RNIB Connect

RNIB volunteers attended an event by the Big Help Out and The Big Lunch, for their majesties the King and Queen and the President and First Lady of Germany. Jonathan Abro represented the RNIB volunteers and told amelia about his experience. Learn more about The Big Help out here - The Big Help Out | Returning in 2026 – Get Involved Listen to Jonathan Abro's Travelogues every Wednesday on The Lunch Break.

As we approach the end of 2025, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Alaina MacGregor, CEO of British Blind Sport, to look back at the year and ahead to 2026. To find out more about the charity, go to www.britishblindsport.org.uk #RNIBConnect Image Shows RNIB's Connect Radio Logo, RNIB In Bold Black Letters, A Solid Pink Line Below With Connect Radio Underneath

Lord Chris Holmes has raised a question in the UK House Of Lords regarding the shocking employment gap faced by blind and partially sighted people. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Lord Holmes about the figures, the reasons for the worsening gap and what can be done to help more visually impaired people into employment. #RNIBConnect Image Shows RNIB's Connect Radio Logo, RNIB In Bold Black Letters, A Solid Pink Line Below With Connect Radio Underneath

Are you an early-bird, a dipper or a last-minute panicker? Hywel Davies has been speaking to HMRC to find out about each of the “filing-styles” people are using for their Self Assessment tax return. For more information on Self Assessment, visit the Gov.uk website - Self Assessment tax returns: Overview - GOV.UK

RNIB Scotland has a new project which aims to provide more advice, support, events and community connections for blind and partially sighted people living in rural or isolated areas of Scotland. David Hogg spoke to Lorna Small from Brora.

David Clarke is the Chief Exec of the British Paralympic Association and he's been talking with RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell about 2025 and what 2026 holds for the organisation. #RNIBConnect Image Shows RNIB Connect Radio Logo, RNIB In Bold Black Letters A Solid Pink Line Below with Connect Radio Underneath

A major international golf tournament for golfers with a  wide range of disabilities, including those who are blind or partially sighted, will be taking place in the USA, this summer. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke with Jim Gales from Phoenix Golf and Mark Arnold from American Blind Golf. Image Shows RNIB Connect Radio Logo, RNIB In Bold Black Letters A Solid Pink Below With Connect Radio Underneath

A road experience training track for visually impaired people has opened in Stapleford, which is the first of it's kind in the UK. It features traffic lights, button-operated crossings, bus stops, kerbs, road and pavement markings and has tactile maps provided by RNIB. Amelia spoke to Ryan Vaughan, Economic Development Officer from Broxtowe Borough Council, and Rebecca Morley, a Habilitation Specialist at Guide Dogs, who approached Bthe council about creating the space. Learn more on the Broxtowe Borough Council website - Stapleford to host the UK's first road experience training track for vision impaired people

Hair And Care are hosting a Christmas Prize Draw to raise funds that support their work with blind and low vision women. Amelia speaks to Amie Douglas to hear about why they're running the draw and the prizes contestants can win. Learn more on their website - Hair&Care | Self care Workshops for the Visually Impaired Community in Greater London

VICTA are giving blind and partially sighted young people the chance to try a number of different sports over the next few weeks. Hywel Davies has been finding out about some of the opportunities. More information on each of the activities can be found on the VICTA website: Free Junior Partially Sighted Football Taster Session - Manchester - VICTA Lancashire Lions Sports Family Day - VICTA Free Cycling Taster Day at the National Cycling Centre in Manchester - VICTA

Henshaws are running a 12 Days Of Giving Appeal to support for the Artmakers at the Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre in Knaresborough. The sessions support visually impaired and disabled adults to express themselves creatively. Amelia learned more from Senior Philanthropy Manager Flora Simpson... Learn more on their website - Craft Activities for Visually Impaired and Disabled Adults - Henshaws 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 Allan Russell has been talking to Chris Danielsen, from the National Federation of the Blind in the USA, about some of their highlights and challenges of 2025. To get more info on their work, go to www.nfb.org #RNIBConnect Image Shows RNIB Connect Radio Logo, RNIB In Bold Black Letter A Solid Pink Line Below With Connect Radio Underneath

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 the charity's annual report, sight loss charity meetings and farewell drinks as he approaches the end of his time as CEO. If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services available from RNIB, go to www.rnib.org.uk You can also call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or ask your Smart speaker to call RNIB's Helpline. #RNIBConnect Image shows Matt smiling, dressed in a grey suit jacket and light shirt.

