RNIB Conversations

A new community eye care service has launched in South East London to provide more accessible eye care for people with learning disabilities and / or who are autistic. Hubert has been finding out more information about the service.

Now for a roundup of accessible arts events as RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey catches up with Jess Beal from VocalEyes, the national audio description charity providing access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people to share some of the accessible events that are featured in their regular email newsletter. Audio described shows and events included: The Mousetrap - Wednesday 25 October, 2.30pm, King’s Lynn Corn Exchange 2:22 A Ghost Story - Thursday 26 October, 2.30pm, touch tour 12.30pm, Theatre Royal Brighton The Little Big Things - Friday 27 October, 7.30pm, @Soho Place, London Greatest Days - Saturday 28 October, 2.15pm, touch tour 12.45pm, Curve Theatre, Leicester Private Lives - Saturday 28 October, 2.30pm, Ambassadors Theatre, London. To find out more about these and other up-coming described arts events as well as details about how to sign up to the regular What’s On email newsletter 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)

Time to connect with the natural world around us with nature guide Andy Shipley.This month, some things to keep an ear out for when out walking near heathland, grassland or woodland. With special appearance by: red dear stags, wild boar, and apples! Find the full Sensory Reflections Playlist here: Audioboom / Sensory Reflections With Andy Shipley on RNIB Connect RadioFor more about Andy's work and to get in touch with him visit: Nature Connection And Sensory Immersion | Natural Inclusion (natural-inclusion.org)Image shows Andy standing outside in front of a tree. He's holding his white cane and is dressed for outdoor adventure in a grey hoodie, a cap, and a windproof jacket. Sound credit: 'WILD BOAR GRUNTS AND SQUEALS SOUND' via Quick Sounds, 'Tawny Owl Sounds' BY SPANAC, 'SHORT-TOED TREECREEPER SONG AND CALLS SOUND' via Quick Sounds, 'BROWN-HEADED NUTHATCH SOUND' via Quick Sounds, 'EAT APPLE SOUND' via Quick Sounds, 'The call of Red Stag_Animal Sound' by NickyPe.

Blind and partially sighted people living in the Ceredigion area will be pleased to learn about the return of Ceredigion Talking Newspaper.Barry Snell chats to Syd Smith, the man behind the relaunch of much loved talking newspaper.{Image: RNIB Connect Radio 20th Anniversary written in white against a dark green background. There is also a bold white line separating the words RNIB connect Radio from 20th Anniversary}

Following on from our last check in with Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick from New Life Pharmacy in Glasgow, for this week’s check in Elizabeth tells our Toby Davey all about other winter illnesses we should be looking out for over the next few months.Elizabeth began by telling Toby all about sinusitis, what it is, what causes the condition, the symptoms and how to treat sinusitis.Then to whether a sore throat is similar to sinusitis and ending by suggesting that maybe most of our winter illnesses are just viral.You will find more information about sinusitis on the following pages of the NHS website - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sinusitis-sinus-infection/To get in touch with Elizabeth email [email protected] or for more information visit https://newlifepharmacy.co.uk.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.

Hubert has attended the Sight Loss Council conference in Birmingham, where he managed to speak to a couple of volunteers from different Sight Loss Councils about their local contributions.

Hubert has been attending the 2023 Sight Loss Council Conference in Birmingham organised by Thomas Pocklington Trust, and supported by NaviLens. There he had a chat with TPT's director of services Emma Hughes about the Sight Loss Councils.

World Mental Health Day is celebrated every year on 10 October. In spirit of this year's theme, that mental health is a universal human right, we're highlighting some of our best features to improve knowledge, raise awareness and promote better mental health. RNIB Mental Health First Aid Instructor Chris Simpson, shares his shortcuts to happiness chemicals and how to hack them. If you’d like to talk to someone who understands what you’re going through, RNIB is here for you. Get in touch via 0303 123 9999 or [email protected]. We also has lots of resources on our website http://rnib.in/MentalWellbeingResources Image shows the logo for World Mental Health Day 2023. A drawing of Earth smiling and enveloped in a green ribbon which reads 'World Mental Health Day 2023' from top to bottom. A little speech bubble above the globe says: 'Tuesday 10 October is...'

