S1 Ep1583: Sign Up for VICTA's Outdoor Camp In April
There’s still time to sign up for the next VICTA camp for children and young people. But you don’t have long. Hywel Davies  speaks to Tiffany Woods from VICTA to find out more about the opportunity. You can find more about all the upcoming opportunities VICTA have coming up for children and young people by visiting www.victa.org.uk
4m Feb 15, 2023
4m
S1 Ep1581: Charity’s Concerns For Struggling Renters With Sight Loss
It’s well known that the current cost of living crisis has an additional impact on the finances of blind and partially sighted people. UK sight loss charity RNIB is constantly updating it’s website information to give the most up to date advice and support to those who are struggling. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Dominic Milne from the charity’s Legal Rights Service to talk abo...
6m Feb 14, 2023
6m
S1 Ep1582: Dating a young VI person panel with Look UK and VICTA
A panel of young VI people from Look UK and VICTA got together to talk all things dating. Look UK Mentor Project Co-ordinator Sydney shared the highlights with Amelia Hilton. To learn more about Look UK and their upcoming talks head to their website at look-uk.org.uk (https://www.look-uk.org/) To learn more about VICTA go to victa.org.uk (https://www.victa.org.uk/)
5m Feb 14, 2023
5m
S1 Ep1580: 14 February is also Congenital Heart Disease awareness Day
We all know that February is the shortest month of the year but did you  know that February is also Heart awareness month too and as well as 14 February being Valentine’s Day it is also Congenital Heart Disease Awareness Day which marks the end of Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) Awareness week. RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was joined by Rob Nicoll who has congenital heart disease and is also...
15m Feb 14, 2023
15m
S1 Ep1576: Online Dating Experience - Siobhan Meade
If you’re looking for love, then online dating might seem like a good way to make a connection. But how accessible are dating apps and are blind and partially sighted people treated equally by users? Tech Talk's Dave Williams caught up with Siobhan Mede @BlindGirlVlogs (https://twitter.com/BlindGirlVlogs)  to hear about some of her experiences.
9m Feb 14, 2023
9m
S1 Ep1577: Dating again after divorce and sight loss
Getting back into dating after divorce and sight loss can be intimidating but RNIB Counselling helped Connect Voices network member Karen understand what she was looking for. You can listen to Karen on Hope FM from 2-4 pm on Friday and on Wimbourne FM from 1-3 on Monday. Image: RNIB Connect Radio logo
6m Feb 13, 2023
6m
S1 Ep1573: Radio Show Long-Distance Romance
Kay Dear, a member of the RNIB Connect Voices Network, met her future partner in an unlikely way. Kay told Amelia Hilton about how love sparked after that first listen and how she and her partner maintain a connection while dating long distance. You can listen to Kay's radio show on treehouseradio.com Image: RNIB Connect Radio Logo
5m Feb 13, 2023
5m
S1 Ep1578: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 11/02/2023
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 Westminster meetings around Cost Of Living Crisis, accessible sport with Cardiff Rugby Club and a new collaboration with Hallmark greetings cards. If you, or someone you know, would like information on the...
9m Feb 11, 2023
9m
S1 Ep1579: Yahya Pandor on VI Dating
Finding love when you're Blind or partially sighted isn't always easy for lots of different reasons. David Hogg spoke to Yahya Pandor about why its important to love yourself first.
5m Feb 10, 2023
5m
S1 Ep1579: Elaine MacGougan on RNIB's LGBTQ+ VI Group
What's it like being blind or partially sighted and a member of the LGBTQ+ Community? David Hogg spoke to Elaine MacGougan to find out about her experiences and what support is available… B/A: For more information on the RNIB's LGBTQ+ Visually Impaired Peoples' Group then you can contact una.mulgrew@rnib.org.uk
5m Feb 10, 2023
5m
S1 Ep1566: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - MAMMA MIA! 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 in his regular Connect Radio theatre reviews. This week we have a story of love, friendship and identity played out on a Greek island paradise and all set to the music of ABBA with the smash hit music...
8m Feb 10, 2023
8m
S1 Ep1575: Blind Comedian Cubby
Blind comedian Cubby is back for another catch up with RNIB Connect Radio. He told Amelia Hilton about highlights from the last year, his upcoming performances in the Glasgow International Comedy Festival and developing a show for the Edinburgh Fringe. You can listen to his RNIB Connect Radio interview from April last year by following this link - https://audioboom.com/posts/8069713-using-sig...
6m Feb 10, 2023
6m
S1 Ep1572: Graeae Theatre Company
Graeae Theatre Company places disabled actors and stories centre stage. Amelia talked to Graeae’s artistic director, Jenny Sealey MBE, about their 2022 opera which explored the life of ‘The blind enchantress’ Maria Theresia von Paradis. You can find out about Graeae's previous and upcoming projects on their website graeae.org (https://graeae.org/) You can hear Graeae’s latest radio drama ‘Th...
