S1 Ep1512: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 17/12/2022
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 continued help around Cost Of Living, support for blind and partially sighted people in Ukraine, as well as advice on RNIB's services over Christmas and New Year. If you, or someone you know, would like info...
9m Dec 16, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1511: Visionary and Support 4 Sight
Time for an update from Visionary UK, a membership organisation for different sight loss charities across the UK. Amelia Hilton was joined by Visionary Chief Executive Fiona Sandford and Support 4 Sight Chief Executive Sharon Schaffer to hear what their organisations have been up to. Find more on the Support 4 Sight website - Support 4 Sight - Supporting visually impaired people and their fam...
9m Dec 15, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1507: Blind Farmer Mike Duxbury
Time to don our wellies and head to a farm in Bedfordshire, where blind farmer Mike Duxbury and his partner Ness run an inclusive farm. To find out more go to Inclusive Farm | Cultivating Ideas for Growth | Home (https://inclusivefarm.co.uk/) Image: Mike smiling at the front of a pig pen with hay on the floor petting two pigs and being sniffed by a third, with Ness smiling at the back of the ...
7m Dec 15, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1510: Guide Dogs' Clive Wood Talks High Street Heroes and Open Doors Campaign
Clive Wood, Guide Dogs' Lead Regional Policy and Campaigns Manager chats to David Hogg about their recent High Streets to Heroes Campaign and their recent our parliamentary reception.
8m Dec 14, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1508: Youtuber Emmy Anstee
Amelia talked to Emmy Anstee who creates and edits sight loss related videos for her YouTube channel ‘Emmy’s VIP Life’. Find her YouTube videos here - (14) Emmy's VIP Life - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@emmysviplife257/featured)
7m Dec 14, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1509: Stepping Into History With 'Aspects of Archaeology'
There's a new feature on RNIB Connect Radio which promises to delve into some of the most important objects, artifacts, and phenomena in history. The man behind 'Aspects of Archaeology' sat down with Hywel Davies to explain more. Look out for more episodes of 'Aspects of Archaeology' coming soon to RNIB Connect Radio.
5m Dec 13, 2022
5m
S1 Ep1506: The 1920 Blind March - The National Archives
On the 25th April 1920, 250 blind people from across the UK arrived to a crowd of 10,000 people in Trafalgar square. Amelia talked to Record Specialist, Lisa Berry-Waite, about The National Archives and the records they hold on the march. To find out more about the National archives and their records, go to their website - The National Archives (https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/)
8m Dec 12, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1502: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - Nativity! The Musical, Audio Described 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 audio described theatre reviews. This week Vidar was reviewing the audio described performance of Nativity! The Musical at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre on Friday 2 Dec...
7m Dec 09, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1505: Charity Chief Exec’s Weekly Update 09/12/22
Each week, RNIB Connect Radio 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 talks to Hywel Davies about two new toolkits that have been released in partnership between See Sport Differently and British Blind Sport. If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services from RNIB, go t...
8m Dec 09, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1504: Look UK Peer Mentoring Project
The Look UK Mentoring Scheme matches blind and partially sighted young people with graduates to share advice and support them to reach their goals. Abi and Uss joined Amelia to talk about how their mentors have helped them and becoming mentors themselves. Find out more here - Peer Mentoring Projects for VI Young People – Look UK (look-uk.org) (https://www.look-uk.org/mentoring/) Image: Look ...
8m Dec 07, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1503: There's Still Time For Your Little One To Hear From Santa!
The Elves at the North Pole are working with RNIB's little helpers to make sure that blind and partially sighted little Ones can get a letter from Santa. We've despatched RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell to the North Pole to speak to Titch The Elf and we drop in on Santa's call with little Orlaith from Northern Ireland. There is still time to receive a large print letter via email (with a 1...
10m Dec 07, 2022
10m
S1 Ep1500: Vidar Hjardeng MBE - The Nutcracker, Audio Described 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 audio described theatre reviews. For this week’s audio described theatre review Vidar was off to a magical land with the return of Sir Peter Wright’s classic production of...
7m Dec 02, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1500: Charity Chief Exec’s Weekly Update 03/12/22
Each week we chat with RNIB’s CEO Matt Stringer to discuss the big news affecting the charity. Matt starts this week with an update on what the RNIB along with our VI sector partners and other charities are doing to support people affected by the on-going cost of living crisis after a recent cross-charity sector meeting earlier this week. Following on from the launch of the NaviLens technolog...
