RNIB Conversations

Hubert welcomes James O'Driscoll back to Guide Dog Blogs this week, as he finds out how his training, and the first few weeks with his new guide dog have been. We also find out a funny habit, and a very interesting talent of his new friend. 

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: Starlight Express - Fri 3 October, 7.30pm, touch tour 5.30pm, Troubadour Wembley Park, London English National Ballet: R:Evolution - Saturday 11 October, 2.30pm, Sadler's Wells, London Clarkston - Tuesday 14 October, 7.30pm, touch tour 6pm, Trafalgar Theatre, London Here & Now - The Steps Musical, Thursday 16 October, 7.30pm, New Victoria Theatre, Woking The Lady from the Sea - Saturday 25 October, 2.30pm, Bridge Theatre, London, English Touring Opera: Elixir of Love by Gaetano Donizetti - Sunday 26 October, 4pm, touch tour 2.40pm, Buxton Opera House 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)

Following on from the recent check in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick where we talked about vitamin D, we thought it would be good to talk further about other supplements this time. RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey began by asking Elizabeth about other supplements that might help us with Elizabeth explaining about the benefits of omega 3 and some other supplements that might be particularly good for the eyes.   Then Elizabeth highlighted the fact that some processed foods might not be giving us all the supplements that we need. We ended with some other supplement recommendations and Elizabeth pointing out that she is not an expert in nutritional supplements and always good to look for an expert if you need help and advice around supplements. Of course if you have any concerns about your eyes do contact your GP or make an appointment to see an Optician or your Consultant Ophthalmologist. 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 podcast, Hubert chats to Lauren Bateman, about how her guide dog Grace, changed her life, and finds out about her unique personality.  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. 

If you fancy something creepy and a little bit kooky, season two of Tim Burton's Wednesday series is fully out on Netflix and available with audio description. Let's find out what Emmy thought as she caught up with the last half of the show. Image shows the poster for the show with Jenna Ortega as Wednesday Addams. In her signature sharp collared black dress and long black braids, Wednesday stares ahead unblinking with black tears streaming down her cheeks. A large white letter 'W' sits at the centre of the image with a small text below, which reads: 'Wednesday, Season 2, only on Netflix.'

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: Every Brilliant Thing - Saturday 20 September, 7.30pm, touch tour 6pm, @sohoplace, London Juniper Blood - Saturday 27 September, 2pm, touch tour 1pm, Donmar Warehouse, London Magic Mike Live -  Wednesday 1 October, 7pm, The Hippodrome Casino London NOËL & GERTIE - Saturday 11 October, 2.15pm, touch tour 12.45pm, Curve Theatre, Leicester Dear England -  Saturday 11 October, 7.30pm, touch tour 5pm, Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury 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)

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. 

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. 

Blind pianist Sir George Shearing was a prominent feature of the UK's jazz scene for decades. Now a project, led by Shearing's nephew, is sharing his music with a new generation. 'The Jazz Club's' Jake Hart caught up with Carl Gorham of 'Shear Brass'. For more information on the 'Shear Brass' project, visit the website - Shear Brass - Honoring the Legacy of Jazz Musician Sir George Shearing

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. 

You may have heard about the Pharmacy First or Pharmacy First Plus services when contacting your local GP or calling your local pharmacy and wondering what they might be all about and the range of services they are able to offer you.   Well for this week's check in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick we will find out more about both the Pharmacy First and Pharmacy First Plus services.  RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey began by asking Elizabeth what is actually meant by the term Pharmacy First.  Elizabeth then outlined the differences between the services at a Pharmacy First practice compared to a general pharmacy. Then to explaining what the Pharmacy First Plus service is all about and the additional services a Pharmacist in a Pharmacy First Plus practice can offer you.  You will find more information about some of the services offered by your local Pharmacy on the following pages of the NHS website - https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmacies/how-pharmacies-can-help/ 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.

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. 

 If you love audio books and live in the Newquay area, you might want to check out this new audio book club. Set up by iSightCornwall member and trustee Beatrix Love, and with the support of the RNIB Library, the club will connect blind and partially sighted people with a passion for a good story. 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. 

Jay ‘Cruz' Semple has reached incredible hights in Taekwondo despite living with a debilitating eye condition.   He has been sharing his story with RNIB Connect Radio's Barry Snell.   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. 

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. 

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. 

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: London Wetland Centre - Audio Described Tour, Monday 8 September, 10.50am   Born with Teeth - Saturday 20 September, 2.30pm, Wyndham's Theatre, London The Postal Museum - audio described Tour, Sunday 21 September, 2pm, London Hamilton - Friday 3 October, 7.30pm, touch tour 6.30pm, Norwich Theatre Royal The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe - Wednesday 8 October, 7pm, Aylesbury Waterside Theatre 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)

Abi Way recently graduated from Product Design Engineering in Queen's University and is the first student with a significant visual impairment to complete the course. She has graduated with multiple awards and honours and is forming the charity 'Boomerang' to support blind and partially sighted young people to enter into Science, Technology, Engineering and Medicine (STEM). Amelia spoke to her about her passion for design, overcoming barriers on her course and her plans for Boomerang. 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. 

Here's our latest review and this time we're looking at the teen gothic horror show from director Tim Burton. Reviewing the latest season of Wednesday on Netflix, it's Emmy. Image shows the poster for the show with Jenna Ortega as Wednesday Addams. In her signature sharp collared black dress and long black braids, Wednesday stares ahead unblinking with black tears streaming down her cheeks. A large white letter 'W' sits at the centre of the image with a small text below, which reads: 'Wednesday, Season 2, only on Netflix.'

