RNIB Connect

Each week, on RNIB Connect Radio we sit down with Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB, to look at some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity. This week Matt began with his review of RNIB's very own stand-up comedian Tom Skelton and his Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2025 show ‘Visually Impaired Papa', then looking forward to the official opening of the refurbished RNIB Scotland office in Hill Side Crescent, Edinburgh next week plus some news around accessible voting and the RNIB's presence at the up-coming Party Political Conferences this autumn including a panel event at the Labour Party Conference. If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services available from RNIB, go to www.rnib.org.uk You can call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 Or ask your Amazon smart speaker to call RNIB's Helpline. #RNIBConnect Image shows a smiling Matt

History meets punk rock and ballet in an exciting production at this year's Edinburgh International Festival. Amelia spoke to Co-Audio Describer Emma-Jane McHenry to learn more about the production and her process along with Co-Audio Describer Fiona Pedgrift. Learn more about the production here - Mary, Queen of Scots | Edinburgh International Festival Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font. 

What are zines and how have they been used in disability justice? Amelia spoke to Adam Rose, the Co-curator of the Zines display, and Jake Blackavar, a Visitor Experience and Engagement Facilitator, to learn about tactile and audio zines and their upcoming audio described tours of the Wellcome Collection's exhibition. Learn more about Zines Forever! on the The Wellcome Collection Website - Zines Forever! DIY Publishing and Disability Justice | Wellcome Collection 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. 

Journey to the underworld and back with Opera Australia, presenting Opera Queensland's production of Orpheus and Eurydice in association with Circa for the 2025 Edinburgh International Festival (EIF). Opera and circus acrobatics combine for this striking production with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and a chorus from Scottish Opera for the European premiere of this electrifying production of Gluck's seminal opera. Amelia spoke to audiodescribers Veronica Kinahan and Trina Gilles to learn more about the production and their process. Learn more about the production on the EIF website - Orpheus and Eurydice | Edinburgh International Festival

RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for the next of his regular audio described theatre reviews for 2025 This week we have Cameron Mackintosh and Disney's spectacular production of the classic multi award-winning musical ‘Mary Poppins' as the UK and Ireland tour visited the Birmingham Hippodrome with description by Professional Audio Describers Julia Grundy and Jonathan Nash. About ‘Mary Poppins' Acclaimed Australian stars, Stefanie Jones and Jack Chambers reprise their roles as Mary Poppins and Bert, having both received critical acclaim and nightly standing ovations for their performances in the recent Australian production. Based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film, the story of the World's favourite nanny arriving on Cherry Tree Lane is even more magical than ever before featuring dazzling choreography, incredible effects and unforgettable songs. The timeless score includes the classic songs by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman; Jolly Holiday, Step in Time, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and Feed the Birds with new songs and additional music and lyrics by the Olivier award-winning British team of George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. For more about the current UK and Ireland tour of ‘Mary Poppins' including dates and times of performances near you do visit the production website - https://marypoppins.co.uk (Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font)

Life is full of twists and turns that can change the path we're on. We gather three members of the blind and partially sighted community to talk about the big turning points and transitions in their lives. Join Goalball player and soon to be married Devante Claridge, mum and music lover Maureen Goddall, and paralympic champion Lizzi Jordan as they discuss dealing with change and imagining different futures. 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.  Learn more about Lizzi on the British Cycling website - Lizzi Jordan - Great Britain Cycling Team Rider Profile Learn more about Devante on the MyVisionOxfordshire website - Devante Claridge - MyVision Oxfordshire Listen to Maureen's Guide Dog Blogs wherever you get your RNIB Connect Radio podcasts.

Clarke Reynolds, the UK's premier braille artist has teamed up with pepita coffee to make a limited-edition tactile coffee tin with a share of the proceeds going to RNIB. David Hogg learns more... Head to shop.rnib.org.uk to grab your coffee tin while stocks last…

Lunchbox is about the impact of bullying, through the eyes of a troubled Scottish boy, Steven and Pakistani girl, Lubna.  Amelia spoke to comedian and performer Lubna Kerr about her show ‘Lunchbox' which has a touch tour and pre-show audio. Book tickets for Lunchbox here - Lunchbox | Edinburgh Festival Fringe Learn more about Lubna's writing, comedy and theatre work on her website - Lubna Kerr 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.

