RNIB Connect

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 Exeter.For more information, visit the QAC website - Sight Village Exeter, Devon in 2026 - Queen Alexandra College

On Tuesday 24 March 2026 a number of blind and partially sighted people took part in a RNIB cane walk from Parliament Square in central London to the Department of Health and Social Care to hand in the RNIB Life on Pause petition, made up of over 48,000 signatures, calling on Wes Streeting, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, to take action on Vision Rehabilitation Services to ensure that blind and partially sighted people get the right support when they need it and not to have their lives put on pause.RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey was there for the cane walk and, after the handing in of the Life on Pause petition, caught up with Rob Sears - Athlete and Content Creator, Claire Sisk - RNIB Ambassador, Content Creator and Radio Broadcaster plus Mike Wordingham - RNIB's Head of Policy to find out why it is so important for Wes Streeting the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to take action on Vision Rehabilitation Services and what it was like for Rob and Claire taking part in the cain walk, handing in the Life on Pause petition and their own personal experiences of vision rehabilitation services.To find out more about the Life on Pause petition which is part of the RNIB Out of Sight Campaign and ways of getting involved in this and other RNIB Campaign work do visit - https://www.rnib.org.uk/campaign-with-us/Image shows blind and partially sighted people and RNIB campaigners holding long canes stood in front of Parliament Square with Big Ben in the background. From left to right are Charmaine Ashpole, Rob Sears, Claire Sisk, Mike Wordingham, Geoff Smith, Tom Skelton and Frankie Brady.

In this podcast, Hubert chats to Shauna from RNIB's Digital skills team about their service, what they offer, what sort of questions people come with, and how you can benefit from the support from the team. 

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 a gripping examination of nation and the beautiful game, football as the current tour of the National Theatre's Olivier Award-winning smash hit ‘Dear England' visited the Birmingham Hippodrome with description by Professional Audio Describer Caroline Burn. About ‘Dear England'The National Theatre's Olivier Award-winning smash hit ‘Dear England is on a highly anticipated tour.It's time to change the game. The country that gave the world football has since delivered a painful pattern of loss. The England men's team has the worst track record for penalties in the world, and manager Gareth Southgate knows he needs to open his mind and face up to the years of hurt to take team and country back to the promised land.Football and non-football fans alike will be brought to their feet in this joyous, five-star ‘new stage epic' (Telegraph). From multi award-winning writer James Graham (Sherwood, BBC) and director Rupert Goold (Patriots, Cold War), Dear England tells the inspiring, at times heart-breaking, and ultimately uplifting story of Gareth Southgate's revolutionary tenure as England manager.David Sturzaker (Doctors, BBC) plays former England manager Gareth Southgate in this gripping examination of nation and game. He is joined by stage and screen actress Samantha Womack (Eastenders, BBC; The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe) as team psychologist Pippa Grange.For more about the current tour of ‘Dear England' do visit - https://dearenglandonstage.com(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)

UK sight loss charity has responded to the latest Covid Inquiry publication, Module 3.RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Sophie Dudgeon, from the charity, to get their take on the publication.If you'd like to read more about the response, go to www.rnib.org.uk or look at our video at www.rnib.org.uk/campaign-with-us/covid-19-inquiry/#RNIBConnect Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font. 

Did you know RNIB offer advice and support on benefits and taxes for blind and partially sighted people?Amelia spoke to Alan Atherton from the RNIB Welfare benefits and tax team to learn more.Learn more on the RNIB website - Money and benefits for people with sight loss | RNIBImage 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 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 volunteering and fundraising.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 Simon smiling for the camera. He is a white man with neat, short fair hair, dressed in a white shirt and charcoal suit jacket.

RNIB Scotland recently marked a milestone with it's Swap With Me public transport project.Allan Russell was there and spoke with representatives from Lothian Buses. Image shows a large group of people posing outside in front of a Lothian Bus. It's a mixture of men and women of all ages, with a couple guide dogs mixed in. It's an overcast but nice day in Edinburgh and everyone is smiling.

