RNIB Conversations

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

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Now for a roundup of accessible arts events as RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey catches up with Jess Beal from VocalEyes, the national audio description charity providing access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people to share some of the accessible events that are featured in their regular email newsletter.Audio described shows and events included:Good Night, Oscar - Friday 5 September, 7pm, touch tour 5.15pm, Barbican Centre, LondonThe Party Girls - Friday 5 September, 7.30pm, touch tour 5pm, Marlowe Theatre, CanterburySix The Musical - Tuesday 16 September, 8pm, touch tour 6.45pm, Theatre Royal BrightonMary Poppins - Thursday 18 September, 2.30pm, touch tour 12.30pm, Mayflower Theatre, SouthamptonNorthern Ballet’s Merlin - Saturday 20 September, 2.30pm, touch tour 12.15pm, Grand Theatre and Opera House, LeedsTo find out more about these and other up-coming described arts events as well as details on how to sign up to the regular VocalEyes What’s On email newsletter do visit - https://vocaleyes.co.uk(Image shows the VocalEyes logo. A speech bubble with 'VOCALEYES' written in bold black letters next to it)

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

We do hear a lot about looking after your heart and especially for older people so for this week’s regular check in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick we are discussing heart health for older people.RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey began by asking Elizabeth what should blood pressure ideally be like for older people and whether it is true that salt could increase people’s blood pressure.Then to discussing about exercise, diet and how being healthy is also good for your heart too.Elizabeth ended by summing up some of the other things that could affect your heart health. The NHS does offer people a free health check which can help with spotting the early signs of many health conditions and more details can be found by visiting -https://www.healthcheck.nhs.uk To get in touch with Elizabeth you can email [email protected] or for more information visit - https://elizabethroddick.co Image: Picture showing Elizabeth standing in her pharmacy, dressed in her white pharmacist coat and a colourful bandana around her neck, she's smiling. Warmly at the camera with her hands slightly raised.

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Now for a roundup of accessible arts events as RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey catches up with Jess Beal from VocalEyes, the national audio description charity providing access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people to share some of the accessible events that are featured in their regular email newsletter.Audio described shows and events included:Rough Magic - Wednesday 6 August, 1.30pm, touch tour 11.30am, Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, London The Choir of Man - Saturday 9 August, 3.30pm, touch tour 1.30pm, Arts Theatre, LondonThe Great Gatsby - Thursday, 14 August, 7.30pm, touch tour 6.15pm, London ColiseumThe Last Laugh - Saturday 16 August, 2.30pm, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff, The Adam’s Family - Thursday 21 August, 2.30pm, touch tour 1pm, Marlowe Theatre, CanterburyTo find out more about these and other up-coming described arts events as well as details on how to sign up to the regular VocalEyes What’s On email newsletter do visit - https://vocaleyes.co.uk(Image shows the VocalEyes logo. A speech bubble with 'VOCALEYES' written in bold black letters next to it)

With many of us about to go off on our holidays whether that might be a break here in the UK or further afield for this weeks check in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick we start with what we all should be thinking about in terms of our medicines when we are about to go off on our holidays and whether it would be a good idea to take a first aid kit with us too. Then RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey asked Elizabeth about tick bites, how do you know if you have been bitten, the importance of removing a tick bite properly and when to seek medical help for a tick bite.You will find out more about tick bites on the following pages of the NHS website -https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tick-borne-encephalitis/To get in touch with Elizabeth you can email [email protected] or for more information visit - https://elizabethroddick.com/ Image: Picture showing Elizabeth standing in her pharmacy, dressed in her white pharmacist coat and a colourful bandana around her neck, she's smiling. Warmly at the camera with her hands slightly raised.