How are Visually Impaired Creators Scotland (VICS) working to make the Edinburgh Festival more accessible? What are some of the accessible show highlights? Amelia spoke to VICS founder Kirin Saeed to learn more. Email Kirin on kirin.ssaeed@btinternet.com Learn more about VICS on their website Visually Impaired Creators Scotland 

Time now to hear about one of the many audio described performances taking place at this year's Edinburgh International Festival (EIF) Hywel Davies has been hearing about ‘Cutting The Tightrope', a collection of short plays  which explore the power of the arts in today's world. Learn more about Cutting The Tightrope on the EIF website - Cutting the Tightrope | Edinburgh International Festival 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. 

Time now to hear about one of the many audio described performances taking place at this year's Edinburgh International Festival. Hywel Davies has been hearing about ‘Works And Days' which explores our connection with the land we inhabit.  For more information on the performance, visit the EIF website - Works and Days | Edinburgh International Festival

VocalEyes the national charity providing access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people through audio description have just been awarded a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant to explore, with the input of blind and partially sighted people from a number of Thomas Pocklington Trust Sight Loss Councils, the co-creation of audio description in 10 heritage hubs across England to improve access in museums, galleries and heritage sites for visually impaired people. RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey caught up with Olivia Hewkin, Museums, Galleries and Heritage Programme Manager at VocalEyes to find out more about the ‘Describing Heritage: Co-creating Access' project and how blind and partially sighted Thomas Pocklington Trust Council members will be able to play their role in the project too. To find out more about VocalEyes and the ‘Describing Heritage: Co-creating Access‘ project do visit their website - https://vocaleyes.co.uk  (Image shows the VocalEyes logo. A speech bubble with 'VOCALEYES' written in bold black letters next to it)

Following on from a very successful pilot at the Museum of Craft and Design (MCD) in San Francisco Envision's AI assistant Ally could help to open up access to museums for blind and partially sighted people.  RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey was joined by Karthik Mahadevan, CEO and co-founder of Envision to firstly find out how the pilot project came about using Ally to open up access to museums for blind and partially sighted people.  Karthik also explained to Toby how the technology works in a museum and also shared some of the comments and feedback from visually impaired people who took part in the pilot. To find out more about Envision and the AI assistant Ally do visit - https://www.ally.me/museums (Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font)

What is Wolfram Syndrome (WS) and how does it impact people's lives? Amelia spoke to Tracy Lynch, Co-Founder & Chief Executive of the UK's WS charity, to learn more about the condition and the support available. Learn more on the Wolfram Syndrome website - Wolfram Syndrome UK Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font. 

Tom Skelton is a blind comedian who turned his worries and fears about becoming a father into his latest comedy show on at the Edinburgh Festival this week. David Hogg finds out more about Visually Impaired Papa.

Each week, on RNIB Connect Radio we sit down with Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB, to look at some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity. This week Matt talks about the RNIB partnership with Stagecoach Merseyside and South Lancashire, improving access to bus travel for blind and partially sighted people with the ‘Swap-with-me' training sessions for bus drivers, visually impaired performers at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2025 including RNIB's very own stand-up comedian Tom Skelton plus how England Lioness Goal Keeper Hannah Hampton has been raising awareness around sight loss talking about her own visual impairment. If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services available from RNIB, go to www.rnib.org.uk You can call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 Or ask your Amazon smart speaker to call RNIB's Helpline. #RNIBConnect Image shows a smiling Matt

The Dan Daw show is a bold dance-theatre production where Australian dancer Dan fuses sexy choreography and touching theatricality to take a stand against ableism. The show, which is part of the 2025 Edinburgh International Festival (EIF) explores how engaging in kink becomes an act of defiance and radical self-acceptance. Amelia spoke to audio desciber, Myra Galletly, about her career and her process for describing the show. Learn more about the show and book tickets on the EIF website - The Dan Daw Show | Edinburgh International Festival Learn more about the access pass here - Access Pass | Edinburgh International Festival Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font. 

Join Amelia for another almanac - this month we celebrate the sturgeon moon and world bee day. Learn more about the nature and birds of July on the RSPB website - RSPB Bird & Wildlife Conservation Charity Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font. 