9m Dec 02, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1501: Amy Forrest, VI Actor - Profile Interview
Amy Forrest is an Actor originally from West Yorkshire now living in London. She trained at Arts Ed, The Second City and National Youth Music Theatre. Her acting experience expands across a range of Television, Film and Theatre. Earlier this year Amy returned to the national Theatre’s Olivier stage in the revival of Small Island and again taking up the role of Mrs Ryder. RNIB Connect Radio’s ...
20m Dec 02, 2022
20m
S1 Ep1499: Theatre Group for Young Disabled People
Bristol-based theatre company Travelling Light run the ‘Louder Than Words’ group to help disabled young people aged learn drama, music and storytelling skills. Youth and Community Officer, Louise Betts, joined Amelia to talk about the youth group and the beginnings and future of the company. Learn more about Louder Than Words on the Travelling Light website: For Young Disabled People | Travel...
8m Nov 30, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1498: Connect Voices Round Up 30 November 2022
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 Tracker survey for Your experiences of the general public as a blind or partially sighted person. This is a quarterly online survey run by RNIB, which allows...
6m Nov 30, 2022
6m
S1 Ep1493: Barbara Hepworth: Art & Life - Tate St Ives
The exhibition ‘Barbara Hepworth: Art & Life’ at Tate St Ives not only showcases over 30 examples of the work of one of the twentieth century’s most inspiring artists and a true pioneer of modernist sculpture but also reflects on her links with Cornwall. RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Giles Jackson, Assistant Curator at Tate St Ives for an insight into the life and work of Barb...
13m Nov 29, 2022
13m
S1 Ep1483: This #GivingTuesday Nat West Group Customers and Employees Will be Supporting the Work of the RNIB
We know that there are many ways in which people support the work of the RNIB to make a more inclusive society for blind and partially sighted people. One way to do this is through #GivingTuesday a global day of giving which this year is today Tuesday 29 November 2022. Many organisations and companies get involved in #GivingTuesday by supporting their employees and customers to make donations ...
8m Nov 29, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1496: Get Involved With RNIB This #GivingTuesday
RNIB has a variety of ways you can get involved and volunteer your time for a good cause. If Giving Tuesday has inspired you to try something different then there are plenty of opportunities to give something back. To find out more, call the RNIB helpline on 0303 123 99 99
8m Nov 29, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1497: NaviLens is Coming to Coca-Cola Packaging this Christmas…
Coca-Cola is the first beverage company to add the NaviLens technology to their packaging making their products accessible to blind and partially sighted people and just in time for Christmas too! RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was joined by Marc Powell, RNIB Accessibility Innovation Lead to find out more about how Coca-Cola became the first beverage company to add the NaviLens technology to ...
8m Nov 29, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1495: RNIB Volunteer Roy Eastwood
Barry Snell talks to one of RNIB’s longest serving volunteers.
7m Nov 28, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1494: Visionary update and Retina UK Discover Wellbeing
Visionary and Retina UK gave Amelia an update on what's happening in their organisations. Communications and Events Lead of Visionary, Amy Pearman, told us about their recent annual conference. Paula McGrath, Deputy Chief Executive of Retina UK, talked about where to find their Discover Wellbeing resources. Learn more about Visionary here: Welcome to Visionary - Visionary (https://www.visiona...
8m Nov 28, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1492: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 26/11/2022
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 charities working closer on major projects, the search for a new Patron and President and of course, how to get an accessible letter from Santa for a blind or partially sighted child. If you, or someone you ...
6m Nov 25, 2022
6m
S1 Ep1491: Women's Aid Campaign Spotlights Abuse And How To Get Help
Friday November 25th 2022 sees the start of 16 Days Of Action by Women's Aid. It will highlight different forms of abuse, how to spot it and more importantly, how to escape it and report it. RNIB Northern Ireland's Joe Kenny spoke to Karen Devlin to learn more about the project and how to get help. #RNIBConnect Image: Old Fashioned Telephone, Black colour
8m Nov 25, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1490: Magdalena Abakanowicz: Every Tangle of Thread and Rope - Exhibition at Tate Modern
We now join RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey on another visit to Tate Modern on London’s Bankside to explore the work of Polish Artist Magdalena Abakanowicz who radically transformed textile work by taking her woven work off the gallery walls and turning the thread and rope into three-dimensional sculptures which were coined Abakans with Ann Coxon the Curator of the exhibition Magdalena Abakanow...
