RNIB Connect

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. 

Did you know RNIB have play guides to fun-filled playtimes for children with a vision impairment.Amelia spoke to Tom Norton from the RNIB Education and Children service about setting up a safe play environment and ideas for 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. 

It's time to celebrate the huge, positive, difference that volunteers make to charities across the UK.Today Hywel Davies talks to Lisa Foulkes-Arnold and Amanda Foster, who are involved with RNIB's Volunteer Advisory Council.For more details on volunteering with RNIB, go to www.rnib.org.uk/volunteering#RNIBConnectImage Shows RNIB Connect Radio Logo, White Background, RNIB In Bold Black Letters, A Solid Pink Line Below With Connect Radio Underneath

It's time to celebrate the huge, positive, difference that volunteers make to charities across the UK.Today Hywel Davies is talking to Paul Morris, a transcription service volunteer based in south Wales.For more details on volunteering with RNIB, go to www.rnib.org.uk/volunteering#RNIBConnectImage Shows RNIB Connect Radio Logo, White Background, RNIB In Bold Black Letters, A Solid Pink Line Below With Connect Radio Underneath.

It's time to celebrate the huge, positive, difference that volunteers make to charities across the UK.Today Paulina is talking to Adam Pearson, explaining why he chose to volunteer with RNIB and how it lead to a job with the UK sight loss charity.For more details on volunteering with RNIB, go to www.rnib.org.uk/volunteering#RNIBConnectImage Shows RNIB Connect Radio Logo, White Background, RNIB In Bold Black Letters, A Solid Pink Line Below With Connect Radio Underneath

It's time to celebrate the huge, positive, difference that volunteers make to charities across the UK.Today Allan Russell is talking to RNIB's CEO Simon Antrobus and the charity's Chair, Anna Tylor, about the importance of volunteers in the 3rd sector.For more details on volunteering with RNIB, go to www.rnib.org.uk/volunteering#RNIBConnectImage Shows RNIB Connect Radio Logo, White Background, RNIB In Bold Black Letters, A Solid Pink Line Below With Connect Radio Underneath

The NHS are encouraging people to register as cornea donors to give the gift of sight. Amelia learned more about Cornea transplants and the importance of discussing donation with family from Jackie Brander from NHS Blood and Transplant and Consultant Opthalmologist Professor Fiona Carley.Learn more about registering for organ donation on the NHS website - Register your decision - NHS Organ DonationImage 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. 

Bill Blundell one of the 2026 London Marathon Team RNIB runners who helped to raise £200,000 for the RNIB chats with RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey about what it was like running in the London Marathon as a visually impaired runner, why he wanted to run for Team RNIB and as a Trainer for his local running club Bill shares some top tips on both training and running in the London Marathon.If like Bill you were thinking of putting your trainers on and running for Team RNIB in the 2027 TCS London marathon or running for the RNIB in either the London Big Half in September or the 2026 Royal Parks Half Marathon in October do visit the following pages of the RMIB website to find out more and how to sign up too - 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)

Following on from the great success of the RNIB Gold medal winning Legacy Garden at the RHS Wentworth Woodhouse Flower Show 2025 the RNIB has been invited to create a garden for the RHS Sandringham Flower Show 2026 celebrating the 90th anniversary of RNIB Talking Books and the incredible impact that gifts left in Wills have on the RNIB's work too.Award-winning Garden Designer Paul Hervey-Brookes is again working on the RNIB Talking Books garden which will feature in its design the play out of extracts from a number of chosen Authors books.RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey was joined by Best-selling Crime Writer Lynda La Plante who has recorded an extract from ‘Buried', the first book in her Jack Warr series for the RNIB Talking Books garden to find out why she has chosen a very descriptive passage from the novel along with her thoughts on why it is so important for books to be made accessible to blind and partially sighted people.The RHS Sandringham Flower Show 2026 featuring the RNIB Talking Books garden designed by Paul Hervey-Brookes that includes an extract from ‘Buried' read by Lynda La Plante and supported by players of the Postcode Lottery is on from 22 to 26 July. To find out more and book your tickets do visit - https://www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-sandringham-flower-show  (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)

