RNIB Conversations

With summer just around the corner for this week’s check in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick it is all about how best to prepare health wise for the summer. Elizabeth began by telling RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey about the main best ways to be prepared for the summer, what to have in your first aid kit, ensuring that you are up-to-date with all your medications and making sure you have enough in advance if you are going away on holiday over the summer. Then to being careful about being out in the sun, using sunscreen, covering up and not to be out during the middle part of the day which is the hottest part of the day too. hottest part of the day.Ending with some good advice around moles and why it is so important to keep a check on them if you have any. There is more information about moles on the following pages of the NHS website - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/moles To get in touch with Elizabeth you can email [email protected] or for more information visit - https://elizabethroddick.comImage: 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:Twelfth Night - Saturday 8 June, 2pm, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, London,Museum of Austerity, Wednesday 12 - Saturday 15 June, Bristol Old Vic TheatrePlayer Kings - Saturday 15 June, 2.30pm, touch tour 1pm, Noel Coward Theatre, LondonDrop the Dead Donkey - Thursday 20 June, 7.30pm, Richmond Theatre, Greater LondonBluets - Saturday 29 June, 1.30pm, touch tour 12noon, Royal Court 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)

East West Rail have launched a new access advisory panel at an early stage of development for the new rail line between Oxford and Cambridge via Bedford. Hubert has been speaking to a member of the panel and staff from the company to find out more.

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 Glass Menagerie - Wednesday 29 May, 7.30pm, Alexandra Palace Theatre, LondonThe Cherry Orchard - Saturday 1 June, 2.30pm, touch tour 12.30pm, Donmar Warehouse, LondonNorthern Ballet: Beauty and the Beast - Saturday 8 June, 2.230pm, touch tour 12.15pm, Grand Theatre and Opera House, LeedsWicked - Thursday 13 June, 7.30pm, touch tour 6pm, Mayflower Theatre, SouthamptonHere You Come Again - Saturday 15 June, 2.15pm, touch tour 12.15pm, Curve theatre, Leicester.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)

Barry Snell chats to Brandon Hulcoop, the owner of All Things Dotty, who specialise in braille art and who's aim is to make the the world a better place for for visually impaired people. Having previously spoken in 2021, Brandon chat's about the growth of the business, having a new partner, plus exciting plans for the future. Find out more about All Things Dotty #RNIBConnect Image Shows RNIB Logo in black typeface against a white background. There is a pink line separating RNIB and Connect Radio.

With the warmer weather we have been experiencing recently there seems to be a lot more wasps and bees about, so for this week’s check in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick it is all about insect bites and how best to treat and deal with them. Elizabeth began by explaining to RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey what the difference is between a bee and a wasp sting and how best to treat them. Then on to why some people have a very severe reaction to stings and the types of treatment available for those people who do have a bad reaction to a sting. Finally to tick bites as they do seem to be in the news a lot at the moment, with Elizabeth explaining what they are and how best to deal with a tick bite. There is more information about insect bites on the following pages of the NHS website - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/insect-bites-and-stings/ 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.

Following on from the last check in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick where we talked about what services are now on offer at your local community Pharmacy for this week’s check in it is all about the eye problems that you can go to your Pharmacist with.Elizabeth began by telling our Toby Davey about a stye, what it is and how you might treat a stye, to then chatting about conjunctivitis and red eye.Elizabeth ended with some general advice around eye problems and why it is always important to visit your Opticians if you have issues with your eyes that are not able to be treated from a visit to your local Pharmacist.To get in touch with Elizabeth you can email [email protected] or for more information visit - https://elizabethroddick.comImage: 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:Bert Hardy – Photojournalism in War & Peace - Thursday 9 May, 6.30pm, The Photographers’ Gallery, LondonThe Drifters Girl - Saturday 11 May, 2.30pm, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff2:22 A Ghost Story - Thursday 16 Mary, 7.30pm, Hal New TheatreMuch Ado About Nothing - Thursday 23 May, 2pm, touch tour 12noon, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, LondonMargaret Leng Tan: Dragon Ladies Don’t Weep - Saturday 25 May, 7.30pm, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, LondonTo 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)

The first Sight Loss Council is being launched in Scotland, with the help of Sight Scotland, Sight Scotland Veterans, and Visibility Scotland, it’s being funded by Thomas Pocklington Trust, following the successful SLC model that’s been in place for a few years now in England. Hubert has been speaking to the engagement manager from the first Scotland SLC, together with TPT’s director of services.