World Mental Health Day is celebrated every year on 10 October.In spirit of this year's theme, that mental health is a universal human right, we're highlighting some of our best features to improve knowledge, raise awareness and promote better mental health.Creator of Life of a Blind Girl blog and social media star, Holly Tuke, shares her Top Tips for Digital Wellbeing.If you’d like to talk to someone who understands what you’re going through, RNIB is here for you. Get in touch via 0303 123 9999 or [email protected] also has lots of resources on our website http://rnib.in/MentalWellbeingResourcesImage shows the logo for World Mental Health Day 2023. A drawing of Earth smiling and enveloped in a green ribbon which reads 'World Mental Health Day 2023' from top to bottom. A little speech bubble above the globe says: 'Tuesday 10 October is...'

World Mental Health Day is celebrated every year on 10 October. In spirit of this year's theme, that mental health is a universal human right, we're highlighting some of our best features to improve knowledge, raise awareness and promote better mental health. Today, sharing her best picks for a happy read is RNIB Library's Lynne Livingstone. If you’d like to talk to someone who understands what you’re going through, RNIB is here for you. Get in touch via 0303 123 9999 or [email protected]. We also has lots of resources on our website http://rnib.in/MentalWellbeingResources Image shows the logo for World Mental Health Day 2023. A drawing of Earth smiling and enveloped in a green ribbon which reads 'World Mental Health Day 2023' from top to bottom. A little speech bubble above the globe says: 'Tuesday 10 October is...'

World Mental Health Day is celebrated every year on 10 October. In spirit of this year's theme, that mental health is a universal human right, we're highlighting some of our best features to improve knowledge, raise awareness and promote better mental health. And sharing her top tips for what we can get up to in our gardens this autumn, is keen gardener Fi. If you’d like to talk to someone who understands what you’re going through, RNIB is here for you. Get in touch via 0303 123 9999 or [email protected]. We also has lots of resources on our website http://rnib.in/MentalWellbeingResources Image shows the logo for World Mental Health Day 2023. A drawing of Earth smiling and enveloped in a green ribbon which reads 'World Mental Health Day 2023' from top to bottom. A little speech bubble above the globe says: 'Tuesday 10 October is...'

World Mental Health Day is celebrated every year on 10 October. In spirit of this year's theme, that mental health is a universal human right, we're highlighting some of our best features to improve knowledge, raise awareness and promote better mental health. And sharing her top tips for how to get a better night's rest over the cold months is Alyson O'Brien from Sleep Scotland. If you’d like to talk to someone who understands what you’re going through, RNIB is here for you. Get in touch via 0303 123 9999 or [email protected]. We also has lots of resources on our website http://rnib.in/MentalWellbeingResources Image shows the logo for World Mental Health Day 2023. A drawing of Earth smiling and enveloped in a green ribbon which reads 'World Mental Health Day 2023' from top to bottom. A little speech bubble above the globe says: 'Tuesday 10 October is...'

World Mental Health Day is celebrated every year on 10 October.In spirit of this year's theme, that mental health is a universal human right, we're highlighting some of our best features to improve knowledge, raise awareness and promote better mental health.Today, learn about mindfulness and how to practice it in your daily life with Amanda Hawkins, RNIB's Head of Mental Health and Counselling Services.If you’d like to talk to someone who understands what you’re going through, RNIB is here for you. Get in touch via 0303 123 9999 or [email protected] also has lots of resources on our website http://rnib.in/MentalWellbeingResourcesImage shows the logo for World Mental Health Day 2023. A drawing of Earth smiling and enveloped in a green ribbon which reads 'World Mental Health Day 2023' from top to bottom. A little speech bubble above the globe says: 'Tuesday 10 October is...'