16m Feb 09, 2023
16m
S1 Ep1570: More Help For Blind And Partially Sighted People With Increased Cost Of Living
UK sight loss charity RNIB has a wealth of information and support for blind and partially sighted people who are struggling with the current cost of living crisis. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Dominic Milne, from RNIB’s Legal Rights Service, to find out more. For the latest, regularly updated, help, go to http://www.rnib.org.uk or call the Helpline on 0303 123 9999. #RNIBConn...
7m Feb 08, 2023
7m
S1 Ep1571: Beat Eating Disorders
An estimated 1.25 million people in the UK have an eating disorder. People of all ages, genders, bodies and backgrounds are impacted, including blind and partially sighted people. Amelia talked to Kat Nicholls about her personal experiences of vision loss and an eating disorder. She also talked to Beat Clinical Advice Co-ordinator Umairah Malik about the support available for individuals with...
13m Feb 08, 2023
13m
S1 Ep1569: RNIB Connect Voices Round Up 8 February 2023
Clare Aldworth, RNIB Voice of the Customer Insight Officer, shares the latest opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to get involved in with RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey. Opportunities highlighted this week included: RNIB Editorial Board Member Wanted RNIB is piloting the use of WhatsApp to reach more people who haven't previously accessed RNIB and its services. RNIB’s Involv...
8m Feb 08, 2023
8m
S1 Ep1568: AD Performances of 'Pigeon' From Theatr Iolo
A new theatre production is using both the English and Welsh language to share its story. Hywel Davies hears about the differences that can male to audio description. Audio described performances of 'Pigeon' will be in at the Pontio in Bangor on March 2nd and in Cardiff’s Sherman Theatre on March 9th You can find booking information on the website Pijin \ Pigeon — Theatr Iolo (https://www.the...
6m Feb 06, 2023
6m
S1 Ep1565: Counselling Insight Project Launches in Northern Ireland
A new project in Northern Ireland will help support the mental health of blind and partially sighted children and young people. The Counselling Insight Project is led by RNIB Northern Ireland and will deliver training to School Counselling professionals and associated staff on how to work effectively and support mental wellbeing of blind and partially sighted young people within schools. Find...
6m Feb 06, 2023
6m
S1 Ep1564: Biel Glasses Panasonic Partnership
Panasonic recently announced a partnership with Biel glasses to use their technology in smart glasses designed for Blind and Partially Sighted people. But who are Biel and what do they do? David Hogg spoke with CEO Jaume Puig to find out more…
7m Feb 06, 2023
7m
S1 Ep1564: Chess Baron on Accessible Chess Sets
How can the game of chess be made accessible for blind and partially sighted people? David Hogg spoke with Baron Turner from chessbaron.co.uk to find out more…
4m Feb 06, 2023
4m
S1 Ep1561: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 04/02/2023
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio 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 to Hywel Davies about the launch of the new Counselling Insight Project in Northern Ireland, working with the Electoral Commission and an upcoming partnership event in London. If you, or someone you know, would like information...
6m Feb 03, 2023
6m
S1 Ep1563: See Cancer Differently Project
The 4th of February is World Cancer Day and in Northern Ireland, RNIB have teamed up with Macmillan Cancer Support in order to tackle some of the barriers to timely cancer support for blind and partially sighted people. From the symptoms of cancer you might miss if you can't see, to inaccessible health information, this partnership will work to improve the support provided to people with sight...
10m Feb 03, 2023
10m
S1 Ep1562: Is Cancer Support Accessible To Blind & Partially Sighted People?
With World Cancer Day falling on February 4th, how easy, or difficult, is it for someone who is blind or partially sighted to make sure they are correctly informed of the myriad of information around different conditions, treatments and support services? Allan Russell spoke to Anna Tylor, Chair of RNIB, to learn more about her diagnosis and treatment journey. Image shows RNIB Logo. RNIB writt...
14m Feb 03, 2023
14m
S1 Ep1560: Eye Believe Podcast
The Eye Believe podcast amplifies VI voices from ethnic minority communities. Their episodes cover many aspects of life as a VI person from getting ready for a night out, to educational barriers and more. Amelia talked to Ashrafia Choudhury and Saima Ashraf about why they started the podcast…. You can listen to the podcast on Spotify by clicking here (https://open.spotify.com/show/3Mt3WXcBNl...
