Podcasts about rnib connect radio

For over 9 years now, UK sight loss charity RNIB has been working and campaigning to make all NHS England patient information, available to blind and partially sighted people in an accessible way. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Anna Tylor and Khadija Raza, from RNIB, to find out if there's light at the end of the tunnel. If you'd like more details, please go to rnib.in/AIS2025 or visit www.rnib.org.uk #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.

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 ‘Ghost Stories' as the UK Tour visited the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre with description by Professional Audio Describer Sue Reading. About ‘Ghost Stories' ‘An immaculately crafted evening of entertainment' - Time Out A truly terrifying theatrical experience created by The League of Gentlemen's Jeremy Dyson, and Andy Nyman, co-creator of Derren Brown's television and stage shows. GHOST STORIES mixes the very best of theatre with the buzz of a thrill-ride, delivering something truly unique. When Professor Goodman, arch-sceptic out to debunk the paranormal, embarks on an investigation of three apparent hauntings – as recounted by a night-watchman, a teenage boy, and a businessman awaiting his first child – Goodman finds himself at the outer limits of rationality, and fast running out of explanations. After exhilarating audiences for two years in the West End and across the world with record breaking, sell-out productions and a smash hit film, GHOST STORIES is “Genuine scary fun” (Sunday Times), a worldwide phenomenon more spine-tingling and fantastically terrifying than ever. “I had to sleep with the lights on” (Metro). Are you brave enough to book? For more about the UK tour of ‘Ghost Stories' with details of dates and times of performances around the country do visit the production website - https://ghoststoriesplay.com To find out more about access at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre including details of audio described performances do visit - https://www.grandtheatre.co.uk/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)

Alex Brooke is an amazing fundraiser and also a proud dad to 13-year-old Izzy, who also happens to be visually impaired following a diagnosis of Familial Exudative Vitreoretinopathy at birth. Recently, Alex did a 10K run in support of RNIB and he joined Paulina Kuchorew to tell her more about the event and his daughter. 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 The NHS 10 year Plan, Welfare Reform, employment and Eastenders. 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.

How does sight loss impact creativity? How can you inject some more playfulness and expression into your daily life? We gathered three panellists in to discuss creativity and playfulness as a blind or partially sighted person in our latest Roundtable. Join composer Bobby Goulder, Writer Ellen Renton and Volunteer Liam Mckinney for this month's roundtable. Learn more about Bobby on his website - Bobby Goulder - Sound Without Sight Learn more about Ellen on her website - Ellen Renton 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. 

On Wednesday 9th of July, the government's welfare bill passed its final House of Commons stage as MPs have voted in favour, following some further amendments.  But what could this mean for blind and partially sighted people in the UK?  Joining us now to discuss the bill is RNIB's Policy Lead, Roisin Jacklin. For the full RNIB response visit: Read the outcome of UK MPs final vote on the welfare bill | RNIB If you have questions around the bill you can call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 and if you would like to get involved in future campaigning email Campaign.Mailbox@rnib.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.

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. 

Enjoy the mesmerising Water Puppets and the thundering Train Street of Vietnam in this travelogue with Jonathan Abro. Tune in to 'The Lunch Break' on RNIB Connect Radio every weekday from 12 noon to 1pm for more Travelogues. 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. 

Jennifer Murray chats to Ania Grudna to learn about her sight loss journey. 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.

Join Jonathan Abro on the fifth of our Vietnam Travelogue series. This week he wanders along the Mekong river and tries more delicious food.  Tune in to 'The Lunch Break' on RNIB Connect Radio every weekday from 12 noon to 1pm for more Travelogues. 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. 

The Braille Chess Association recently had a tournament in one of the UK's most iconic institutions. Amelia spoke to Abi Baker to learn more... Learn more about The Braille Chess Association on their website - BCA – Bringing Chess To Visually Impaired People 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. 

Do you enjoy listening to audio plays for radio? Well Jennifer Murray catches up with Tony Vale to learn about his involvement in the writing of audio plays. To learn more about Tony's work, you can contact him at the following email address: tony@valemail.uk Four By Four's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/FourbyFourUK/posts/four-by-four-team-member-tony-vale-is-one-of-the-writers-for-this-community-led-/1813775638841772/ 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.