World Mental Health Day is celebrated every year on 10 October. In spirit of this year's theme, that mental health is a universal human right, we're highlighting some of our best features to improve knowledge, raise awareness and promote better mental health. Today, let's take a deep breath and slow things down with this quick breathing exercise from Kim Jaye. If you’d like to talk to someone who understands what you’re going through, RNIB is here for you. Get in touch via 0303 123 9999 or [email protected]. We also has lots of resources on our website http://rnib.in/MentalWellbeingResources Image shows the logo for World Mental Health Day 2023. A drawing of Earth smiling and enveloped in a green ribbon which reads 'World Mental Health Day 2023' from top to bottom. A little speech bubble above the globe says: 'Tuesday 10 October is...' (SFX credit: Calm Seashore - No Copyright Sound Effects - Audio Library)

With the days starting to get a bit shorter and maybe a nip in the air too, flu season will be soon upon us if not already. So for this weeks regular check in with Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick from New Life Pharmacy in Glasgow our Toby Davey began by asking Elizabeth why certain people need a yearly flu vaccination. Elizabeth then explained to Toby from her own experience what the difference is between having the flu and having a cold. Then to why antibiotics won’t work if you have the flu. Elizabeth ended this week’s check in by explaining to Toby the best ways to avoid getting flu and whether it is safe to have both the Covid and flu vaccinations at the same time. You can find out more about the symptoms of flu by visiting the following pages of the NHS website - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/flu/ To get in touch with Elizabeth email [email protected] or for more information visit https://newlifepharmacy.co.uk. 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.

Take a listen as Hubert finds out about a unique film based event taking place in the West Midlands on the 1st of October.

Discover Digital is a project from the Alliance that raises awareness of using digital resources to support our health and wellbeing. . They recently ran a workshop for blind and partially sighted people at Forth Valley Sensory Centre, and our Paulina went over to check it out. Find out more about Discover Digital here: Discover Digital - Digital (alliance-scotland.org.uk) Image shows the workshop attendees, eight people, sitting in office chairs in a small room with desks and computer screens. Maisie is standing up as she chats to some of the people in the back.

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a blind or partially sighted contestant on the ITV game show The Chase? Hubert has been talking to Mel, one of the contestants that has recently been on the show about their experience.

Empish J Thomas is a freelance writer and disability blogger in the USA, who has been living with sight loss for more than 20 years. She has been sharing her story with RNIB Connect Radio's Barry Snell.To find out more about Empish and her blogs visit empishjthomas.com{Image: A head-shot of a smiling Empish. She appears to be wearing a navy blue suit jacket with a pink blouse underneath. She is also wearing a silver coloured necklace too. Her hair is shoulder length and she is wearing lip stick which matches her blouse.}

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:Crazy for You - Wednesday 20 September, 7.30pm, Gillian Lynne Theatre, London National Museum Cardiff - Audio Described Tour, Thursday 21 September, 10.30am, CardiffEveryone’s Talking About Jamie - Thursday 21 September, 7.30pm, Sunderland EmpireShrek the Musical - Friday 22 September, 7.30pm, New Oxford TheatreAudio Art: Utterly in the Picture - Thursday 28 September, 12noon, National Gallery, LondonMetamorphosis - Saturday 30 September, 2pm, touch tour 12.30pm, Mast Mayflower Studios, SouthamptonTo find out more about these and other up-coming described arts events as well as details about how to sign up to the regular What’s On email newsletter 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)

Barry Snell caught up with charity fundraiser 'Blind' Dave Heeley, OBE who had just completed the Hadrian's Wall challenge, a 5 day trek from Newcastle to Cumbria to raise money for the Albion Foundation A veteran of many challenges around the World, this latest one certainly had it's challenges for Dave and his team. To learn more about Dave and his many achievements click here