Maddie + Triggs is a children's podcast and animated show where a vision-impaired seven-year-old girl and her doggy best friend find music and adventure in the sounds of the everyday by really listening to the world around them. Amelia spoke to co-founder of production company Turnip + Duck, Aidan O'Donovan, to learn more. You can watch the animated series on Maddie & Triggs - BBC iPlayer and listen to the episodes on BBC sounds  Learn more about Turnip + Duck on their website - Maddie + Triggs — Turnip + Duck

One of many audio described performances at this year's Edinburgh International Festival (EIF) is Book of Mountains and Seas, an opera inspired by Chinese myths that confronts humanity's complex relationship with nature. David Hogg chats to audio describer Amanda Drollinger to learn more… Learn more about the show and book tickets on the EIF website - Book of Mountains and Seas | Edinburgh International Festival Learn more about the access pass here - Access Pass | Edinburgh International Festival 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 speak to some of the RNIB Campaigns Team to discuss some of the big projects they're working on. This month's topics include accessible voting in Newcastle and reflecting on achievements during the parliamentary year. If you'd like more information on campaigns or want to get involved , email campaigns@rnib.org.uk You can visit rnib.org.uk/news  or call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 Follow @RNIB_Campaigns on X or search your socials for RNIB Campaigns #RNIBConnect 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.

Time now to hear about one of the many audio described performances taking place at this year's Edinburgh International Festival. Hywel Davies has been hearing about the dark puppetry of ‘Faustus in Africa'. For more information and tickets, visit the EIF website - Faustus in Africa! | Edinburgh International Festival Learn more about the access pass here - Access Pass | Edinburgh International Festival 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. 

Award-winning storyteller Adam Linn brings his unforgettable solo show Sped Kid to the 2025 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, running August 1–25 at theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall. Based on Linn's true story, Sped Kid is a raw, funny, and fiercely original coming-of-age tale about going blind — and finding power, purpose, and rhythm in the unlikeliest of places. Set in 1984 Boston, the show traces 12-year-old Adam's journey from an all-white Catholic school to a chaotic public special ed program, where he lands on the “short bus” and discovers an unlikely tribe of breakdancers, dreamers, and rebels. RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey caught up with Adam just after he had arrived in Edinburgh to find out more about how he got into storytelling and more about bringing his autobiographical award winning show Sped Kid to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2025.  To book your tickets to see the award-winning Sped Kid at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2025 do visit - https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/sped-kid And to find out more about Adam do visit his website - https://adamlinn.com (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 Scotland has launched a new project, designed to provide more advice, support, events and community connections for blind and partially sighted people in rural and isolated areas. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Jenny Bowles, who lives on the Isle of Arran and attended one of the charity's events. If you live in Scotland, are blind or partially sighted, and would like more info, go to www.rnib.org.uk/scotland #RNIBConnect Image Shows RNIB Logo, White Background, RNIB In Bold Black Letters With A Solid Pink Line Below

RNIB Scotland has launched a new project, designed to provide more advice, support, events and community connections for blind and partially sighted people in rural and isolated areas. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Jane Coates, from RNIB Scotland, to find out more. If you live in Scotland, are blind or partially sighted, and would like more info, go to www.rnib.org.uk/scotland #RNIBConnect Image Shows RNIB Logo, White Background, RNIB In Bold Black Letter With A Solid Pink Line Below

HMRC are warning people to be vigilant against scammers at this time of year, as bogus messages are being sent to thousands of people across the UK about winter fuel payments.  Hywel Davies has been finding out how you can stay safe online. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font.

RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for the next of his regular audio described theatre reviews for 2025 This week we have an extraordinary journey from the fields of rural Devon to the trenches of First World War France for young Albert's beloved horse Joey as the current tour of the National Theatre's acclaimed production of War Horse visited the Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham with description by Professional Audio Describer Theo Hornsby-Walsh. About ‘War Horse' The National Theatre's acclaimed production is now on a major UK & Ireland Tour.  War Horse is an unforgettable theatrical experience which takes audiences on an extraordinary journey from the fields of rural Devon to the trenches of First World War France. Based on the beloved novel by Michael Morpurgo, this powerfully moving and imaginative drama, filled with stirring music and songs, is a show of phenomenal inventiveness. At its heart are astonishing life-sized horses by South Africa's Handspring Puppet Company, who bring breathing, galloping, charging horses to thrilling life on stage. At the outbreak of World War One, Joey, young Albert's beloved horse, is sold to the Cavalry and shipped to France. He's soon caught up in enemy fire, and fate takes him on an extraordinary journey, serving on both sides before finding himself alone in No Man's Land. Albert, who remained on his parents' Devon farm, cannot forget Joey. Though still not old enough to enlist, he embarks on a treacherous mission to find Joey and bring him home. For more about the current UK and Ireland tour of ‘War Horse' including details of dates and times of performances near you do visit the production website - https://www.warhorseonstage.com (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)

Our David Hogg finds about a way for blind and partially sighted people to connect with others in their local area.

