S1 Ep440: Priority Delivery Slots
Since RNIB extended it's helpline's opening hours, they've seen a huge increase in blind and partially sighted people struggle to secure online delivery slots for their grocery shop. The charity has worked with supermarkets, smaller grocers and government departments to make the process easier and more accessible and have now been engaged by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affai...
5m Jun 18, 2020
5m
S1 Ep439: Visionary UK supports Charities Helping Those With Sight Loss.
Visionary UK supports Charities Helping Those With Sight Loss. Every fortnight, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell speaks to Visionary UK's Chief Exec Fiona Sandford to hear what the organisation is up to, supporting local charities and highlighting some of their work. This week Fiona tells us how they are running workshops for smaller charities, to help them use digital platforms to reach an...
6m Jun 18, 2020
6m
S1 Ep441: Don't Lose Sight Over Coronavirus
RNIB is urging us to continue attending scheduled eye appointments as more and more are at risk of losing their sight due to fear of going to hospital during the coronavirus outbreak. RNIB Connect Radio’s Paulina Kuchorew spoke with Daphne Shilliday who has regular injections to treat Age Related Macular Degeneration and has recently attended the Macular Clinic at the Mater Hospital in Belfast...
7m Jun 17, 2020
7m
S1 Ep438: RNIB Campaigns Update
Since the coronavirus pandemic turned lives upside down, RNIB have been fighting to make sure that the blind and visually impaired community have access to shopping. Basil Oxtoby found out about the recent work the RNIB campaigns team have been doing 
10m Jun 17, 2020
10m
S1 Ep437: Loneliness Awareness Week 2020
This year’s Loneliness Awareness Week runs from 15th till 21st of June and aims to not only raise awareness but also to encourage open dialogue around loneliness.  Charity RNIB has been working hard to ensure blind and partially sighted people facing loneliness are supported through this challenging period.   Director of Services at RNIB David Clarke spoke with our Steven Scott about their wo...
7m Jun 17, 2020
7m
S1 Ep436: Volunteering Is A Great Way To Advance On The Path To Employment.
When James Kyle completed his Masters Degree, he found it difficult to secure job interviews. After seeking help from RNIB, he began to get support from their employment team, gained valuable skills from the volunteering team and has now secured employment. RNIB Connect radio's Allan Russell spoke to James to learn more about his journey and Hollie Wilson, RNIB Volunteer Manager, to find out wh...
8m Jun 17, 2020
8m
S1 Ep435: Safe Ways To Help Guide Dog Owners Stay Independent.
The UK charity Guide Dogs, has carried out some research into the barriers that will exist for blind and partially sighted people as lockdown eases. There are concerns around the change of street layouts, ability to safely travel on public transport, reduced support from retailers and a downturn in the public's confidence in providing assistance to visually impaired people. RNIB Connect Radio's...
9m Jun 17, 2020
9m
S1 Ep434: Is Fully Accessible Voting On The Way For Scottish Elections?
The Scottish Parliament has voted through electoral amendments that could pave the way for more accessible ways to vote in future Scottish elections. RNIB Connect radio's Allan Russell spoke to Minister for Parliamentary Business, Graeme Dey MSP, Colin Smith MSP and Jeremy Balfour MSP to learn more about what this could mean for blind and partially sighted voters and if there was a timetable f...
10m Jun 16, 2020
10m
S1 Ep433: Are E-Scooters Dangerous? Have Your Say
With lockdown easing, the UK Government is looking at increasing the ways that we can get around. This is to help public transport which is now restricted in the ways it can operate and the amount of passengers things like buses can carry. There is a consultation looking at E-Scooters being more available to hire and ride on our streets and RNIB is concerned. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell ...
6m Jun 13, 2020
6m
S1 Ep431: Blind Adventurer Talks Covid 19 And Lockdown.