Time to connect with the natural world around us with nature guide Andy Shipley.This month, as RNIB Connect Radio celebrates 20 years, Andy has some special things to listen out for in nature this month, including the annoying wasp, charm of goldfinches and some common kestrels.Find the full Sensory Reflections Playlist here: Audioboom / Sensory Reflections With Andy Shipley on RNIB Connect RadioFor more about Andy's work and to get in touch with him visit: Nature Connection And Sensory Immersion | Natural Inclusion (natural-inclusion.org)Image shows Andy standing outside in front of a tree. He's holding his white cane and is dressed for outdoor adventure in a grey hoodie, a cap, and a windproof jacket. Sound credits: 'EURASIAN JAY HARSH CALLS SOUND' via Quick Sounds, 'A Flock of Goldfinches' by DMNature, 'Common kestrel - sound effect' by Anthony Dietrich, 'Wasp' sound effect via deadsounds.

With many recent news reports around prostate cancer for this week’s regular check in with Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick from New Life Pharmacy in Glasgow we are going to be talking about prostate cancer and why it is so important for men over 50 to have regular checks. Elizabeth began by telling RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey about a possible new way of detecting prostate cancer before then explaining to Toby about the connection between the prostate gland and the bladder and why a lot of older men have an enlarged prostate. Elizabeth ended with some good advice for men who might have prostate cancer and explaining to Toby why it is so important for men over 50 to have regular checks with their doctor. There is more information around Prostate Cancer on the NHS website via the following link - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/prostate-cancer/ To get in touch with Elizabeth email [email protected] or for more information visit https://newlifepharmacy.co.uk. 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.

With many recent news reports around prostate cancer for this week’s regular check in with Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick from New Life Pharmacy in Glasgow we are going to be talking about prostate cancer and why it is so important for men over 50 to have regular checks. Elizabeth began by telling RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey about a possible new way of detecting prostate cancer before then explaining to Toby about the connection between the prostate gland and the bladder and why a lot of older men have an enlarged prostate. Elizabeth ended with some good advice for men who might have prostate cancer and explaining to Toby why it is so important for men over 50 to have regular checks with their doctor. There is more information around Prostate Cancer on the NHS website via the following link - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/prostate-cancer/ To get in touch with Elizabeth email [email protected] or for more information visit https://newlifepharmacy.co.uk. 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.

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:Heathers, The Musical - Thursday 17 August, 2.15pm, touch tour 12.45pm, Curve Theatre, LeicesterEdinburgh Art Festival, Keg de Souza’s Shipping Roots - Wednesday 23 August, 10am, the Royal Botanical Gardens, EdinburghPaper making Workshop - Wednesday 30 august, 11am, British Library, LondonThe Ocean at the End of the Lane - Friday 1 September, 7.30pm, touch tour 5.30pm, King’s Theatre, GlasgowMacbeth - Saturday 2 September, 2pm, touch tour 12noon, Shakespeare’s Globe, London To find out more about these and other up-coming described arts events as well as details about how to sign up to the regular What’s On email newsletter 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)

For this week’s regular check in with Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick from New Life Pharmacy in Glasgow we are talking about something we may all not want to mention, urine infections along with Elizabeth’s thoughts and reaction to those misleading TikTok videos going around claiming that rubbing caster oil around or into your eyes could help to cure eye issues and some eye conditions which is totally untrue as Doctors have been saying.Elizabeth began by explaining to our Toby Davey about how common urine infections are, whether urine infections are more common in women, the symptoms we should be looking out for that might prompt medical advice, plus treatments for urine infections and what might be good to help prevent urine infections too.Elizabeth ended by giving her reaction to those untrue and misleading TikTok videos going around claiming that rubbing caster oil into your eyes could help to cure some eye issues and even some eye conditions. There is more information about urine infections on the NHS website via the following link - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/urinary-tract-infections-utis/To get in touch with Elizabeth email [email protected] or for more information visit https://newlifepharmacy.co.uk.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.

