RNIB Connect

Would you like to hear about Wymondham and Attleborough Talking Newspaper? Jennifer Murray catches up with Georgette Vale to learn more. You can listen to Wymondham and Attleborough Talking Newspaper on their website at: https://www.watn.org.uk/ To find your local newspaper, you can visit the Talking News Federation's website at the following link: https://tnf.org.uk/ 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.

ParalympicsGB recently announced the Chef de Mission for the upcoming 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles. Hywel Davies has been speaking with Penny Briscoe CBE about the importance of her role and the work that's already begun in the lead-up to the LA games.

A collaborative project between the University of Brighton and Sight Support Worthing is looking at ways of making outdoor swimming an accessible option for blind and partially sighted people. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Sadie Rockliffe, from Brighton University, to learn more about the research and their successful pilot event. If you'd like more info on the research, or swimming opportunities, go to www.accessiblewaters.co.uk #RNIBConnect Image Shows RNIB Logo, White Background RNIB in Bold Black Letters with A Solid Pink Line Below

In this podcast Hubert gets an update on the progress of RNIB's work around accessible voting, following the recent local elections that took place in May 2025 in England. 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. 

Join the National Galleries of Scotland (NGS) as they celebrate Pride Month by delving into queer stories within the collection. Amelia spoke to Meg Faragher, from the learning & Engagement team, to learn more. Learn more about the session on the NGS website - Visually Impaired Programme (Online) | Queer stories in art | National Galleries of Scotland Access to this session will be via Zoom. A telephone number, link and password will be sent out before the session. To book a free place, please use online booking or contact us on 0131 624 6410 or learning@nationalgalleries.org. 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. 

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 has some welfare and employment news and would you be interested in becoming RNIB's next CEO? If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services available from RNIB, go to www.rnib.org.uk You can call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999  Or ask your Amazon device to call RNIB's Helpline. #RNIBConnect Image Shows A Smiling Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB, Wearing A Grey Jacket And Glasses

Would you like to hear all about Craig Brown's experience of volunteering with a sight loss charity? Well, Jennifer Murray finds out more. 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.

Would you like to hear about a talking newspaper called Chatterbox based in Norwich? Jennifer Murray chats to Paul Henderson to find out more. You can contact Chatterbox Talking Newspaper in any of the following ways: Email Address:  contact@cbtn.org.uk Phone:  01603765365 Website: www.cbtn.org.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567246585194 Instagram: @chatterboxnorwichtn 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.

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 Vidar was reviewing the musical ‘Marie & Rosetta' at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre which tells the story of the pairing of Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Marie Knight, one of the most remarkable and revolutionary duos in music history with description by professional Audio Describer Sue Reading. About ‘Marie & Rosetta'   Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the roof-raising ‘godmother of rock ‘n' roll', influenced countless musicians from Elvis to Johnny Cash. This sparkling, intimate portrait of Rosetta and her beloved singing partner, Marie Knight, restores these forgotten musical heroines to the spotlight as one of the most remarkable and revolutionary duos in music history. Mississippi, 1946. Sister Rosetta has changed the face of gospel music with her exuberant, electric guitar-playing style. Shunned by strait-laced church folk for performing in nightclubs and glorying in rhythm and blues, she's persuaded the saintly young singer Marie to join her on a tour of the segregated southern States. But first she has to convert Marie's pure Sunday sound into something that has just a little more swing… Written by George Brant & Directed by Monique Touko Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the roof-raising ‘godmother of rock ‘n' roll', influenced countless musicians from Elvis to Johnny Cash. This sparkling, intimate portrait of Rosetta and her beloved singing partner, Marie Knight, restores these forgotten musical heroines to the spotlight as one of the most remarkable and revolutionary duos in music history. Featuring a wealth of joyous rock and gospel hits including Didn't It Rain and Peace in the Valley, the show will feature live musicians accompanying Olivier Award-winning West End star Beverley Knight (Memphis, The Drifters Girl, Sylvia, Sister Act) as Rosetta Tharpe. Joining Beverley Knight is Ntombizodwa Ndlovu (Cat On a Hot Tin Roof, The Space Between Us, Mixtape, Nothing, and The Mountain Top – Royal Exchange Theatre), an up-and-coming talent making her London stage debut as Marie Knight, Rosetta's protege and musical partner. ‘Marie & Rosetta' will be at Chichester Festival Theatre from mid June to mid July and more details can be found by visiting - https://www.cft.org.uk For more about access at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre do visit the access pages of their website - https://www.grandtheatre.co.uk/access/ (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

The UK government recently released their spending review but how will it affect the sight loss community. Barry Snell spoke to RNIB's Head of Campaigns and Public Affairs Sophie Dodgeon to find out more Click here to find out more about RNIB 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.  