Amar Latif is the founder of holiday company Traveleyes, has appeared on many tv programmes and is renowned as a motivational speaker. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Amar about surviving coronavirus, tips for getting through lockdown as a blind person and we discover a culinary secret. #RNIBConnect Image: Amar Latif Traveleyes CEO
10m Jun 12, 2020
10m
S1 Ep430: RNIB's Sight Advice FAQ
Barry Snell chats with RNIB’s Natalie Heath, to find out about the charities Sight Advice FAQ partnership and how it is helping blind and partially sighted people access the latest information during the coronavirus lockdown. Image: RNIB See Differently logo, black writing against a white backdrop, with a pink line underneath the word RNIB.
4m Jun 11, 2020
4m
S1 Ep429: Supermarket Update
Special Projects Manager Steve Packer gives the latest supermarket updates from RNIB. 
3m Jun 11, 2020
3m
S1 Ep428: Benefits for Carers
6m Jun 10, 2020
6m
S1 Ep423: Can You Improve Your Dog's Mental Health With Music?
During lockdown, we've talked a great deal about our mental health and the adjustments we've had to make in such a short space of time. Did you know that your dog could also be feeling the affects of this and that it could have a negative impact on their mental health? RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to, celebrity vet, Emma Milne to learn more about the signs to look out for, how dogs ...
7m Jun 09, 2020
7m
S1 Ep427: How RNIB Can Help And Support Parents Of Children With Sight Loss
As we celebrate the invaluable role Carers provide throughout the UK, the sight loss charity RNIB are keen to highlight the services, available to parents of children with sight loss. Barry Snell caught up with RNIB’s Family Support Officer Craig Brown, to find out more. Image: RNIB See Differently logo in black writing against a white backdrop, There is also a striking pink line, underneath th...
4m Jun 09, 2020
4m
S1 Ep426: RNIB's Top Tips For Carers
Sight loss charity RNIB have produced Top Tip cards to help carers feel more confident about talking to a person with sight loss. Barry Snell spoke with their UK Training and Development Manager, June Neil to find out more. Image: RNIB See Differently Logo, Black writing with pink line, underneath the word RNIB. Set against a plain white background. rnib.org.uk (https://www.rnib.org.uk/) www.ca...
8m Jun 09, 2020
8m
S1 Ep422: Accessible Voting Win For Scotland.
On June 3rd 2020, The Scottish Parliament sat to vote on the Electoral Reform Bill, which contained Amendments to make voting more accessible for blind and partially sighted people. Many of the asks were voted through and this means that a pilot will now be put in motion to look at electronic voting, among other improvements. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Cate Vallis, from RNIB Sc...
5m Jun 05, 2020
5m
S1 Ep421: Have Your Say on Streets
With lockdown easing, at different stages, across the UK, sight loss charity RNIB is concerned about the reduction in the ability of blind and partially sighted people, to get around independently. They have contacted local councils to discuss best practice when altering street layouts, for more socially distanced pedestrians and cyclists but need your help. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell s...
6m Jun 04, 2020
6m
S1 Ep417: RNIB Connect Voices - June Update
RNIB Connect Voices is your way to get involved in RNIB's work, help shape what the charity does, and create a world where there are no barriers for people with sight loss. We spoke with RNIB National Involvement Coordinator, Charlotte Jones to find out about the latest involvement opportunities. Charlotte spoke with RNIB Connect Radio's Paulina Kuchorew. (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written ...
6m Jun 03, 2020
6m
S1 Ep420: What's Lockdown Like In Canada If Your Visually Impaired?
With different countries, around the globe, moving through lockdown at different stages, we thought we'd look at what it's like to be blind and living in Canada. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Sarah Utecht, who discuss going back to work, how she keeps physically and mentally fit and how her guide dog is coping. http://www.cnib.ca #RNIBConnect Image: Canadian Flag
9m Jun 03, 2020
9m
S1 Ep419: Taking On The Atlantic
Stuart Shepherd, Martin Skeehan and brothers Gary and Stuart Richards all share a love for rowing and have decided to take on the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, to raise money for two charities which are close to their hearts - RNIB and Severn Hospice. Known as the World's toughest row, the four friends will have to row from the Canary Islands to Antigua, spending up to 50 days at sea. R...
