RNIB Connect

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 about Global Accessibility Awareness Day, RNIB's involvement with upcoming storylines on Eastenders, plus a night at the ARIAS for RNIB Connect Radio. 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 also call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or ask Alexa to call RNIB's Helpline. #RNIBConnect

Visually Impaired Creators Scotland (VICS) are hosting an in-person and online get together on Monday 19th May. Amelia spoke to Kirin Saeed, VICS founder, to learn more. Join in person from 1 to 4 pm at The Dean Centre in Leith, Edinburgh, or online from 3 to 4 pm. Refreshments and reasonable travel expenses provided. Contact kirinsaeed@btinternet.com to learn more and rsvp for refreshments.

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 the return of the stage adaptation of Khaled Hosseini's best-selling novel ‘A Thousand Splendid Suns' to the Birmingham Repertory Theatre with description by Professional Audio Describer Carolyn Smith. About A Thousand Splendid Suns The Rep presents a powerful new production of A Thousand Splendid Suns, Khaled Hosseini's spiritual sequel to The Kite Runner. In 1992 in an Afghanistan ravaged by war, an orphaned Laila is left alone in an increasingly threatening world. Her older neighbour Rasheed is quick to open his home and takes Laila as his second wife. Rasheed's first wife Mariam has no choice but to accept her younger, and now pregnant, rival. As the Taliban take over, life for all of them becomes a desperate struggle against starvation, brutality and fear, and the two women find themselves unlikely allies. Former Rep and Hampstead Theatre Artistic Director Roxana Silbert returns to Birmingham to direct this unflinching, life affirming drama, in which love grows and sustains the human spirit even during the hardest of times. Musical inspiration drawn from Afghanistan's 1970s musical heritage, including works by Ahmad Zahir and Abdul Rahim Sarban There are further audio described performances of A Thousand Splendid Suns - Nottingham Theatre Royal - Thursday 22 May, 6.30pm and Saturday 24 May, 2.30pm.  Leeds Playhouse - Friday 13 June, 7.30pm and Saturday 14 June, 2pm. For more about access at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre do visit the access pages of their website - 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)

Jennifer Murray chats to Luke Howarth to learn about his sight loss journey and about his own business he has set up. You can contact Luke in any of the following ways: Contact Details for Vision With Luke: Email Address: luke@visionwithluke.co.uk Phone: 07496902749 Website:  https://www.visionwithluke.co.uk/ Facebook page:  Vision with Luke | Burnley | Facebook LinkedIn:  Vision with Luke | LinkedIn  X @visionwithluke 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 about Bankietalk Talking Newspaper based in Clydebank Scotland? Well, Jennifer Murray chats to Irene McKelvie to find out more. Bankietalk Talking Newspaper's office is only staffed on a Wednesday however, you can contact them via any of the following ways (including leaving a message on their answer phone): Bankietalk Talking Newspaper's Email Address: bankietalk@yahoo.com Address: Bankietalk Talking Newspaper Unit 13 & 14, Clyde Business Centre, 31 Clyde Street, CLYDEBANK, G81 1PF Mobile: 07469 792648 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.

On the 14th June Scottish Disability Sport (SDS), supported by The Motability Scheme, are hosting a national exhibition for people with a disability to find out what sports and physical activities they can get involved in. There will be opportunities to meet new people, learn about schemes and organisations that can offer support, and educational opportunities for people without disabilities to learn about inclusive practise and ways to make society more accessible. It's taking place from 10 am to 4pm at the University of Stirling and Amelia spoke to Para swimmer and SDS Board Member, Laura Pilkington, and Visually impaired athlete and VI Ambassador, Samantha Gough, to learn more. Learn more on the SDS website - National Exhibition Event 2025 - 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, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Anne Hornsby from MindsEye Description about some forthcoming events with Audio Description. AD makes television, movies, galleries  and other arts events more inclusive, accessible and enjoyable for blind and partially sighted people. This month they're looking at An American smash hit, a children's classic and more. If you'd like more information on audio described events, go to www.mindseyedescription.co.uk #RNIBConnect Image Shows  Anne Hornsby from MindsEye Description, Sitting In front Of The Microphone, Wearing Headphones.

