RNIB Connect

Join Jonathan Abro as he crosses from Albania into Montenegro and makes some suprise friends.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.

An update on the VocalEyes Describing Heritage: Co-creating Access Project, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund with the input of blind and partially sighted people from a number of Thomas Pocklington Trust Sight Loss Councils, will explore through the co-creation of audio description in 10 heritage hubs across the country, ways of improving access to museums, galleries and heritage sites for visually impaired people.Now that the 10 museum hubs for the project have been confirmed with workshops at the hubs due to start in March RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Lindsay Bywood, VocalEyes Describing Heritage Project manager for an update on the project, a run down of the 10 museum hubs that have been confirmed, news about the up-coming workshops plus how blind and partially sighted people will be very much at the heart of the project and co-creating the audio descriptions.To find out more about the Describing Heritage project and more on audio description of the arts do visit the VocalEyes website - https://vocaleyes.co.uk(Image shows the VocalEyes logo. A speech bubble with 'VOCALEYES' written in bold black letters next to it)

RNIB hosted a sector roundtable last week with Schools Minister Georgia Gould MP where blind and partially sighted people got the chance to highlight issues in terms of support for special educational needs. Following the event, Hubert spoke to Lucy Merritt from Thomas Pocklington Trust to find out more about a framework which is in place to help provide an understanding of support for children and young people with vision impairment. 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.

RNIB hosted a sector roundtable last week with Schools Minister Georgia Gould MP where blind and partially sighted people got the chance to highlight issues in terms of support for special educational needs. Our Hubert attended the event at RNIB's Grimaldi Building and spoke to some of the young people who provided their lived experience of education support with sight loss.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.

RNIB hosted a sector roundtable last week with Schools Minister Georgia Gould OBE MP where blind and partially sighted people got the chance to highlight issues in terms of support for special educational needs. Following the event, Hubert managed to catch up with the Schools Minister.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.

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 Marion Bauer form the Scottish Borders

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 first of his regular audio described theatre reviews for 2025.This week we have Tom Wells’ magical new adaptation of Roald Dahl’s powerful and darkly funny story ‘the BFG’ (Big Friendly Giant) at the RSC (Royal Shakespeare Company) with description by Professional Audio Describers Gethyn Edwards and Ellie Packer. About ‘The BFG'One extraordinary night, a young orphan named Sophie is snatched by a giant and taken far away to Giant Country.There she learns that human-eating giants are guzzling 'norphans' the world over. But she soon discovers that her new friend, the BFG, is different – he's a dream-catching, snozzcumber-munching gentle soul who refuses to eat humans.While other giants wreak havoc on the world, the BFG ignites Sophie's imagination, and they devise a daring plan to save children everywhere. In the end, the smallest human bean and the gentlest giant prove that a dream can change the world.Gather your chiddlers to see Roald Dahl’s powerful and darkly funny story, packed full of frobscottle and whizzpoppers. Tom Wells’ magical new adaptation is directed by RSC Co-Artistic Director Daniel Evans, whose previous productions include Quiz, South Pacific and Our Generation.There will be a further audio described performance of ‘The BFG’ on Wednesday 28 January at 7.15pm. For more about access at the Royal Shakespeare Company including details about audio described performances of their productions do visit - https://www.rsc.org.uk/your-visit/access(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)

The Scottish Budget was announced recently but what does it all mean for eye care in Scotland? Our Allan Russell headed to Edinburgh to learn more.

RNIB Scotland is back with their popular accessible explorations of Glasgow museums. Our Paulina Kuchorew spoke with Community Coordinator, Conor Joseph, about their plans for this year and their upcoming visit to Riverside Museum. To find out more, email: [email protected] shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underlined with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Sight loss charity RNIB, has published the final part of a three stage report on independent travel for blind and partially sighted people. Allan Russell spoke to Ross Megan and Erik Mathies, from the charity’s Campaigns Team to hear about the latest publication on train travel.Find the report here: https://bit.ly/RNIBPlatformForChangeImage 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.

Visually Impaired comedian Jake Donaldson has a new show about nostalgia, sight loss and his boyhood dream of joining the band Weezer.Amelia learned more about the show ahead of the Glasgow International Comedy Festival.Book Tickets for the Glasgow International COmedy Festival date at 9 pm on Friday 13th March here - Jake Donaldson: The Fifth Weezer - Glasgow International Comedy FestivalLearn more about Jake on his website - Jake Donaldson Comedy - Listen on YouTube, Spotify - Linktree

Let’s talk photography, our David Hogg catches up with VI photographer William Hickie

Let’s talk gaming and how you can get involved in accessible gaming with other blind and partially sighted people. David Hogg has more.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.

Simon Antrobus is the new Chief Executive of UK sight loss charity, RNIB.RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell sat down with Simon to learn more about his career, so far, his thoughts on the charity’s direction and how he switches off from the day job.Image shows Simon smiling for the camera. He is a white man with neat, short fair hair, dressed in a white shirt and charcoal suit jacket.

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 a look back over some great theatre shows he saw in 2025 with audio description as well as some highlights of productions that Vidar is looking forward to seeing in 2026.Don’t forget to catch Vidar’s regular audio described theatre reviews on RNIB Connect Radio or via this podcast channel. (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)

Join Jonathan as he continues exploring the Balkans by bus, stopping at the modern city of Shkodër.He learns more about the community came together after a dark period of history.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 Motability Foundation and UK sight loss charity RNIB, are collaborating on several research projects to improve the independent mobility of blind and partially sighted people.RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to John Worsfold, RNIB, and Nicola Gampell, Motability Foundation, to learn more about the work and it’s goals.If you’d like to learn more about the research, go to www.rnib.org.uk/motability-foundation or www.future-journeys.com#RNIBConnectImage Shows RNIB Connect Radio Logo, RNIB In Bold Black Letter, A Pink Line Below With Connect Radio Underneath

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…