S1 Ep556: Government Help To Spot Fraudsters.
There are people out there who want to get hold of your identity and bank details in order to defraud you of your hard earned money. Fortunately, there is help to support you spot scams and phishing attempts, as well as report them to the authorities. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Roland Stutz, from Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs, to find out how they can help stop fraud befo...
6m Oct 15, 2020
6m
S1 Ep554: Interview with Diane Cook, Booker Prize Shortlisted Author
2020 Booker Prize shortlisted author Diane Cook talks to Red Szell about her novel The New Wilderness
8m Oct 14, 2020
8m
Christmas Gift Ideas from the RNIB Shop
RNIB's new gift guide for Christmas is now available to download or order from RNIB Shop.  Steven Scott found out about what's in this year's catalogue with Dave Williams from the RNIB Shop. Image shows a personalised lightbox reading "Xmas Gift Guide", surrounded by holly and baubles
7m Oct 14, 2020
7m
S1 Ep552: Big Wins For Disability Tech Company.
Gavin Neate created the Neatebox company to provide, easy to use, tech solutions to improve the independent mobility and confidence of people with disabilities. The solutions also help service providers deliver a first class customer service offering to anyone who uses the Neatebox products. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Gavin to hear about 2 Ayrshire towns who are making crossi...
8m Oct 14, 2020
8m
S1 Ep553: Read Easy With RNIB & In Your Pocket
In Your Pocket is a simple way for blind and partially sighted people to access the RNIB Reading Services Online Library and RNIB Newsagent services, as well as make phone calls.  Our Red Szell spoke with two enthusiastic adopters of the device Margaret Wilson-Haynes and RNIB's Paul Porter, to discuss the great features it offers and how it helps access books and newspapers easily.   For more...
8m Oct 13, 2020
8m
S1 Ep550: Fantastic Virtual Events For Visually Impaired Children And Young People.
With pandemic restrictions putting an end to many face to face events, RNIB Northern Ireland had to move it's summer camp online. The virtual events covered a variety of topics, including beauty, yoga, music and much more over several days. They're now looking forward to 3 months of events for parents, children and young people, from across the UK. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to...
8m Oct 13, 2020
8m
S1 Ep551: Why Is Voting Still Not Accessible?
It's claimed the UK's voting system only allows one in ten blind people to have their say independently.  Figures also show more than half of people with sight problems weren't able to read any information sent to them ahead of the last election.  The RNIB, which carried out the research, is suggesting changes before council and mayoral polls open in England in May.  Disability campaigner Ra...
4m Oct 13, 2020
4m
S1 Ep549: Sight Loss Charity Launches Scottish Parliamentary Manifesto
RNIB Scotland has launched it's Manifesto, ahead of the Scottish Parliamentary Elections in 2021. The Manifesto is produced ahead of political elections, and in some cases local by-elections, to put forward the worries, concerns and asks of blind and partially sighted people. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to James Adams, Director of RNIB Scotland, to find out what's in this year's ...
6m Oct 12, 2020
6m
S1 Ep542: Read On Wigtown Book Festival Special
Usually at this time of year, Read On would be in the beautiful Galloway Hills at the Wigtown Book Festival, but what with Covid and Robert's broken ankle, our attendance this year was doomed! So, this week in a packed show we revisit the 2019 Wigtown Book Festival. Former Home Secretary Alan Johnson on his book, 'In My Life: A Musical Memoir' (Starts at 1.34) Kerry Hudson on Lowborn (Down th...
58m Oct 09, 2020
58m
S1 Ep547: Charity Chief Exec's Weekly Update 09/10/2020.
Each week RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Matt Stringer, RNIB CEO, to look at some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity. This week there's news on E-scooters, praise from the UK Cabinet Office, tackling loneliness and a successful Virtual London Marathon. If you need help or advice for people with sight loss, or more information on eye health, visit https://w...
