RNIB Conversations

In our sight loss story this week, Hubert chats to Shakir about growing up with sight loss, and his love for the sport of Cricket, and his proudest moments. 

On Guide Dog Blogs this week, Hubert chats to Paul, and finds out about his guide dog Rocco, who is quite a character, and a very inteligent working dog too. There are also a few funny stories involving Paul and Rocco. 

In the Sight Loss Storry this week, Hubert chats to Caroline Thomas, who has been a guide dog blogs regular. This time they talk about her sight loss, and her passion for art, and how her daughter has also developed passion for art, and making her art accessible. 

National charity SeeAbility has achieved a huge Guinness World Records title for: “Most participants featured on a live portrait installation in 48 hours”.The challenge, which involved creating a live portrait installation in Potters Fields Park, next to Tower Bridge, was taken on to shine a light on the tens of thousands of children and young people in London's special schools who are missing out on basic eye care and glasses.Barry Snell caught up with their Director of Eye Care, Lisa Donaldson, to find out more.To learn more about SeeAbility click hereImage 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

We're chatting kitchen gadgets, specifically, accessible kitchen gadgets.If you're blind or partially sighted, what can help you in the kitchen? Joining Paulina on RNIB Connect Radio to share her tips is Emmy from Emmy's VIP Life.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.

Claire is a visually impaired sports enthusiast and met her now husband and co-parent Pete while discussing training tips online. They came onto Good COmpany to discuss building their relationship remotely and how they balance supporting and challenging each other.Listen to Good Company, RNIB Connect Radio's relationship show, on the first Tuesday of each month at 7 pm and 8pm on the first sunday of each month.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. 

In June 2025 VICS founder Kirin Saeed joined Good Company to discuss navigating grief as a blind woman and honouring her late husband in her theatre work. Learn more about Sense Of Loss on the VICS website -Sense of Loss Programme — Visually Impaired Creators ScotlandListen to Good Company, RNIB Connect Radio's relationship show, on the first Tuesday of each month at 7 pm and 8pm on the first sunday of each month.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.

How can you have productive conversations about difficult topics?Amanda Hawkins, RNIB Head of Mental Health And Counselling, came onto Good Company in May 2025 to share some advice about tackling tricky topics.Listen to Good Company, RNIB Connect Radio's relationship show, on the first Tuesday of each month at 7 pm and 8pm on the first sunday of each month.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. 

Glasgow Tandem club members Anne Fraser and Dianne Lusman have spent many hours and miles together. They came on Good Company in April 2025 to about talk communication, syncing up when cycling and recovering from a crash.Listen to Good Company, RNIB Connect Radio's relationship show, on the first Tuesday of each month at 7 pm and 8pm on the first sunday of each month.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. 

Blind diver Jessica Pita has found a life-long friend in dive buddy Henry Green. They came on Good Company in March 2025 to speak about building trust, communicating underwater and what they learn from eachother.Listen to Good Company, RNIB Connect Radio's relationship show, on the first Tuesday of each month at 7 pm and 8pm on the first sunday of each month.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. 

On guide dog blogs this week, we welcome back Caroline to talk about her new dog Malcolm. We also her here interesting description of his personality as the title might hint at. 

Now for a roundup of accessible arts events as RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey catches up with Jess Beal from VocalEyes, the national audio description charity providing access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people to share some of the accessible events that are featured in their regular email newsletter.Audio described shows and events included:The Postal Museum Audio-Described Tour - Saturday 6 June, 10am, Postal Museum, LondonLegally Blonde The Musical - Saturday 20 June, 2.30pm, touch tour 1.15pm Wales Millennium Centre, CardiffAvenue Q - Tuesday 23 June, 7.30pm, Shaftesbury Theatre, London,Mother Courage and Her Children - Wednesday 24 June, 2pm, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, LondonMoulin Rouge - Thursday 25 June, 7.30pm, Sunderland Empire.To find out more about these and other up-coming described arts events as well as details on how to sign up to the regular VocalEyes What's On email newsletter do visit - https://vocaleyes.co.uk(Image shows the VocalEyes logo. A speech bubble with 'VOCALEYES' written in bold black letters next to it)