Sight Village is the UK's leading exhibition of the latest technology, products, and support services for blind and partially sighted people. RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey was at Sight Village Central in the Eastside Rooms in Birmingham taking in the atmosphere and chatting with a number of the exhibitors and caught up with Emma from Blind in Business to find out how they support blind and partially sighted people into employment.. For more about Blind in Business do visit their website - https://blindinbusiness.org.uk Image shows Toby posing with his recording kit by a Sight Village banner. Behind him a door open wide shows a busy exhibition space. Toby is smiling and is wearing a light check short sleeve shirt. He's holding his big interview microphone and is wearing his headphones around his neck.

Sight Village is the UK's leading exhibition of the latest technology, products, and support services for blind and partially sighted people. RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey was at Sight Village Central in the Eastside Rooms in Birmingham taking in the atmosphere and chatting with a number of the exhibitors and caught up with Julian from the Technology Association of Visually Impaired People (TAVIP). To find out more about the Technology Association of Visually Impaired people do visit -https://www.tavip.org.uk Image shows Toby posing with his recording kit by a Sight Village banner. Behind him a door open wide shows a busy exhibition space. Toby is smiling and is wearing a light check short sleeve shirt. He's holding his big interview microphone and is wearing his headphones around his neck.

Sight Village is the UK's leading exhibition of the latest technology, products, and support services for blind and partially sighted people. RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey was at Sight Village Central in the Eastside Rooms in Birmingham taking in the atmosphere and chatting with a number of the exhibitors and caught up with Aram from KAPSYS about KAPX their new wearable device for orientation and obstacle avoidance. For more about KAPX do visit the KAPSYS website - https://www.kapsys.com/en/produit/kapx-2/ Image shows Toby posing with his recording kit by a Sight Village banner. Behind him a door open wide shows a busy exhibition space. Toby is smiling and is wearing a light check short sleeve shirt. He's holding his big interview microphone and is wearing his headphones around his neck. 

Sight Village is the UK's leading exhibition of the latest technology, products, and support services for blind and partially sighted people. RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey was at Sight Village Central in the Eastside Rooms in Birmingham taking in the atmosphere and chatting with a number of the exhibitors and caught up with Pierre about the soon to be launched Luna Glasses that cold be a game changer for people with a number of eye conditions who experience night blindness. For more about Luna Glasses do visit the Sight and Sound website - https://www.sightandsound.co.uk/product/luna-glasses/ Image shows Toby posing with his recording kit by a Sight Village banner. Behind him a door open wide shows a busy exhibition space. Toby is smiling and is wearing a light check short sleeve shirt. He's holding his big interview microphone and is wearing his headphones around his neck.

British Blind Sport, a UK based charity which champions inclusion and accessibility across sport and physical activity, celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to BBS CEO Alaina Macgregor to find out how the charity will mark the milestone. If you'd like more info on British Blind Sport, go to www.britishblindsport.org.uk You can also call them on 01926424247. #RNIBConnect Image Shows RNIB Logo, White Background With RNIB In Bold Black Letters With A Solid Pink Line Below

Sight Village is the UK's leading exhibition of the latest technology, products, and support services for blind and partially sighted people. RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey was at Sight Village Central in the Eastside Rooms in Birmingham taking in the atmosphere and chatting with a number of the exhibitors and caught up with two people from Look UK to find out more about how the charity supports young blind and partially sighted people. For more about Look UK do visit their website - https://www.look-uk.org Image shows Toby posing with his recording kit by a Sight Village banner. Behind him a door open wide shows a busy exhibition space. Toby is smiling and is wearing a light check short sleeve shirt. He's holding his big interview microphone and is wearing his headphones around his neck.

Sight Village is the UK's leading exhibition of the latest technology, products, and support services for blind and partially sighted people. RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey was at Sight Village Central in the Eastside Rooms in Birmingham taking in the atmosphere and chatting with a number of the exhibitors and caught up with David from HumanWare for a demo of the Dynamic Tactile Device the Monarch Braille tablet.   For more about HumanWare and the Monarch do visit - https://www.humanware.com/en-united_kingdom/monarch/ (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)

Sight Village is the UK's leading exhibition of the latest technology, products, and support services for blind and partially sighted people. RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey was at Sight Village Central in the Eastside Rooms in Birmingham taking in the atmosphere and chatting with a number of the exhibitors and caught up with Jesper from Be My Eyes. For more about Be My Eyes do visit their website - https://www.bemyeyes.com Image shows Toby posing with his recording kit by a Sight Village banner. Behind him a door open wide shows a busy exhibition space. Toby is smiling and is wearing a light check short sleeve shirt. He's holding his big interview microphone and is wearing his headphones around his neck.