Each year we celebrate Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) which aims to make the world a more accessible place for people with disabilities. Why should we highlight the annual event and why should the public and private sectors, in particular, pay close attention to it's importance? RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Gavin Neate, from NeateBox, to find out… If you'd like to learn more about the Welcome application, go to www.wel-co.me #RNIBConnect Image Shows RNIB Logo, A White Background, RNIB In Bold Black Letters With A Solid Pink Line Below

Would you like to learn more about The Cotswold Listener? Well, Jennifer Murray speaks to June Little to find out more. You can get in touch with the Cotswold Listener in any of the following ways: The Cotswold Listener's Website:  https://www.cotswoldlistener.co.uk/ Email Address:  admin@cotswoldlistener.co.uk Phone: 01242252072 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.

For GAAD (Global Accessibility Awareness Day) 2025 (Thursday 15 May 2025) we are focusing on access to heritage for blind and partially sighted people as RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey is joined by Aileen Pierce, Head of Interpretation and Design at Historic Royal palaces to find out more about HRP and an overview of their access offer which includes Digital Video Guides with audio description, some tactile experiences and a couple of highlights of accessible events for blind and partially sighted people coming up over the summer too. For more about access at Historic Royal Palaces do visit the individual sites access pages of the HRP website - https://www.hrp.org.uk/#gs.lox24t (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)

For GAAD (Global Accessibility Awareness Day) 2025 (Thursday 15 May 2025) we are going to focus on access to heritage for blind and partially sighted people as RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey is joined by Rachael Osmotherley, Visitor Journey Development Manager for Access, Experiences and Partnerships at the national Trust to highlight the great accessAble Guides for over 1,000 national Trust locations.  Rachael began by telling Toby about how the project came about, an overview of what sort of access information around the Trust's locations and properties feature in the AccessAble Guides and especially information for blind and partially sighted visitors. The national Trust AccessAble Guides can be found by either visiting the accessAble website - https://www.accessable.co.uk Or by visiting the access for Everyone pages of the national Trust website - https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/who-we-are/about-us/access-for-everyone  (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)

Jennifer Murray chats to Susan Connolly from Hull and District Talking Magazine for the Blind to learn about what they do. If you would like to contact Hull and District Talking Magazine for the Blind, you can do so in the following ways: Hull and District Talking Magazine for the Blind's Website: www.hulltalkingmagazine.org.uk   Phone: 01482 585822 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.

Jennifer Murray chats to Barry Williamson from Causeway Talking News based in Northern Ireland to find out more. If you would like to reach out to Barry Williamson regarding the talking newspaper, you can contact him in the following ways: Barry Williamson's Email Address: barry.williamson@outlook.com Bary Williamson's Mobile Number:  07843847751 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 latest RNIB Voice of the Customer survey is focusing on the experiences of blind and partially sighted people around volunteering.  The Research and Insight Team would like to hear about your motivations, barriers, and what might encourage you to volunteer. Even if you don't volunteer, your input is invaluable in understanding your decisions and what could inspire you to get involved with a volunteering opportunity in the future. RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey was joined by Robin Kay, RNIB Research and Insight Officer to find out more about the Voice of the Customer Survey and why this time the team are looking at volunteering as a blind or partially sighted person.  To find out more about the Voice of the Customer Survey, take part and give your comments and feedback on volunteering do either email customervoice@rnib.org.uk or fill in the following online form - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RW39PQJ  (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)

Andrew Pettigrew speaks to Jennifer Murray about his hearing and sight loss and the many different things he does. 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.

Jennifer Murray catches up with Robin Finlay the Chair of Argyll Talking Newspapers. Robin Finlay can be contacted on the following number should you wish to get in touch with Argyll Talking Newspapers: 01546602718 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.

Mental Health Awareness Week takes place from 12th till 18th of May, and this year we focus on the importance of community in supporting individual wellbeing. Joining us now to talk about how you could connect with a community that understands what it is like to live with sight loss, is Trish Sail Peer to Peer Coordinator at RNIB. Find out about RNIB's Connect Facebook groups here: Connect Facebook groups | 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.

