RNIB Connect

There's an exciting opportunity to join the team behind the UK's largest producer of official statistics. Hywel Davies has been finding out about a new work placement scheme with The Office for National Statistics.

Each month, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell is joined by some of RNIB Northern Ireland's Campaigns Team to discuss some of the big projects they're working on.This month's topics include work on accessible voting and the charity Manifesto for next year's elections and a transport hub accessibility launch.If you'd like to find out more, or get involved in campaigning, email campaignsni@rnib.org.uk#RNIBConnectImage shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underlined with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font.

Each month RNIB Connect Radio speaks to the Policy and Campaigns Team from RNIB Cymru. This month, we hear about the letter RNIB Cymru has sent to the new Cabinet Minister for Health in Wales and the ‘Pathways in Practice' sessions that are taking place all over the country.For more information on the work of RNIB Cymru's Policy and Campaigns Team, visit the website - Policy - Wales - RNIB Cymru campaigns I RNIB | RNIB

Each week, on RNIB Connect Radio we sit down with Simon Antrobus, CEO of RNIB, to look at some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity.This week Simon began by reflecting on the increase in the availability of audio description for many of the 2026 Football World Cup games on television for blind and partially sighted fans.  Then to the reception on Wednesday 17 June at the House of Commons hosted by Marsha de Cordova, Labour MP for Battersea that brought together people from across the sight loss sector and Eye Care Health service to launch a new training package sponsored by the RNIB, hosted on the Royal College of Ophthalmologist's' Inspire platform for Clinicians working within Eye health to raise awareness around the importance of emotional support at the point of diagnosis for people affected by sight loss. Plus a couple of other important events at the Houses of Parliament for the RNIB this week too.If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services available from RNIB, go to www.rnib.org.ukYou can call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999Or ask your Amazon smart speaker to call RNIB's Helpline.#RNIBConnectImage shows Simon smiling for the camera. He is a white man with neat, short fair hair, dressed in a white shirt and charcoal suit jacket.

Time to catch up with the latest work from RNIB Scotland's Campaigns Team.This month, RNIB Connect Radio's Paulina Kuchorew is joined by Kirstie Henderson to chat tactile paving at train stations across Scotland, free travel for companions and more.If you'd like to find out more, or get involved in campaigning visit: Read about RNIB Scotland's campaigns | RNIB or call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999.#RNIBConnectImage shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underlined 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 another audio described theatre review.This time we have a bold, uplifting celebration of ambition, transformation and self-discovery as the current tour of ‘Frankie Goes to Bollywood' visited the Birmingham Repertory Theatre with description by Professional Audio Describer Carolyn Smith. About ‘Frankie Goes to Bollywood'After a smash-hit UK tour, Frankie Goes to Bollywood returns - bigger, bolder, and bursting with Bollywood glamour.Ordinary suburban Frankie never dreamed of stardom until a chance encounter sweeps her from gritty, grey Huddersfield to the glittering fever-dream world of Bollywood.As she climbs the shimmering staircase of fame, Frankie must decide what she is willing to risk for fortune, family and belonging.With handsome heroes, delicious villains and billowing saris, this is a funny and fearless tale of being British in Bollywood.Featuring explosive choreography, lavish costumes and pulsing songs, this feel-good musical bursts with ambition and heart - a joyful celebration of love, courage, self-discovery and pure theatrical sparkle. For more about access at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre do visit - https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/your-visit/accessibility/(Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underlined with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font)

On Wednesday 17 June 2026 in the Thames Pavilion at the House of Commons Marsha de Cordova, Labour MP for Battersea hosted an event that brought together people from across the sight loss sector and Eye Care Health service to launch a new training package sponsored by the RNIB, hosted on the Royal College of Ophthalmologist's' Inspire platform for Clinicians working within Eye health to raise awareness around the importance of emotional support at the point of diagnosis.RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey was there for the launch event and caught up with RNIB Chair of Trustees Anna Tylor.(Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underlined with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font)

On Wednesday 17 June 2026 in the Thames Pavilion at the House of Commons Marsha de Cordova, Labour MP for Battersea hosted an event that brought together people from across the sight loss sector and Eye Care Health service to launch a new training package sponsored by the RNIB, hosted on the Royal College of Ophthalmologist's' Inspire platform for Clinicians working within Eye health to raise awareness around the importance of emotional support at the point of diagnosis.RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey was there for the launch event and caught up with Professor Mhairi Thurston who is visually impaired and helped with the set up of the training package.(Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underlined with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font)