The RNIB's Products And Advice Centre in Belfast City Centre is relaunching on the 26th July and the public are invited to come along on the day and be part of things Barry Snell chats to RNIB's Louise Kenny to learn more about the relaunch of RNIB's Products and Advice Centre To find out more about RNIB Northern Ireland click here 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.  

Would you like to hear about Forest Talk Talking Newspaper? Jennifer Murray chats to Christine Mora to learn more. You can contact Forest Talk Talking Newspaper in any of the following ways:  Website: https://foresttalk.co.uk/ Mobile: 07903 240 296 Facebook Page:   https://www.facebook.com/ForestTalkII  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.

Callum Stoneman is well known to listeners of RNIB Connect Radio as the host of ‘Tech Talk', but he's also recently become a dad. Ahead of Father's Day Hywel Davies has been finding out what Callum's experience has been like as a blind parent.

Two new exhibitions at Tate Britain are showcasing the work of Edward Burra and Ithell Colquhoun, two very influential British artists who had links with the Surrealists movement. After the press view at Tate Britain for both exhibitions on Wednesday 11 June 2025 RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey caught up with Eliza Spindel, Assistant Curator of both the Edward Burra and Ithell Colquhoun exhibitions to find out more about the background to both Artist work, their importance within the Art World at the time along with what we can all learn from experiencing their work today. About Edward Burra and Ithell Colquhoun:  Edward Burra is one of the most distinctive British artists of the 20th century, renowned for his vibrant, satirical scenes of the uninhibited urban underworld and queer culture during the ‘Roaring Twenties.' Ithell Colquhoun is one of the most radical artists of her generation, an important figure in British Surrealism during the 1930s and 1940s. An innovative writer and practicing occultist, Colquhoun charted her own course, investigating surrealist methods of unconscious picture-making and fearlessly delving into the realms of myth and magic. The Edward Burra and Ithell Colquhoun exhibitions continue at Tate Britain until 19 October 2025. Audio described tours of the exhibition with one of Tate's Visitor Engagement Assistants can be booked in advance by either emailing hello@tate.org.uk or calling 020 7887 8888.   More details about the exhibitions can be found on the following pages of the Tate website - https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-britain/burra-and-colquhoun (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

Sight Village exhibitions are a great way to learn more about products and services designed for blind and partially sighted people in your area. Hywel Davies has been hearing all about plans for this year's Sight Village Central. For more information, visit the QAC website - Sight Village Central 2025 - Queen Alexandra College

Join Jonathan Abro on the first of our Vietnam Travelogue series. This week he steps onto the streets of Hanoi and takes a bus journey along the Ha Giang loop. 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. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font. 

RNIB recently hosted a roundtable, facilitated by by the Sir Charlie Mayfield Review team, discussing the 'Keep Britain Working Review'. The discussion explored how employers and employees can work together to improve employment outcomes for people with disabilities. Hubert spoke to the team to learn more about the review. 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. 

Join Jonathan Abro on a boat trip in Borneo and wandering the streets of New York city. 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. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font. 

Join Jonathan for a serene bathing experience at the Japanese Onsens. 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. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font. 

Join Jonathan on his travels to the beautiful Lake Bled in Slovenia. 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. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font. 

