aldworth, RNIB's National Involvement Coordinator shares the latest opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to get involved in. In the first Connect Voices Round Up for 2021 there are opportunities for people living in the Birmingham area to take part in a survey all about hospital eye care services and a reminder about what Connect Voices is all about and how you can get in...
6m Jan 13, 2021
6m
S1 Ep632: Essential Help For Blind And Partially Sighted People In Education
With many children, young people and adults being forced to study at home, access to text books is essential, especially if you are visually impaired and require accessible formats. RNIB's Book Share service is free for all ages and has over 647,000 accessible educational titles, and growing, in it's archive. As well as the free access, RNIB has teamed up with VICTA, a sight loss charity for ...
10m Jan 12, 2021
10m
S1 Ep631: Charity Director's Call To The Scottish Parliament For A Better Tomorrow
There's no doubt that pandemic restrictions have meant a rapid change to the lives of everyone across the globe. For blind and partially sighted people, though, these restrictions have a greater impact for all areas of their everyday lives. From accessing online education, to sight loss prevention and even getting around while trying to socially distance without sight, the challenges are an e...
8m Jan 12, 2021
8m
Online Advice Sessions Helping Parents with Home Schooling
Having trouble connecting your child's braille display to their computer or phone? Don't know how to start up JAWS on a PC? These are typical scenarios that blind kids are learning to deal with from home with baffled parents looking on. If you are the parent of a blind child and need some technical support, RNIB is at hand.  Listen to Ben Rendle from RNIB's Technology for Life team talk to RN...
7m Jan 12, 2021
7m
S1 Ep631: Jacquie's New Year Honour, Supporting Visually Impaired People
Jacquie Winning is the Manager of the Forth Valley Sensory Centre, serving customers across Falkirk and Stirlingshire. Her work during the pandemic has earned her an MBE for reacting quickly to the restrictions and making sure that people with sensory loss were not forgotten and provided with as much support as possible. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Jacquie to learn more about ...
8m Jan 12, 2021
8m
S1 Ep630: Blind Entrepreneur Goes Wild At The Lakes.
Fresh after cooking up a festive storm on BBC1's Master Chef, blind entrepreneur, tv presenter and motivational speaker Amar Latif is going Wild! On Rip Off Britain. He will be back on our tv screens on Tuesday 12th January at 9:15am, also available to catch up on iPlayer, looking at wild camping and wild swimming. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Amar to hear about his wilderness ...
7m Jan 11, 2021
7m
S1 Ep630: New Year's Honour For Goalball Champion
Emma Evans has been included in the New Year's Honours list for 2021, in recognition of her passionate support and promotion of Goalball. The MBE will recognise her creation of the UK's first Goalball team to be invited to take part in the European Super League, her tireless fund raising for the sport and her drive to get UK Civil Servants involved in the sport for visually impaired people. R...
7m Jan 11, 2021
7m
S1 Ep622: Pocket Device That Packs A Huge Accessibility Punch.
Imagine having lots of newspapers, magazines and books, on 1 device, in your pocket. Imagine you could make calls, surf the net, use GPS  along with lots more great applications? Well you can, with In Your Pocket. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Nicki Cockburn to find out how easy it is to use, for someone who is blind, and what her favourite things are about In Your Pocket. If ...
7m Jan 05, 2021
7m
S1 Ep619: British Blind Sport's Review Of The Year.
Each year, at this time, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with the Chief Executives of some of the world's largest sight loss charities. Today we speak with Alaina MacGregor, CEO of British Blind Sport, to find out how pandemic restrictions impacted on their work, how the team pulled together through difficult times and why 2021 is looking positive for sport and leisure activities for ...
7m Dec 29, 2020
7m
S1 Ep629: UK Sight Loss Charity's Chief Exec's Review Of 2020.
Each year we talk with Chief Executives, from some of the world's largest sight loss charities. We look back at the current year, it's highlights and challenges, and look at what's ahead in the new year. Today, RNIB Connect Radio's Steven Scott talks with Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB. Matt talks about facing some hard times through the pandemic, a statutory enquiry and tells us why a highlight...
12m Dec 24, 2020
12m