On Wednesday 17 June 2026 in the Thames Pavilion at the House of Commons Marsha de Cordova, Labour MP for Battersea hosted an event that brought together people from across the sight loss sector and Eye Care Health service to launch a new training package sponsored by the RNIB, hosted on the Royal College of Ophthalmologist's' Inspire platform for Clinicians working within Eye health to raise awareness around the importance of emotional support at the point of diagnosis.RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey was there for the launch event and caught up with Amanda Hawkins, RNIB Head of Mental Health and Counselling. (Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underlined with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font)

On Wednesday 17 June 2026 in the Thames Pavilion at the House of Commons Marsha de Cordova, Labour MP for Battersea hosted an event that brought together people from across the sight loss sector and Eye Care Health service to launch a new training package sponsored by the RNIB, hosted on the Royal College of Ophthalmologist's' Inspire platform for Clinicians working within Eye health to raise awareness around the importance of emotional support at the point of diagnosis.RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey was there for the launch event and caught up with Professor Tariq Aslam who was very much involved in the development of the training package. (Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underlined with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font)

On Wednesday 17 June 2026 in the Thames Pavilion at the House of Commons Marsha de Cordova, Labour MP for Battersea hosted an event that brought together people from across the sight loss sector and Eye Care Health service to launch a new training package sponsored by the RNIB, hosted on the Royal College of Ophthalmologist's' Inspire platform for Clinicians working within Eye health to raise awareness around the importance of emotional support at the point of diagnosis.RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey was there for the launch event and caught up with Mohamed Elalfy, President of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists.(Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underlined with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font)

Join Jonathan on a beautiful train ride through Italy, arriving into the snowy mountains of Switzerland.Listen to Travelogues every Wednesday on The Lunch Break from 12 noon to 1 pm.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. 

This time for our regular browse through the RNIB online shop with Charlee Jarvis, RNIB Shop's Buying Administrator Wwe are looking at the Tonies range of products that have just been added to the shop including the Toniebox 2 audio player and Tonies audio figurines.Designed for ages 1-9+. Through the Toniebox 2 children can play their favourite stories and songs by placing a tactile, magnetic Tonie character on top of the box. Tap the box to skip a song or chapter, tilt it to fast-forward or rewind, and squeeze the ears of the box to adjust the volume. No screens, no ads – just safe, accessible, independent reading.For more about the Toniebox 2 Player, the Tonies range of products and many others that you will find in the RNIB online shop do visit - https://shop.rnib.org.uk/connect(Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underlined with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font)

Extant, the UK's leading professional performing arts company of blind and visually impaired artists, will return to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this summer building on the success of its landmark 2025 programme. The company will present three Enhance shows alongside a new showcase, in partnership with Underbelly as principal venue partner on 18th August celebrating a number of the most exciting visually impaired-led performances including stand-up, cabaret, dance, theatre and new writing. Amelia Cavallo who will be presenting ‘An Evening with Tito Bone' as part of the extant showcase gives RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey a bit about her background as a visually impaired Artist and more about ‘An Evening with Tito Bone' as well as what people can expect from the Extant showcase at underbelly on 18 August 2026. To find out more about the Extant Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026 programme including the three enhance shows and the showcase at Underbelly on 18 August 2026 do visit the company's website - https://extant.org.uk(Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underlined 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 Simon Antrobus, CEO of RNIB, to look at some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity.This week Simon talks about the board of trustees visit to Edinburgh, tactile platform markers at Scottish train stations and why Kate Winslet spoke about an audio description problem in Northern Ireland.If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services available from RNIB, go to www.rnib.org.ukYou can call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or ask your Smart speaker to call RNIB's Helpline.#RNIBConnect