The Scottish Government is working to co-create an Equalities Plan to underpin it's work for an equitable society.   RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Kaukab Stewart MSP, Minister for Equalities, to learn more about it's goals and how people with disabilities are helping to co-create the plan. #RNIBConnect Image Shows RNIB Logo, White Background, RNIB In Bold Black Letters With a Solid Pink Line Below

Some great news for blind and partially sighted people going to this year's Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2025 as Extant, the UK's leading professional performing arts company of blind and visually impaired artists, has announced plans to make an Edinburgh Festival Fringe venue fully accessible for visually impaired audiences.  This landmark Extant collaboration is with ZOO Venues in partnership with Sight Scotland and Visually Impaired Creators Scotland (VICS). Three headline performances at ZOO will feature Extant Enhance – a bold and innovative programme that reimagines access as a creative and collaborative process. The three shows are Holly Gifford's Big Little Sister, Shaper/Caper's Small Town Boys and Full Out Formula/Almanac Projects' I Think It Could Work. RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey caught up with Tam Gilbert, Extant's Trainee Artistic Director to find out more about this fantastic collaboration with ZOO Venues.  To find out more about the Extant collaboration with ZOO Venues along with more about access at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2025 for blind and partially sighted festival goers do visit - https://extant.org.uk/project/edinburgh-festival-fringe-2025 (Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font)

After a successful research project by the University of Brighton, the city's Sea Lanes pool has announced dedicated times for blind and partially sighted people to come along for a dip. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke with Sadie Rockliffe, from Brighton University, and Elizabeth Meadows, from Sea Lanes, to find out more about the accessible sessions. If you'd like more info on the research, go to www.accessiblewaters.co.uk For the sessions, go to www.sealanesbrighton.co.uk You can email elizabeth.meadows@southdownsleisure.co.uk or call 01273044163 #RNIBConnect Image Shows RNIB Logo, White Background RNIB In Bold Black Letters With A Solid Pink Line Below

Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB, to look at some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity. This week Matt talks about cyber security, RHS awards and RNIB alumni. If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services available from RNIB, go to www.rnib.org.uk You can call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999  Or ask your Amazon device to call RNIB's Helpline. #RNIBConnect Image Shows A Smiling Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB, Wearing Glasses And A Grey Jacket

RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for the next of his regular audio described theatre reviews for 2025 A retelling on stage this week of Arnold Bennett's 1908 novel ‘The Old Wives' Tale' set among the Punjabi Sikh community of Wolverhampton in ‘Marriage Material' at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre with description by Professional Audio Describer Carolyn Smith. About ‘Marriage Material': Marriage Material By Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti, based on the novel by Sathnam Sanghera. Three Generations. Two Love Stories. One Family Secret. “In our shops we will be Kings of England. And we will make this place our place. The Bains' corner shop in Wolverhampton has been at the centre of the family for three generations. Against the backdrop of a changing 20th century, Mrs Bains is balancing running the business, caring for her ailing husband and the demands of her two headstrong daughters, who each have their eye on a different kind of future. Fast forward to the present day, a family tragedy pulls Arjan Bains back from a life in London. The shop represents everything he was trying to escape, but with his mother insisting it remain open, how long can he stay away? Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti (A Kind of People) adapts the critically acclaimed novel from Sathnam Sanghera (Empireland). Directed by Rep Associate Director and 2022 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony Director, Iqbal Khan (East Is East, Of Mice and Men, Tartuffe, SILENCE). 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 underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font)

Paula Davey is an artist who, with her first exhibition, aims to raise awareness of glaucoma. David Hogg finds out more.

Alan Macdonald is sound engineer from Oban who could be the new voice of Lidl Self-Checkouts in Scotland. Amelia spoke to him about his sight loss journey, career so far and taking part in the competition. You can vote for Alan by going to https://unexpectedscottishvoice.co.uk/ Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font. 

UK charity Guide Dogs has recently come out of a period of Transformation, where it looked at staffing, services and running costs. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Guide Dogs CEO Andrew Lennox to discuss the changes. For more info on Guide Dogs, go to www.guidedogs.org.uk You can also call their helpline on 0800 781 1444 #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. 