As a blind or partially sighted person have you ever thought about setting up your own recording studio and producing your own music? Well RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey caught up with Shaun Hayward, a blind musician and ballroom dancer who in the early 2000s set up a basement studio in Leeds with his blind musician friend Joe Kenny which was very much an analogue studio recording on to a Windows PC with JAWS and the audio software package Sonar. After working and producing music with Joe for almost 10 years Shaun took some time away from music making but recently decided to get back in to music again and this time has gone down the route of setting up a home studio using the digital audio workstation Pro Tools on an Apple Mac computer.  Shaun began by giving Toby an overview of the studio he and Joe set up in Leeds, a bit about how they worked together producing and making music and why he decided to step away from music making after almost 10 years. Then to what made him want to get back into music again and what it was like having to get to grips with not only learning to use an Apple Mac computer but also working with Pro Tools.  Shaun also gave Toby an overview of his home studio, the kit he has for making music at home along with some helpful tips and advice for other blind and partially sighted people who would like to go down a similar route and make and produce their own music at home.  Some useful online resources for blind and partially sighted people who want to get in to recording and music making: Sound without Sight - an online community hub that has a wide range of information, articles, blogs and podcast about getting in to recording and music making which can be found by visiting - https://soundwithoutsight.org If like Shaun you are thinking of using Pro Tools on an Apple Mac computer there is a great online Pro Tools tutorial produced by a number of blind musicians and producers in America which can be found by visiting the following link - https://ptaccess.github.io (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

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

As many of you know, it has been 200 years since Braille was first created by Louis Braille. EyeCan, a sight loss charity based on Jersey is teaching local people Braille. To find out more about it, Jennifer Murray chats to Mark Coxshall from the charity. You can reach out to EyeCan Jersey in any of the following ways: EYECAN's Website: https://eyecan.je/ Phone: 01534 864689 Email: info@eyecan.je 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.

Would you like to learn a bit about Five Valleys Talking Newspaper? Jennifer Murray speaks to David Harris to find out more. Five Valleys Talking Newspaper can be contacted in any of the following ways: Email Address: 5valleysounds@gmail.com Mobile: 07882672647 Facebook Page: Five Valley Sounds - Stroud's Talking Newspaper | Facebook 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. 

The NHS in England has launched a new phase of the ‘Help Us, Help You' campaign to encourage blind and partially sighted women to attend their breast screening appointment when invited. Amelia spoke to RNIB Chair Of Trustees, Anna Tylor, about the importance of attending screening appointments. Learn more about breast cancer screenings by going to Breast screening (mammogram) - NHS You can request an accessible version of the breast cancer screening easy read guide by emailing england.contactus@nhs.net 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. 

Something for The Weekend highlights the best in accessible streaming content every week. This week, Hannah reccomends a new TV show to relax with, a new audiobook to get lost in and new music to move your body to! 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.

Volunteers make a significant and  positive impact for charities but could volunteering really help you as an individual? RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Mari Jones and Jo Keller, from RNIB, to find out how volunteers help deliver vital services and what individuals can gain from giving their time… If you'd like to find out more about volunteering, go to www.rnib.org.uk/volunteering You can also call the Helpline on 0303 123 9999. #RNIBConnect Image Shows RNIB Logo

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 We have the smash-hit London Palladium production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat' this week as the current touring production visited the Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre with description by Professional audio Describers Julia Grundy and Jonathan Nash. About ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat' The smash-hit London Palladium production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat'  is currently touring the UK. The multi award-winning show has been performed hundreds of thousands of times including multiple runs in the West End and on Broadway, international tours in over 80 countries worldwide and has become one of the world's most beloved family musicals. Featuring much loved pop and musical theatre classics, including Any Dream Will Do, Close Every Door, There's One More Angel In Heaven and Go, Go, Go Joseph. For more about the current tour of ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat' do visit - https://uk.josephthemusical.com And for more about access at the Birmingham Hippodrome do visit - https://www.birminghamhippodrome.com/plan-your-visit/access/ (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

Priya Herian is a British Indian contemporary artist who has an exhibition of her work at The Brick Lane Gallery in London from 2 to 13 July 2025 with audio descriptions of the artwork produced by Priya, inspired by her father's journey with blindness, making art accessible to her Farther and other blind and partially sighted people too.  RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey recently caught up with Priya to firstly find out a bit more about her journey into becoming an artist and a bit about the style and feel of her work. Then to finding out all about her Farther's journey with blindness. With Priya also explaining how she started work on making her artwork accessible to her farther and other blind and partially sighted people through producing her own recorded audio descriptions of the work that is on display at the Brick Lane Gallery in London. For more about Priya, her artwork, the audio descriptions of the work on show at the Brick Lane Gallery in London from 2-13 July do visit her website - https://www.priyaherian.co.uk To find out more about the Brick Lane Gallery do visit - https://thebricklanegallery.com  (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