Look UK are heading to an accessible Panto this Saturday to get in the festive spirit.  Amelia spoke to Elin Williams about what they're looking forward to most. Learn more about Look UK on their website - LOOK – Supporting Visually Impaired Young People to Thrive

David Hogg finds out about a new project from RNIB Cymru to raise accessibility standards and eye health awareness in Wales…

In this episode Hubert speaks to RNIB's Incoming CEO Simon Antrobus to get his thoughts on his first evening of festive music.  Image shows Get Gospel choir performing in Westminster Chapel. With the ceiling lit up in soft blues, colourful festive lights strung up and a Christmas tree on stage, the venue looks beautifully festive. A captive audience looks upon the four performers as they sing their hearts out.

In this podcast Hubert speaks to RNIB CEO Matt Stringer, to get his thoughts on the great event.  Image shows Get Gospel choir performing in Westminster Chapel. With the ceiling lit up in soft blues, colourful festive lights strung up and a Christmas tree on stage, the venue looks beautifully festive. A captive audience looks upon the four performers as they sing their hearts out.

Image shows Get Gospel choir performing in Westminster Chapel. With the ceiling lit up in soft blues, colourful festive lights strung up and a Christmas tree on stage, the venue looks beautifully festive. A captive audience looks upon the four performers as they sing their hearts out.In this episode, Hubert catches up with RNIB's Helen Smith, to get a preview of the event, and what we can expect, together with the importance of events like these. 

Earlier this month, RNIB held their Evening of Festive Music event. A celebration of our amazing supporters and the festive season, the event was held at Westminster Chapel with the acclaimed Get Gospel choir performing well-known festive favourites. RNIB Connect Radio's Hubert was there and spoke to Rob Sears, one of the speakers who shared how RNIB helped to support him through his sight loss journey. Want to experience the event and the music for yourself? Join us on RNIB Connect Radio for a special Evening of Festive Music show. Listen Tuesday 23rd December at 6 pm, or wind down with the beautiful festive choir on Christmas Eve at 11 pm.  Image shows Get Gospel choir performing in Westminster Chapel. With the ceiling lit up in soft blues, colourful festive lights strung up and a Christmas tree on stage, the venue looks beautifully festive. A captive audience looks upon the four performers as they sing their hearts out.

UK sight loss charity RNIB has just announced changes to its Personal Transcription Service. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to RNIB's Chief Operations Officer Mari Jones for more details. If you'd like more info, go to www.rnib.org.uk or call the Helpline on 0303 123 9999. #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. 

Let's find about a new Sight Loss Council that's launched in Scotland. David Hogg finds out more….

David Hogg catches up with Macular Society's Colin Daniels to look back on the year for the sight loss charity and looks forward to what's to come in 2026

The Sight Loss Information Line is a National Lottery funded project in partnership with Vision Support, Cheshire West & Chester Council, East Cheshire Eye Society, Cheshire East Council and the NHS. It provides information, support and guidance to people with sight loss and recently won the Community Partnership Award sponsored by Specsavers at the Visionary 2025 Awards. Amelia spoke to Vision Support CEO, Lowri Bartrum, and Visionary CEO, Fiona Sandford, to learn more... Learn more about the Sight Loss Information line on the Vision Support website - Sight Loss Information Line - Cheshire, North Wales Learn more about Visionary on their website - Welcome to Visionary - Visionary Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font. 

Each week, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with Matt Stringer, CEO of RNIB, to look at some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity. This week Matt talks about a meeting of the Vision Partnership, RNIB volunteers meeting the King and Queen and a look back at a festive event in London. 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 Smart speaker to call RNIB's Helpline. Image shows Matt smiling, dressed in a grey suit jacket and light shirt.

The UK's analogue landline telephone system will be switched off and replaced by a digital network, that's fit for the future. For anyone who uses a landline, it's important to get ready for the change in order to continue to use your landline telephones. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Naveed Hussain to find out why the change is happening, what customers have to do and what support is available. For more info, go to bt.com/connected-together You can also call BT's customer care team on 03301234150. #RNIBConnect Image Shows RNIB Logo, RNIB In Bold Black Letters, a Solid Pink Line Below With Connect Radio Underneath

Our horror film fans are back with the gothic tale of Frankenstein, written and directed by Guillermo Del Toro. Amelia Hilton and Allan Russell review the latest adaptation. You can watch Frankenstein on Netflix with the AD and find it on Audiovault. 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. 

Some exciting assistive technology news! Hubert speaks to Jean Marc from WeWALK, all about the We Assist service which has been worked on with help from the RNIB, and which is now available to beta test for blind and partially sighted people. Image Shows RNIB Connect Radio Logo, RNIB In Bold Black Letters, Below A Solid Pink Line with Connect Radio Underneath

Let's look ahead to some festive theatre shows coming up in south Wales this month. Hywel Davies has been catching up with audio describer Michelle Perez.