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 discuss Fiddler on the roof, the rocky horror show and The Legend Of Rooney's Ring. If you'd like more information on audio described events, go to www.mindseyedescription.co.uk #RNIBConnect Image Shows Anne Hornsby from MindsEye Description, In The Recording Studio

Our Lives - The Film I'll Never See' is on iPlayer now and documents the sight-loss journey of Dave Steele - AKA The Blind Poet - as his RP robs him of the last of his remaining useful vision. Robert Kirkwood talks to Dave and to filmmaker Matt Hopkins about the making of the film and the feedback they have both received. The Film I'll Never See - iPlayer Link Image description - A close-up image of a man (Dave Steele) with a thick, salt-and-pepper beard and intense eyes looking directly into the camera. He is using his fingers to form a rectangular frame over his right eye, mimicking the viewfinder of a camera. His expression is calm but thoughtful, drawing the viewer into his gaze. Superimposed text across the center of the image reads: “THE FILM I'LL NEVER SEE”, with the word “SEE” blurred, symbolizing visual impairment. At the bottom of the image, production credits appear in small text. Notably, the logos for ITV SignPost, BBC One, and Untruth are included. 

Phoenix Golf has risen from the amalgamation of several disability golf charities in Scotland. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Jim Gales, from Phoenix Golf, to find out why it's a great game for blind and partially sighted people to try out. For more info, go to www.phoenixcup.org.uk Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font. 

Would you like to learn about a befriending service for visually impaired people? Jennifer Murray chats to Zoe Dunstan, Senior Volunteer Coordinator from a sight loss charity called Cam Sight, based in Cambridge, England. If you would like to learn more about Cam Sight or even volunteer for the charity, you can contact them in any of the following ways: Cam Sight's General Email address: info@camsight.org.uk Cam Sight's Phone Number: 01223 420033 Cam Sight's Website: www.camsight.org.uk For any volunteering queries, you can contact the volunteer team direct via the following email address: volunteering@camsight.org.uk Image description: Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font.

Hair and care CIC are hosting a film screening, panel discussion and art competition this fashion season. Hair and Care CIC have a Making Fashion Accessible Initiative this season. They're screening a short film starring participants and volunteers, hosting a panel discussion on the importance of inclusivity and accessibility within the fashion and beauty industries and have an artwork competition for b and ps artists. Amelia spoke to Fiona Quinn the Business Development, PR & Marketing Manager, to learn more... Visit the Hair And Care CIC website for more information - Hair&Care | Self care Workshops for the Visually Impaired Community in Greater London 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 sits down with Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB, to look at some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity. This week Matt talks about the Accessible Information Standard and the success of RNIB's Legacy Garden at this year's RHS Flower Show Wentworth Woodhouse. If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services available from RNIB, go to www.rnib.org.uk You can call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999  Or ask your Amazon device to call RNIB's Helpline. #RNIBConnect

RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for the next of his regular audio described theatre reviews for 2025. This week we have a reimagining of Somerset Maugham's ‘the Constant Wife' at the Royal Shakespeare Company's Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon with description by Professional Audio Describers Julia Grundy and Carolyn Smith. About ‘The Constant Wife' ‘I can't help it if you were careless with your cigarette case. I was extremely careful with your heart' Constance has everything. A loving family, a beautiful home, a fulfilling career, and a husband as devoted to her as he is to his mistress. When her perfect set up is threatened, Constance fights back but refuses to play by the rules. Can she withstand society's expectations? And can society withstand the force of a woman determined to do things her own way? RSC Co-Artistic Director Tamara Harvey (Pericles) and playwright Laura Wade (Posh, Rivals) reunite after their Olivier Award-winning collaboration, Home, I'm Darling, to reimagine Somerset Maugham's subversive comedy, The Constant Wife, in a sparkling new version featuring original music by multi award-winning jazz artist Jamie Cullum. Rose Leslie (Game of Thrones, Downton Abbey, Vigil) plays Constance, a 1920s heroine with a decidedly modern spirit. For more about access at the Royal Shakespeare Company do visit - https://www.rsc.org.uk/your-visit/access (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)

Five years after the tragic and preventable death of Cleveland Gervais—a man with sight loss who died after falling from a London train station platform—it has been announced that tactile markings have now been implemented in all railway stations across Great Britain. David Hogg speaks to Cleveland's partner, Sekha Hall, and RNIB's Erik Matthies to learn more…

On the first public day of the RHS Flower Show Wentworth Woodhouse 2025 RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey caught up with Anna Tylor, RNIB Chair of Trustees who is also a keen visually impaired gardener about what it means to the RNIB having Paul Hervey-Brookes designed Legacy Garden not only winning a Gold Medal but other awards at the show too. The RNIB Legacy Garden has been kindly supported by players of the People's Postcode Lottery. To find out more about the RNIB Legacy Garden at the RHS Flower Show Wentworth Woodhouse as well as ways of leaving a legacy donation to the RNIB do visit - https://www.rnib.org.uk/rhsflowershow Image shows Anna and Toby talking at RHS Wentworth Woodhouse