If you have walked in to your local Community Pharmacy recently or even over the last couple of years you may have noticed that there is a lot more on offer than just picking up your prescriptions and some general medication like headache tablets. So for this week’s check in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick we find out about how your local community Pharmacy has changed over the years and what they are now able to offer you too. Elizabeth began by telling our Toby Davey about the changes that have happened in the Pharmacy in the last few years and an outline of what Pharmacy staff are able to offer you when you walk through the door, with some differences depending which nation you might live in. Then to how things may link up between your local community Pharmacy and your local GP For more about Pharmacy First in England do visit - https://www.england.nhs.uk/primary-care/pharmacy/pharmacy-services/pharmacy-first/ And for Pharmacy First in Scotland do visit - https://www.gov.scot/publications/nhs-pharmacy-first-scotland-information-patients/# 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.

Barry Snell caught up with blind Dave to talk about his latest charity fundraiser, an exciting job offer, Plus some unexpected recognition from the English Football League Learn more about Dave and his many fundraising challenges #RNIBConnect Image Shows RNIB Logo

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:Madagascar The Musical - Friday 19 April, 7pm, New Theatre OxfordOpening Night - Saturday 27 April, 2.30pm, Gielgud Theatre, London Hadestown - Saturday 27 April, 2.30pm, Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, LondonGuys & Dolls - Saturday 4 May, 2.30pm, Touch tour 12.25pm, Bridge Theatre, LondonChitty Chitty Bang Bang - Thursday 9 May, 2pm, Mayflower Theatre, 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 RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

With recent news reports where people have been saying that the NHS is not working, for this week’s check in with Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey began by asking Elizabeth for her response and thoughts on all this news. Elizabeth then shared her ideas on what could be done to remedy the situation with the NHS that people have been talking about in the news. To then some thoughts on how to maybe reduce some of the amount of wastage within the NHS that people have been talking about too. Finally Elizabeth gave some suggestions on how to maybe reduce the pressure that NHS A&E units are under with people coming in with minor accidents which could be seen and treated at their local pharmacy. 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.

Have you ever heard of something called the Visual Snow Syndrome? Well, it can impact your vision along side other symptoms, Hubert has been speaking to one Doctor who has helped to do a lot of research into the syndrome.

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:My First Ballet: Swan Lake - Wednesday 10 April, 2pm, touch tour 1pm, Peacock Theatre, LondonUnravel: The Power and Politics of Textiles - Wednesday 17 April, 6.30opm, Barbican Centre, LondonCome From Away - Thursday 18 April, 2pm, touch tour 12.30pm, Mayflower Theatre, SouthamptonDescriptive Tour: The Collection - Tuesday 23 April, 2.30pm, National Portrait Gallery, LondonShrek The Musical - Wednesday 24 April, 7.30pm, touch tour 6.30pm, Royal and Derngate Theatre, NorthamptonWitness for the Prosecution - Thursday 25 April, 2.30pm, touch tour 1.15pm, County Hall, LondonTo 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)