10m Nov 25, 2022
10m
S1 Ep1489: Paralympians Become New Parents
Neil and Lora Fachie are used to bringing home medals, trophies and world records but nothing could have prepared them for the arrival of their new born son. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to them about parenthood and their future sporting plans. #RNIBConnect Image: Neil & Lora Fachie with Gold Medals from Tokyo
9m Nov 24, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1488: Blind and Partially Sighted Choir
Blind and Partially Sighted singers of the My Sight Notts choirs come together every week in Nottingham to sing lovely tunes. Amelia was joined by choir members Erica Cole and Neana Roberts to learn more about the magic of singing in a group. The choir provides the songs on a CD or memory stick as well as in Braille and large print. If you’re interested in joining contact Jeanne Roberts, the...
6m Nov 24, 2022
6m
S1 Ep1487: Festive Ballet Gets The Audio Described Touch
Scottish Ballet are on tour with a fresh new festive production of The Snow Queen. For those who are blind or partially sighted, each theatre visit will have an audio described showing, with touch tour. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Emma-Jane McHenry, from Scottish Ballet, to learn more about the show and how you can enjoy the audio described performances. For more info, go to www...
6m Nov 23, 2022
6m
S1 Ep1486: Big Changes To The RNIB Website
The RNIB website is an amazing source of information for blind and partially sighted people across the country. Hywel Davies has been hearing all about a big new update to the site which will help to improve accessibility even further. Visit the RNIB website at www.rnib.org.uk
6m Nov 23, 2022
6m
S1 Ep1485: Cane and Able Accessible Fitness
Want to get exercising but not sure how to start? Personal Trainer and Strongman Evan Schwerbrock has developed the fitness blog Cane and Able to get blind and partially sighted people comfortable in the gym. You can find Cane and Able's acclimation programme at https://www.caneandablefitness.com/post/free-gym-acclimation-program . Image: Cartoon figure holding a dumbbell over their head with...
10m Nov 21, 2022
10m
S1 Ep1484: Give Something Back With RNIB
November the 29th is 'Giving Tuesday' and RNIB has a variety of ways you can get involved and volunteer your time for a good cause. Hywel Davies has been finding out more. If you'd like more information about any of the opportunities discussed, you can call the RNIB helpline on 0303 123 9999
8m Nov 21, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1483: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 19/11/2022
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 Chancellor's Autumn Statement, a new collaboration with Coca Cola and Letters From Santa for blind and partially sighted children.. If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and ...
8m Nov 18, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1482: RNIB Responds to the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement
The Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has just announced his autumn statement today (Thursday 7 November 2022) with spending cuts and tax rises. RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was joined by Sophie Dodgeon RNIB Interim Head of Policy and Public Affairs with a quick response to the statement from the RNIB. (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underli...
7m Nov 17, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1481: Have Your Say On Scottish Cancer Care
Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland, in partnership with Macmillian, want to hear from blind and partially sighted people living in Scotland. Are you living with a cancer diagnosis or providing care for someone who has? Have your say on the quality of care and support. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell Spoke to Sarah Dick and Kirin Saeed to find out more. #RNIBConnect Image shows a wh...
8m Nov 17, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1480: International Student Day - Eilidh Morrison
For international student day, Member of Scottish Youth Parliament, Haggeye member and Physics student Eilidh Morrison joined Amelia to talk about being a blind university student. If you’re a blind or partially sighted person living in Scotland, aged 16-27 years old, you can join Haggeye to share your experiences, make new friends and campaign and raise awareness of sight loss. For more info...
8m Nov 17, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1479: International Student Day - Abdul Eneser and Kerry Burke
Haggeye members Abdul Eneser and Kerry Burke shared their student experiences with Amelia for International Student Day. If you’re a blind or partially sighted person living in Scotland, aged 16-27 years old, you can join Haggeye to share your experiences, make new friends and campaign and raise awareness of sight loss. For more information or to confirm your space call 07821 637 317 or email...
7m Nov 17, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1475: Richard Simpson Canoes the Thames for RNIB
Richard Simpson a visually impaired man from Greenwich, London who became registered blind 3 and a half years ago and now only has 20% vision. Richard has done a number of challenges over the last few years to support the work of the RNIB and has just canoed the length of the River Thames single-handed for the RNIB. RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Richard to find out why he want...
11m Nov 16, 2022
11m
S1 Ep1478: Richard Simpson Canoes The Thames for RNIB
Richard Simpson a visually impaired man from Greenwich, London who became registered blind 3 and a half years ago and now only has 20% vision. Richard has done a number of challenges over the last few years to support the work of the RNIB and has just canoed the length of the River Thames single-handed for the RNIB. RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Richard to find out why he want...