Jennifer Murray speaks to Javier Rodriguez from Madrid, Spain to learn about his sight loss journey. 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.

Sight Village is the UK's leading exhibition of the latest technology, products, and support services for blind and partially sighted people. RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey was at Sight Village Central in the Eastside Rooms in Birmingham taking in the atmosphere and chatting with a number of the exhibitors and caught up with Andrew from V I Safety who are also the main sponsor of this year's exhibition. For more about V I Safety do visit their website - https://visafety.co.uk  Image shows Toby posing with his recording kit by a Sight Village banner. Behind him a door open wide shows a busy exhibition space. Toby is smiling and is wearing a light check short sleeve shirt. He's holding his big interview microphone and is wearing his headphones around his neck.

Trials of a new way to enjoy tennis have been taking place at Wimbledon this year. Hywel Davies has been finding out more about ‘Action Audio'. For more information on Action Audio, visit their website - Action Audio - Making sports broadcasts accessible to people living with blindness or low vision 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.

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, 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 reflects on two major political events, the passing of the Welfare Reform Bill in the commons on Tuesday evening (1 July 2025) with some last minute major changes to the bill and the publication on Thursday (3 July 2025) of the NHS 10 year Health plan for England. 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.

The UK Government's welfare bill passed its first vote in the Parliament on Tuesday, but what do blind and partially sighted people think of it? Hubert Pawelkiewicz spoke with Simon Hart to find out what he thought. And to hear RNIB's response to the bill, hear our interview with Sophie Dudgeon, RNIB's Head of Campaigns & Public Affairs: LINK Want to share your thoughts on the bill? Drop us an email: radio@rnib.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.

On Tuesday 1st of July, following a significant last-minute concession, the Welfare Reform Bill passed through its first vote in the House of Commons. But how does the blind and partially sighted community feel about the result of the vote? Amelia spoke with Yahya Pandor. And to hear RNIB's response to the bill, hear our interview with Sophie Dudgeon, RNIB's Head of Campaigns & Public Affairs: LINK Want to share your thoughts on the bill? Drop us an email: radio@rnib.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.

On Tuesday 1st of July, following a significant last-minute concession, the Welfare Reform Bill passed through its first vote in the House of Commons. But how does the blind and partially sighted community feel about the result of the vote? We spoke with Harry Georgiou to hear what he thinks about the result of the vote. And to hear RNIB's response to the bill, hear our interview with Sophie Dudgeon, RNIB's Head of Campaigns & Public Affairs: LINK Want to share your thoughts on the bill? Drop us an email: radio@rnib.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.

On Tuesday 1st of July, following a significant last-minute concession, the Welfare Reform Bill passed through its first vote in the House of Commons. But how does the blind and partially sighted community feel about the result of the vote? Robert Kirkwood spoke with Selina Mills to hear her thoughts on the matter. And to hear RNIB's response to the bill, hear our interview with Sophie Dudgeon, RNIB's Head of Campaigns & Public Affairs: LINK Want to share your thoughts on the bill? Drop us an email: radio@rnib.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.

Fulham Reach Boat Club, a fairly new rowing club on the River Thames in London, very close to Hammersmith Bridge have been running the ‘Row the Rhythm' sessions for blind and partially sighted people to give them an introduction to the sport of rowing and the opportunity to get out rowing on the Thames too. RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey made his way down to the banks of the River Thames to find out more about the ‘Row the Rhythm' sessions at Fulham Reach Boat Club firstly chatting with Julia Philipson, Chief of Community Development at Fulham Reach for a bit of background to the Club and why they wanted to put on the ‘Row the Rhythm' sessions for blind and partially sighted people. After chatting with Julia Toby caught up with Ollie one of the Coaches at Fulham Reach Boat Club to find out how he found it coaching someone who is visually impaired in rowing for the first time and how his coaching techniques had developed over the sessions with feedback from the visually impaired people taking part in the ‘Row the Rhythm' sessions.  Charlotte another of the Coaches at Fulham Reach Boat Club who is also visually impaired explained to Toby about how she got in to rowing, coaching at the club, coping with her own sight loss and how she can still carry on coaching but in a slightly different way.  Finally Toby caught up with Ashley and Angel, two of the visually impaired people who have been taking part in the Row the Rhythm sessions, to find out why they decided to come down to Fulham Reach Boat Club and give rowing a go. Ashley and Angel explained to Toby what it is like rowing on the Thames as a visually impaired person, the freedom rowing gives them and what they would say to encourage other blind and partially sighted people to take up the sport of rowing. To find out more about Fulham Reach Boat Club do visit their website - https://www.fulhamreachboatclub.co.uk There is much more about the sport of rowing along with details of where to find a rowing club near you on the British Rowing website - https://www.britishrowing.org (Image shows Toby with mic, headphones and life jacket in the sunshine on the bank of the river Thames with the pontoon, Hammersmith bridge and some of the boats and rowers in the background)