8m Jun 02, 2020
8m
S1 Ep418: RNIB Wins 2 Year Legal Battle For Customer.
When someone loses their sight, rehabilitation training should begin, with their local council, 3 months after registration and application. However, for 1 RNIB customer, the battle to secure her rehab has lasted 2 years. Finally, after support from RNIB, an Ombudsman's decision was given in favour of the customer and her life can begin once again. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Da...
6m Jun 02, 2020
6m
S1 Ep415: Positive Collaboration Between RNIB Cymru And The Welsh Government.
RNIB Cymru have been working to influence some changes to the Coronavirus Act 2020, on behalf of blind and partially sighted people in Wales. The legislation was created quickly, to respond to the growing pandemic but opportunities have arisen to make positive, and urgent, changes to help support people with visual impairments. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Nathan Owen, RNIB Cymru...
8m May 29, 2020
8m
S1 Ep409: RNIB Would Like To Hear Your Lockdown Experience
RNIB would like to hear about your lockdown experience.  For the next six weeks RNIB will run an online survey through their Connect Voices Network to do with sight loss and coronavirus and to find out what barriers blind and partially sighted people have faced during the coronavirus outbreak.  RNIB’s Emma Edwards shares with RNIB Connect Radio’s Paulina Kuchorew how you can get involved with t...
4m May 27, 2020
4m
S1 Ep413: Financial Support For Self Employed People.
To further support UK businesses, Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will be administering the Self Employment Income Support Scheme for individuals who qualify. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Nikki Sanders, from HMRC, to learn more about the support, how you can check if you are eligible and a reminder to employees, who are registered as blind, that they can also claim the B...
4m May 27, 2020
4m
S1 Ep408: Over The Phone Choir Connects VI Community
Have you ever considered singing over the phone?  Earlier this year, RNIB Scotland’s Mike Holroyd founded a choir for the VI community to meet up in Edinburgh and sing together. But with the lockdown in place, Mike had to come up with a new way to keep the music going.   RNIB Connect Radio’s Paulina Kuchorew  spoke with Mike about his idea and how technology has helped them stay connected despi...
7m May 26, 2020
7m
S1 Ep412: RNIB Conducts Nation-Wide Survey On Shopping Experience's During Lockdown
RNIB Scotland director James Adams shares the findings of a recent RNIB survey, which asked blind and partially sighted people about their experiences of shopping, during the coronavirus lockdown. Image: RNIB See Differently Logo (RNIB is written in black, with pink stripe underneath, against a white background)
5m May 26, 2020
5m
S1 Ep406: Accessible Coronavirus Information Gets UK Cabinet Support.
With information on coronavirus and lockdown changing on an almost daily basis, it is more important than ever to have access to the latest updates. If you are blind or partially sighted however, this can sometimes be difficult. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Mike Wordingham from RNIB’s Campaigns team, to hear how you can support accessible information updates and a big win from wi...
6m May 22, 2020
6m
S1 Ep402: RNIB Scotland Share Concerns Over Pop Up Cycle Paths
RNIB Scotland is urging local authorities to ensure that new plans to create temporary cycle-lanes do not endanger blind and partially sighted people. Barry Snell spoke with RNIB Scotland's Director James Adams, to find out more about the charities concerns.
3m May 13, 2020
3m
S1 Ep400: Free Relaxation Course Helps Us To Unwind
During lockdown it’s more important than ever to find ways to relax, switch off and get ourselves into a calmer, more tranquil place. Natural Inclusion is where you can find all sorts of advice and courses to engage with our surroundings, enjoy and appreciate nature and improve our mental wellbeing. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Andrew Shipley to learn more about the website and w...
6m May 07, 2020
6m
S1 Ep399: Studying From Home Just Got Easier For Visually Impaired Students.