Following on from the great success of the RNIB Gold medal winning Legacy Garden at the RHS Wentworth Woodhouse Flower Show 2025 the RNIB has been invited to create a garden for the RHS Sandringham Flower Show 2026 celebrating the 90th anniversary of RNIB Talking Books and the incredible impact that gifts left in wills have on the RNIB's work too.Award-winning Garden Designer Paul Hervey-Brookes is again working on the RNIB Talking Books garden which will in many ways bring the Library of the Imagination to life through the garden's design.RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey caught up with Paul in our London studio and began by asking Paul what it means to him when one of his gardens like the RNIB Legacy Garden at the RHS Wentworth Woodhouse Flower Show 2025 wins a gold medal. Then to finding out more about Paul's designs for the RNIB Talking Books Garden, how he will be bringing the library of the imagination to life through many features of the garden's design, to what he would like visitors to the RNIB Talking Book Garden to experience while exploring the garden at the RHS Sandringham Flower Show 2026 plus some of his top tips for planting flowers too. The RHS Sandringham Flower Show 2026 featuring the RNIB Talking Books garden designed by Paul and supported by players of the Postcode Lottery is on from 22 to 26 July. To find out more and book your tickets do visit - https://www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-sandringham-flower-show(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)

Bowls is a low-impact, social and accessible sport that's a great way to spend time outdoors. Hywel Davies has been speaking to one club in north Wales where blind and partially sighted bowlers are taking to the green.

In this podcast, Hubert chats to Rosie Murray about her experience of the RNIB See Work Differently Placement at RNIB Connect Radio. We also hear from her manager Allan Russell. 

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 reaction to the King's speech in Parliament and a celebratory visit to the Lords.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.#RNIBConnectImage Shows RNIB's CEO Simon Antrobus, A Smiling Simon, Wearing A Black Jacket and A White Shirt.

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 stepped into the wild this week with a vibrant telling of Shakespeare's ‘A Midsummer Night's Dream', celebrating the beauty of love in all its forms at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre with description from Professional Audio Describer Carolyn Smith.About ‘A Midsummer Night's Dream' Bard veterans and newbies alike will enjoy The Rep's return to Shakespeare. Starring the hilarious Adam Carver (aka cabaret sensation Fatt Butcher) and set in the heart of Birmingham where Brummie accents punctuate this much-loved comedy.When a love-struck teenager is forced to marry a man, rather than the woman she loves, she has a few options: certain death, live a lie, move to a nunnery… or flee to a messy, neon party in an enchanted forest!Beyond the city walls, boundaries blur, music pulsates, and love is celebrated. Inhibitions are unleashed and love potions spill into more re-couplings than an episode of Love Island.This night on the tiles also features a feel-good soundtrack of pop music and original songs that will have you dancing in your seats: but maybe Sweet Dreams aren't made of this…? The feisty fairies are locked in their own conflict; the seasons are pulled into climate chaos and the young lovers' moonlit escape from reality loses its shine.Directed by The Rep's Artistic Director, Joe Murphy and Deputy Artistic Director, Madeleine Kludje, step into the wild with this vibrant telling of A Midsummer Night's Dream, celebrating the beauty of love in all its forms.For more about access at the Birmingham REP including details of audio described performances 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)

The year is the National Year of Reading. With more on RNIB's plans and how you can get involved, here's David Hogg…

UK sight loss charity RNIB has been giving it's response to some of the announcements, relating to the lives of blind and partially sighted people, contained within the King's speech.RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Rhys Felton, to look at the positives within the speech and what the charity would liked to have heard prioritised.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. 

Blanche Morrissey is 70 and an avid runner. She recently completed the TCS London marathon and spoke to Amelia about her sight loss journey, love of sport and running tips for other blind and partially sighted people.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. 

An upcoming fundraiser will see one yoga teacher tackle the Jurassic Coast walk. Dawn Blezard from Pathway Yoga lives with Stargardt Disease and wants to support the RNIB, after the charity has been there for her since the diagnosis.She spoke with RNIB Connect Radio's Paulina Kuchorew.Find out more about Dawn's fundraiser through her social pages, you can find her on Instagram or (9) FacebookImage shows Dawn doing a yoga pose and laughing. She's outdoors, with a nice stone wall behind her. One leg bent and resting against her thigh, her arms out and a big smile on her face, she's holding the tree pose. She's dressed in hiking clothes with a dark waterproof jacket, solid shoes and navy/grey leggings. 