Time to connect with the natural world around with Andy Shipley. This month, Andy listen out for a bird you can commonly hear at this time of year, plus we get low to the ground as we explore the grasslands and a sensory activity. Find the full Sensory Reflections Playlist here: Audioboom / Sensory Reflections With Andy Shipley on RNIB Connect Radio For more about Andy's work and to get in touch with him visit: Nature Connection And Sensory Immersion | Natural Inclusion (natural-inclusion.org) Image shows Andy standing outside in front of a tree. He's holding his white cane and is dressed for outdoor adventure in a grey hoodie, a cap, and a windproof jacket. Sound credits: 'HOUSE MARTIN CALLS SOUND' via Quick Sounds, 'Grasshopper' via pixabay, 'Green Woodpecker' via british-birdsongs.

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:Midsummer Mechanicals - Wednesday 9 August, 1pm, touch tour 11.30am, The Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, Shakespeare’s Globe, LondonCharlie and The Chocolate Factory - The Musical, Wednesday 9 August, 7pm, Sunderland EmpireCuckoo - Saturday 12 August, 2.30pm, touch tour 1pm, Royal Court Theatre, London Blood Brothers- Thursday 17 August, 2.30pm, Chelmsford TheatreBarnsley Museums Film Screenings - Saturday 26 August, from 10.30am To find out more about these and other up-coming described arts events as well as details about how to sign up to the regular What’s On email newsletter 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)

Now, it's time for another sight loss story from an RNIB Customer as Hywel Davies chats to Nicky Williams.

With Edinburgh Festival Fringe taking place from Friday 4th till Monday 28th of August, we thought let’s find out what’s accessibility like at the festival this year?Our Paulina Kuchorew spoke with Deputy Chief Executive of the Fringe, Lyndsey Jackson.Find out more about accessibility at the festival here: Accessibility | Edinburgh Festival Fringe (edfringe.com)Image shows the fringe logo. Atop a white background a coral pink circle with 'fringe' written in white in the middle and some slight fading of colour around the edges of the circle.

With recent reports about the rise in the number of people getting tick bites, for this week’s check in with Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick from New Life Pharmacy in Glasgow our Toby Davey began by asking Elizabeth how serious this rise in Tick bites might be and should we be concerned at all. Elizabeth then explained to Toby how obvious it might be knowing when you have been bitten, how to remove a tick properly and when to seek medical help. Elizabeth ended by giving her thoughts on the controversy over the recommendation that all masks are withdrawn from healthcare and care settings. If you have any concerns around Tick bites you can find some further useful information on the following pages of the NHS website - https://www.nenc-healthiertogether.nhs.uk/parentscarers/worried-your-child-unwell/tick-bite To get in touch with Elizabeth email [email protected] or for more information visit https://newlifepharmacy.co.uk. 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

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:Patriots - Saturday 22 July, 2.30pm, Noel Coward Theatre, London Brokeback Mountain - Saturday 29 July , 2.30pm, @Soho Place, LondonBleak Expectations - Wednesday 2 August, 7.30pm, touch tour 5.30pm, Criterion Theatre, London Meet the Portraits: Audio Described Guide - until Monday 30 January 2024, National Portrait Gallery, LondonMy First Ballet: Swan Lake - Audio Described Film, from Friday 7 July, from ballet.org.ukTo find out more about these and other up-coming described arts events as well as details about how to sign up to the regular What’s On email newsletter 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)

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: Spirit of Invention - Saturday 8 July, 11.30am, The National Archives, Kew, Richmond Luxury and Power - British Museum, Wednesday 12 July, 6pm, British Museum, London Robin Hood - The Legend, Re-Written, Saturday 15 July, 2.15pm, Open Air Theatre, Regent’s Park, London Trigger: Teabreak and Rebecca Louise Law: The Place Between - Friday 21 July, 11.30am, Milton Keynes International Festival The Crucible - Saturday 22 July, 2pm, Gielgud Theatre, London To find out more about these and other up-coming described arts events as well as details about how to sign up to the regular What’s On email newsletter 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)