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 progress on the Accessible Health Information Standard, an ask for your feedback if you voted in the English elections on May 1st and some exciting news for RNIB Connect Radio. 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 Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB, Wearing a Glasses And A Grey Jacket

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 the multi-award winning musical ‘Chicago' as the current UK tour visited the Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham with description by Professional Audio Describer Anne Hornsby. About ‘Chicago' ‘CHICAGO', the "sexiest musical ever" (Metro) is currently on it's UK tour starring Strictly Come Dancing Professional Dancer and TV Star Janette Manrara (It Takes Two, Burn The Floor, Glee) as Roxie Hart, West End and TV star Brenda Edwards (Loose Women, Chicago, The X Factor) as Matron ‘Mama' Morton and West End leading man Dan Burton (Gypsy, The Mousetrap, White Christmas) as Billy Flynn. With 6 Tony Awards, 2 Olivier Awards, a Grammy® and thousands of standing ovations, ‘CHICAGO' truly is “SUPERB” (Daily Telegraph). Set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, CHICAGO is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago's slickest criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines, the likes of which might just as easily be ripped from today's tabloids. Created by the musical theatre talents of John Kander, Fred Ebb and legendary choreographer Bob Fosse, ‘it's sexy, sassy score with one show-stopping song after another includes “Razzle Dazzle”, “Cell Block Tango”, and “All That Jazz”. With 6 Tony Awards, 2 Olivier Awards, a Grammy® and thousands of standing ovations, ‘CHICAGO' truly is “SUPERB” (Daily Telegraph). For more about the UK tour of ‘Chicago' along with dates and times of performances near you do visit - https://chicagothemusical.com/uk-tour/ (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)

On the 28th of April 2025, Spain was one of a couple of countries effected by a massive blackout/power cut. Jennifer Murray chats to visually impaired Javier Rodriguez to learn about his experience of the blackout and how it affected him. 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.

After having attended the recent audio described performance of ‘Ghosts' at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre in London RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey caught up with Actor and RNIB Ambassador Victoria Smurfit, who's daughter is also visually impaired, to find out more about playing Helena in Gary Owen's version of Henrik Ibsen's ‘Ghosts' and also about access to theatre for blind and partially sighted people.  Toby began by asking Victoria what the difference might be between the character Maud that Victoria plays in the Disney plus adaptation of ‘Rivals' and Helena in ‘Ghosts' or not.   Then to talking about the touch tour prior to the audio described performance of ‘Ghosts' and what an added bonus it was for Toby and the other visually impaired theatre patrons to have Victoria and one of the other Actors on stage during the touch tour. With Toby expressing how important a touch tour is for him to get a real sense and feel of the set and space that Victoria and the rest of the cast are performing in.   Before a discussion about theatre access generally Toby asked Victoria whether she thinks about her daughter at all when performing, knowing that a show is being audio described for blind and partially sighted people and whether going to the theatre is something they both share together.  You will find more about access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people by visiting the following pages of the RNIB website - https://www.rnib.org.uk/living-with-sight-loss/community-connection-and-wellbeing/leisure/art-galleries-museums-and-theatres/ Image shows Victoria on the set of Ghosts, dressed in white and sat on a stylish brown leather sofa in front of a pale blue foggy background. Her hands are clasped over her knees and she is leaning forward and looking towards the camera.

Did you know there are more statues of animals in Edinbugh than Women?  Theatre company F-bomb have a new theatre show dedicated to women who made the city, including a visually impaired saint. Amelia learns more from writer and founder of Visually Impaired Creators Scotland (VICS) 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 all about East Lothian Messenger Talking News? Well, Jennifer Murray chats to Veronica Wallace to find out more. You can contact Veronica Wallace on either of the following phone numbers: Landline: 01368830363 Personal Mobile: 07879870232 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.

Something for the Weekend highlights the best in accessible audio content each week. Hear Hannah Sweeney's picks of unmissable content here. 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 would be your first snack after running a marathon? Amelia spoke to Caroline who just completed the London marathon to raise money for RNIB about her experience… Learn more about running for RNIB next year here - Run the London Marathon 2026 for RNIB | 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. 