RNIB Book Share is a free service which can now provide over half a million educational titles in accessible formats, for blind and partially sighted students, of all ages. This is a vital resource and even if a title is not available, you can make a request for the charity to attempt to source it for you. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Stacy Scott from RNIB Book Share to learn mor...
6m May 07, 2020
6m
S1 Ep398: RNIB Makes It Easy For Visually Impaired Students To Study Anywhere.
With lockdown well under way, studying at home has become the norm for students of all ages. How easy is it though, to find all your study books in an accessible format, and free, if you are blind or partially sighted? RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to visually impaired 6th former Charlie and his mum Christine, to find out more about the RNIB Book Share service and what a difference i...
5m May 07, 2020
5m
S1 Ep396: Getting The Accessible Message Out With Jon Snow.
With information and advice on coronavirus coming thick and fast, it’s important that vital message reaches as many people as possible. RNIB and the UK Government Cabinet Office have teamed up to make sure that official releases are easily accessible for blind people, who may not have access to the internet or have difficulty reading text. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to broadcaster...
5m May 06, 2020
5m
S1 Ep394: Tech Help For Visually Impaired People Gets Easier To Access.
Imagine a free app that allows a sighted person to give help to someone who is blind or partially sighted, becoming their eyes? Could that app support specialist help from banks, companies like Microsoft and even charities like RNIB? The answer is yes and the Be My Eyes app is absolutely free. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Will Butler from Be My Eyes, to learn more about the free ...
7m May 05, 2020
7m
S1 Ep392: Matthew Cooke's 2.6 Challenge
RNIB Connect Radio’s Barry Snell chats to Doctor Matthew Cooke, who recently completed the 2.6 challenge, to raise money for a charity close to his heart. Find out how you can get involved by clicking on the link below. https://www.rnib.org.uk/donations-and-fundraising/challenge-events/2-6-challenge To donate to Matthew's own 2.6 Challenge, click on the link below. https://www.justgiving.com/fu...
5m Apr 29, 2020
5m
S1 Ep390: Having Problems With Access To Work?
The UK Government’s Access To Work scheme is there to help people with disabilities into the work place, or retain their job should there be a change in their health. The system helps to pay for things like assistive technology, work place accessibility, travel to work and even the cost of a support worker. However, since we went into lockdown, many ATW customers have had problems using the ser...
5m Apr 29, 2020
5m
S1 Ep389: Make Your Opinions Around Lockdown Known If You Are Visually Impaired.
Lockdown has meant a huge change in the way we live and work. Social distancing, isolation, working from home, physical and mental health and much, much more. Some of these changes have thrown up barriers and the need to live our lives in a completely different way. Sight loss charity RNIB has been working to improve the services and day to day lives of those who are blind and partially sighted...
4m Apr 29, 2020
4m
S1 Ep388: Lizzie Tovey's 2.6 Challenge
RNIB Connect Radio’s Barry Snell chats to Lizzie Tovey, who despite facing health problems, has come up with a brilliant fundraising idea to help raise money for charity. Find out how you can get involved by clicking on the link below. https://www.rnib.org.uk/donations-and-fundraising/challenge-events/2-6-challenge To donate to Lizzie's own 2.6 Challenge click on the link below. https://www.jus...
6m Apr 27, 2020
6m
S1 Ep387: New Support For Visually Impaired Students:
A new resource has been created to help blind and partially sighted people who are about to head into further and higher education, as well as those who are currently at college or University. Thomas Pocklington Trust has produced a website, with social media elements, to give advice, answer questions and provide groups with advice from visually impaired students already in further and higher e...
6m Apr 27, 2020
6m
S1 Ep384: Chris Tells Us How He Gets Through Lockdown In The US.
Each month RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell speaks with Chris Danielsen from the National Federation of the Blind in the USA. They look at some of the big talking points around sight loss in the country and events for blind and partially sighted people to get involved in. This month, we thought we would find out what it’s like for a blind person to work from home and get through lockdown and ...
9m Apr 23, 2020
9m
S1 Ep383: An update from Clive Wood Policy & Campaign Manager for Guide Dogs.
