S2 Ep1237: "Start Your Engines" To Support RNIB NI
This weekend’s ‘Revvv It Up’ festival in Dungiven, Northern Ireland will be a mixture of full throttle action and fundraising for good causes. Hywel Davies has been finding out more. For more information and tickets, visit the Revvv It Up Festival website - Revvv It Up Festival 2025 – A Weekend of Horsepower, Music & Family Fun! Tickets, Sat 19 Jul 2025 at 10:00 | Eventbrite (https://www.event...
7m Jul 14, 2025
7m
S2 Ep1236: Will NHS England Finally Make Patient Information Accessible For Blind And Partially Sighted Customers?
For over 9 years now, UK sight loss charity RNIB has been working and campaigning to make all NHS England patient information, available to blind and partially sighted people in an accessible way. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Anna Tylor and Khadija Raza, from RNIB, to find out if there’s light at the end of the tunnel. If you’d like more details, please go to rnib.in/AIS2025 or...
12m Jul 14, 2025
12m
S2 Ep1233: Fundraising For Charity That Supports His Daughter
Alex Brooke is an amazing fundraiser and also a proud dad to 13-year-old Izzy, who also happens to be visually impaired following a diagnosis of Familial Exudative Vitreoretinopathy at birth. Recently, Alex did a 10K run in support of RNIB and he joined Paulina Kuchorew to tell her more about the event and his daughter. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ wri...
9m Jul 11, 2025
9m
S2 Ep1238: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 12/07/2025
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB, to look at some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity. This week Matt talks about The NHS 10 year Plan, Welfare Reform, employment and Eastenders. If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services available from RNIB, go to www.rnib.org.uk (http://www.rnib....
11m Jul 11, 2025
11m
S2 Ep1235: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - Ghost Stories, AD Theatre Review
RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for the next of his regular audio described theatre reviews for 2025 This week we have ‘Ghost Stories’ as the UK Tour visited the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre with description by Professional Audio Describer Sue Re...
6m Jul 11, 2025
6m
S2 Ep1230: Creativity And Playfulness - Roundtable
How does sight loss impact creativity? How can you inject some more playfulness and expression into your daily life? We gathered three panellists in to discuss creativity and playfulness as a blind or partially sighted person in our latest Roundtable. Join composer Bobby Goulder, Writer Ellen Renton and Volunteer Liam Mckinney for this month’s roundtable. Learn more about Bobby on his websit...
27m Jul 11, 2025
27m
S2 Ep1234: What Was The Outcome Of UK MPs Final Vote On The Welfare Bill?
On Wednesday 9th of July, the government’s welfare bill passed its final House of Commons stage as MPs have voted in favour, following some further amendments. But what could this mean for blind and partially sighted people in the UK? Joining us now to discuss the bill is RNIB’s Policy Lead, Roisin Jacklin. For the full RNIB response visit: Read the outcome of UK MPs final vote on the welfar...
6m Jul 10, 2025
6m
S2 Ep1232: Braille Chess Association Take On UK Parliamentary Chess Club
The Braille Chess Association recently had a tournament in one of the UK's most iconic institutions. Amelia spoke to Abi Baker to learn more... Learn more about The Braille Chess Association on their website - BCA – Bringing Chess To Visually Impaired People (https://braillechess.org.uk/) Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital lett...
5m Jul 09, 2025
5m
Audio Plays, Interview With Tony Vale.
Do you enjoy listening to audio plays for radio? Well Jennifer Murray catches up with Tony Vale to learn about his involvement in the writing of audio plays. To learn more about Tony's work, you can contact him at the following email address: tony@valemail.uk Four By Four's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/FourbyFourUK/posts/four-by-four-team-member-tony-vale-is-one-of-the-writers-fo...
8m Jul 09, 2025
8m
S2 Ep1153: Mekong Delta - Travelogue 39 With Jonathan Abro
Join Jonathan Abro on the fifth of our Vietnam Travelogue series. This week he wanders along the Mekong river and tries more delicious food. Tune in to 'The Lunch Break' on RNIB Connect Radio every weekday from 12 noon to 1pm for more Travelogues. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. U...