7m Oct 09, 2020
7m
S1 Ep548: Don't Let Stigma Stop You From Seeking Help
Let's chat about mental wellbeing this World Mental Health Day 2020.   According to research including over 16,000 people from the charity MIND, more than half of adults and over two thirds of young people said their mental health got worse during lockdown.  But what if you're living with sight loss?  We spoke with Dr. Mhairi Thurston, Senior Lecturer in Counselling at Abertay University ab...
9m Oct 08, 2020
9m
S1 Ep548: RNIB's Service Supporting Mental Health 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. In light of this, RNIB's Sight Loss Advice Service (https://www.rnib.org.uk/advice) has worked with Mind (https://www.mind.org.uk/) , the mental health charity, to offer free emergency mental health sessions over the p...
7m Oct 08, 2020
7m
#RaiseYourGlasses in support of good eye health with Sightsavers
As part of this year's World Sight Day, international sight loss charity Sightsavers are asking us all to #RaiseYourGlasses to raise awareness of the need for better eyecare in developing countries. Iain Jones from the charity speaks to Steven Scott about how one billion people's eyesight problems could have been prevented if glasses were available to them. Find out more here: https://www.sig...
10m Oct 08, 2020
10m
S1 Ep543: A beautiful poem for World Sight Day from the Blind Poet
On World Sight Day, the Blind Poet Dave Steele shares a poem about sight loss.
2m Oct 08, 2020
2m
S1 Ep544: World Blind Union Events For World Sight Day 2020.
The 8th of October 2020 is World Sight Day, with events taking place across the globe. Globally, at least 1 Billion people have a near or distance vision impairment that could have been prevented or has yet to be addressed. The WBU will be highlighting the latest World Health Organisation's report on sight loss, as well as hosting online events for everyone to join in with. RNIB Connect Radi...
7m Oct 08, 2020
7m
S1 Ep546: Choc It Out: Kellogg's Gets New Accessible Packaging!
To mark World Sight Day, Kellogg’s in partnership with the RNIB launched new Coco Pops boxes that make the packaging fully accessible to blind and partially sighted people. Featuring a UK-first technology called NaviLens, the cereal boxes will be available in almost 60 Co-Op stores across the UK and include a scannable code that can be used with a smartphone to give access to the ingredients, ...
8m Oct 08, 2020
8m
S1 Ep545: Don't Be Overwhelmed By Sight Loss
Being diagnosed with a sight condition can have a big impact on your life.  Which is why, ahead of this year's World Mental Health Day we spoke with RNIB's Confidence Building Co-ordinator Ben Gavan to hear about their Living With Sight Loss Courses.  These free, informal, and community-based  courses can help you adjust to your sight condition, increase your independence and grow your confid...
10m Oct 07, 2020
10m
S1 Ep541: Connect Voices Round Up 7th October
Barry Snell chats to RNIB's National Involvement Coordinator Clare Aldworth who has more exciting opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to get involved in. For more information about RNIB's Connect Voices visit: http://www.rnib.org.uk/rnibconnect/connect-voices (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pin...
7m Oct 07, 2020
7m
S1 Ep539: Nicki Takes On Britain's Best Brains.
Listeners to RNIB Connect Radio may remember, during the summer, being quizzed by Nicki Cockburn on the Daily Connect show. She's taken her love of trivia and quizzing to new heights by appearing on Radio 4's Brain of Britain competition. RNIB Connect radio's Allan Russell spoke to Nicki to hear how she got on and why she's addicted to trivia… #RNIBConnect Image: Black circle with a white Qu...
5m Oct 07, 2020
5m
S1 Ep540: What's Available With Braille?
For this year's National Braille Week our Steven Scott has been finding out what's available with braille through the RNIB Shop. Steven spoke with RNIB's Customer Experience Manager Dave Williams. For RNIB shop go to: https://shop.rnib.org.uk/ or call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 
6m Oct 07, 2020
6m
S1 Ep538: RNIB'S Transcription Services Are Here To Help
Barry Snell chats too Gill, Mac and Andrew from RNIB’s Transcription Centre in Ivybridge, to learn more about the service and the different formats which are currently available. The team also to discuss the recent transcribing of a poetry book, written by volunteer Mac, which illustrates the service available to anyone with sight loss. The Personal Transcription team at Ivybridge offer advice...