As we seem to be experiencing a bit of a heat wave at the moment, for this week’s check in with Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick from New Life Pharmacy in Glasgow our Toby Davey asks Elizabeth what the dangers might be for us all of the heat and hot weather.Elizabeth began by explaining to Toby some of the dangers around the heat and hot weather, outlining that some people might be more vulnerable than others.Then Elizabeth talked about some of the signs of dehydration that we should all look out for and then her top tips on how to cope with the warm weather too.To get in touch with Elizabeth email [email protected] or for more information visit https://newlifepharmacy.co.uk.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.

Following Hubert’s interview with Antony Merlyn about the Aira trials at Stevenage station, he spoke afterwards to one of the volunteer testers about their experience using the app. Image shows RNIB logo. Upon a green background, 3 rows of text. From top to bottom: RNIB, Connect Radio, 20th Anniversary. A bold white line underlines the words Connect Radio.

Some rail companies have been testing the Aira assistance app at some of their stations. Our Hubert has taken a trip to Stevenage, where he spoke to one of the rail company representatives about the ongoing trials and future of accessible train travel.Image shows RNIB logo. Upon a green background, 3 rows of text. From top to bottom: RNIB, Connect Radio, 20th Anniversary. A bold white line underlines the words Connect Radio.

If you are thinking about jetting off for your summer holidays or just flying off within the UK for a weekend break, how accessible might air travel be for blind and partially sighted people and what about flying off with your Guide Dog or Assistance Dog too. RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with John Welsman, Customer Experience Lead at Guide Dogs to talk about some of the access issues around air travel that have been reported to Guide Dogs plus all about their recent visual awareness training for Virgin Atlantic cabin and airline staff. If you would like to know more about flying with your Guide Dog or Assistance Dog there is a lot of information on the following Guide Dogs website pages - https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/getting-support/information-and-advice/travelling-with-your-assistance-dog/ To find out more about the visual awareness training that Guide Dogs gave to Virgin Atlantic cabin and airline staff you can find out more on the following pages of the Guide Dogs website too - https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/blog/virgin-atlantic-and-guide-dogs-launch-partnership-to-improve-travel-for Image shows RNIB logo. Upon a green background, 3 rows of text. From top to bottom: RNIB, Connect Radio, 20th Anniversary. A bold white line underlines the words Connect Radio.

Time to connect with the natural world around us with nature guide Andy Shipley. In this episode we will be turning our ears to the sky and tuning into some of our aerial gymnasts. Plus, a sensory activity and some ways you can help wildlife at this time of year. Find the full Sensory Reflections Playlist here: Audioboom / Sensory Reflections With Andy Shipley on RNIB Connect Radio For more about Andy's work and to get in touch with him visit: Nature Connection And Sensory Immersion | Natural Inclusion (natural-inclusion.org) Find out how to build a wildlife pond: How to make a wildlife pond (rspb.org.uk) Image shows Andy standing outside in front of a tree. He's holding his white cane and is dressed for outdoor adventure in a grey hoodie, a cap, and a windproof jacket. Sound credits: 'COMMON SWIFT CALLS SOUND' via Quick Sounds, 'BUZZARD SOUND' via Quick Sounds, 'Swallows' via BigSoundBank.

Barry Snell chats to dancer and choreographer Holly Thomas, to learn about her exciting dance project Hal Light, which explores the often unchartered territory of dance and visual impairment.To learn more about the Half Light project herehollythomasdance.co.uk/projects/half-light/Image: Close up Picture of Holly standing up with her arms bent at the elbows pointing upwards. She is wearing a striped green top and her long brown hair is tied back in a pony-tail.