7m Feb 02, 2023
7m
S1 Ep1559: Sight Loss Information Day In Lancashire
RNIB are joining forces with sight loss charities Galloways and Pukar Resource Centre for an event in Preston later this month. The information day has been specially designed for members of the BAME community. For more information on how you can take part in the Better Together Information Day, you can contact Nicola Stanley-Dickinson on 07736 462071 or the Pukar Resource Centre on 01772 822700.
8m Feb 01, 2023
8m
S1 Ep1558: What Is It Like Volunteering For RNIB Since 1979?
Val Newey has been volunteering with RNIB since 1979 initially using his tech background to help the charity with their old analogue tape machines from the 60's. These days, Val immerses himself in digital technology, helping blind and partially sighted people with their smart devices. To find out more about volunteering opportunities with RNIB, visit: Volunteer | RNIB (https://www.rnib.org.u...
6m Feb 01, 2023
6m
S1 Ep1557: Mared Jarman VI Actor and Writer
Content Warning: Sexual References ‘How This Blind Girl’ is a BBC shorts comedy series about a young VI woman navigating the dating world. Amelia talked to creator and star, Mared Jarman, about the series and her role in the play ‘Perverts’ which is showing in London this week. To watch 'How This Blind Girl' on BBC iPlayer click here (https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001fknn) To learn more ...
9m Jan 31, 2023
9m
S1 Ep1555: VI Personal Trainer Chris Fair
Time now to chat fitness, David Hogg caught up with VI Personal Trainer Chris Fair to hear about his sight loss, his CrossFit journey and an upcoming documentary.
7m Jan 30, 2023
7m
S1 Ep1553: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 28/01/2023
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 a combined charity social media campaign, funding news from the British Gas Trust and new community ECLOs for Hounslow. If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services from ...
8m Jan 28, 2023
8m
S1 Ep1556: Vidar Hjardeng MBE -Dick Whittington, Relaxed 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 in his regular Connect Radio theatre reviews. This week as we are still just inside panto season Vidar was reviewing the relaxed performance of Dick Whittington at the Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre on...
8m Jan 27, 2023
8m
S1 Ep1552: Finding Warm Spaces With RNIB
RNIB are working with multiple charities across the UK who are creating warm spaces for people during the cost-of-living crisis. Hywel Davies finds out more. If you need any more information on warm spaces in your area, you can contact the RNIB helpline on 0303 123 9999.
6m Jan 27, 2023
6m
S1 Ep1551: Visually Impaired Creators Scotland
Visually Impaired Creators Scotland wants to connect and create opportunities for all blind and partially sighted people interested in the creative arts, whether complete beginners or professionals. Amelia talked to Kirin and Kelly to learn more about the group and their upcoming performances. Their cabaret in the dark performance is on Friday the 10th of February in Edinburgh. To book ticket...
10m Jan 27, 2023
10m
S1 Ep1550: Charity’s Concern About UK Government’s Access To Work Scheme
The Department for Work and Pensions runs a scheme called Access To Work, which can help people with disabilities into employment or support those in work who are facing difficulties brought on by their disability. UK sight loss charity RNIB has concerns about ongoing problems with ATW and the damage it is causing to employment prospects and job retention. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spo...
7m Jan 26, 2023
7m
S1 Ep1550: UK Government Department Failing Visually Impaired Job Seekers And Workers
UK sight loss charity RNIB are campaigning for improvements to the Access To Work System, administered by the UK’s Department for Work and Pensions. The scheme is a vital tool to help people with disabilities into employment, or support those who need extra help in their jobs because of deteriorations in their condition. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Roisin Jacklin and Martin O’Ka...
8m Jan 26, 2023
8m
S1 Ep1548: Connect Voices Round Up 25 January 2023
Clare Aldworth, RNIB Voice of the Customer Insight Officer shares the latest opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to get involved in with RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey. Opportunities highlighted this week included: Help RNIB improve the accessibility of adverts An opportunity for 6 people to join a virtual focus group to help the RNIB learn more about your experience and per...
8m Jan 25, 2023
8m
S1 Ep1549: Estee Lauder's Voice-Enabled Makeup Assistant App
David Hogg hears how Estee Lauder is helping the beauty industry become more accessible with a first of its kind app.
7m Jan 24, 2023
7m
S1 Ep1547: Wedding Planning as a Blind Person
Planning any wedding is a lot of work, but navigating inaccessible venues, dress shops and providers can take up a lot of extra time. Amelia talked to blind bride to be, Angharad, about the ups and downs of the process so far. You can find Angharad on twitter as @AngieBeatDown Image: RNIB Connect Radio Logo
7m Jan 24, 2023
7m
S1 Ep1546: Get Involved And Make A Difference
Colette Walker would describe herself as a quiet mouse that turned into a lioness that roared. Despite living with sight loss, she has been involved in campaigning for many years and has now formed her own political party to fight for equality and accessibility for blind and partially sighted people. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Collette to learn more about her story and why she ...