7m Oct 06, 2020
7m
S1 Ep537: In Your Pocket Device, Improves Independent Mobility.
The In Your Pocket device brings a whole host of applications, via a simple to use piece of equipment, to blind and partially sighted people of all ages. Using your voice, you can make calls, join Zoom meetings, read the days newspapers and magazines, navigate outdoors and much more. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to, guide dog  owner, Stephanie Sergeant to find out why she loves In...
3m Oct 06, 2020
3m
S1 Ep535: Visionary UK And Beacon Vision Championing Safe Social Care.
The delivery of social care in care homes, or in the community, has many challenges due to Covid-19 restrictions. When you add sight loss into the mix, of those requiring care, the challenge to provide a safe and professional service increases. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Fiona Sandford, from Visionary UK, and Lisa Cowley, from Beacon Vision, to find out how charities are shar...
10m Oct 05, 2020
10m
S1 Ep536: Social Distancing Wearables On Sale Now
For those with visual impairments, or hidden disabilities, getting out and about, while trying to social distance, can be difficult and challenging. In response to calls for some kind of wearable identifiers, to help the public recognise that someone may have difficulty social distancing, RNIB and the Hidden Disabilities Store have teamed up to launch some new products. RNIB Connect Radio's A...
8m Oct 05, 2020
8m
S1 Ep534: Take Part In Exciting New Research Into Dry Age Related Macular Degeneration.
Professor Paulo Stanga, from the London Vision Clinic, is working on a global research study to look at the causes, and new treatments, for Dry AMD, one of the biggest causes of sight loss in the UK. He is looking for people with the condition to get in touch and take part in the ground breaking work. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Professor Stanga to learn more about the work, i...
7m Oct 02, 2020
7m
S1 Ep534: RNIB Chief Exec's Weekly Update 02/10/2020.
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell is joined by Matt Stringer, RNIB's CEO, to talk about some of the latest news coming from the UK sight loss charity. This week there's news on Braille Lego, the Give Me Space project, fund raising and work towards better collaborative working for some of the UK's biggest sight loss charities. http://www.rnib.org.uk #RNIBConnect Image: Matt String...
9m Oct 02, 2020
9m
S1 Ep533: Music Box Celebrates Black History Month
Barry Snell chats to Music Box presenter Sandra Gayer, who is marking this year's Black History Month with four special programmes. Click below to find out more more about Music Box on RNIB Connect Radio https://www.rnibconnectradio.org.uk/music-box.html
6m Oct 01, 2020
6m
S1 Ep532: Cinemas Safely Supporting Visually Impaired People Back To Audio Described Movies.
Many cinemas, across the UK, are opening their doors once again to welcome us back to enjoy the big screen movie experience. That return, though, has to be done in a safe and socially distanced manner, to protect the health and wellbeing of customers and staff. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to James Connor, from Cinema UK, and Calum Corser, from Odeon, to find out how cinemas can h...
7m Oct 01, 2020
7m
S1 Ep532: UK Equalities Act Is 10 Years Old.
The Equalities Act came into force on the 1st of October 2010 and gave anyone who felt discriminated against, in a wide range of circumstances, a way of standing up for their rights. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Anita Marshall, from RNIB's Legal Rights Service, to learn more about the act and how blind and partially sighted people can use it to help them stand up to instances of...
6m Oct 01, 2020
6m
S1 Ep530: Steps Back To Audio Description In UK Theatres.
Some theatres, around the UK, have started to host performances inside venues once again, making sure that safety around Covid-19 is a top priority. For many blind and partially sighted visitors, audio description, is vital for the enjoyment of the visual performance, until now this has been through online shows. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Anne Hornsby, from MindsEye Arts, to...
8m Sep 30, 2020
8m
S1 Ep530: New Research Looks At Diabetic Retinopathy And Covid-19.