With the temperature rising and much more hours of sunshine now that we seem to be in summer time for this week’s check in with Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick from New Life Pharmacy in Glasgow RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davy asks Elizabeth whether the sun is good or bad for us.Elizabeth also talks about the potential benefits of vitamin D from the sun and risks of skin cancer from being out too long in the sun.Elizabeth ends by giving her advice to us all about being careful when we are out and about in the sun and wanting to top up our tans this summer.You can find out more about sunscreen and sun safety on the following pages of the NHS website - https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/sunscreen-and-sun-safety/#:~:text=Sun%20safety%20tips,shade%20between%2011am%20and%203pmTo get in touch with Elizabeth Roddick email [email protected] or for more information visit https://newlifepharmacy.co.uk.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.

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 weekly email newsletter. Audio described shows and events included: Once on This Island - Saturday 10 June, 3pm, Open Air Theatre, Regent’s Park, London The Commitments - Thursday 15 June, 7.30pm, The Hexagon Theatre, Reading Abigail’s Party -Saturday 17 June, 2.30pm, touch tour 12.30pm, Darlington Hippodrome Pride and Prejudice (sort of) - Wednesday 21 June, 2.30pm, Norwich Theatre Royal The Ocean at the End of the Lane - Wednesday 21 June, 7.30pm, touch tour 5.20pm, New Theatre Oxford Animals, Art, Science and Sound - Monday 26 June, 6pm, British Library, London, To find out more about these and other up-coming audio-described arts events as well as details about how to sign up to the VocalEyes weekly email newsletter 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 Connect Radio's Barry Snell chats to Colin Sinclair from Behear audio and his daughter Amy, about their exciting audiobook service, which features dramatised stories and boasts of being like Netflix without the pictures. They were inspired to set up Behear after Amy was involved in a road accident which resulted in sight loss. To find out more about Behear audio click here Image shows RNIB Connect Radio Bright Green 20th Anniversary Logo. Upon a green background 3 rows of text. 'RNIB' on top written in bold white capital letters, 'Connect Radio' below and underline with a thick white line and at the very bottom the words: '20th Anniversary.'

Time to connect with the natural world around us with nature guide Andy Shipley.This month, listen out for more birdsong as Andy tells us about the red list of endangered species in the UK. Plus, a bonus featuring some naughty hedgehogs.Find the full Sensory Reflections Playlist here: Audioboom / Sensory Reflections With Andy Shipley on RNIB Connect RadioFor more about Andy's work and to get in touch with him visit: Nature Connection And Sensory Immersion | Natural Inclusion (natural-inclusion.org)To support RSPB: The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)Image shows Andy standing outside in front of a tree. He's holding his white cane and is dressed for outdoor adventure in a grey hoodie, a cap, and a windproof jacket. Sound credits: 'Curlew Bird Sound' via mingosounds, 'EURASIAN SKYLARK SONG SOUND' via Quick Sounds, European Turtle Dove via xeno-canto, 'hedgehog sounds' via soundspunos.

For this week’s check in with Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick from New Life Pharmacy in Glasgow we are talking about constipation, a subject we may not want to talk about but we all should.Elizabeth began by telling RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey about what the official definition of constipation is and the main causes of constipation too.Then Elizabeth explained to Toby about the different types of laxatives that are out there and some of the possible issues around the potential misuse of them. Finally Elizabeth highlighted how important it is for those of us who are in are over 50s to do the bowel test.There is more information about constipation on the following pages of the NHS website - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/constipationTo get in touch with Elizabeth Roddick email [email protected] or for more information visit https://newlifepharmacy.co.uk.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

With reports of the increase in cases of Chickenpox in the news recently we thought for this week’s check-in with Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick from New Life Pharmacy in Glasgow we should focus on Chickenpox. Elizabeth began by explaining to RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey about the connection between Chickenpox and Shingles and how ChickenPox is spread. Then to the itchy rash that people get with ChickenPox and how long the rash might last. Finally Elizabeth talked about the vaccines for chickenpox. You can find out more about Chickenpox by visiting the following pages of the NHS website- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chickenpox/#:~:text=Chickenpox%20is%20very%20itchy%20and,than%20once%2C%20but%20it%27s%20unusual To get in touch with Elizabeth Roddick email [email protected] or for more information visit https://newlifepharmacy.co.uk. 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.