The toll of social isolation is beginning to take hold for many and those with sight loss are at extra risk of being further isolated.   Clive Wood, Policy & Campaign Manager at Guide Dogs chats with RNIB Connect Radio’s, Sophie Ewing.   In this episode, Clive highlights his experiences in accessing services and his concerns for the blind and partially sighted community and the importance of ma...
7m Apr 21, 2020
7m
S1 Ep382: Radio Adverts Show We’re Open For Business.
UK sight loss charity, RNIB, is launching a range of radio adverts on many popular FM radio stations, as well as it’s own RNIB Connect Radio, to let people know that we are here for you. With coronavirus throwing up many, ever changing, questions, it’s important for the organisation to keep it’s customers up to date on the latest news around sight loss. Equally important is the need to let blin...
5m Apr 20, 2020
5m
S1 Ep381: Important Information On Coronavirus Must Be Accessible.
During the current pandemic, up to date information is critical to keep us safe and aware of alterations to government services. This information, unfortunately, is sometimes not accessible for blind and partially sighted people. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Mike Wordingham, from RNIB, to find out how the charity is working with the Cabinet Office and other government departments...
5m Apr 17, 2020
5m
S1 Ep380: Help Visually Impaired People Access Shopping With A Twitter Adventure!
Blind and partially sighted people are finding it increasingly difficult to get their shopping, in store, online or over the phone. Because of social distancing, working a guide dog or using a cane is difficult and getting help in store is not always an option. RNIB and other charities have created a petition that will be presented, virtually, to the UK Government but we need your signatures. R...
6m Apr 17, 2020
6m
S1 Ep379: How Challenging Is Lockdown If Your Blind?
We’re all finding new ways of working, shopping and keeping physically and mentally fit under lockdown. However, there are extra challenges and barriers if you are blind or partially sighted. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to BBC Radio Scotland Producer, Philip Sime, to find out how he is getting on and what tips he has for keeping your spirits up… #RNIBConnect Image: BBC Radio Scotla...
8m Apr 17, 2020
8m
S1 Ep378: European Blind Union Supporting Sight Loss Charities.
The European Blind Union is an organisation made up of sight loss charities from across Europe, not just from the European Union countries. They provide a wide range of support to these charities and help to lobby governments for better services for visually impaired people RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to their Executive Director, Lars Bosselmann, to find out how the Coronavirus cri...
10m Apr 17, 2020
10m
S1 Ep377: New NHS Scotland Guidance For Eye Treatment & Emergencies.
During the Coronavirus lockdown, you may be wondering what you should do, in Scotland, if you have an eye clinic appointment, regular clinic visits or have an eye related emergency. A new framework has been rolled out by the NHS in Scotland to give advice and guidance on what to do and who to call. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Consultant Ophthalmologist John Olson, for the latest...
7m Apr 10, 2020
7m
S1 Ep376: Latest UK guidance for Eyecare
RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell speaks with Mike Burdon, President of The Royal College of Ophthalmologists, for the latest advice on eye care, emergency and regular appointments. 
8m Apr 09, 2020
8m
S1 Ep375: Coronavirus Q & A With Dr Sarah Jarvis
We know you have concerns and unanswered questions when it comes to Coronavirus, which is why we took these questions from the RNIB Connect Voices community  and presented them to media GP, Dr Sarah Jarvis.   Dr Sarah Jarvis is a  GP and Clinical Director of Patientaccess.com, she also frequently appears in the media, including appearances on the Jeremy Vine show, One Show, Good Morning Britain...
12m Apr 07, 2020
12m
S1 Ep373: Financial Support For Grass Roots Sight Loss Charities.
The Charity Visionary UK brings together and supports local charities in a number of ways, giving them a collective voice and helping them to collaborate with larger national organisations and charities. During these difficult times, Visionary’s work is more important than ever to help sight loss charities continue to provide as many services to their blind and partially sighted customers as po...
10m Apr 01, 2020
10m