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

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 SupportImage 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)

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

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Barry Snell talks to artist Olya Lynx, who currently has a tactile exhibition taking place at Lytham Heritage centre. The exhibition runs until the 20th July 2025.To find out more about Olya Lynx art click here Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

With the very hot weather we have been experiencing recently for this week’s check-in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick it is all about how best to cope with the heat and hot weather.RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey began by asking Elizabeth whether there are certain individuals who are at greater risk in the heat than others. Then to what is heat exhaustion and how dangerous might heatstroke be. Ending with Elizabeth’s thoughts on reports that some sunscreens have been found to not be giving people the adequate protection they need.You will find more about how to cope with a heatwave by visiting the following pages of the NHS website - https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/heatwave-how-to-cope-in-hot-weather/ To get in touch with Elizabeth you can email [email protected] or for more information visit - https://elizabethroddick.com Image: Picture showing Elizabeth standing in her pharmacy, dressed in her white pharmacist coat and a colourful bandana around her neck, she's smiling. Warmly at the camera with her hands slightly raised.

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

One of the leading causes of blindness in the UK, is Glaucoma and it’s estimated to affect around 700,000 people in the UK, with half of them unaware they have it.For Glaucoma Awareness Week we’re focusing on the eye condition itself, importance of early detection and the support available.Joining us now to help us better understand this condition is Chris Hunton, Glaucoma UK trustee.Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

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: Stereophonic - Saturday 5 July, 1pm, touch tour 11.15am, Duke of York’s Theatre, London Northern Ballet’s Expressions - Tuesday 8 July, 1pm and 7pm, Wednesday 8 July, 12.30pm and 7pm, Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre, Leeds Ghost Stories - Thursday 10 July, 7.30pm, Theatre Royal, Brighton The Ministry Of Lesbian Affairs - Thursday 10 July, 7.30pm, touch tour 6pm, Kiln Theatre, London Giant - Saturday 12 July, 2.30pm, touch tour 12.30pm, Harold Pinter Theatre, London Audio-Described Tour of The Postal Museum - Saturday 19 July, 2pm, The Postal Museum, 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)

With many of us probably having some old out of date medicines or maybe unfinished prescriptions knocking around at home for this week’s check-in with Glasgow based pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick it is all about medicine waste and what might be done to reduce the amount of waste too. Elizabeth began by outlining to RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey some of the figures that illustrate the scale of the problem and many of the reasons why we end up with all this medication waste. Then to what happens in the pharmacy when unopened medicines are returned and why they cannot be reused. Finally Elizabeth gives some thoughts on whether the fact that people in Scotland don’t pay for medicines might have an effect on the issue at all. To get in touch with Elizabeth you can email [email protected] or for more information visit - https://elizabethroddick.com/ Image: Picture showing Elizabeth standing in her pharmacy, dressed in her white pharmacist coat and a colourful bandana around her neck, she's smiling. Warmly at the camera with her hands slightly raised.

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Now for a roundup of accessible arts events as RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey catches up with Jess Beal from VocalEyes, the national audio description charity providing access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people to share some of the accessible events that are featured in their regular email newsletter. Audio described shows and events included: The Crucible - Saturday 14 June and Tuesday 24 June, 2pm, touch tour 12noon, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, London Northern Ballet: Romeo & Juliet - Saturday 21 June, 2pm, touch tour 11.45am, Leeds Playhouse & Juliet - Saturday 21 June, 2.30pm, touch tour 12.30pm, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Fiddler on the Roof - Saturday 28 June, 2.30pm, touch tour 12.45pm, Barbican Theatre, London Chicago - Thursday 3 July, 2.30pm, Hull New Theatre. To find out more about these and other up-coming described arts events as well as details on how to sign up to the regular VocalEyes What’s On email newsletter do visit - https://vocaleyes.co.uk (Image shows the VocalEyes logo. A speech bubble with 'VOCALEYES' written in bold black letters next to it)

Blind and partially sighted people have an opportunity to get involved in Neuroscience Research conducted at Goldsmiths, University of London.The study explores how people who are blind or severely visually impaired sense their body’s internal signals, like their heartbeat, and how this relates to feelings and emotions.Joining Paulina Kuchorew to tell us more about the research is Dr Sonia Abad-Hernando, Postdoctoral Researcher with the Department of Psychology, at Goldsmiths, University of London.To take part in the research and also receive more information, including in audio format, email: [email protected] 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.