Saffie, a six-year-old girl from Stevenage who has the rare inherited eye condition Leber's Congenital Amaurosis (LCA), which prevents cells in the eye from making a specific protein needed for normal vision.After tests were carried out at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, she was treated at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) and underwent Luxturna eye gene therapy treatment performed by Consultant Ophthalmologist Rob Henderson which has made a real difference to her vision and her life. RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey was joined by Saffie's Mother Lisa Samford and Consultant Ophthalmologist Rob Henderson to find out more about Leber's Congenital Amaurosis, how the condition affects people's vision, the eye gene therapy treatment and how the treatment has made a real difference to Saffie's life.You will find more about Leber's Congenital Amaurosis and the eye gene therapy treatment in the following news article on the Moorfields Eye Hospital website -https://www.moorfields.nhs.uk/about-us/news-and-blogs/news/moorfields-breakthrough-treatment-shows-promise-in-children (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)

Seable Holidays have secured funding for 16 young blind and partially sighted adults aged 18 to 26 to take part in a transformative trip to Sicily this autumn which will also help them to build their confidence around travel, independence and personal development too.RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey was joined by Damiano La Rocca founder of Seable Holidays to find out more about this amazing trip to Sicily for young visually impaired people.to find out more either email Seable Holidays via 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 underlined with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font)

Scottish talking magazine Playback is celebrating it's 50th anniversary this year.RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Playback presenter John Cavanagh, to learn about it's history, the future and there's a call for volunteers to get involved.If you'd like more info on Playback, go to www.playback.org.ukYou can also call Brian West, on 0141 459 1317.#RNIBConnect

Fancy improving your public speaking skills?RNIB Scotland is partnering up again this summer with Glasgow Speakers Club to run a weekly Public Speaking Course for blind and partially sighted people.Participants will develop confidence speaking in different situations from social settings to job interviews.Joining RNIB Connect Radio's Paulina Kuchorew is previous participant, Jen Worrall. The public speaking course is going to run for six weeks in Glasgow and will take place Wednesdays between 1pm and 3pm, with the first meeting on Wednesday 3rd of June.To find out more about the club get in touch via email with Conor.Joseph@rnib.org.uk or call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999Image 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, 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 with the announcement that actor, and star of Disney+ UK's ‘Rivals,' Victoria Smurfit has been appointed as RNIB's new President as Dame Gail Ronson DBE steps down after 14 years as President of the RNIB.Also with many people voting this week in the UK elections for the Scottish and Welsh parliaments as well as the Council and Mayoral elections in England Simon talks about the work that the RNIB has been doing looking into how to make voting accessible so that visually impaired people are able to vote independently at the polling station.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.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. 

RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey was joined by Neil Atkinson, RNIB Scotland, Social Action Community Coordinator to find out how how he found it voting as a visually impaired person in the Scottish Parliament Election on Thursday 7 May 2026.  Neil gives his thoughts on how accessible the whole experience was for him, the level of support he received from polling station staff, his thoughts on any accessible tools he was offered to help him vote independently as a visually impaired person and what could be done in the future to make the voting more accessible for him and other blind and partially sighted people. (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 parents of children who are blind or partially sighted are being given the chance to meet up in person and share their experiences. Hywel Davies has been hearing about the upcoming VICTA Parents Conference.For more information on the conference, visit the VICTA website - VICTA Parents LIVE! - VICTA

RNIB's See Work Differently Placement programme offers placements across RNIB Teams and gives people with sight loss the chance to gain real work experience with supportive employers and move closer to the jobs and futures they want. Amelia is here speaking to Aarifah Karim who is on placement with the Policy team, and her manager Erik Matthies to learn more.Learn more about available See Work Differently Placements on the RNIB careers page Careers at RNIB I Information and vacancies | 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. 

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 Leeds.For more information, visit the Sight Village website - Sight Village Leeds 2026 - Queen Alexandra College

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 it was all about the greatest show on earth as Vidar reviewed the current touring production of ‘Barnum' as it visited the Birmingham Hippodrome with description by Professional audio Describer Jonathan Nash. About ‘Barnum'.Step right up and enter the dazzling world of P.T. Barnum, where imagination and ambition know no bounds. Hand in hand with wife Charity, Barnum's life and career twists and turns as he schemes and dreams his way to headier heights.West End favourite and TV star Lee Mead took centre stage as the legendary 19th century showman P.T. Barnum. Lee shot to stardom with his breakout win on Any Dream Will Do and acclaimed performances in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Wicked and Legally Blonde.This spectacular new staging featured an extraordinary ensemble cast of over 20 actor-musicians playing 150 instruments, acrobats and amazing circus acts. Audiences are certain to delight at every sight, wonder and miracle that the name Barnum stands for.Barnum first took the UK by storm when it played the London Palladium, with Michael Crawford making theatrical history with a death-defying nightly tightrope walk across the stage. And now, Lee Mead steps into Barnum's shoes and on to the tightrope!Come follow the band with the glorious music of multi-award-winner Cy Coleman, Michael Stewart's lyrics and Mark Bramble's book. Barnum features a whole host of classic show tunes including Join the Circus, Colours of My Life, Come Follow the Band and Love Makes Such Fools of Us All.To find out more about the current UK tour of ‘Barnum' do visit - https://www.kenwright.com/productions/barnum-2026-uk-tour/(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 are celebrating the power of people helping other people and an incredible £15 million in flexible funding raised by players of the Postcode Lottery supporting the work that the RNIB does to help blind and partially sighted people live more independently and with greater confidence too.RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey caught up with Laura Chow, Head of Charities at the Postcode Lottery to find out more about the history of the Postcode Lottery, the long standing partnership with the RNIB and the incredible support that players have made to many areas of the RNIB's work which has made a real difference to the lives of many visually impaired people.Thanks to funding raised by players and awarded by Postcode Care Trust, RNIB has received an amazing £15 million in flexible funding since 2018.To find out more about the Postcode Lottery do visit - https://www.postcodelottery.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)