Would you like to hear about the many different services which Vision Support have on offer as well as the great work they do? Well Jennifer Murray catches up with Nia Greer from the charity to find out more. You can reach out to Vision Support in any of the following ways: Website  www.visionsupport.org.uk/ For referrals you can email referrals@visionsupport.org.uk Chester Contact - (01244) 381 515 Email - information@visionsupport.org.uk Chester Vision Centre (Bluecoat) Contact - (01244) 478 910 Email - sightline@visionsupport.org.uk Widnes  Contact - (0151) 5117260 Email - hssinfo@visionsupport.org.uk Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/visionsupportcharity/   Instagram  @_VisionSupport TikTok @visionsupportcharity YouTube @VisionSupportCharity LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/vision-support-charity/ BlueSky @visionsupport.bsky.social   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.

Aaron Fowler has been playing visually impaired rugby for the last six years, he tells Hywel Davies about the positive impact the game has had on his life. You can find out more about Visually Impaired Rugby and the work of the Change Foundation here - Visually Impaired Rugby - The Change Foundation

On the Isle of Man every year, the TT Races takes place. These can pose safety risks for visually impaired people and could stop them from getting out and about during this time. Jennifer Murray chats to Peter Marshall from Sight Matters, a local sight loss charity to discuss some of these concerns. You can contact Sight Matters in the following ways: Email Address: enquiries@sightmatters.im Phone: 01624674727 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. 

What is a strawberry moon? How do people celebrate the summer solstice? Amelia is back with another monthly almanac for June. Learn more about the nature and birds of June on the RSPB website - RSPB Bird & Wildlife Conservation Charity 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. 

Seable Holidays is a not for profit social enterprise organisation providing accessible tailored and group holidays for blind and partially sighted people.   Seable Holidays were recently presented with the Small Organisation award in the 2025 Disability Confident Awards and have also been recognised as an RNIB Visibly Better Employer too. RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey recently caught up with Damiano La Rocca founder of Seable Holidays to firstly find out how the organisation came about. Then to more about their tailored and group holidays for blind and partially sighted people, examples of some of the holiday locations, how it all works with the local sighted guides along with some of the feedback Damiano and the team receive from visually impaired people. To finally what it means to Damiano and the rest of the Seable Holidays Team on both being presented with the Small Organisation award in the 2025 Disability Confident Awards and being recognised as an RNIB Visibly Better Employer.  To find out more about Seable Holidays, their tailored or group holidays for blind and partially sighted people do either call 020 3375 6947, email info@seable.co.uk or visit their website - https://seable.co.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: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font. 

As the cost of eye care services rises along with increasing demand, RNIB have launched a report called Value of Vision.  Paulina chatted to Vivianne Francis about six evidence based interventions they hope to implement to address this rising cost and to prevent avoidable sight loss. 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. 

 Gary Williamson is a professional photographer that often shares his amazing black and white snaps online. He also happens to be registered blind, and found that he can explore the world through his camera lens.  Gary joined our Paulina Kuchorew to chat all things passion for photography. You can find Gary on Instagram @swirly_magnolia Image shows a striking black and white self-portrait of Gary walking down a tunnel. He's a dark silhouette walking down the centre of the long tunnel towards a bright light. Above him, half rings of soft lights make it seem like he's walking out of the ribcage of a great whale. [Image credit: Gary Williamson]

Jennifer Murray speaks to Mary Moss from Cotswold Talking Newspaper to learn more about it. You can listen to the Cotswold Vale Talking Newspaper on the British Wireless for The Blind's Talking Newspaper app for mobiles and tablets. You can also access Cotswold Vale Talking Newspaper via USB Sticks as well as on Alexa devices. You can contact Cotswold Vale Talking Newspaper in any of the following ways: Website: https://www.cvtn.org.uk/   Email Address: maryemoss@btinternet.com Phone: 01453 860801 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.