We hear a lot in the news about the risks of alcohol overindulgence with talk about price increases in supermarkets, off-licenses, restaurants, pubs, bars and clubs but how critically concerning are the risks of alcohol around cancer? With the recent published research report about the risk of alcohol and cancer for this week’s regular check in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick, RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey asked Elizabeth first to explain some of the risks that were highlighted in the report. Elizabeth then talked about the government suggested recommended limits for the amount of alcohol we should be all drinking along with details of what a unit of alcohol actually is and how it differs depending on what we are drinking.To finally outlining whether there are any good things around alcohol at all.There is support and advice on the following pages of the NHS website about the risks of alcohol - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/alcohol-misuse/ To get in touch with Elizabeth you can email [email protected] or for more information visit - https://elizabethroddick.comImage: 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 been visiting Sutton train station to follow the latest series of the Aira visual interpreting service app trials for blind and partially sighted rail passengers. There he spoke to one volunteer from a local sight loss charity in Sutton Pierre Shlimon. If you wish to provide feedback about your own use of the Aira app at one of the supported train stations, you can access it using the link below: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=--0vyv2PX0C4FDIh2eW0iNkKecA9OKdEupEucGhTM35UQTBYRE1ZU0hDV1ZSUEJFTTZTSkpVTDVLTy4u

Hubert has been visiting Sutton Train station to take a look at the latest series of Aira app trials for blind and partially sighted Rail passengers. There he spoke to Antony Merlyn from Govia Thameslink Railway about the progress of the project. If you wish to provide feedback about your own use of the Aira app at one of the supported train stations, you can access it using the link below: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=--0vyv2PX0C4FDIh2eW0iNkKecA9OKdEupEucGhTM35UQTBYRE1ZU0hDV1ZSUEJFTTZTSkpVTDVLTy4u

Hubert has recently visited Sutton train station to see how the latest Aira trials have been going on for blind and partially sighted rail passengers. There he spoke to the engagement manager for South east from Thomas Pocklington Trust who have been working with Govia Thameslink Railway.If you wish to provide feedback about your own use of the Aira app at one of the supported train stations, you can access it using the link below:https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=--0vyv2PX0C4FDIh2eW0iNkKecA9OKdEupEucGhTM35UQTBYRE1ZU0hDV1ZSUEJFTTZTSkpVTDVLTy4u

We have frequently mentioned the importance and benefits of an internship, now it’s time to hear from an actual intern as Hubert speaks to Jake Coles about his experience.

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: Everybody’s Talking About Jamie - Saturday 23 March, 2.30pm, touch tour 12.30pm, Peacock Theatre, London Descriptive Tour: The Time is Always Now - Tuesday 26 March, 2.30pm, National Portrait Gallery, London 2:22 A Ghost Story - Thursday 28 March, 7.30pm, Richmond Theatre Playing Shakespeare with Deutsche Bank: Romeo and Juliet - Wednesday 3 April, 2pm, touch tour 12noon, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, London Mind Mangler - Sunday 7 April, 3pm, touch tour 1.15pm, Apollo Shaftesbury Avenue, 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)

Swan Lake is arguably one of the most famous ballets in the world but Scottish Ballet will give it a modern feel for their latest tour. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Emma Jane, from Scottish Ballet, to hear more about the show, which will also have audio described dates for blind and partially sighted patrons. If you'd like more info on Scottish Ballet tours, go to www.scottishballet.co.uk #RNIBConnect Image shows Sophie Martin in the Swan-Lake production. One foot extended in front of her foot pointed, her back arched back and arms gracefully raised above. Her chin is pointing up as she looks above. Her costume is a silvery white body with feather like pattern detailed across her chest and a red jewel shape in the centre. [Photo credit: Scottish Ballet]

For Muslims, we’re in the holy month of Ramadan. But what’s it like to mark the month if you’re blind or partially sighted? Hywel Davies spoke with Tasneem Arshad to hear about her experiences.

If you live in the Peterborough area, and you fancy giving chess a go, a new club has been launched which gives you the chance to do just that.

The first Meet The Sight Loss Councils event is taking place in Westminster later this month, where local MPs can find out about the work different Sight Loss Councils do. Is your MP invited? If not, Hubert has been finding out how you can help by inviting your MP to the event.