With all the high temperatures we have been having over the last few days for this week's check in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick it is all about how to cope in the heat and the high temperatures. Elizabeth began by explaining to RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey that there are certain individuals who are more at risk in the heat.  Then to some of the signs that people might show if they are suffering from heat exhaustion and how dangerous heat stroke can be.  Ending with a reminder from Elizabeth about the importance of keeping out of the sun and protecting yourself from the sun with sunscreen.You will find further advice around heat exhaustion and heat stroke on the following pages of the NHS website - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heat-exhaustion-heatstroke/ To get in touch with Elizabeth you can email info@elizabethroddick.com or for more information visit - https://elizabethroddick.comImage: Picture showing Elizabeth standing in her pharmacy, dressed in her white pharmacist coat and a colourful bandana around her neck, she's smiling warmly at the camera with her hands slightly raised.

In this episode, Hubert chats to Mark Sanderson from Guide Dogs to get his closing reflections on the Education and Transitions conference, and also talk about next steps following the event. 

In this podcast, Hubert chats to George Plumridge from Thomas Pocklington Trust following his presentation about the Step Transitions Program which took place at the Education Transitions Conference. 

Hubert chats to Caroline in this episode about the presentation she has given during the Education Transitions conference. 

As the conference was nearing the finish, Hubert grabbed a word with the CEO of Thomas Pocklington Trust to get his reflections on the conference, and also hopes for next steps. 

In this episode Hubert chats to Dr Rachel Hewitt  about what CFVI is, and hopes to get it rolled out across the country. 

In this podcast episode. Hubert chats to Colin from The Powel Family Foundation. He finds out more about them, and the work they have been doing in terms of education. 

In this episode Hubert chats to Ramneek, and finds out how she uses technology to help with her education, plus also the support she was given from organisations including Thomas Pocklington Trust. 

In this episode, Hubert chats to Toby Addison, following a panel discussion regarding student experiences from both students and parents, and gets his thoughts on what was talked about.  

Billy Horsburgh from Northeast Fife in Scotland, lives with Cerebral Palsy and glaucoma. Over the years, he was told due to the two conditions he would not qualify for a guide dog, so William set out to do something many doubted he could manage: raise a lively Jack Russell terrier puppy on his own. Now, his memoir My Perfect Companion: Because love is blind is finally out and Paulina Kuchorew spoke with the author to learn more.  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. 

In this episode as part of the Making It Accessible series, Hubert chats to Scott, who enjoys table top gaming. Although at times called a "sight intense hobby" Scott wants people to enjoy it as much as sighted people. He tells us about a video series he's working on. 

In this episode Hubert chats to Phil Rutter. They discuss the work Phil has been involved with, which helped to make Luton Airport more accessible, from the experience of traveling between the airport and the train station, to passengers having a much less stressful time when being in the airport itself. 

In this podcast, Hubert speaks to Ian McNamara, they talk about the accessibility projects he was involved in as part of his work on the Sight Loss Council in the Birmingham area. They discuss accessibility of the My Health app, and making museums more accessible to blind andpartially sighted people. 

In this episode, Hubert chats to Brandon from All Things Dotty. They discuss how they make restaurant menus more accessible, not only for Braille, but also technology users. They also dive into how All Things Dotty helped to make museums more accessible, the power of lived experience based solutions, and what's next for All Things Dotty. 

Looking to improve your strength and co-ordination?Lindsey Leitch is a visually impaired pole-dancer and calisthenics enthusiast and shares her tips with Amelia…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. 

In guide dog blogs this week, we welcome back Mike Brace, as we get introduced to the king himself, well Mike's guide dog, who is quite the character as you're about to hear in this podcast. 