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 another audio described theatre review.We have a musical comedy made from the finest ingredients this week as the current tour of ‘Waitress' visited the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre with description by Professional Audio Describer Nicola Williams. About ‘Waitress'The five-star musical returns, starring Carrie Hope Fletcher“Treat yourself to a slice of five-star musical pie” (The Times) with Carrie Hope Fletcher (Calamity Jane, Heathers, The Addams Family) as Jenna and Les Dennis as Old Joe for one week only! They'll be joined by Sandra Marvin as Becky and Evelyn Hoskins as Dawn.Meet Jenna, a waitress and expert pie-maker who dreams of some happiness in her life. When a hot new doctor arrives in town, life gets complicated. With the support of her workmates Becky and Dawn, Jenna overcomes the challenges she faces and finds that laughter, love and friendship can provide the perfect recipe for happiness.Brought to life by a ground-breaking, female-led creative team, this ‘warm, witty, wise and hilarious' (Express) hit features ‘one of the best scores in years' (The Stage) by the Grammy award-winning Sara Bareilles (Love Song, Brave) a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson (I Am Sam) and direction by Tony® Award-winner Diane Paulus (Pippin, Finding Neverland).Having received standing ovations night after night in London's West End and on Broadway, Waitress is ‘the real deal' (Independent) musical comedy'.For more about the current tour of ‘Waitress' and details of performances near you do visit the production website - https://waitressthemusical.co.uk(Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underlined with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font)

Have you ever thought of joining and singing in a choir as a blind or partially sighted person but wondered how accommodating the choir might be for you as a visually impaired singer?Well, RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey recently caught up with blind Author and Broadcaster Selina Mills along with Jack Apperley, Conductor of the Goldsmiths Choral Union, as the choir were rehearsing for their up-coming ‘Poetry in Motion' concert at Holy Trinity Church, Sloane Street, London on Tuesday 16 June at 7.30pm featuring work by blind Jazz Composer George Shearing to find out how things have been for Selina singing with the choir and for Jack what it has been like working with a visually impaired singer too. To find out more about the Goldsmiths Choral Union and the ‘Poetry in Motion' concert at Holy Trinity Church, Sloane Street, London, Tuesday 16 June at 7.30pm do visit the choir's website - https://www.goldsmithschoralunion.org(Image shows a black and white photograph of the Goldsmiths Choral Union on stage with orchestra and Conductor Jack standing and facing out towards the audience)

Return to Tenerife to soak in the sunshine and eat delicous food with Jonathan Abro.Listen to Travelogues every Wednesday on The Lunch Break from 12 noon to 1 pm.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. 

Now for the next in our regular slots here on RNIB Connect Radio highlighting what is on offer at the National Theatre in London for blind and partially sighted people with audio description.RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey was joined again by David Bellwood, Head of Access at the National Theatre to chat about a few up-coming audio described shows at the NT and a couple that are available online with audio description via NT at home.Audio described performances included: ‘Pride' - Saturday 18 July, 2pm, touch tour 12noon and Friday 7 August, 7.30pm, touch tour 5.30pm, National Theatre's Dorfman Theatre‘Electra/Persona' - Saturday 12 September 1pm, touch tour 11am and Thursday 8 October 7pm, touch tour 5pm, National Theatre's Lyttelton Theatre‘The Story' - Saturday 19 September 2.30pm, touch tour 12.30pm and Friday 2 October 7.30pm, touch tour 5.30pm, National Theatre's Olivier TheatreFrom NT at home with audio description David recommended ‘Oklahoma' and ‘The Audience'.To find out more about the National Theatre's audio description offer and services for blind and partially sighted people do either call the NT on 020 7452 3961 or visit the NT website - https://www.nationaltheatre.org.ukAnd for more about NT at home and to view many theatre productions online with audio description do visit - https://www.ntathome.com(Image shows National Theatre logo, a capital N and T in black against a white background)

Vision Norfolk's gardening group meets regularly to enjoy gardening and social activities in a supportive, accessible environment.Amelia learned more from Mark Smith...Learn more on the Vision Norfolk website - Gardening - Vision NorfolkGet in touch with Mark by phoning 01603 573000 (extension 341)Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white and black 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 like to go to a music festival as a visually impaired person? Amelia spoke to Lindsey Leitch about her experiences.Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white and black 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. 

Your chance to help RNIB celebrate 90 year's of RNIB Talking Books and the incredible gifts in wills have on the charity's work too by joining RNIB at the RHS Sandringham Flower Show 2026 from 22 to 26 July to welcome and chat with visitors to the RNIB Talking Books Garden designed by award-winning Garden Designer Paul Hervey-Brookes which has also been supported by players of the Postcode Lottery.RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey was joined by Jackie Taylor, RNIB supporter Experience Officer and Hannah Whitcombe, RNIB's Corporate Partnerships Manager to find out more about what might be involved as a Volunteer welcoming visitors to the RNIB Talking Books Garden at the RHS Sandringham Flower Show 2026. To find out more about volunteering to welcome visitors to the RNIB Talking Books Garden at the RHS Sandringham Flower Show 2026 in July do visit the following pages of the RNIB website, email volunteering@rnib.org.uk or call the RNIB helpline on 03030 123 9999 for more details - https://www.rnib.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer/volunteering-opportunities/ (Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underlined 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 Central.For more information, visit the Sight Village Central website - Sight Village Central is Back in Birmingham in 2026 – Don't Miss It! - Queen Alexandra College