RNIB Scotland recently marked a milestone with it's Swap With Me public transport project.Allan Russell was there and spoke with Shaun and Stevie from McGill's Buses.Image shows bus drivers from McGill's Buses and Lothian Buses laughing and posing for a photo with RNIB Scotland's Campaigns Officer Eileen.

RNIB Scotland recently marked a milestone with it's Swap With Me public transport project.Allan Russell was there and spoke with Katie and Nick from Edinburgh Trams.  Image shows a cake in the shape of a bus. It's white and pink with a "Swap With Me" poster on the side and number 100 on the front with a yellow "RNIB" license plate.

RNIB Scotland recently marked a milestone with it's Swap With Me public transport project.Allan Russell has been hearing about the hugely successful events from RNIB Scotland's Campaign Officer Eileen Clarkson. Image shows Eileen (on the right) joined with two RNIB Scotland volunteers for cake cutting. The cake is shaped like a white and pink bus.

RNIB Scotland recently marked a milestone with it's Swap With Me public transport project. Allan Russell has been hearing about the hugely successful events from RNIB Scotland Director James Adams and Stuart McMillan MSP.Image shows James and Stuart posing for a group photo with Lothian and McGill's Buses reps, RNIB Scotland staff member and a volunteer with her guide dog.

Each month RNIB Connect Radio speaks to the Policy and Campaigns Team from RNIB Cymru. This month, how the Welsh Government has turned down a proposal that could impact the way blind and partially sighted people cast their vote in the upcoming Senedd elections.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

Visionary have launched a new project for blind and partially sighed people working in the sight loss sector. To learn more Amelia spoke to Raquel Garrido-Soriano from Visionary, Nia Greer from Vision Support and Andy Smith from My Vision Oxfordshire...Learn more on the Visionary website - Welcome to Visionary - VisionaryImage 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 week Amelia attended Glasgow Sight Village, the leading exhibition for blind and partially sighted people. She spoke to Graham Longly about three products they were excited to share.Learn more on the Aspire Consultancy Website - Home - Aspire ConsultancyImage 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 week Amelia attended Glasgow Sight Village, the leading exhibition for blind and partially sighted people. She spoke to RNC about their upcoming professional and student open days.Learn more on the RNC website - A specialist residential college for young people with visual impairmentImage 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 week Amelia attended Glasgow Sight Village, the leading exhibition for blind and partially sighted people. She spoke to Jason Shaw from VisionAid technologies about the wearable technology they offer to improve tv, bird and event watching.Learn more on the Synaptic website - Accessible Smartwatches | SynappticImage 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 week Amelia attended Glasgow Sight Village, the leading exhibition for blind and partially sighted people. She spoke to Mary McMahon, Managing director at Synaptic to learn about the first smart watch designed specifically for VI people.Learn more on the Synapptic website - Accessible Smartwatches | SynappticImage 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. 

Amelia went to Glasgow Sight Village, the leading exhibition for blind and partially sighted people. She spoke to Martin Roberts from Humanware about a new piece of tech with a lot of buzz…Learn more on the Humanware website - Home - HumanWare 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. 

Amelia went to Glasgow Sight Village, the leading exhibition for blind and partially sighted people. She spoke to Paul Bartley from Optolec about how they are modernising a classic bit of kit...Learn more on the Optolec website - Optelec - Optelec United Kingdom 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. 

Amelia went to Glasgow Sight Village, the leading exhibition for blind and partially sighted people. She spoke to Calum McCready Look UK team about their upcoming events and some of the challenges young blind and partially sighted people are facing.Learn more about Look UK on their website - LOOK – Supporting Visually Impaired Young People to ThriveImage 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. 