What is myopia and why are more children experiencing it?  Amelia speaks to eye care specialist, Professor Annegret Dahlmann-Noor, about the condition and how it can be spotted and treated. Learn more about Myopia on the Myopia website - Short-sightedness (myopia) - NHS 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. 

Edinburgh's Lord Provost paid a visit to RNIB Scotland's refurbished office, RNIB's Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to him to get his thoughts on the facilities, the game of showdown and Meeting an awards winning volunteer. Image Shows RNIB Connect Radio Logo, RNIB In Bold Black Letters, Below A Solid Pink Line with Connect Radio Underneath

Inaccurate press reporting, social media backlashes against disabled people and the UK Chancellor's Autumn Budget have all compounded concerns from the disabled community about public perception and the future of the Motability scheme. RNIB Connect Radio's David Hogg spoke to Allan Russell about the worries and the response from Motability.

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 a meeting at Moorfields Eye Hospital, more audio description talks at the BBC and a look at the recent UK Autumn Budget. 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 Smart speaker to call RNIB's Helpline. #RNIBConnect

With a look at some festive, audio described, shows, here's Allan Russell with Anne Hornsby…

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. This month, David Hogg spoke to Sarah Richings who lives in Orkney If you live in Scotland, are blind or partially sighted, and would like more info, go to www.rnib.org.uk/scotland Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underlined with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font.

Each month, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell is joined by some of the RNIB Campaigns Team to discuss some of the big projects they're working on. This month's topics include RNIB's response to the UK Chancellor's Autumn Budget and a look back at a recent Parliamentary event. 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 your socials or search for RNIB Campaigns #RNIBConnect Image Shows RNIB Connect Radio Logo, RNIB In Bold Black Letters A Solid Pink Line Below With Connect Radio Underneath

How can tech help with you festive preparations? Amelia spoke to Claire Maxwell from the RNIB Shop to learn about tools to help with cooking and catching up with loved ones. Visit the RNIB Shop here - RNIB Shop 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. 

Celebrate ‘International Day of Persons With Disabilities' with Bloomsbury Football Foundation as they prepare to host a very special day of football fun. Hywel Davies has been finding out more. For more information and sign up details, visit the website -  Blind & VI Football Festival 2025 · Luma

It's the season for festivities, and also a good Christmas sale. In this podcast, Hubert catches up with the RNIB Shop to find out what items are available as part of the seasonal shop sale. 

The ‘Tech Talk' team reflect on the recent BBC documentary ‘Chris McCausland: Seeing into the Future'. Asking what impact technology like artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicles will have on blind and partially sighted people in the future and how RNIB can offer support in the present day. For more information, visit the RNIB shop - RNIB Shop

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 the charity's Westminster event, taking part in a major piece of work around employment and there's comment on the publication of the latest Covid-19 report. 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 the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underlined with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font.

Sight loss charity RNIB has been responding to the latest Covid-19 report, which highlights failings that negatively impacted blind and partially sighted people, by governments around the UK. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke with Sophie Dudgeon, Head of Campaigns and Public Affairs for RNIB, about the main findings. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underlined with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font.

How can you share your experiences of sight loss in art? How can making help your wellbeing? What are some accessible methods? We've gathered visually impaired artists and makers Alan Mcintyre, Julie Hale, Kellie Dingwall and Sian Healey to share their experiences and tips for getting creative. Learn more about ways to get creative on the RNIB website - Art and crafts for blind and partially sighted people | RNIB | RNIB

RNIB Connect Radio's Robert Kirkwood 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. They head over to the Birmingham Hippodrome as Vidar reviews the audio described production of Moulin Rouge. About ‘Moulin Rouge.' Enter a world of splendour, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur and glory! A world where Bohemians and aristocrats rub elbows and revel in electrifying enchantment. Welcome to Moulin Rouge! The Musical! Baz Luhrmann's revolutionary film comes to life onstage, remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza. A theatrical celebration of truth, beauty, freedom and — above all — love, Moulin Rouge! is more than a musical; it is a state of mind. For more about the show visit: Home - Moulin Rouge! The Musical And for more about access at Birmingham Hippodrome: Access Hub – Birmingham Hippodrome Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underlined with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font.

How can technology, music, vibration and visuals make inclusive and multisensory play? Amelia visited Soundplay projects in Glasgow for a tour of their experiences - Here is Co-Founder Bal Cooke showing her the 'Sub-Bass Soft Space' Learn more about Soundplay on their website - Soundplay Projects - Meaningful creative expression and musical experimentation 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 can technology, music, vibration and visuals make inclusive and multisensory play? Amelia visited Soundplay projects in Glasgow for a tour of their experiences - Here is Co-Founder Bal Cooke showing her the 'Back To Back' Learn more about Soundplay on their website - Soundplay Projects - Meaningful creative expression and musical experimentation 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.