June 8th to 14th is Diabetes Week.Charities in this area will be using the week to encourage more people to get support for the condition, as well as encourage people to take steps to avoid, or control the condition.RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Laura MacPherson and Fiona Kane from Diabetes Scotland.If you'd like more  info, call 0141 212 8710Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm. Email: helpline.scotland@diabetes.org.ukOur  dedicated diabetes helpline is for everyone with diabetes, their family or friends, and people who are worried they might be at risk.Call our confidential helpline to talk to our highly trained advisors – they have counselling skills and an extensive knowledge of diabetes. They can provide information about the condition, take the time to talk things through and explore emotional, social, psychological or practical difficulties. You don't need a question about diabetes to call us. Image Shows RNIB Connect Radio Logo, White Background, RNIB In Bold Black Letters, A Solid Pink Line Below With Connect Radio Underneath

Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with Simon Antrobus, CEO of RNIB, to look at some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity.This week Simon talks about RNIB's call for feedback on driverless taxis and the board are on the road to Edinburgh.If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services available from RNIB, go to www.rnib.org.ukYou can call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 Or ask your Smart speaker to call RNIB's Helpline.#RNIBConnect Image Shows RNIB Connect Radio Logo, White Background, RNIB In Bold Black Letters, A Solid Pink Line Below With Connect Radio Underneath

This summer you've got the chance to make your voice heard in a series of meetings with Sight Loss Council Cymru. Hywel Davies has been finding out more.For more information on all of the upcoming events, visit the Wales Council of the Blind website - Sight Loss Council Cymru - Wales Council of the Blind

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 another audio described theatre review.We have a double bill of new writing this week with ‘Money for Nothing' and ‘Untitled' from the Origins Festival at the Birmingham Hippodrome which showcased new work by eight Birmingham-based artists in the Patrick Studio with description for every performance by Professional Audio describer Julia Grundy.You will find out more about the Origins Festival by visiting the following pages of the Birmingham Hippodrome website - https://www.birminghamhippodrome.com/calendar/origins-festival/(Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underlined with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font)

Join Jonathan in the sunshine of tenerife at the music-loving Hard Rock Cafe.Listen to Jonathan's Travelogues every Wednesday on The Lunch Break from 12 noon to 1 pm.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 to look at 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 something classic, something new and something for the Teeny Weenies.If you'd like more information on audio described events, go to www.mindseyedescription.co.uk#RNIBConnectImage Shows RNIB Connect Radio Logo, White Background, RNIB In Bold Black Letters, A Solid Pink Line Below With Connect Radio Underneath

Are you looking for some accessible Father's Day cards or present ideas for a blind or partially sighted Dad?Charlee Jarvis, RNIB Shop's buying administrator takes RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey through a great selection of accessible cards and present ideas for visually impaired Dads for Father's Day on Sunday 21 June 2026 which you will find in the RNIB online shop.For more about accessible cards and present ideas for Father's Day that are available in the RNIB online shop and many other products too do visit -https://shop.rnib.org.uk/connect.(Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underlined with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font)

How do people around the world celebrate the summer solstice? What does the nightjar sound like? Amelia is back with the monthly almanac.Learn more about birdsong and the nature you can enjoy every month on the RSPB website - RSPB Bird & Wildlife Conservation CharityImage shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white and black 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. 

There's a new way to enjoy tennis at this year's Wimbledon Championships, Hywel Davies has been finding out more about ‘Action Audio'.For more information, visit the Action Audio website - Action Audio - Making sports broadcasts accessible to people living with blindness or low vision

For people with disabilities, the UK Government's Access To Work scheme is a vital support for getting into, and staying in, work.Unfortunately ATW has been buckling under the strain of increased applications, not enough staff, poor working practices and not enough funding.RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Roisin Jacklin, from RNIB, to hear about work being done to improve the vital employment lifeline.If your blind or partially sighted and  having problems with Access To Work, call 0303 123 9999 for RNIB's Helpline.#RNIBConnectImage Shows RNIB Connect Radio Logo, White Background, RNIB In Bold Black Letters, A Solid Pink Line Below With Connect Radio Underneath