Amelia went to Glasgow Sight Village, the leading exhibition for blind and partially sighted people. She spoke to Francesca Munoz from the Sight Loss Councils Scotland team about their upcoming inclusive one-day music festival and training sighted guides for VI runners.Learn more on the sight loss council website - Scotland - Sight Loss CouncilImage 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 many people, balancing rising energy costs with keeping homes safe and warm, is becoming more and more of a challenge. RNIB's ‘Energy Advice Service' can offer practical advice to help. Hywel Davies has been finding out more.There's lots more information about RNIB's Energy Advice Service on their website - Energy saving advice for blind and partially sighted people | RNIB

HMRC are making changes to the way that some people need to file income tax. Hywel Davies has been hearing more about the changes and what you need to do if you're affected.More information is available on the Gov.UK website - Making Tax Digital for Income Tax - GOV.UK

Campaigners in Northern Ireland are aiming to expand concessionary transport for a wider range of blind and partially sighted people.Amelia learned more from Julianne Crothers who shares why the cause is so important to her.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. 

Barry Snell joins director Josh Feder to go behind the lens of RNIB's latest legacy advert. They discuss his creative process, career, and the power of collaborating with the sight-loss community.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 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 visits to UK political parties and The Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers.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 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.

Fancy a relaxed boat-cruise on the Scottish canals? Amelia spoke to Stuart Rennie from Segaull Trust cruises about their new audio-described trips developed with RNIB.Learn more and book your place by calling 07511055081 or email rathobookings@seagulltrustcruises.org.ukLearn more on the Seagull Trust Cruises website - Seagull Trust CruisesImage 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.

Let's find out more about RNIB's Helpline and Customer Care Team as our David Hogg speaks with Kyle Ferrier.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.

Visually Impaired Actor Heather Seymour is on the BBC show ‘Can You Keep A Secret?' and told Amelia about her career in acting and music, and shared tips for other people interested in acting.Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font. 

RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the channel Islands for another audio described theatre review.This week we have Chichester Festival Theatre's touring production of ‘Top Hat' as it visited the Birmingham Hippodrome theatre with description by Professional Audio Describers Nadine Beasley and Jonathan Nash. .About ‘Top Hat'Based on the classic 1935 movie starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, Top Hat is a sparkling romantic cocktail laced with witty comedy, stunning choreography and tap-dancing brilliance, brought to life on stage with lavish sets and gorgeous costumes.Irving Berlin's irresistible score includes some of Hollywood's greatest songs, the immortal Cheek to Cheek, Let's Face the Music and Dance, Top Hat White Tie and Tails and Puttin' onthe Ritz.When Broadway star Jerry Travers arrives in London to open a new show, he crosses paths with model Dale Tremont whose beauty sleep is rudely interrupted by Jerry tap dancing in the hotel suite above hers. Instantly smitten, Jerry vows to abandon his bachelor life to win her – but the path of true love never does run smooth.Put on your top hat, brush off your tails and let this joyous romantic musical comedy sweep you off your feet!For more about Chichester Festival Theatre's touring production of ‘Top Hat' do visit - https://www.tophat-musical.com/tour-dates

 If you're in or around the Fife area and want to get involved in a Tandem group then our David Hogg has got some information for you…

What's it like attending a major wrestling event when you're living with sight loss? David Hogg spoke to Rob Sears whose done just that…

A study from Cardiff University is hoping to uncover more information on the potential links between sight loss and visual imagination. Hywel Davies has been finding out more.To take part in the survey, visit the Cardiff University Website - Invitation to participate in research on visual imagination and sight impairment - Cardiff University

For the RNIB Out of Sight campaign and the Life On Pause petition RNIB Ambassador, content creator and Radio Broadcaster Claire Sisk plus Celebrity Chef, Presenter and Podcaster Briony May Williams came together to film a baking session at PaperMill Studios in London to support the campaign and to encourage people to sign the petition which is all about the importance of Vision Rehabilitation Services ensuring blind and partially sighted people get the support they need when they need it.Claire and Briony began by telling RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey about what they baked together for the video shoot, then to Claire explaining how important Vision Rehabilitation services were for her when she started to lose her sight, plus highlighting some of the gadgets Claire uses when baking and cooking and finally why the Out of Sight campaign and the Life on Pause petition is so important to ensure blind and partially sighted people get the right support they need when they need it.To find out more about the RNIB Out of Sight campaign and to sign the Life on Pause petition do visit - https://www.rnib.org.uk/campaign-with-us/support-a-campaign/out-of-sight/

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 his visit to Wales and RNIB's Swap With Me bus travel work.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 Simon smiling for the camera. He is a white man with neat, short fair hair, dressed in a white shirt and charcoal suit jacket.