11m Nov 16, 2022
11m
S1 Ep1477: Roger Cole - Charles Bonnet Syndrome
Roger Cole, presenter of the Pure 70s and 80s shows joined Amelia to talk about his experience of Charles Bonnet Syndrome and how his perspective on the condition has changed over time. Image: RNIB Connect Radio logo
8m Nov 16, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1476: Esme's Umbrella - Charles Bonnet Syndrome Charity
Judith Potts is the founder of Charles Bonnet Syndrome Charity Esme's Umbrella. She joined Amelia for Charles Bonnet Syndrome Awareness Day to talk more about the condition, how public awareness and support has changed over time, and what the charity is working on for the future. Visit the Esme's umbrella website at charlesbonnetsyndrome.uk (https://charlesbonnetsyndrome.uk/) Image: Cartoon ...
9m Nov 16, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1475: In Plain Sight - Exhibition Exploring How We See and How We Are Seen
‘In Plain Sight’ at Wellcome Collection explores the different ways we see and are seen by others. Questioning the central place that sight holds in human society through the different experiences of sighted, partially sighted and blind people. ‘In Plain Sight’ unfolds across four themes: symbolism of the eye, bias in visual perception, eyewear and identity, and the interconnection between sen...
14m Nov 16, 2022
14m
S1 Ep1475: Layers of Vision - An Exhibition of Work by 10 Blind and Partially Sighted Artists
Layers of Vision - Living in a world made for sighted people, an exhibition of work by 10 blind and partially sighted artists at King’s College, Bush House, The Strand, London from Monday 21 November to Friday 16 December 2022. Layers of Vision explores the experiences and perspectives of blind and partially sighted artists living in a world made for sighted people. In meaningfully co-created ...
12m Nov 15, 2022
12m
S1 Ep1474: RNIB Scotland Paws In The Park
Paws in the park meet every other Wednesday in Inverleith park in Edinburgh to give Guide-dogs (and their owners) some much-deserved socialising time. Group member Sylvia Paton joined Amelia to share how the group began and why it's a great way to spend a Wednesday. The meeting place is accessible by multiple bus routes from Edinburgh City Centre, contact Anne Henderson via email at annehende...
7m Nov 14, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1473: Festive Virtual Events For Families
RNIB's Shape and Share events bring children, young people and their families together for peer support and take part in fun activities both in person and virtually. Hywel Davies hears about two festive events planned in December: Saturday 3rd December, 'Supper at Santa's' for families (book by 18th November) Thursday 8th December, 'A Candlelit Christmas' for parents/carers (book by 24th Nov...
3m Nov 14, 2022
3m
S1 Ep1472: RNIB Volunteer Befriender Friendship
RNIB volunteer befrienders call isolated blind and partially sighted people once a week, giving them the opportunity to have a friendly chat with someone who is prepared to listen. Anne Findlay and Shirley Hunter tell Amelia about their friendship that developed through the service and their surprising past connection. To find out more or be referred to the service, call the RNIB helpline on ...
7m Nov 14, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1470: New Treatment For Common Diabetes Side Effect
University researchers in Belfast have been working on a new treatment for one common side effect of diabetes. Hywel Davies found out more about advancement in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers.
6m Nov 14, 2022
6m
S1 Ep1471: World Diabetes Day
The 14th of November is World Diabetes Day. Karen Davies, the Senior Clinical Advisor of Diabetes UK, talks to Amelia about the relationship between diabetes and eye health, treatments and support for Diabetic Retinopathy and the charity’s World Diabetes Day campaigns. For resources and information about type 1 and type 2 diabetes go to www.diabetes.org.uk or call their helpline on 0345 123 2...
8m Nov 14, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1469: Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 12/11/2022
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 help on the cost of living crisis and a look at all the fun stuff in store for Christmas via the Elf Academy and Letters From Santa. If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support ...
9m Nov 11, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1468: An Accessible in Home Display - Pete Sheppard
Are you worried about your energy bills? With energy prices increasing, it has never been more important to be able to keep track of how much your household is spending on gas and electricity. Charity RNIB has worked with industry exports to help develop an Accessible In Home Display (AIHD). They are available to blind and partially sighted people and work with your smart meter to let you kno...
4m Nov 11, 2022
4m
S1 Ep1467: Accessible in Home Display - Philippa Brown
Are you worried about your energy bills? With energy prices increasing, it has never been more important to be able to keep track of how much your household is spending on gas and electricity. Charity RNIB has worked with industry exports to help develop an Accessible In Home Display (AIHD). They are available to blind and partially sighted people and work with your smart meter to let you kno...
3m Nov 11, 2022
3m