NHS England has published its 10 Year Health Plan for England. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Vivienne Francis, from RNIB, to discuss what this could mean for blind and partially sighted people. 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 ‘Spitfire Girls' at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre with description by Professional Audio Describer Carolyn Smith. About ‘Spitfire Girls' New Year's Eve, 1959. Decades after answering the call, two women separated by the war meet again as the rain hammers down on the windows of The Spitfire pub. As we hear their story, we're transported back to a time when female pioneers defied expectations and soared through the skies. Spitfire Girls is inspired by the extraordinary true stories of the women who dared to fly during WWII and the incredible bond that tied them together. Funny and heart-warming, this is an untold story of strength, courage and loss. But above all else, hope. Written by Katherine Senior, Directed by Seán Aydon, Designed by Sarah Beaton. To find out 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)

Would you like to learn about Wymondham Players which is a theatre group? Jennifer Murray chats to Georgette Vale to find out more. If you would like to contact Wymondham Players, you can email them on: secretary@wymondhamplayers.org.uk  You can also visit their website at the following link: Wymondham Players 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.

With the first vote on the Welfare Reform Bill being passed in the Commons on Tuesday evening after some last minute major changes being made to the bill here on RNIB Connect Radio we are gathering the reactions, thoughts and comments from blind and partially sighted people with Yusuf Osman joining our Toby Davey. And to hear RNIB's response to the bill, hear our interview with Sophie Dudgeon, RNIB's Head of Campaigns & Public Affairs: LINK Want to share your thoughts on the bill? Drop us an email: radio@rnib.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.

Going For Independence in Saltburn By Sea are working on a new audio drama by and for blind and partially sighted people. Amelia spoke to founder, Pam Bennett, and member, Pat Grahame, to learn more. Learn more about and contact Going For Independence on their website - goingforindependence.org 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. 

The UK Government's welfare bill passed its first vote in the Parliament on Tuesday, but what do blind and partially sighted people think of it?  Barry Snell spoke with Dawn Hopper, who was keen to share her thoughts. And to hear RNIB's response to the bill, hear our interview with Sophie Dudgeon, RNIB's Head of Campaigns & Public Affairs: LINK Want to share your thoughts on the bill? Drop us an email: radio@rnib.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.

We all know that there is a lack of blind and partially sighted people in Chief Executive and senior leadership roles within the sight loss sector. Well, now the New Horizons Programme lead by RNIB, Guide Dogs and Thomas Pocklington Trust in collaboration with Hult Ashridge Executive Education, a provider of leadership and organisational development solutions will help to empower blind and partially sighted leaders with the skills and confidence to accelerate their careers and create a more diverse and inclusive leadership landscape. RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey caught up with two visually impaired leaders working in the sight loss sector, Sarah Brandt, Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive at Henshaws and Alex Henderson, Education Information Manager at Thomas Pocklington Trust explain their career journey so far, why they wanted to take part in the programme and what it will mean for the sector if they and other blind and partially sighted people make it to those Chief Executive and senior leadership roles within the sector. If you are looking for information and advice around employment as a blind or partially sighted person do either call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visit the employment pages of the RNIB website - https://www.rnib.org.uk/living-with-sight-loss/equality-and-employment/ (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 Jonathan Abro on the fourth of our Vietnam Travelogue series. Do you take salt in your coffee? How about egg? Well Jonathan tries this and many other Vietnamese eats on his way through central Vietnam. Tune in to 'The Lunch Break' on RNIB Connect Radio every weekday from 12 noon to 1pm for more Travelogues. 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 sight loss charity RNIB, along with other disability organisations, have driven a campaign to make the UK Labour Government reverse it's proposed changes to welfare payments for some of the most vulnerable people in society. The changes would see many disabled people lose thousands of pounds a year, which they use to offset the extra costs of having a disability. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Sophie Dudgeon, RNIB's Head of Campaigns & Public Affairs, to discuss the results of the Parliamentary vote on the changes. #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.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)  have published their latest report into the standards of service provided to disabled travellers, and those with limited mobility, through UK airports. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Anna Bowles, from the CAA, to find out the rankings and how they are scored. #RNIBConnect Image Shows RNIB Logo, White Background With RNIB in Bold Black Letters With A Solid Pink Line Below