9m Jul 09, 2025
9m
S2 Ep1229: Get Summer Job Ready With HMRC
HMRC are making sure that young people have all the things they need to be ‘summer-job ready’. Hywel Davies has been hearing about the new features in the accessible HMRC app.
10m Jul 09, 2025
10m
Ania Grudna Sight Loss Story.
Jennifer Murray chats to Ania Grudna to learn about her sight loss journey. Image description: Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.
5m Jul 09, 2025
5m
Javier Rodriguez, Sight Loss Story.
Jennifer Murray speaks to Javier Rodriguez from Madrid, Spain to learn about his sight loss journey. Image description: Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.
9m Jul 08, 2025
9m
S2 Ep1227: V I Safety at Sight Village Central 2025
Sight Village is the UK's leading exhibition of the latest technology, products, and support services for blind and partially sighted people. RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was at Sight Village Central in the Eastside Rooms in Birmingham taking in the atmosphere and chatting with a number of the exhibitors and caught up with Andrew from V I Safety who are also the main sponsor of this year’s ...
6m Jul 08, 2025
6m
S2 Ep1226: Be My Eyes at Sight Village Central 2025
Sight Village is the UK's leading exhibition of the latest technology, products, and support services for blind and partially sighted people. RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was at Sight Village Central in the Eastside Rooms in Birmingham taking in the atmosphere and chatting with a number of the exhibitors and caught up with Jesper from Be My Eyes. For more about Be My Eyes do visit their we...
4m Jul 08, 2025
4m
S2 Ep1221: KapX at Sight Village Central 2025
Sight Village is the UK's leading exhibition of the latest technology, products, and support services for blind and partially sighted people. RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was at Sight Village Central in the Eastside Rooms in Birmingham taking in the atmosphere and chatting with a number of the exhibitors and caught up with Aram from KAPSYS about KAPX their new wearable device for orientatio...
7m Jul 08, 2025
7m
S2 Ep1225: Look UK at Sight Village Central 2025
Sight Village is the UK's leading exhibition of the latest technology, products, and support services for blind and partially sighted people. RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was at Sight Village Central in the Eastside Rooms in Birmingham taking in the atmosphere and chatting with a number of the exhibitors and caught up with two people from Look UK to find out more about how the charity suppo...
6m Jul 08, 2025
6m
S2 Ep1224: Blind in Business at Sight Village Central 2025
Sight Village is the UK's leading exhibition of the latest technology, products, and support services for blind and partially sighted people. RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was at Sight Village Central in the Eastside Rooms in Birmingham taking in the atmosphere and chatting with a number of the exhibitors and caught up with Emma from Blind in Business to find out how they support blind and p...
5m Jul 08, 2025
5m
S2 Ep1228: HumanWare Monarch at Sight Village Central 2025
Sight Village is the UK's leading exhibition of the latest technology, products, and support services for blind and partially sighted people. RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was at Sight Village Central in the Eastside Rooms in Birmingham taking in the atmosphere and chatting with a number of the exhibitors and caught up with David from HumanWare for a demo of the Dynamic Tactile Device the Mo...
6m Jul 08, 2025
6m
S2 Ep1223: TAVIP at Sight Village Central 2025
Sight Village is the UK's leading exhibition of the latest technology, products, and support services for blind and partially sighted people. RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was at Sight Village Central in the Eastside Rooms in Birmingham taking in the atmosphere and chatting with a number of the exhibitors and caught up with Julian from the Technology Association of Visually Impaired People (...
5m Jul 08, 2025
5m
S2 Ep1222: Luna Glasses at Sight Village Central 2025
Sight Village is the UK's leading exhibition of the latest technology, products, and support services for blind and partially sighted people. RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was at Sight Village Central in the Eastside Rooms in Birmingham taking in the atmosphere and chatting with a number of the exhibitors and caught up with Pierre about the soon to be launched Luna Glasses that cold be a gam...