On 8 May 1945, after almost six years of brutal war, Germany finally surrendered to the Allies, and Victory in Europe was declared. 'VE Day 80: After the Darkness' is a new Blind Veterans UK online exhibition featuring the extraordinary first-hand accounts from a number of Blind Veterans who were there on the day. Each story is also accompanied by a wonderful illustration by award-winning Artist and Illustrator Martin Impy which is also described on the website too.  RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey caught up with Martin to firstly find out about his own family's experiences of WWII and VE-Day along with any previous connections he may have had with Blind Veterans UK. Then Martin talks about his illustrations for VE Day 80: After the Darkness and how he worked on the illustrations for Blind Veteran Derrick and Matt's stories that feature in the online exhibition. Derrick was a pilot during WWII, shot down over Italy and by taking a wrong turn ended up being captured, spending over a year as a Prisoner of War and forced to march across Germany in freezing conditions.   Matt was serving with the SAS behind enemy lines in Italy and no grand announcements or celebrations for him on VE Day. The audio clips from VE-Day 80: After the Darkness and Martin's illustration have been included with the kind permission of Blind Veterans UK and by Martin Impy.  You will find all of the Blind Veterans UK first hand VE Day stories along with Martin's wonderful illustrations by visiting - https://www.blindveterans.org.uk/news-stories/ve-day-80-after-the-darkness/ And for more about Martin, his work and his new illustrated book ‘BLITZ One Family's War' then do visit his website - https://martinimpey.com If you, or someone you know, served in the Armed Forces, including National Service, and are now struggling with sight loss, then do get in touch with Blind Veterans UK by calling 0800 389 7979 or visit their website - https://www.blindveterans.org.uk Image shows Derrick standing in the foreground of a prisoner of war camp, calm but alert. Around him, fellow airmen mill about under the watchful gaze of a guard tower. There's music, chatter and movement - but no certainty yet of what tomorrow will bring.

With technology advancing and volunteer numbers declining, Jennifer Murray chats to James Walton about the impact this is having on Bolton Newstalk. You can visit Bolton Newstalk's website and listen to their podcasts. The link to Bolton Newstalk's website is: Bolton Newstalk They can be contacted by email at the following email address: newstalk@icloud.com It is also possible to listen to the talking newspaper via phone. The paper is also available by calling 01204 226336, this service is for people who do not have internet access or a smart phone. 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.

Goalball UK and The English FA have joined forces in the search for new female talent. Hywel Davies has been finding out about the ‘Female Futures' programme.  For more information on the programme, including how to take part - visit the Goalball UK website - Female Futures Programme – Goalball UK and The FA Para Football joint initiative! - Goalball UK

Have you ever wanted to get out on the water and try surfing? There's a surf school in South Wales aiming to make catching waves more accessible than ever. Hywel Davies has been finding out about and event in Swansea this weekend. For more information on Surfanility UK, visit their website - Adapted and inclusive surfing experiences - Surfability UK CIC

What is international dawn chorus day? How did May Day celebrations begin? Amelia is here to fill you in with the May Almanac. 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. 

St Albans Cathedral is the oldest site of continual Christian worship in the country, from small pilgrim church to huge Abbey and Monastery, to parish church and Cathedral which has stood firm through Reformation, Civil War, Plagues, and Pandemics. St Albans is the only Cathedral in the country to house two medieval pedestal shrines that belong to St Alban and St Amphibalus.  The Cathedral dates back 1700 years and is rich in history and traditions.   So do join Toby for an audio described guided touch tour of St Albans Cathedral with VocalEyes trained Cathedral guide Helen Hughes to find out more about St Alban, his story and explore Many of the fascinating parts of the cathedral including St Albans Shrine, a statue of St George, the Watching Loft and much more besides. For more about St Albans Cathedral and their guided audio described touch tours for blind and partially sighted people do either email boxoffice@stalbanscathedral.org, call the Cathedral on 01727 890 290 or visit the following pages of their website - https://www.stalbanscathedral.org/Event/vip-guided-tour  Image Shows an arial shot of the front of St Albans cathedral

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 DCC (Disability Charity Consortium) meeting with the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) on how the DCC work with the DWP going forward covering topics like the review into employment, then to news about the RNIB Grimaldi Building winning the Disability Smart Accessibility Built Environment Award, a thank you to all the RNIB runners in the London Marathon and as people in England cast their vote in the local elections (1 May 2025) a reminder for listeners to give feedback on how they found the voting experience as a visually impaired person. 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