At RNIB we know that often blind and partially sighted people don't get access to the training or services they need to help with their sight loss. In order to address these issues RNIB wants to get a clear picture from blind and partially sighted people of the areas of their life where they need support as well as the type of support they have received in the past.   RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey was joined by David Aldwinckle, RNIB Director of Insight and Hilary Ingleton, RNIB Head of Research and Insight to explain more about the new RNIB Sight Loss Support Survey, why there RNIB are wanting to hear from blind and partially sighted people about their experiences of support services good and bad, how to take part in the survey and how the findings and outcomes of the survey will help people living with sight loss in the future to gain access to the right support at the right time.  To find out more and take part in the survey do visit - https://www.rnib.org.uk/professionals/research-and-data/help-improve-the-support-available-to-people-with-sight-loss/ 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.

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 began by talking about the ‘Value of Vision' report which will be coming out soon, the new Curry's advert that features disabled people including two visually impaired people that the RNIB have been working on and the Edinburgh floral clock decoration celebrating Braille 200. If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services available from RNIB, go to www.rnib.org.uk You can call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 Or ask your Amazon device to call RNIB's Helpline. #RNIBConnect 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.

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 celebrate movie history and the choppy waters behind the filming of Jaws as ‘The Shark is Broken' visited the Birmingham repertory Theatre with description by Professional Audio Describer Julia Grundy. About ‘The Shark is Broken' Dive into the drama behind the scenes of Hollywood's first blockbuster… Fade in: The open ocean, 1974. Filming is delayed…again. The lead actors – theatre veteran Robert Shaw and young Hollywood hotshots Richard Dreyfuss and Roy Scheider – are crammed into a too-small boat, entirely at the mercy of foul weather and a faulty mechanical co-star. Alcohol flows, egos collide, and tempers flare on a chaotic voyage that just might lead to cinematic magic…if it doesn't sink them all. Ian Shaw gives one  of the most exhilarating theatrical performances of the year” - Evening Standard A smash hit in the West End and on Broadway, THE SHARK IS BROKEN celebrates movie history and peeks at the choppy waters behind Hollywood's first blockbuster. For more about ‘The Shark is Broken' along with details of dates and times of performances - https://thesharkisbroken.com And for more about access at the Birmingham REP do visit - https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/your-visit/accessibility/ (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

Our David Hogg speaks to Nansi Hidrej from Birmingham Goalball Club about her love of goalball and how the sport can be beneficial for people's mental health.

Would you like to hear all about an award-winning charity called Eye Matter? Well, Jennifer Murray catches up with Suzie Simons to find out more. You can contact Eye Matter in the following ways: Eye Matter's Website: Home - Eye Matter Suzie Simons' Email Address:  suzie@eyematter.org.uk   Suzi Simons' Mobile number: 07968722664 Eye Matter's Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/eyematterofficial/ 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.

What are the biggest mobility confidence boosters? How do guide dogs comapre to canes? We gathered Luci Franks and Pete Torode to talks about the challenges and lessons they've discovered while navigating around home and away. Listen to Pete Torode's sight loss story here - RNIB Connect / Pete Torode, Sight Loss Story Listen to Luci Franks on Guide Dog Blogs here - RNIB Conversations / Guide Dog Blogs Luci Franks – Public Transport 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. 

Each month on RNIB Connect Radio we are joined by some of the RNIB Campaigns Team to discuss some of the big projects they're working on. This month's topics included: the RNIB ‘All Aboard' Buses Report plus an update on benefits and accessible voting. If you'd like more information on campaigns or want to get involved, email campaigns@rnib.org.uk You can visit rnib.org.uk/news or call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 Follow @RNIB_Campaigns on X or search your socials for RNIB Campaigns 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.

A study at University of Glasgow wants to hear from visually impaired runners who run with a guide, and the guides themselves, to find out more about the benefits of the activity.  Robert Kirkwood spoke to the researcher to find out more. Image shows two hands with a bright yellow running tether around their wrists that helps blind and partially sighted people run safely with a guide runner.