If you have ever thought about taking on a running challenge event to support the RNIB but thought the London Marathon might be just a few miles too far?Well why not run for Team RNIB in either the London Big Half this September or the 2026 Royal Parks Half Marathon in October and raise important funds for the RNIB at the same time.RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey was joined by Jake Hart who also presents The Jazz Club every Friday and Saturday nights on the station to find out what it was like running the Royal Parks Half Marathon for Team RNIB as a visually impaired person.Jake shares why he wanted to run for Team RNIB, what it was like for him running through four of London's beautiful Royal Parks passing many of the capital's famous landmarks on the way and also some great jazz tracks to listen to while training and to get in the mood for running the Royal Parks Half Marathon too.if you are thinking about running for Team RNIB in either the London Big Half this September or like Jake in the 2026 Royal Parks Half Marathon in October then do visit the following link for more details on how to sign up to run for Team RNIB - https://www.rnib.org.uk/get-involved/fundraise/challenge-events/?event_type=1&event_location=16(Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underlined with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font)

For this month's RNIB Campaigns update RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey was joined by Ross Meegan, RNIB's Assistant Campaigns Officer to find out more about an opportunity for blind and partially sighted people to share their thoughts and concerns about self-driving taxis and an update on the PIP (Personal Independent Payments) situation. To take part in the survey on self-driving taxis do visit the following link and to find out more about other ways to get involved in RNIB Campaigns do either email campaigns@rnib.org.uk or call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999. https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=fDNFXZLR_EOqWAVVfJFxvCX5G4Z1621Fsf4bniKOaNpUNjlZNkNMQlgySVhLU0RFRzJJRkM1MTBVWC4u (Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underlined with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font)

From the back streets of Harajuku, Tokyo, to the global stage, the exhibition ‘NIGO:  From Japan with Love' at the Design Museum in London is the first-ever museum retrospective exhibition outside of Japan that charts the career and life of the Japanese creative director, NIGO, one of the first creatives to bridge the worlds of streetwear and luxury fashion. The ‘NIGO: From Japan with Love' exhibition features over 700 objects, including a recreation of NIGO's teenage bedroom, rare designs, ceramics hand-thrown by NIGO himself, and a life-size glass tea house made especially for the exhibition. RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey caught up with Luisa Ulyett, Senior Curator, Public Practice at the Design Museum and Rosa Abbott, Assistant Curator of the exhibition to find out more about NIGO and the audio described tour of the ‘NIGO: from Japan with Love' exhibition on Friday 5 June 2026 from 10.30am to 12noon.To find out more and book your place on the audio described tour of the 'NIGO:  From Japan with Love' exhibition do visit - https://designmuseum.org/whats-on/talks-courses-and-workshops/audio-described-tour-of-nigo-from-japan-with-love(Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underlined 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 another audio described theatre review.This time we have what is becoming a bit of a cult musical as the UK tour of ‘Operation Mincemeat' visited the Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham with description by Professional Audio Describer Theo Hornsby-Walsh. About ‘Operation Mincemeat'Operation Mincemeat is the 2024 Olivier Award-winning Best New Musical. It's London's biggest hit with 88 Five-Star reviews, making it the best-reviewed show in West End history. THE YEAR IS 1943 AND WE'RE LOSING THE WAR. LUCKILY, WE'RE ABOUT TO GAMBLE ALL OUR FUTURES ON A STOLEN CORPSE. Singin' in the Rain meets Strangers on a Train, Noel Coward meets Noel Fielding, Operation Mincemeat is the fast-paced, hilarious and unbelievable true story of the twisted secret mission that won us World War II. The question is, how did a well-dressed corpse wrong-foot Hitler?To find out more about ‘Operation Mincemeat' and the UK tour do visit -https://operationmincemeat.com/tour/uk/ (Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underlined with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font)

Blind Sports Professional Evan Scwerbrock currently holds the title of world's strongest disabled man.He tells Amelia about his preparation for the competition, how the day went down and his upcoming events.Learn more about Evan on his website - ABOUT | Cane & Able FitnessFollow him on Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok and Youtube @caneandablefitnessImage shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white and black 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. 