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 the brand new stage adaptation of Malorie Blackman OBE's novel 'Pig Heart Boy' as the touring production visited the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre with description by Professional Audio Describer Faith Florence Agaba. About Pig Heart Boy: Based on the novel by Malorie Blackman. Adapted by Winsome Pinnock Is it better to have a pig's heart that works … than a human heart that doesn't? Cameron is thirteen, and all he wants is to be normal – have friends, go to school, and dive to the bottom of his local swimming pool. But he desperately needs a heart transplant and time is running out. When he's finally offered a new heart, Cameron must choose how far he'll go to get his life back. From the multi award-winning writer Malorie Blackman OBE, author of Noughts and Crosses, this brilliant novel is brought to life in a brand-new adaptation by Winsome Pinnock, and is directed by Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu. Pig Heart Boy was shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal and adapted by the BBC into a Bafta award-winning TV series. For Ages 9 – 13yrs. For more about the tour of ‘Pig Heart Boy' including details of Venus, dates and times of performances near you do visit - https://www.pigheartboyplay.co.uk To find out 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)

A scheme from HMRC has helped more than half a million people in the UK to top up their savings with a ‘Help To Save' account. Hywel Davies has been finding who's eligible and how to get started. For more information, visit the Help to Save website -  Get help with savings if you're on a low income (Help to Save): How it works - GOV.UK

Jennifer Murray chats to Kate Charles, Chief Executive of VisionPK, a sensory impairment charity based in Perth, Scotland. If you would like to learn more about VisionPK or contact them, you can do so in the following ways: VisionPK's Website: Home - VisionPK VisionPK's Email Address: info@visionpk.org.uk Phone: 01738626969 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.

Ellen Renton is a poet, performer and play-wright with albinism. She recently received An Unlimited UK Partner Award 2025 commission with Imaginate and funding from Creative Scotland. She told Amelia about her career and upcoming theatre project, PALS, A musical theatre piece for blind and partially blind children. Learn more about Ellen on her website - Ellen Renton Learn more about PALS on the Unlimited website - Pals 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. 

Tim has been a volunteer with RNIB for over 20 years.  He told Amelia about his most memorable experiences, how his role has changed, and why volunteering is so beneficial to him. 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, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell is joined by some of the RNIB Campaigns Team to discuss some of the big projects they're working on. This month's topics include work to stop financially detrimental changes to some welfare payments and we look ahead to a couple of projects that you can get involved in. 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 #RNIBConnect Images Shows RNIB Logo

Would you like to learn all about Pendle Voice? Well Jennifer Murray chats to Luke Howarth, chair of the Talking Newspaper, to find out more. If you would like to contact Pendle Voice, you can do so in the following ways: Website: Talking Newspaper – Talking Newspaper Email Address: admin@pendlevoice.mytn.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.

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 Glasgow.

Jennifer Murray chats to Michael May from Mid-Ulster Talking Newspaper, based in Northern Ireland. If you would like to contact Michael directly, you can email him on: m.smay@btinternet.com  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.

Will the rapid growth in independent eye care services put patients with more complex eye conditions at greater risk of losing their sight?   With increasing numbers of NHS Eye consultants taking on more private work such as cataract operations this could mean fewer NHS appointments being available for patients with more complex conditions such as glaucoma or macular degeneration which in turn could cause a crisis point in eye care services. RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey was joined by Ben Burton, Consultant Ophthalmologist and President of The Royal College of Ophthalmologists to discuss some of the concerns the College has about the growth of independent practices taking on more cataract work and what this means for patients with complex eye conditions who need more urgent eye appointments which would in turn prevent more people from losing their sight and what can be done to stop this potential crisis point in eye care services. To find out more about The Royal College of Ophthalmologists do visit their website - https://www.rcophth.ac.uk (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)

RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey was joined by RNIB Project Support Officer Ian White to find out more about the up-coming RNIB Scotland Living With Sight Loss Information Event on the Isle of Arran on Friday 23 May 2025. Ian explains to Toby more about the event, who it is for, the other organisations and assistive technology manufacturers who will be joining RNIB Scotland on the day. To find out more about RNIB Scotland do visit the following pages of the RNIB website - https://www.rnib.org.uk/nations/scotland/ (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 finds out about a library tour taking place across the UK this week… 

Our David Hogg finds out about a talking newspaper service for blind and partially sighted people in Ayrshire…