Now for a roundup of accessible arts events as RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey catches up with Jess Beal from VocalEyes, the national audio description charity providing access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people to share some of the accessible events that are featured in their regular email newsletter.Audio described shows and events included:Mean Girls - Thursday 28 May, 7.30pm, Hull New TheatreThe Producers - Saturday 30 may, 7.30pm, Garrick Theatre, LondonKiss of the Spider Woman - Friday 5 June, 7.45pm, Mayflower Theatre, SouthamptonWaitress - Saturday 13 June, 2.30pm, wales Millennium Centre, CardiffCole Porter's High Society - Saturday 20 June, 2.30pm, Barbican centre, LondonTo find out more about these and other up-coming described arts events as well as details on how to sign up to the regular VocalEyes What's On email newsletter do visit - https://vocaleyes.co.uk(Image shows the VocalEyes logo. A speech bubble with 'VOCALEYES' written in bold black letters next to it)

With the sunnier days we have been having recently and hopefully more to come too.  For this week's regular check in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick it is all about sun protection. Elizabeth began by explaining to RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey why we need to be careful when out in the sun and do we get enough vitamin D if we are only out in the sun for a short period of time.then to why we should protect our skin from the sun, making sure we don't get burnt and taking care with our eyes in the sun too.You will find further advice around Sunscreen and sun safety on the following pages of the NHS website - https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/sunscreen-and-sun-safety/ To get in touch with Elizabeth you can email info@elizabethroddick.com or for more information visit - https://elizabethroddick.com Image: Picture showing Elizabeth standing in her pharmacy, dressed in her white pharmacist coat and a colourful bandana around her neck, she's smiling warmly at the camera with her hands slightly raised.

In this episode of Guide Dog Blogs, Hubert chats to Mike Brace about his first of 2 guide dogs Izzy, which he has gotten quite late, but has very much enhanced his life. 

In our Sight Loss Story this week, Hubert chats to Joanna Hogg. They discuss her sight loss, how she adapted to it, and her passion she has thanks to supporting her children who also have sight loss and other conditions, and for whom Joanna wants to have the same experiences as everyone else. 

We're joined on the Happy Hour show by storyteller and songstress, Yuna Rose. She is the founder of Yuna's Young Friends, as well as Story & Rhyme Time with Yuna Rose, a YouTube channel with stories and poems for young children which are written and performed by Yuna herself.She spoke with RNIB Connect Radio's Paulina Kuchorew about her stories and what inspired her.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.

With a lot in the news at the moment about the possible side affects of some medicines we thought that for this week's check in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick we should talk about some of those potential side effects and what happens if a medicine needs to be recalled.Elizabeth began by explaining to RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey about the potential issues of the overdose of vitamin D in children. Then to what happens if there was a faulty product such as a supplement and how that is dealt with differently to what happens when there is a problem with a medicine.To then looking at what happens when a medicine needs to be recalled and the Yellow Card System within the Pharmacy that informs the MHRA if there is a problem with a medicine.To get in touch with Elizabeth you can email info@elizabethroddick.com or for more information visit - https://elizabethroddick.comImage: Picture showing Elizabeth standing in her pharmacy, dressed in her white pharmacist coat and a colourful bandana around her neck, she's smiling warmly at the camera with her hands slightly raised.

Now for a roundup of accessible arts events as RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey catches up with Jess Beal from VocalEyes, the national audio description charity providing access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people to share some of the accessible events that are featured in their regular email newsletter.Audio described shows and events included:Please Please Me - Thursday 7 May, 7.30pm, touch tour 6pm, Kiln theatre, LondonDisney's Hercules - Friday 15 May, 7.30pm, Theatre Royal Drury Lane, LondonNorthern Ballet's Gentleman Jack - Saturday 23 May, 2.30pm, touch tour 12noon, Sadler's WellsSherlock Holmes - Saturday 6 June, 2pm, touch tour 12.15pm, Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, LondonThe Hunger Games On Stage - Thursday 11 June, 7.30pm, Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre, LondonTo find out more about these and other up-coming described arts events as well as details on how to sign up to the regular VocalEyes What's On email newsletter do visit - https://vocaleyes.co.uk(Image shows the VocalEyes logo. A speech bubble with 'VOCALEYES' written in bold black letters next to it)

On guide dog blogs this week, Hubert welcomes back Kate, as they chat about her guide dog Cassie, we once again hear what sort of car she was like, and more importantly, what change she made to Kate's life. We also hear about how skillful she was at making sure she gets a nice rest spot as well. 