Fight For Sight UK is a charity which fund raises in order to award grants in the field of sight loss research. A new project is now underway looking at Diabetic Retinopathy and any links to Covid-19 that could increase further effects on the body for someone with the sight loss condition. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Dr Neha Issar-Brown, from Fight For Sight UK, to learn more ...
7m Sep 30, 2020
7m
S1 Ep531: Red Szell discusses Lego Braille Bricks
Morten Bonde is a senior artistic director at The Lego Group.  He spoke to Red Szell on Read On recently about his book ‘Sentenced to Blindness’, his struggle to come to terms with sight loss and how he regained his positivity. During that discussion they also chatted about Morten's joy in becoming the spokesperson for the new Lego braille bricks project.
8m Sep 29, 2020
8m
S1 Ep529: The Blind Poet performs for National Poetry Day
Dave Steele ‘The Blind Poet’ has written a poem especially for RNIB Connect Radio to mark National Poetry Day and to reassure BVI listeners facing stricter lockdown measures that they have the strength to get through. He performs the poem for the first time and exclusively on RNIB Connect Radio.
5m Sep 29, 2020
5m
S1 Ep528: Senedd Member Takes Up The Marathon Mates Challenge.
Senedd member, Mark Isherwood MS and his case worker, Toby Jones have taken up the Marathon Mates challenge, from sight loss charity RNIB. The fund raising event asks you to pair up with a friend, you don't have to be in the same place, and, between you, cover a marathon distance of 26.2 miles. You don't have to do it in one go either, the distance can be run over the month of September. RNI...
5m Sep 29, 2020
5m
Lego Braille Bricks & the importance of learning through play
Last year the Lego Foundation teamed up with charities around the globe including RNIB to promote the importance of learning through play. The organisation's latest venture is Lego Braille Bricks, a new concept of play based methodology that aims to teach braille to children who are blind or have a visual impairment. RNIB are the sole distributor of Lego Braille Bricks in the UK.  Steven Scot...
7m Sep 28, 2020
7m
S1 Ep527: Covid-19 advice for Higher Education Establishments With Visually Impaired Students.
The Thomas Pocklington Trust has put together some best practice advice and guidance for universities to support them in providing the best safe working environment for blind and partially sighted students. Current restrictions have made it challenging for students with sight loss to attend lectures, navigate campus areas or use online resources. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Ta...
5m Sep 28, 2020
5m
S1 Ep527: Charities Collaborate On visual impairment survey.
RNIB, Guide Dogs and The Thomas Pocklington Trust are collaborating on an in depth survey on the lives of blind and partially sighted people in the UK. They are looking for anyone with a form of sight loss to get involved and help shape the future work of the whole sector. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Hilary Ingleton, from RNIB, to learn more about the work and how the public c...
5m Sep 28, 2020
5m
S1 Ep526: Chief Exec's Weekly Update, 25/09/20
Each week, we catch up with RNIB CEO Matt Stringer to hear about some of the latest news to come from the UK leading sight loss charity. This week Matt spoke with our Steven Scott and they chat changes in restrictions nationwide, Social Distancing Indicators (wearable accessories), National Eye Health Week, and whether it's still warm enough to wear shorts. For more information about RNIB and...
16m Sep 25, 2020
16m
S1 Ep525: Did You Know About RNIB's Talk and Support Service?
Barry Snell chats with RNIB’s counselling and wellbeing team leader Ruth Williams about RNIB's Talk and Support befriending groups. These groups help people socialise by phone or online, for friendship and peer support in small groups. To learn more about RNIB's Talk and Support befriending groups please visit https://www.rnib.org.uk/sight-loss-advice/talk-and-support Or call 0303 123 9999 ...
5m Sep 25, 2020
5m
National Eye Health Week: Optometrists & Covid-19
As part of National Eye Health Week, Steven Scott sat down with optometrist Bill Harvey to discuss how remote working is helping him continue to look after his patients. He also discusses his work with supporting people with learning disabilities and how even Covid-19 is not stopping him carrying out his work.