We are celebrating the power of people helping other people and an incredible £15 million in flexible funding raised by players of the Postcode Lottery supporting the work that the RNIB does to help blind and partially sighted people live more independently and with greater confidence too.One such area of the RNIB's work is through Lara Marshall's role as RNIB's Libraries Engagement Manager and working closely with Fiona Tarn, Head of London Libraries to make a real difference to blind and partially sighted library visitors in London. RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey caught up with Lara and Fiona at Holborn Library in central London to find out how the funding has been helping to make library services more accessible to visually impaired people.Thanks to funding raised by players and awarded by Postcode Care Trust, RNIB has received an amazing £15 million in flexible funding since 2018.To find out more about making services more accessible like those at the London Libraries do either call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visit the RNIB website - https://www.rnib.org.ukAnd for more about the Postcode Lottery do go to - https://www.postcodelottery.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)

The RNIB has announced today (7 May 2026) that actor, and star of Disney+ UK's ‘Rivals,' Victoria Smurfit has been appointed as the charity's new President. Victoria takes on the role as Dame Gail Ronson DBE steps down after 14 years of dedicated service.Victoria brings a personal connection to RNIB as mum to Evie age 21, who was diagnosed with Stargardt's Macular Dystrophy as a child. Victoria also has a longstanding family connection to RNIB through her father, Dr Dermot Smurfit, an RNIB Vice-President, who has supported the charity for decades.RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey caught up with Victoria to find out how she feels taking up the role of President of the RNIB following on from Dame Gail Ronson DBE, more about her family's long-standing connection with the RNIB, a couple of areas of work around sight loss that Victoria would like to champion as President plus reflecting on watching her daughter Evie grow up with Stargardt's Macular Dystrophy.Image shows Victoria and Toby with guide dog Boston behind the mixing desk in the Connect Radio studio in London

The RNIB has announced today (7 May 2026) that actor, and star of Disney+ UK's ‘Rivals,' Victoria Smurfit has been appointed as the charity's new President. Victoria takes on the role as Dame Gail Ronson DBE steps down after 14 years of dedicated service.RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey caught up with Dame Gail Ronson DBE for a bit of a look back over her 14 years as RNIB President as she passes on the baton to Actor Victoria Smurfit.RNIB has recognised Dame Gail Ronson DBE's contribution to the organisation by awarding her the title of Honorary President, which means she will continue to have a close connection with the charity and its work.Image Shows Dame Gail Ronson DBE and Victoria Smurfit stood outside the entrance of the RNIB's Grimaldi building in London

Bournemouth-based writer, theatre-maker and Audio Description Consultant Tam Gilbert is almost coming to the end of her time as the second Trainee Artistic Director at Extant the UK”s leading professional performing arts company of visually impaired artists and theatre practitioners.RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey caught up with Tam to find out more about her writing and theatre background, how her time as the second Trainee Artistic Director at Extant came about, what Tam has been doing as TAD so far, the “marking Time' project looking into the prison experience from a visually impaired persons point of view, what Tam will take from her time as TAD at Extant and what might be next for her when her time at Extant comes to an end this summer.You can follow Tam on social media by searching for Tam Gilbert theatre Maker. To find out more about Extant do go to - 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)

There are many ways in which you can help the RNIB in making a more inclusive society for blind and partially sighted people and one way is through the regular RNIB Voice of the Customer Focus Group meetings.The most recent Focus Group meeting was all about the RNIB's research around Primary Eye Care with the focus group looking into community eye care. RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey was joined by Robin Kaye, Research and Insight Officer from the RNIB's Insight team, Lucille who is visually impaired and took part in the recent Voice of the Customer Focus Group plus Rob Cooper, RNIB Director of Strategic Engagement and Implementation to find out more about the research and how the focus group meeting went too.To find out more about the RNIB research programme and to get involved in future voice of the Customer Focus Groups do email community.insight@rnib.org.uk or call the RNIB helpline on 0303 123 9999.(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)