What's the connection between the May Queen and the Green Man and what flowers bloom in abundance this month? Amelia is here with the May almanac.Learn more about  nature 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. 

Barry Snell catches up with visually impaired Milton Keynes DJ, Jake Hypastep, who takes his musical inspiration from the 90's rave era.#RNIBConnectImage Shows RNIB Connect Radio Logo, White Background, RNIB In Bold Black Letters, A Solid Pink Line Below With Connect Radio Underneath

In our sight loss story this week, Hubert chats to Rimple about her journey. They also chat about going to the gym, how it helps with so many aspects, and also how to make the experience more accessible. 

Imagine losing not just your sight, but the very memory of it. That's a different kind of blindness.RNIB Connect Radio's Paulina Kuchorew went along to the "Everything Near Becomes Distant" exhibition by Digital Photographic Artist Robert H. King.The Exhibition is on ad Clydebank Town Hall until 14th of May. Find out more here: Robert H. King | Photography and Digital ArtImage shows Robert posing in front of his favourite image at the exhibition. He's dressed in black, has light short hair a light short beard peppered with white and is wearing his dark glasses. The print behind him is a swirl of bright oranges and yellows at the centre with gradients of blue and cream above and green and grey below. 

Now for a roundup of accessible arts events as RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey catches up with Jess Beal from VocalEyes, the national audio description charity providing access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people to share some of the accessible events that are featured in their regular email newsletter.Audio described shows and events included:Six the Musical - Saturday 25 April, 8pm, touch tour 6.15pm, Vaudeville Theatre, LondonMagic Mike Live - Wednesday 29 April, 7pm, The Hippodrome Casino LondonJoseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - Saturday 2 May, 2.30pm, Buxton Opera HouseInter Alia - Wednesday 13 May, 7.30pm, Wyndham's Theatre, LondonBuddy – The Buddy Holly Story, Saturday 16 May, 2.30pm, Wales Millennium Centre, CardiffZog - Saturday 16 May, 3.30pm, MAST Mayflower Studios, SouthamptonTo find out more about these and other up-coming described arts events as well as details on how to sign up to the regular VocalEyes What's On email newsletter do visit - https://vocaleyes.co.uk(Image shows the VocalEyes logo. A speech bubble with 'VOCALEYES' written in bold black letters next to it)

In this podcast, you can find out some of the best bug bears submited by the blind and partially sighted community which we feature on The Lunch Break on RNIB Connect Radio. 

In this episode Hubert chats to the education team from Thomas Pocklington Trust, as he finds out more about the education transitions conference that is taking place this week and what people can expect. 

With recent new research on what constitutes healthy exercise for this week's regular check in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick we are talking all about exercise.Elizabeth began by giving an overview of the new research to RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey.Then to explaining what Zone 2 exercise is all about, whether walking is still a good form of exercise to do and finally some thoughts on the benefits of resistance training too.There is more about the benefits of exercise on the following pages of the NHS website - https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/exercise-health-benefits/To get in touch with Elizabeth you can email info@elizabethroddick.com or for more information visit - https://elizabethroddick.comImage: Picture showing Elizabeth standing in her pharmacy, dressed in her white pharmacist coat and a colourful bandana around her neck, she's smiling warmly at the camera with her hands slightly raised.

Paul Hotchkiss' life changed when he lost his sight overnight. With support from MySight York he has found new hobbies, great friends and re-gained his confidence.He told Amelia more...Learn more about MySight York on their website - MySight York