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 weekly email newsletter. Audio described shows and events included: The Beekeeper Of Aleppo - Saturday 13 May, 2.30pm, touch tour 1.30pm, Theatre Royal Norwich Around the World in 80 Days - Thursday 18 May, 7.30pm, Richmond Theatre Titanic The Musical - Tuesday 23 May, 7.30pm, touch tour 6pm, Wycombe Swan Theatre, High Wycombe Six The Musical - Thursday 25 may, 8pm, Hull New Theatre Elvis Died of Burgers - Thursday 25 May, 7.30pm, Battersea Arts Centre, London A Mid Summer Night’s Dream - Saturday 27 May, 2pm, touch tour 12noon, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, London To find out more about these and other up-coming audio-described arts events as well as details about how to sign up to the VocalEyes weekly email newsletter 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)

Finding a community that understands what it’s like living without sight can be an amazing feeling. Eye Matter is a small visual impairment charity that does just that for its members, helping connect them through a variety of fun and exciting events. And they have lots of them coming up over the next couple of months. Our Paulina Kuchorew was joined by Eye Matter Coordinator, Suzie Simons, to find out more. To get in touch email: [email protected] Image shows RNIB Connect Radio Bright Green 20th Anniversary Logo. Upon a green background 3 rows of text. 'RNIB' on top written in bold white capital letters, 'Connect Radio' below and underline with a thick white line and at the very bottom the words: '20th Anniversary.'

Time to connect with the natural world around and this months it’s all about listening to birdsong and also being a little bit lazy. Find the full Sensory Reflections Playlist here: Audioboom / Sensory Reflections With Andy Shipley on RNIB Connect Radio For more about Andy's work and to get in touch with him visit: Nature Connection And Sensory Immersion | Natural Inclusion (natural-inclusion.org) Image shows Andy standing outside in front of a tree. He's holding his white cane and is dressed for outdoor adventure in a grey hoodie, a cap, and a windproof jacket. Sound credits: 'GOLDFINCH CALLS SOUND' via Quick Sounds, 'GREENFINCH SONG SOUND' via Quick Sounds, CHAFFINCH SONG SOUND via Quick Sounds.

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 weekly email newsletter.Audio described shows and events included:Retrograde - Thursday 20 April to Saturday 27 May, 7.30pm, Kilne Theatre, London, British Library Monthly Art Workshops, starting Wednesday 26 April, 11am, British Library, LondonSucker Punch - Friday 28 April, 7.45pm, touch tour 6.15pm, Curve Theatre, LeicesterBlack Superhero - Saturday 29 April, 2.30pm, touch tour 1pm, Royal Court, London, Cut and Paste Exhibition, Friday 5 May, 2pm, The Francis Crick Institute, LondonThe Best Exotic Marigold Hotel - Wednesday 10 May, 7.30pm, touch tour 6pm, Royal & Derngate Northampton.To find out more about these and other up-coming audio-described arts events as well as details about how to sign up to the VocalEyes weekly email newsletter 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)

With the days starting to get longer now with lighter mornings and evenings, we are also coming into hay fever season. Knowing that many people are affected quite badly from hay fever for this week’s check-in with Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick from New Life Pharmacy in Glasgow we thought we would focus on hay fever. Elizabeth began by explaining to RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey that hey fever is an allergy and the different types of pollen that cause hay fever.Elizabeth then went on to talk about treatments for hay fever and, apart from the annoying symptoms, whether there are any dangers to health from having hay fever.Finally Elizabeth and Toby talked about whether anything at all could be done to prevent hay fever.You can find out more about hay fever by visiting the following pages of the NHS website - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hay-fever/ To get in touch with Elizabeth Roddick email [email protected] or for more information visit https://newlifepharmacy.co.uk.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.