2m Jul 08, 2025
2m
S2 Ep1219: Charity British Blind Sport Turns 50
British Blind Sport, a UK based charity which champions inclusion and accessibility across sport and physical activity, celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to BBS CEO Alaina Macgregor to find out how the charity will mark the milestone. If you’d like more info on British Blind Sport, go to www.britishblindsport.org.uk (https://eur03.safelinks.pro...
10m Jul 08, 2025
10m
S2 Ep1218: Anthony Ogogo 2025
Time to catch up again with registered blind boxer and wrestler Anthony Ogogo to hear about his new coaching venture and fatherhood…
7m Jul 07, 2025
7m
S2 Ep1215: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 05/07/2025
Each week, on RNIB Connect Radio we sit down with Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB, to look at some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity. This week Matt reflects on two major political events, the passing of the Welfare Reform Bill in the commons on Tuesday evening (1 July 2025) with some last minute major changes to the bill and the publication on Thursday (3 July 2025) of the N...
9m Jul 05, 2025
9m
Wymondham Players, Interview With Georgette Vale.
Would you like to learn about Wymondham Players which is a theatre group? Jennifer Murray chats to Georgette Vale to find out more. If you would like to contact Wymondham Players, you can email them on: secretary@wymondhamplayers.org.uk (mailto:secretary@wymondhamplayers.org.uk) You can also visit their website at the following link: Wymondham Players (https://www.wymondhamplayers.org.uk/)...
7m Jul 04, 2025
7m
S2 Ep1202: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - Spitfire Girls, AD Theatre Review
RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for the next of his regular audio described theatre reviews for 2025 This week we have ‘Spitfire Girls’ at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre with description by Professional Audio Describer Carolyn Smith. About ‘S...
6m Jul 04, 2025
6m
S2 Ep1217: NHS England 10 Year Plan And Sight Loss
NHS England has published its 10 Year Health Plan for England. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Vivienne Francis, from RNIB, to discuss what this could mean for blind and partially sighted people. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is wr...
9m Jul 04, 2025
9m
S2 Ep1216: Blind and Partially Sighted People Row the Rhythm at Fulham Reach Boat Club
Fulham Reach Boat Club, a fairly new rowing club on the River Thames in London, very close to Hammersmith Bridge have been running the ‘Row the Rhythm’ sessions for blind and partially sighted people to give them an introduction to the sport of rowing and the opportunity to get out rowing on the Thames too. RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey made his way down to the banks of the River Thames to f...
28m Jul 04, 2025
28m
S2 Ep1214: Simon Hart Comments On The Welfare Reform Bill
The UK Government’s welfare bill passed its first vote in the Parliament on Tuesday, but what do blind and partially sighted people think of it? Hubert Pawelkiewicz spoke with Simon Hart to find out what he thought. And to hear RNIB's response to the bill, hear our interview with Sophie Dudgeon, RNIB’s Head of Campaigns & Public Affairs: LINK (https://audioboom.com/posts/8743106-uk-sight-los...
3m Jul 04, 2025
3m
S2 Ep1213: Selina Mills Comments On The Welfare Reform Bill
On Tuesday 1st of July, following a significant last-minute concession, the Welfare Reform Bill passed through its first vote in the House of Commons. But how does the blind and partially sighted community feel about the result of the vote? Robert Kirkwood spoke with Selina Mills to hear her thoughts on the matter. And to hear RNIB's response to the bill, hear our interview with Sophie Dudgeo...
3m Jul 04, 2025
3m
S2 Ep1212: Harry Georgiou Comments On The Welfare Reform Bill
On Tuesday 1st of July, following a significant last-minute concession, the Welfare Reform Bill passed through its first vote in the House of Commons. But how does the blind and partially sighted community feel about the result of the vote? We spoke with Harry Georgiou to hear what he thinks about the result of the vote. And to hear RNIB's response to the bill, hear our interview with Sophie ...