There is a phrase that goes along the lines of ‘you are what you eat’ and with a lot in the news about the impact on our health of healthy or unhealthy eating, for this week’s check in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick it is all about the impact of what we eat on our health. Elizabeth began by explaining to our Toby Davey about the nutritional value of healthy eating against unhealthy eating, to then what should we all be aiming for in a good diet and whether we might be all eating too much. Ending with some thoughts about the preparation of food and whether air fryers are a more healthy way of cooking. There is a lot of information and advice on the following pages of the NHS website about eating a healthy and balanced diet - https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/ 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.

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 Merchant of Venice 1936 - Saturday 9 March, 2.30pm, Criterion Theatre, London Life of Pi - Wednesday 13 March, 7.30pm, touch tour 6pm, Curve Theatre, Leicester English Touring Opera - Manon Lescaut - Friday 15 March, 7.30pm, Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury Northern Ballet Romeo and Juliet - Saturday 16 March, 2.30pm, touch tour 12.15pm, Grand Theatre, Leeds Harry Clarke - Wednesday 27 March, 7.30pm, 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)

With the weather being all over the place at the moment and spring feeling more like summer the latest recommendations are to start medication for hay fever earlier than you might be thinking about.So for this week’s check in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick it is all about hay fever. Elizabeth began by telling RNIB connect Radio’s Toby Davey why some people are recommending that medications for hay fever to be taken earlier this year.Elizabeth then went on to explain what exactly is happening when you have hay fever, what are the treatments and a reminder about the best prevention methods we could all use for hay fever.There is more about hay fever on the following pages of the NHS website -https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hay-fever/ To get in touch with Elizabeth you can email [email protected] or for more information visit - https://elizabethroddick.comImage: 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.

Could small solar panels help people recover from sight loss? Hubert has been finding out more about research carried out by University Of Surrey on this topic.

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:Turner Prize 2023 - on until 14 April, Towner, EastbourneOthello - Saturday 24 February and Saturday 16 March, 2pm, touch tour 12 noon, Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, Shakespeare’s Globe, LondonThe Motive and the Cue - Thursday 29 February, 7.30pm, touch tour 6pm and Saturday 16 March, 2pm, touch tour 12.30pm, Noel Coward Theatre, London Plaza Suite - Wednesday 6 march, 7.30pm, touch tour 5.15pm, Savoy Theatre, LondonCome From Away - Saturday 9 March, 2.15pm, touch tour 12.45pm, Curve Theatre, LeicesterThe Full Monty - Thursday 14 March, 7.45pm, Lighthouse, Poole 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)

Have you ever wondered what a solar eclipse would sound like? If yes, then Harvard University might have come up with a solution for you, Hubert has been finding out more about their LightSound device.

With news about HRH King Charles III cancer diagnosis and the recent banning of disposable vapes, for this week’s regular check in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick we discuss how the King’s cancer diagnosis has helped to raise awareness around cancer and also whether non-disposable vapes are a suitable substitute against cigarettes. Elizabeth and our Toby Davey first chatted about how the King’s diagnosis has helped to raise awareness around cancer along with how the diagnosis and treatment of cancer has developed over the years. Then to the recent banning of disposable vapes and how non-disposable vapes could help people to quit smoking. There is some useful information and advice regarding cancer on the following pages of the NHS website - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cancer/ 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.

The Wolverhampton Grand Theatre has been offering touch tours to its blind and partially sighted visitors, but how do they work? Hubert has been speaking to them to find out.

With some challenging weather conditions recently, including the cold weather and the storms, it’s important to know how to get out and about safely that is if you have the confidence to do so. Hubert has been getting some tips on how to be safe when going out.