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 for a TV show review and this time we're looking at the thriller drama from BBC and starring Stanley Tucci and David Tennant. Reviewing the four-part series, it's Luci. Image shows the poster of Inside Man. Four rectangles overlap each other, showing the four lead characters looking serious with blood splatters across their faces. The centre rectangle shows Stanley Tucci's character speaking on the visitation phone in prison. Yellow letters at the bottom of the poster read: 'Inside Man.'

Well, with all the hot wether and heat waves we have been experiencing recently for this week's check-in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick it is all about making sure your getting enough vitamin D and keeping hydrated too.  Elizabeth began by explaining to RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey about why it is so important to make sure we are getting enough vitamin D.  Then to talking about why we all seem to feel better in the sunshine and whether that is due to vitamin D and does vitamin D help with depression at all.  Elizabeth ended by giving some great advice around making sure we are drinking enough water to keep hydrated in the hot weather.  You will find out more about vitamin D on the following pages of the NHS website - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-d/ And for information on water, drinks and keeping hydrated do visit the following pages of the NHS website - https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-guidelines-and-food-labels/water-drinks-nutrition/ 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, smiling warmly at the camera with her hands slightly raised.

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. 

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: Good Night, Oscar - Friday 5 September, 7pm, touch tour 5.15pm, Barbican Centre, London The Party Girls - Friday 5 September, 7.30pm, touch tour 5pm, Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury Six The Musical - Tuesday 16 September, 8pm, touch tour 6.45pm, Theatre Royal Brighton Mary Poppins - Thursday 18 September, 2.30pm, touch tour 12.30pm, Mayflower Theatre, Southampton Northern Ballet's Merlin - Saturday 20 September, 2.30pm, touch tour 12.15pm, Grand Theatre and Opera House, Leeds 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)

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. 

We do hear a lot about looking after your heart and especially for older people so for this week's regular check in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick we are discussing heart health for older people. RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey began by asking Elizabeth what should blood pressure ideally be like for older people and whether it is true that salt could increase people's blood pressure. Then to discussing about exercise, diet and how being healthy is also good for your heart too. Elizabeth ended by summing up some of the other things that could affect your heart health.  The NHS does offer people a free health check which can help with spotting the early signs of many health conditions and more details can be found by visiting - https://www.healthcheck.nhs.uk  To get in touch with Elizabeth you can email info@elizabethroddick.com or for more information visit - https://elizabethroddick.co 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.

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. 

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: Rough Magic - Wednesday 6 August, 1.30pm, touch tour 11.30am, Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, London   The Choir of Man - Saturday 9 August, 3.30pm, touch tour 1.30pm, Arts Theatre, London The Great Gatsby - Thursday, 14 August, 7.30pm, touch tour 6.15pm, London Coliseum The Last Laugh - Saturday 16 August, 2.30pm, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff,  The Adam's Family - Thursday 21 August, 2.30pm, touch tour 1pm, Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury 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 many of us about to go off on our holidays whether that might be a break here in the UK or further afield for this weeks check in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick we start with what we all should be thinking about in terms of our medicines when we are about to go off on our holidays and whether it would be a good idea to take a first aid kit with us too.   Then RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey asked Elizabeth about tick bites, how do you know if you have been bitten, the importance of removing a tick bite properly and when to seek medical help for a tick bite. You will find out more about tick bites on the following pages of the NHS website - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tick-borne-encephalitis/ 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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

Now for a round-up 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: Mrs Warren's Profession - Saturday 19 July, 2.30pm, touch tour 1.15pm, Garrick Theatre, London Milton Keynes International Festival - AD guided tour: Luke Jerram's Mars and Michael Pendry's Les Colombes - Tuesday 22 July, 10.30am, Church of Christ the Cornerstone, Milton Keynes Transe Express: DNA Vertical Odyssey - Saturday 26 July, 9.45pm, touch tour 8.45pm, Secklow Gate, D3 Car Park, Milton Keynes Fawlty Towers: The Play - Thursday 24 July, 7.30pm, Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury  The Merry Wives of Windsor - Friday 25 July, 2pm, touch tour 12noon, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, London Naughts and Crosses - Saturday 26 July, 2.15pm, touch tour 12.30pm, Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, London 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)

Have you heard of MACS charity? In this podcast, Hubert chats to Teresa Gordon, who tells us about a charity called MACS, which aims to support children, adults and families who are dealing with three specific sight conditions: Microphthalmia (small eye), Anophthalmia (no eye) and Coloboma (gap in the structure of the eye). Find out more about their work here: About MACS Conditions – MACS – Microphthalmia, Anophthalmia and Coloboma Support 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. 

Tech Talk's Hubert Pawelkiewicz spoke to RNIB's Accessible Gaming and Immersive Technologies Research Officer Ben Breen about the accessibility of the digital games distribution service 'Steam'.

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. 

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 talks to artist Olya Lynx, who currently has a tactile exhibition taking place at Lytham Heritage centre. The exhibition runs until the 20th July 2025. To find out more about Olya Lynx art click here 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.

With the very hot weather we have been experiencing recently for this week's check-in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick it is all about how best to cope with the heat and hot weather. RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey began by asking Elizabeth whether there are certain individuals who are at greater risk in the heat than others.   Then to what is heat exhaustion and how dangerous might heatstroke be.  Ending with Elizabeth's thoughts on reports that some sunscreens have been found to not be giving people the adequate protection they need. You will find more about how to cope with a heatwave by visiting the following pages of the NHS website - https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/heatwave-how-to-cope-in-hot-weather/  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.

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.

One of the leading causes of blindness in the UK, is Glaucoma and it's estimated to affect around 700,000 people in the UK, with half of them unaware they have it. For Glaucoma Awareness Week we're focusing on the eye condition itself, importance of early detection and the support available. Joining us now to help us better understand this condition is Chris Hunton, Glaucoma UK trustee. 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. 

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. 

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.