RNIB Connect

NaviLens has arrived at some bus stops in the West Lothian area. David Hogg finds out more..

How can you reconnect with the people you care about? VI Counsellor Sally Clay spoke to Amelia about reasons distance can happen and ways you can come back together.Listen to Good Company on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 7pm and 1st Sunday of each month at 8pm.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.

A free service from the charity ‘Sight Loss Shropshire’ is matching blind and partially sighted people with accessible technology. Hywel Davies has been finding out more.

Inclusive Farm offers opportunities for people with disability and difference to gain skills in Agriculture.Amelia spoke to blind farmer and CEO, Mike Duxbury, for an update on their Aberdeenshire farm and their plans for 2026.Learn more on the Inclusive Farm website - Inclusive Farm | Cultivating Ideas for GrowthImage 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.

Army veteran Clive Jones has recently become an MBE. He shares his story with David Hogg and what it was like to receive the honour.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 as he continues exploring the Balkans by bus, taking a chaotic journey to the 'city of windows' and exploring impactful museums.Listen to Jonathan's Travelogues every Wednesday on The Lunch Break from 12 noon to 1 pm.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 government has announced a new NHS online hospital service is being launched in England next year. It will focus on nine health conditions, including glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.Amelia spoke to RNIB Head of Policy, Mike Wordingham, to learn about what this means for blind and partially sighted people in England.Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font. Learn more on the NHS England website - NHS England » Menopause and prostate conditions prioritised for NHS’s new online hospital

Researchers in Jordan are exploring health-related wellbeing and sleep quality among visually impaired people. Amelia spoke to one of the researchers, Dr.Hisham Jammal, to learn what they discovered and how it will impact support for blind and partially sighted people.Read 'Jammal, H. M., Khader, Y., Kanaan, S. F., Al-Dwairi, R., Mohidat, H., Al-Omari, R., … Al Bdour, M. The Effect of Visual Impairment and Its Severity on Vision-Related and Health-Related Quality of Life in Jordan: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study. Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare (2023).' here - https://doi.org/10.2147/JMDH.S431159Read 'Jammal, H.M., Khader, Y., Almhdawi, K. et al. Association between visual impairment and sleep quality: A cross-sectional, comparative study of severity, eye conditions, and risk factors. Eye (2025)' here - https://doi.org/10.1038/s41433-025-04150-0Image 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 do people around the world welcome the new year? Which red animals will appear this month? Amelia is back with the first almanac of 2026.Learn more about the birds and nature you can enjoy this month on the RSPB website - The year in natureImage 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.

Leeds Playhouse is hosting a new staging of the Charles Dickens tale ‘A Christmas Carol’. Hywel Davies caught up with visually impaired actor Amy Forrest to hear more about the production.

Join globe-trotter Jonathan Abro as he reflects on some of his most memorable journeys around the world. Through great music picks and conversation with Amelia Hilton, he shares joyful, moving and exhilarating stories from his travels.The music in this podcast has been shortened from the original broadcast for rights reasons.Listen to Jonathan's travelogues every Wednesday on The Lunch Break with Hubert Pawelkiewicz from 12 noon to 1 pm.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.

Happy Holidays! On RNIB Connect Radio we spoke with young Emmy Anstee to find out how she and her family make the festive period inclusive. 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.

Matt Stringer is standing down as the CEO of UK sight loss charity RNIB. Before he signed off, he spoke to RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell to look back at the charity’s 2025 and take a look ahead to what’s in store for 2026. 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 Image Shows RNIB's Connect Radio Logo, RNIB In Bold Black Letters A Solid Pink Line Below With Connect Radio Underneath

After 7 years at the helm of the UK’s leading sight loss charity, Matt Stringer has decided to step down as it’s Chief Executive.RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell sat down with Matt to look at his time with the charity and what the future holds for him, beyond the boardroom.#RNIBConnectImage Show RNIB's CEO Matt Stringer, A Smiling Matt Wearing Glasses And A Grey Jacket

Join Jonathan Abro on his bus trip around the Balkans. The first stop is the capital of Albania, Tirana.Listen to Jonathan's Travelogues every Wednesday on The Lunch Break from 12 noon to 1 pm.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.

As we draw closer to the end of 2025, the CEO of Guide Dogs has been looking back at the year and ahead to 2026.RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Andrew Lennox to find out how the charity has faired through the year.To learn more about Guide Dogs, go to www.guidedogs.org.uk#RNIBConnectImage Shows RNIB's Connect Radio Logo, RNIB In Bold Black Letters, A Solid Pink Line Below With Connect Radio Underneath

RNIB Connect Radio caught up with members of RNIB’s Campaigns team to hear about some of the most successful work undertaken this year, and a look ahead to what 2026 might hold.

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#RNIBConnectImage 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.#RNIBConnectImage 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.#RNIBConnectImage 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 - VICTALancashire Lions Sports Family Day - VICTAFree 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#RNIBConnectImage 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.#RNIBConnectImage 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-togetherYou can also call BT’s customer care team on 03301234150.#RNIBConnectImage 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.ukYou can call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999Or 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…