For Glaucoma Awareness week 2025 (30 June-6 July 2025) the Association of Optometrists (AOP) have published a research report revealing that there is a ticking time bomb of preventable sight loss. The report highlights that nearly half of people with the condition – often called the ‘invisible condition' – remain undiagnosed, with some losing significant sight before noticing symptoms. RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey was joined by Adam Sampson, Chief Executive of The Association of Optometrists (AOP) to find out more about the report and its findings. For more about the Association of Optometrists do visit their website - https://www.aop.org.uk And fore more on the Ticking Timebomb report do visit - https://www.aop.org.uk/our-voice/campaigns/you-wont-see-it-coming (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)

Multi-award winning Garden Designer Paul Hervey-Brookes has designed the RNIB Legacy Garden at the RHS Flower Show Wentworth Woodhouse 2025 (16-20 July 2025) supported by the players of the People's Postcode Lottery. Helen Smith RNIB's Head of Legacy Engagement explains to RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey how the garden came about, working with Paul on the garden, how the garden will help to show the general public what it is like living with sight loss through elements of the garden including the sight pods, how accessible gardening can be and how leaving a legacy donation to the RNIB will help all the vital work the organisation does in supporting blind and partially sighted people. To find out more about the RNIB Legacy Garden at the RHS Flower Show Wentworth Woodhouse, how to purchase a ticket for the show as well as ways of leaving a legacy donation to the RNIB do visit - https://www.rnib.org.uk/rhsflowershow Image shows a watercolour illustration of the RNIB Legacy Garden at RHS Flower Show Wentworth Woodhouse. It features two lattice pods surrounded by green trees and colourful flowers. The setting is designed to be accessible and provide a rich sensory experience.

Would you like to hear about how Claire Forde, a blind podcaster chatting about the various people she has interviewed? Well, Jennifer Murray catches up with Claire to find out more. If you would like to listen to Clara In Conversation podcast, you can go to the following link: https://www.youtube.com/@clarainconversation678  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.

What seasonal foods can you enjoy in July? Amelia is back with another monthly almanac. 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. 

Do you have an item that needs fixing? Your local repair café might be able to help for free. Amelia spoke to the Shrewsbury repair café team to learn about their repair and socialising opportunities and their new audio described visit. Learn more about the Shrewsbury repair café on their website - Shrewsbury Repair Cafe Listen to the audio described visit on their facebook page - https://fb.watch/Azp6y6iI8J/ 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. 

Jasmine Thien is a blind Actor, writer, poet, and stand-up comedian who is bringing her one woman show ‘I Dream in Colour' to the Edinburgh fringe Festival this year with a couple of previews in London beforehand on 22 and 23 July 2025. Jasmine began by reminding RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey about what ‘I Dream in Colour' is all about and how the semi-autobiographical show has changed over the last couple of years from initially workshopping the show, a couple of performances in London to the version Jasmine will be taking to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Then Jasmine talks about her hopes for ‘I Dream in Colour;' after Edinburgh to hopefully tour the country and maybe turning ‘I Dream in Colour' into a radio or TV show.  ‘I Dream in Colour' will be at Venue 302, Friesian at Underbelly, Bristo Square, Edinburgh from 30 July to 24 August with performances from 2.20pm to 3.20pm and tickets can be found on the following website - https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/i-dream-in-colour To find out more about Jasmine and her work as an Actor, Writer, Poet and Stand-up Comedian do search for JasmineThienCreative on Instagram or Facebook. (Image shows a black and white shadowy photo of Jasmine with a colourful lens flare in the top left corner)

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 welfare campaigning, new shop, a flower clock and some great news for audio description. 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