Collective Climate Repair is a UK initiative showing how simple, nature-based actions with plants and water can tackle climate change in practical, accessible ways lead by the Sensory Trust.As part of the project the Sensory Trust in partnership with Trees for Cities are running a free tree touch tour in London's Victoria park on Saturday 16 May from 2pm to 3.30pm for blind and partially sighted people.RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey was joined by Lynsey Robinson, Project Manager, Sensory Trust and Jessica Pereira Wawrzyniak, Engagement Manager, Trees for Cities to find out more about the free tree touch tour in London's Victoria Park, the Collective Climate Repair project and how we can all play are part in tackling climate change.To book your place and find out more about the free tree touch tour on Saturday 16 May from 2pm to 3.30pm in Victoria Park in London as well as more about the Collective Climate Repair project do visit the Trees for Cities website - https://www.treesforcities.org/collective-climate-repair(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)

Time to browse through some of the products that are available in the RNIB's online shop as Charlee Jarvis, RNIB Shop buying administrator gives RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey a walk through some of the items that are currently on display including the Hable Speechlabels. Designed for blind and partially sighted people, the Hable Speechlabels are QR labels scanned by your smartphone allowing you to quickly and clearly identify everyday items through recorded labels and messages.To find out more about the Hable Speechlabels that are available in the RNIB online shop and many more products 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)

RNIB's See Work Differently Placement programme offers placements across RNIB Teams and gives people with sight loss the chance to gain real work experience with supportive employers and move closer to the jobs and futures they want. RNIB Connect Radio's Paulina Kuchorew is joined by Anita Marshall from the Legal Right Service team at RNIB, as well as Hannah Barrett who is currently doing her placement as an admin assistant within Anita's team.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.

A sensational goal scored by the England Women's Blind Football team has been featured in a new documentary. Hywel Davies has been finding out how the project came about and what an impact it could have on the sport.You can find the fully-accessible documentary on Veo's YouTube page - Signal And Noise: The Łucja Wyrwantowicz Story

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 celebrating and thanking all of the Team RNIB runners who took part in the 2026 London Marathon raising over £200,00 for the RNIB and then to the incredible £15million milestone in flexible funding since 2018 raised by players of the Postcode Lottery, awarded by the Postcode Care Trust to the RNIB supporting many areas of the charity's work making a real difference to the lives of blind and partially sighted people.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 RNIB's CEO Simon Antrobus, Smiling, Wearing A Black Jacket With A White Shirt.

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 Vidar is reviewing an award-winning stage adaptation of one of his favourite books as the current touring production of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird' visited the Birmingham Hippodrome with description by Professional Audio Describer Jonathan Nash.About ‘To Kill a Mockingbird'Aaron Sorkin's riveting, award-winning stage adaptation of the seminal American novel about racial injustice and childhood innocence became a Broadway and West End sensation with star-studded sell-out seasons on both sides of the Atlantic. Now this thrilling courtroom drama is touring the country.Successful lawyer, Atticus Finch, encourages kindness and empathy in his children, but is pushed to the limits of these qualities himself when he resolves to uncover the truth in a town that seems determined to hide it.Set in 1934 Alabama, To Kill a Mockingbird was inspired by novelist Harper Lee's own childhood and has sold more than 45 million copies worldwide. It won the Pulitzer Prize for Literature and was long at the top of the banned book lists.To find out more about the current tour of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird' do visit - https://www.mockingbirdplay.com/tour(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)

As International Dawn Chorus day approaches, how can birdsong boost your wellebing?Amelia gets tips from RSPB Wildlife Expert Beth Dean ahead of International Dawn Chorus day.Learn more about International Dawn Chorus Day on the RSPB website - RSPB Bird & Wildlife Conservation CharityImage 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.

It's time to celebrate the huge, positive, difference that volunteers make to charities across the UK.Today Barry Snell talks to RNIB's volunteer facilitator Angela Davey.For more details on volunteering with RNIB, go to www.rnib.org.uk/volunteering#RNIBConnectImage Shows RNIB Connect Radio Logo, White Background, RNIB In Bold Black Letters, A Solid Pink Line Below With Connect Radio Underneath

Each month, RNIB Connect Radio speak to some of the RNIB Campaigns Team to discuss some of the big projects they're working on at the moment. Hywel Davies has been finding out more.If you'd like more information on campaigns or want to get involved , email campaigns@rnib.org.ukYou can visit rnib.org.uk/news or call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999Follow @RNIB_Campaigns on your socials or search for RNIB Campaigns