3m Jul 04, 2025
3m
S2 Ep1211: Yahya Pandor Comments On The Welfare Reform Bill
On Tuesday 1st of July, following a significant last-minute concession, the Welfare Reform Bill passed through its first vote in the House of Commons. But how does the blind and partially sighted community feel about the result of the vote? Amelia spoke with Yahya Pandor. And to hear RNIB's response to the bill, hear our interview with Sophie Dudgeon, RNIB’s Head of Campaigns & Public Affairs...
3m Jul 04, 2025
3m
S2 Ep1210: What's the 'Price Tag' of Disability?
Disabled people in the UK are being put under more financial pressure than ever, but what’s the true ‘price tag’? Hywel Davies has been speaking to UK charity Scope. For more information on Scop and the Disability Price Tag 2025, visit their website - Home | Disability charity Scope UK (https://www.scope.org.uk/)
7m Jul 03, 2025
7m
S2 Ep1209: Yusuf Osman Reacts Comments On The Welfare Reform Bill
With the first vote on the Welfare Reform Bill being passed in the Commons on Tuesday evening after some last minute major changes being made to the bill here on RNIB Connect Radio we are gathering the reactions, thoughts and comments from blind and partially sighted people with Yusuf Osman joining our Toby Davey. And to hear RNIB's response to the bill, hear our interview with Sophie Dudgeon,...
6m Jul 03, 2025
6m
S2 Ep1203: New Audio Drama By And For Blind And Partially Sighted People
Going For Independence in Saltburn By Sea are working on a new audio drama by and for blind and partially sighted people. Amelia spoke to founder, Pam Bennett, and member, Pat Grahame, to learn more. Learn more about and contact Going For Independence on their website - goingforindependence.org (https://www.goingforindependence.org/) Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white backgr...
8m Jul 03, 2025
8m
S2 Ep1208: Dawn Hopper Comments On The Welfare Reform Bill
The UK Government’s welfare bill passed its first vote in the Parliament on Tuesday, but what do blind and partially sighted people think of it? Barry Snell spoke with Dawn Hopper, who was keen to share her thoughts. And to hear RNIB's response to the bill, hear our interview with Sophie Dudgeon, RNIB’s Head of Campaigns & Public Affairs: LINK (https://audioboom.com/posts/8743106-uk-sight-los...
5m Jul 03, 2025
5m
S2 Ep1207: New Horizons for Blind and Partially Sighted Leaders Working Within the Sight Loss Sector
We all know that there is a lack of blind and partially sighted people in Chief Executive and senior leadership roles within the sight loss sector. Well, now the New Horizons Programme lead by RNIB, Guide Dogs and Thomas Pocklington Trust in collaboration with Hult Ashridge Executive Education, a provider of leadership and organisational development solutions will help to empower blind and part...
15m Jul 02, 2025
15m
S2 Ep1153: Central Vietnam - Travelogue 38 With Jonathan Abro
Join Jonathan Abro on the fourth of our Vietnam Travelogue series. Do you take salt in your coffee? How about egg? Well Jonathan tries this and many other Vietnamese eats on his way through central Vietnam. Tune in to 'The Lunch Break' on RNIB Connect Radio every weekday from 12 noon to 1pm for more Travelogues. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in...
8m Jul 02, 2025
8m
S2 Ep1206: Nigel Limb June 2025
Let’s catch up with Nigel Limb and find out what our resident petrolhead has been up to
6m Jul 02, 2025
6m
S2 Ep1205: Paralympian Hangs Up Her Bicycle Clips.
After a hugely successful career as a record breaking, multi medal winning, Para Cyclist, Lora Fachie will now step back from competitive cycling. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Lora about her racing career and her new role with British Blind Sport. #RNIBConnect Image Shows RNIB Logo, White Background, RNIB In Bold Black letters With A Solid Pink Line Below
8m Jul 02, 2025
8m
S2 Ep1204: UK Sight Loss Charity Responds To Government’s Welfare Announcement
UK sight loss charity RNIB, along with other disability organisations, have driven a campaign to make the UK Labour Government reverse it’s proposed changes to welfare payments for some of the most vulnerable people in society. The changes would see many disabled people lose thousands of pounds a year, which they use to offset the extra costs of having a disability. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan...