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 King and I - Wednesday 7 February, 2.30pm, Dominion Theatre, London Sister Act - Saturday 10 February, 2.15pm, touch tour 12.45pm, Curve, LeicesterThe Enfield Haunting - Saturday 17 February, 7.30pm, Ambassadors Theatre, LondonThe Frogs - Thursday 29 February, 7.30pm, touch tour 6pm, Kiln Theatre, LondonThe Woman in Black - Thursday 29 February, 7.45pm, touch tour, 6pm, Theatre Royal, BrightonTo 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)

Talking bus stops have been introduced in Leicester thanks to the work between Leicester City Council and local sight charity Vista. Hubert has been finding out more.

A first-of-its-kind tactile learning device hopes to make hard scientific data available to students with sight loss. Barry Snell spoke to Bryan F. Shaw, Ph.D and Professor of chemistry and biochemistry at Baylor University to find out more Learn more about this ground breaking research {Image: Picture of a visually impaired student, holding the tactile device with her right hand. She is smiling and has her cane resting under her right shoulder. Professor Shaw is standing next to her as is another student. They are al wearing protestive glasses and seem to be in a Lab}

We have all probably been there having gone out for a more calorie filled dinner and experienced a bit of indigestion or heartburn. So for this week’s check in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick we will be finding out what exactly is indigestion and heartburn. Elizabeth began by explaining to our Toby Davey exactly what indigestion and heartburn actually is and whether it is a feeling of fullness or a bloated feeling. Followed by some really good advice about what we can do around indigestion or heartburn and what are the more serious problems we should all be looking out for? You will find out more about indigestion and heartburn on the following pages of the NHS website - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/indigestion/ 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.

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 Unfriend - Thursday 25 January, 7.30pm, Wyndham’s Theatre, London The Wizard of Oz - Thursday 8 February, 7pm, Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury Stranger Things: The First Shadow - Saturday 10 February, 2pm, touch tour 1pm, Phoenix Theatre, London Jesus Christ, Superstar - Saturday 17 February, 2.15pm, touch tour 12.45pm, Curve Theatre, Leicester Mamma Mia! - Saturday 24 February, 3pm, Neville 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)

Throughout 2023, visually impaired nature guide Andy Shipley from Natural Inclusion, took us on a sensory journey into the great outdoors.From the beautiful songs of wrens and robins, to some naughty hedgehogs and rambunctious wild boars, Andy and Happy Hour's Paulina reflect on their favourite sounds of the natural world.Find the full Sensory Reflections playlist guiding you through to sounds of nature from January till December 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. He's standing outside, with some bright green foliaged trees behind him. He's wearing a dark flat cap, a blue rolled scarf, and a dark blue checked top. Sound credits: 'WILD BOAR GRUNTS AND SQUEALS SOUND' via Quick Sounds, 'hedgehog sounds' via soundspunos, 'Robin Singing' BY SPANAC.

Let’s take a moment out of our days and re-connect with our physical and emotional self by doing a body scan. Body scan is a mindfulness meditation practice involving scanning your body for pain, tension, or anything out of the ordinary. It can help us be more present in our lives by taking a moment to focus and consider each part of our bodies, their tensions and how we are feeling overall. Guiding us through a body scan is Amelia Hilton. Image shows a close up photo of a bright sunflower with a deep blue sky behind it.

With many of us promising ourselves that we want to be more healthy in 2024 and exercising a bit more too, one way to get more healthy might be by walking a bit whether that might be just walking around the local park or off into the hills but have we ever thought about how best to look after our feet? Well, for the first check in of 2024 with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick it is all about looking after your feet. Elizabeth began by telling our Toby Davey about why we should think about looking after our feet and outlining some of the main problems that we might get if we start to walk more than we would normally do. Elizabeth then highlighted some of the common foot problems that you might need to go and see an expert about and then why it is important for people who are diabetic to be more careful about looking after their feet. Elizabeth ended by telling Toby about some of the ways that your local pharmacist can help with not only advice on how best to care for your feet but also some of the ways they are able to treat problems you might have with your feet too. To get in touch with Elizabeth 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.