Could you take on an adventure of a lifetime and trek across the Sahara desert, all in support of a good cause?Well, Colin Hetherington and James Clarke are doing just that as they take on the challenge for charity Retina UK.They spoke with Paulina Kuchorew about the upcoming challenge.Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

With all the great weather we have been having recently and summer just around the corner with hopefully long days of sunshine too, for this week’s regular check in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick it is all about sun and sun protection. Elizabeth began by outlining to RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey about ways on how best to protect yourself from the sun. Then to an explanation about the factor and star ratings that we find on sunscreen products and what factor and star ratings we should be looking out for. Then onto some very helpful advice on how best to apply sunscreen and around swimming too, some tips on how best to protect our eyes from the sun, with Elizabeth ending the check in with talking about some foods that could help to protect your skin from damage from the sun.You will also find information around sunscreen and sun safety on the following pages of the NHS website - https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/sunscreen-and-sun-safety/ To get in touch with Elizabeth you can email [email protected] or for more information visit - https://elizabethroddick.co Image: Picture showing Elizabeth standing in her pharmacy, dressed in her white pharmacist coat and a colourful bandana around her neck, she's smiling. Warmly at the camera with her hands slightly raised.

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 Age of AI - Recorded Audio Described Guide,Bletchley park, Milton Keynes Hadestown - Friday 6 June, 7.30pm, Lyric Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue, London Kinky Boots - Wednesday 11 June, 7.30pm, touch tour 6.30pm, Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury My Master Builder - Saturday 14 June, 2.30pm, Wyndham’s Theatre, London Bat Out of Hell - Saturday 14 June, 7.30pm, touch tour 6pm, Curve Theatre, Leicester North by Northwest - Tuesday 17 June, 7.30pm, touch tour 6pm, Alexandra Palace 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)

Back to Sight Village where David Hogg caught up with Graham Longly from Aspire Consultancy who offer hi and low tech solutions for people who are blind or partially sighted.Image shows David interviewing Graham. David is on the left in a pink and blue gradient t-shirt and holds up a small recording device to Graham, who is wearing a deep maroon polo and leaning back against the table with his white cane folded and tucked under his arm.

At Sight Village Scotland, our David Hogg spoke to Dolphin Computer Access about some new AI features coming to their products. 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.

More now from Sight Village Scotland as our David Hogg speaks to Luke Buckberrough, co-founder of Glidance.Image shows David interviewing Luke outside the Glasgow Science Centre with lovely sunshine streaming down on them. David is on the left and smiles as he holds up a tiny microphone clipped into his recorder. Luke smiles back as he stands across from him.

Sight Village exhibitions are a great way to learn more about products and services designed for blind and partially sighted people in your area. Barry Snell has been interviewing many of the exhibitors but also caught up with Diane and Elena from Seescape, who were there to check out some of the latest accessible products and services. 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 exhibitions are a great way to learn more about products and services designed for blind and partially sighted people in your area. Barry Snell has been chatting to many of the exhibitors, including Ellie from The Royal National College for the Blind (RNC). 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 head back to Sight Village Scotland where our David Hogg spoke to Talking News Federation. 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.

Back to Sight Village now where David Hogg spoke to HumanWare and found out about some exciting AI features coming to their magnifiers.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 exhibitions are a great way to learn more about products and services designed for blind and partially sighted people in your area. Barry Snell has been interviewing many of the exhibitors and caught up with Laura from Macular Society. 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 exhibitions are a great way to learn more about products and services designed for blind and partially sighted people in your area. Barry Snell has been interviewing many of the exhibitors. Here he is talking to Matthew Carr from Retina 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.

Let’s head back to Sight Village Scotland, David Hogg caught up with Ian White and Conor Joseph from RNIB Scotland.Image shows Ian, Conor, and David standing in the exhibition space. Ian is looking down at the table as he speaks about some of the items they have on display. Standing behind him in a pink hoodie is Conor and on the right it's David, holding up his fabulous mini microphone and recorder.