14m Sep 23, 2020
14m
S1 Ep524: Connect Voices Round Up 23rd September
Barry Snell talks to RNIB’s National Involvement Coordinator Charlotte Jones who has the results from a recent Tech Talk survey, plus more opportunities for people with sight loss to get involved in. For more information about RNIB's Connect Voices visit: http://www.rnib.org.uk/rnibconnect/connect-voices (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background a...
6m Sep 23, 2020
6m
S1 Ep523: Campaigning Makes High Street Safer.
When a London council and Transport For London decided to introduce a shared space area to a local high street, there were concerns over pedestrian safety. Dr Amit Patel, a local guide dog owner, was worried about a courtesy crossing that would replace a traffic light crossing, as it required the pedestrian to make eye contact with drivers to indicate their wish to cross in front of them. Wit...
6m Sep 23, 2020
6m
S1 Ep521: RNIB NI Summer Camp
RNIB Northern Ireland recently ran a 4 day summer camp, virtually, due to Covid-19 restrictions. The event had live and recorded events with many opportunities for blind and partially sighted children, and their families, to learn new skills, meet new friends and have lots of fun. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Roisin Meagher, from RNIB Northern Ireland, to learn more about the c...
6m Sep 22, 2020
6m
S1 Ep522: National Eye Health Week & World Alzheimer's Day.
September 21st 2020 is not only World Alzheimer's Day but it's also National Eye Health Week and there is a connection between good eye health and a better quality of life for those with Alzheimer's. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to June Neil, from RNIB, and Barbara Sharp, from Alzheimer's Scotland. They discussed the collaborative work between the 2 organisations and the resources...
8m Sep 21, 2020
8m
S1 Ep520: National Eye Health Week, Sali Davies of Optometry Wales.
Sali Davies, Chief Executive of Optometry Wales, spoke to RNIB Cymru for National Eye Health Week, telling them what she would like people to be aware of at at this time. Photo is RNIB Cymru logo.
6m Sep 21, 2020
6m
Marathon Mates - The Last Stretch
There's still time to get involved with RNIB's new virtual marathon called Marathon Mates. RNIB Connect Radio presenter and producer Allan Russell took part alongside his daughter Laura. Find out how he got on and how much he has raised so far in his interview with Steven Scott. https://marathonmates.rnib.org.uk/ Photograph shows the lower half of some marathon runners running on an asphalt ...
7m Sep 18, 2020
7m
S1 Ep519: Chief Exec's Weekly Update, 18/09/2020.
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell and RNIB CEO Matt Stringer talk about some of the latest news to come from the UK sight loss charity. This week they discuss the staff return to the London HQ, a Marathon Mates fund raising update and  Matt's thoughts on the Booker Prize and his disappointment that one of his favourite author's is, shockingly, not included in the short list. http:...
7m Sep 18, 2020
7m
S1 Ep519: National Eye Health Week Focus on Northern Ireland.
National Eye Care Week encourages us to make sure we get our eyes tested regularly to keep our sight in tip top shape and to pick up any treatable conditions early. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Catherine Hamilton, from Telford Opticians and Optomise Eyecare, to learn more about safety procedures in Northern Ireland, the ability to have eye care at home, or virtually, and why reg...
7m Sep 18, 2020
7m
S1 Ep518: National Eye Health Week - Looking After Our Kids' Eyes
National Eye Health Week runs this year from the 21st till 27th of September and the awareness campaign aims to inspire and educate people on the importance of eye health and why they should go for regular sight tests. RNIB Connect Radio’s Paulina Kuchorew spoke with Karen Hirst from RNIB’s Children, Young People and Families (CYPF) team to get the best advice around our kid’s eye health and a...
8m Sep 17, 2020
8m
Just See Me, a poem by Suzanne Clarke
We know listeners to RNIB Connect Radio really value hearing other people's lived experiences of sight loss; that's why today we are so glad to bring you the voice of Suzanne Clarke, a former nurse who now lives with a visual impairment. She wanted to share her life story with us and did so through poetry. Here's Suzanne's story.
5m Sep 17, 2020
5m