Hidden beneath the streets of Westminster lies The Churchill War Rooms, the secret headquarters where the course of the Second World War was determined.So do join RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey as he goes on a tour of the Churchill War Rooms with Oliver Carter-Wakefield, Curator of the CWR, walking through many of the secret underground rooms, finding out what it was like for the men and women who worked there alongside Churchill during World War II, looking into the man behind the icon as well as stepping inside the places where Winston Churchill made some of his BBC Radio broadcast addresses to the nation.Throughout the tour you will also hear clips from the recorded audio described guide to the Churchill War Rooms for blind and partially sighted people which is available from the Audio Desk in the entrance to the CWR.To find out more about the Churchill War Rooms and the recorded audio described guide do visit - https://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/churchill-war-roomsImage shows the entrance to the Churchill War Rooms, a small double glass doored archway with a dark brown metal dome on top, Churchil War Rooms written in gold capital letters with the Clive Steps to the left.

Each week, RNIB Connect Radio sits down with Simon Antrobus, CEO of RNIB, to look at some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity.If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services available from RNIB, go to www.rnib.org.ukYou can call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 Or ask your Smart speaker to call RNIB's Helpline.#RNIBConnect

Rebecca Williams is an amateur gardener from Essex, who created a beautiful multisensory garden design which will be featured at the upcoming Gardener's World Live in Birmingham this June.Sensed, Not Seen was inspired by Rebecca's father David, who started losing his sight in his 20s due to diabetic retinopathy. She spoke with RNIB Connect Radio's Paulina Kuchorew.You can follow Rebecca on her Instagram @itsbeckysgarden Image shows a colourful drawn sketch of Rebecca's garden design. A square space with a mix of colourful flowers in purples, yellows, and blues as you enter the space. It continues along the edges before coming into a lovely green canopy of rustling trees at the end. At the centre a wooden barrel with bright purple and yellow flowers planted inside. You can walk around it in a circle with ample space to enjoy the garden. A tile in shades of grey, white and black lines the walkway.

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 another audio described theatre review.This week we have Welsh National Opera's production of Wagner's The Flying Dutchman at the Birmingham Hippodrome with description by Professional Audio Describer Jonathan Nash. About ‘The Flying Dutchman'Lost souls bound by the sea. A ghostly ship roams the endless sea, vast, lonely and unrelenting. Its captain cursed to sail for eternity until redeemed by true love.Senta, captivated by the story of the mysterious Flying Dutchman condemned to sail forever, becomes the only hope for his salvation. Her longing for escape entwines her fate with his in ways neither could foresee.This gripping reimagining of The Flying Dutchman explores the deep ache of loneliness and the fragile hope of human connection. Inspired by the sublime beauty of the Welsh coast, the sea is the opera's canvas, and both a compulsion and prison for its characters. Wagner's orchestrations from the thunderous overture to its haunting arias, become the heartbeat of the story, evoking the power of the ocean and leaving you adrift in its spell.Sung in German with surtitles in English. For more about Welsh National Opera and their access offer do visit - https://wno.org.uk/take-part/access-performances/(Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underlined with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font)

We know how difficult it can be for blind and partially sighted people to get that first run on the career ladder or come back into work after a break.  Well one way the RNIB is helping visually impaired people to take that first step into employment or return to work is through the RNIB See Work Differently Work placement scheme. These are paid placements for a fixed term of twelve weeks and are generally for fourteen hours per week RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey was joined by Aminah Aslam who is currently on placement as an RNIB Public Affairs Assistant and Rhys Felton, RNIB Public Affairs Officer who has been supporting Aminah, to find out what the See Work Differently Work Placement scheme is all about, why Aminah wanted to apply for a placement, how things have been going so far for her, how Rhys has been supporting Aminah during her placement and the benefits of the scheme for other visually impaired people who might be looking at ways of getting into work or coming back after a break.Future RNIB See Work Differently Work Placements will be advertised through the recruitment pages of the RNIB website and to find out more about the placement scheme do visit - https://www.rnib.org.uk/living-with-sight-loss/equality-and-employment/see-work-differently-placement-programme/ (Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underlined with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font)

The teams are gearing up for this year's EE Disability FA Cup Finals which take place in June. Hywel Davies has been catching up with Bolton Futsal ahead of the big match.You can find more information on all of the finals taking place, by visiting the FA website - EE Disability FA Cup returns for 2026

What is sensory play and why is it so beneficial for children with a vision impairment? Amelia spoke to Tom Norton from the RNIB Education and Children service about the benefits of sensory play.Find the play guides on the RNIB website -Facilitating play for children with vision impairment | RNIBImage shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white and black 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.