Looking for an uplifting watch? Amelia and Hubert are here with a warm and comforting recommendation. You can watch The Golden Spurtle with AD on Apple TV +Image shows "The Golden Spurtle" poster. A cartoonised poster showing an array of intriguing characters. A man in a sharp suit sits at a centre tartan podium with a banner which reads: "World Porridge Championship." He's enjoying a glowing bowl of porridge. Behind him 6 characters, from left to right a tall serious man fills a pot with oats, a younger man eats his porridge, an grey-haired lady waves a Scottish flag, a chef scribbles down his rating on a note pad, a female chef with an apron throws a towel over her shoulder, finally a man with a moustache proudly holds up a red bowl of porridge.

If you know the difference between a pilot and a stoker then you might be just the person to join a growing cycling club in Berkshire. Hywel Davies has been finding out more.

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 the arrival of the Percy Jackson universe to the Birmingham Hippodrome with ‘The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical' following on from Rick Riordan's best-selling novels, the two movies and the Disney TV series too with description by Professional Audio Describer Caroline Burn.About ‘The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical'When 16-year-old Percy Jackson discovers that he is the half-blood son of the Greek God, Poseidon, his life takes a dramatic turn as he is plunged into a world much bigger than he could possibly have imagined.With newly-discovered powers he can't control, a destiny he doesn't want and a whole mythology textbook's worth of mythical monsters on his tail, Percy must learn what it means to be a hero.The future of the world hangs in the balance as Percy and his friends embark on an epic adventure that will have you on the edge of your seat.Over the past 20 years, Percy Jackson has become a worldwide phenomenon. First there was the best-selling series of books, then two incredible films and a Disney TV series. Now the adventures of Percy Jackson will burst onto the stage at Birmingham Hippodrome. It's the perfect adventure for gods and mortals of all ages with a gripping story that shows that ‘normal' really is a myth!To find out more about ‘The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical' do visit - https://percyjacksonmusical.com

How can the weekly shop be a better experience for blind and partially sighted people? Amelia spoke to disability activist Katie Piper about Navilens comingto Fruit Shoot and recent research exploring sight loss and supermarket experiences...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. 

March is here which means another monthly almanac from Amelia. Here are some celebrations and birdsongs to look forward to…P.S. Don't forget the clocks go forward on Sunday the 29th March too!Learn more about the nature you can enjoy all year round 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 underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font. 

RNIB is creating opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to gain practical experience. Hywel Davies caught up with members of RNIB's Policy and Campaigns team to hear their experiences of the ‘See Work Differently' scheme.

The Warm Homes Network helps people claim the support they're entitled to, make their homes more energy efficient, and access advice on benefits, household costs and debt.The network is a collaboration between Turn2us, Citizens Advice, and YES Energy Solutions, funded by Cadent and Northern Gas Networks.Amelia spoke to Katy Palmer and Donisha Thompson from Turn2Us to learn more.Learn more on the Turn2Us website - Warm Homes Network - Energy, bills, and benefits advice | Turn2usImage 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. 

Robert Kirkwood chats to Robert Whan of Queen's University Belfast about how they use RNIB Bookshare to support both students and academics with a wide variety of print disabilities.

Tech Talk is one of RNIB Connect Radio's most popular shows and podcasts.As the team celebrate the milestone of their 200th showPresenter Callum Stoneman spoke to Allan Russell about it's popularity, his favourite tech and what's on the 200th episode.Listen to Tech Talk on Tuesday's at 1pm, catch up on Thursday's at 9pm or Saturday's at 5pm.You can also podcast the shows by searching your favourite podcast provider for RNIB Tech Talk.#RNIBConnectImage Shows RNIB Connect Radio Logo, White Background, RNIB In Bold Black Letters,  A Solid Pink Line Below With Connect Radio Underneath