6m Jul 02, 2025
6m
S2 Ep1201: Glaucoma Awareness Week, Ticking Timebomb of Preventable Sight Loss
For Glaucoma Awareness week 2025 (30 June-6 July 2025) the Association of Optometrists (AOP) have published a research report revealing that there is a ticking time bomb of preventable sight loss. The report highlights that nearly half of people with the condition – often called the ‘invisible condition’ – remain undiagnosed, with some losing significant sight before noticing symptoms. RNIB Co...
10m Jul 01, 2025
10m
S2 Ep1200: RNIB Legacy Garden on Show at RHS Flower Show Wentworth Woodhouse 2025
Multi-award winning Garden Designer Paul Hervey-Brookes has designed the RNIB Legacy Garden at the RHS Flower Show Wentworth Woodhouse 2025 (16-20 July 2025) supported by the players of the People’s Postcode Lottery. Helen Smith RNIB’s Head of Legacy Engagement explains to RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey how the garden came about, working with Paul on the garden, how the garden will help to sh...
9m Jul 01, 2025
9m
Clara In Conversation Podcast, Interview With Claire Forde.
Would you like to hear about how Claire Forde, a blind podcaster chatting about the various people she has interviewed? Well, Jennifer Murray catches up with Claire to find out more. If you would like to listen to Clara In Conversation podcast, you can go to the following link: https://www.youtube.com/@clarainconversation678 (https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2F...
10m Jul 01, 2025
10m
S2 Ep1195: July Almanac - History, Nature, Folklore
What seasonal foods can you enjoy in July? Amelia is back with another monthly almanac. Learn more about the nature and birds of July on the RSPB website - RSPB Bird & Wildlife Conservation Charity (https://www.rspb.org.uk/) Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Con...
4m Jul 01, 2025
4m
S2 Ep1198: Shrewsbury Repair Café Create Audio Described Visit
Do you have an item that needs fixing? Your local repair café might be able to help for free. Amelia spoke to the Shrewsbury repair café team to learn about their repair and socialising opportunities and their new audio described visit. Learn more about the Shrewsbury repair café on their website - Shrewsbury Repair Cafe (https://shrewsrepaircafe.carrd.co/) Listen to the audio described visit...
17m Jul 01, 2025
17m
S2 Ep1197: Which UK Airports Are Providing Great Assistance To Disabled Passengers?
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)  have published their latest report into the standards of service provided to disabled travellers, and those with limited mobility, through UK airports. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Anna Bowles, from the CAA, to find out the rankings and how they are scored. #RNIBConnect Image Shows RNIB Logo, White Background With RNIB in Bold Black Letter...
6m Jul 01, 2025
6m
1146: Losing Sight As A Teenager And Support From Sea Cadets
Issy was worried she’d have to leave Sea Cadets after her vision changed at age 13, but the Loughborough branch in Leicestershire adapted to help her pursue her goals. Amelia learned more… Learn more about Sea Cadets on their website
7m Jul 01, 2025
7m
1197: Jasmine Thien’s One Woman Show ‘I Dream in Colour’ is Coming to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival This Year…
Jasmine Thien is a blind Actor, writer, poet, and stand-up comedian who is bringing her one woman show ‘I Dream in Colour’ to the Edinburgh fringe Festival this year with a couple of previews in London beforehand on 22 and 23 July 2025. Jasmine began by reminding RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey about what ‘I Dream in Colour’ is all about and how the semi-autobiographical show has changed over ...
7m Jun 30, 2025
7m
S2 Ep1196: Artist Rooms At The National Galleries Of Scotland
On the 16th July the National Galleries Of Scotland (NGS) are hosting a descriptive gallery tour followed by a practical workshop for visitors with a visual impairment. This month they explore some magnificent and diverse works from ARTIST ROOMS (https://www.nationalgalleries.org/art-and-artists/features/about-artist-rooms) , the national touring collection cared for jointly by the National Ga...
7m Jun 30, 2025
7m