14m Jan 24, 2023
14m
S1 Ep1545: Have Your Say - Accessible Health Information In Wales
Have you struggled to receive information from the NHS in a format that's accessible to you? Now you have a chance to have your say on the state of health communication in Wales. The survey is open until Wednesday January 25th and the findings will be published later in the year. You can complete the survey in both English and Welsh In English: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx...
9m Jan 23, 2023
9m
S1 Ep1544: RNIB's Free Accessible Books Service Is An Educational Lifeline
UK sight loss charity RNIB has a Bookshare service which provides over 1 million titles for people of all ages who are studying in the UK. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to university student Charlie Beeston and mum Christina to find out how the service has helped Charlie through school and into Uni to study law. If you'd like more info on RNIB Bookshare, go to http://www.rnib.org.u...
7m Jan 23, 2023
7m
S1 Ep1544: RNIB's Bookshare Service Breaks The 1 Million Titles Barrier
UK sight loss charity RNIB has a Bookshare service which provides over 1 million titles for people of all ages who are studying in the UK. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Rochelle Pretsell, who runs the service, and Onyx, who is a teacher, to discuss the difference that accessible, free, books can make to blind and partially sighted pupils and students. If you'd like more info on ...
8m Jan 23, 2023
8m
S1 Ep1544: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 21/01/2023
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 more Cost Of Living help for travel costs to get to eye health appointments and creating a library for blind and partially sighted people in Ukraine. If you, or someone you know, would like information on ...
7m Jan 21, 2023
7m
S1 Ep1543: Student Experimental Filmmaker - Uss Ali
What’s it like studying film as a VI person? Amelia talked to experimental filmmaker Uss Ali about studying, creativity and his upcoming film festivals. You can read more about Uss by going to his website via this link - Murmur Projects (wordpress.com) (https://murmurprojects.wordpress.com/) Find more about his upcoming festivals by searching @ima.festival and @expresso90filmfest on Instagram.
8m Jan 20, 2023
8m
S1 Ep1540: Visionary update with Usher Kids UK
Now time for an update from Visionary UK, a membership organisation for different sight loss charities across the UK. Amelia was joined by Amy Pearman of Visionary and Chloe Joyner of Usher Kids UK to learn about their work. Go to www.visionary.org.uk (https://www.visionary.org.uk/) to find out more about Visionary. Go to www.usherkidsuk.com (http://www.usherkidsuk.com/) to find out more abou...
9m Jan 19, 2023
9m
S1 Ep1540: Dealing With Snow - Emily Davison
With snow and ice appearing across the UK, Amelia talked to Emily Davison about how snow impacts her and her guide dog. You can find out more about Emily's blog, Youtube and journalistic work by going to her website Fashioneyesta (https://fashioneyesta.com/) . Image: RNIB Connect Radio Logo.
8m Jan 19, 2023
8m
S1 Ep1542: Exciting Times Ahead For British Blind Sport
Each month, RNIB Connect Radio talks with the charity British Blind Sport to highlight some of the organisations latest news. We're joined, this month, by CEO Alaina MacGregor to look ahead to the IBSA World Games in Birmingham and some employment news. If you'd like to learn more about BBS, go to www.britishblindsport.org.uk (https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww...
6m Jan 18, 2023
6m
S1 Ep1541: Accessible Health Information In Wales
It's a familiar scene for many blind and partially sighted people, an important letter comes through the post, but inaccessible formatting makes it nearly impossible to read. Hywel Davies went the Senedd in Cardiff Bay to hear about some of the barriers facing people with sight loss when trying to access health information in Wales.
5m Jan 18, 2023
5m
S1 Ep1567: Blind Author Jon Gingerich
Jon Gingerich began losing his sight while writing his debut novel The Appetite Factory. He shares his story with David Hogg.
6m Jan 17, 2023
6m
S1 Ep1539: Pure 80's Reaches 500th show
Barry Snell chats with 'Pure 80's' presenter Roger Cole, ahead of a special milestone for both the show, and himself. To find out more about Pure 80's click here (https://rnibconnectradio.org.uk/pure-80s.html) {Image: A close up photograph of a smiling Roger, who appears to be sitting down and is resting his right hand on his face. The photograph is taken in black and white}
4m Jan 17, 2023
4m
S1 Ep1537: Love Island To Feature Its First Contestant With Sight Loss
The popular dating game show is back tonight and will feature a contest living with sight loss. 25-year-old financial advisor from Essex, Ron Hall, who lost sight in one eye in a football accident, will join the group of islanders this Monday. But what do we hope the representation of sight loss will be like on the show? Weighing in on this topic, is journalist and disability advocate Emily D...
6m Jan 16, 2023
6m