The Orpheus Centre is a specialist further education college which helps young disabled artists learn independence skills through the arts. Barry Snell spoke to it's founder Richard Stilgoe to find out more. Learn more about the Orpheus Centre {Image: RNIB Connect Radio logo, written in Black typeface, with a pink line separating the words RNIB and Connect radio}

ASK Italian has launched braille menus at its 66 restaurants across the UK. To mark the launch ASK recently partnered with blind artist Clarke Reynolds to create an artwork for their Park Street restaurant in central London, which included a snowflake made from the braille alphabet that was part of the festive menu. He spoke to RNIB's Connect Radio's Barry Snell about the partnership, his desire to promote braille and the importance of inclusion. {Image; Clarke standing proudly beside his snowflake outside Ask Italian's Park Street restaurant in central London. He is wearing yellow dungarees and a maroon/wine coloured turtle neck jumper}

Now for a festive 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 House with Chicken Legs - Thursday 21 December, 2.30pm, touch tour 1pm, Queen Elizabeth Hall, London The Gruffalo’s Child - Sunday 24 December, 11am, Garrick Theatre, London Dick Whittington and His Cat - Wednesday 27 December, 5.30pm, King’s Lynn Corn Exchange Beauty and the Beast - Thursday 28 December, 7pm, Sunderland Empire Cinderella - Saturday 30 December, 2pm, touch tour 1pm, Watford Palace Theatre Hansel and Gretel - Tuesday 2 January, 2.30pm, touch tour 12.30pm, Shakespeare’s Globe 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)

In the lead up to Christmas and New Year for this week’s regular check in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick we thought it would be a good time to talk about our medications and how to be best prepared for the festive holidays.Elizabeth began by telling RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey about how some surgeries will allow patients to order their medications early in the lead up to the festive holidays. Then to the availability of Pharmacy services and where to go to find out the location of your nearest Pharmacy which will be open during Christmas and the New Year. Elizabeth ended by giving some advice on what to have to hand in your first aid kit at home just in case you need to use it over the festive holidays. You can find advice about out of hours Pharmacies and Doctors Surgeries on the following pages of the NHS website - https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions-and-pharmacies/pharmacies/out-of-hours-medicines/To get in touch with Elizabeth email [email protected] or for more information visit - https://elizabethroddick.comImage: 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, it's time for another sight loss story from an RNIB Customer as Hywel Davies chats to Natalie Holford.If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services available from RNIB, go to www.rnib.org.ukYou can also call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or ask Alexa to call RNIB's Helpline.

Looking for a fun gift this holiday season? Well, if your loved one is a gamer, they might enjoy this recommendation as Chad Bouton from The Unsyted Radio podcast reviews Mortal Kombat 1. Please keep in mind, this is an 18+ release. Image shows official game cover art.

Looking for a fun gift this holiday season? Well, if your loved one is a gamer, they might enjoy this recommendation from Chad Bouton at The Unsyted Radio Podcast.It's also a perfect one for the younger kiddos or those still young at heart.Image shows Stories of Blossom cover. A drawing of a girl with her eyes closed as her imagination runs wild. In the background she's steering a pirate ship through rocky waters, she floats in space in an astronaut suit, she runs through a grassy field, and finally, she's wearing a deerstalker hat and holding a magnifying glass.

Looking for a new desert to try this Festive season? Well, Kim has a lovely recipe that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser…Ingredients: 250g of butter 20g of butter (to be used at the chocolate stage) 1 whole egg 2 yolks 100ml of whole milk 7g of fresh yeast 500g of plain flour 1 tablespoon of caster sugar 50g of icing sugar The zest of half a lemon 1 pinch salt 150g of ground walnuts 400g of apricot jam 300g of dark chocolate Method: In a saucepan heat milk until lukewarm and dissolve 1 tablespoon of caster sugar and the yeast. In a large mixing bowl, add the flour and the cubed 250g butter by hand until it resembles crumbs. Add the whole egg, 2 egg yolks, the dissolved sugar and yeast mixture, pinch of salt and the lemon zest. Knead thoroughly. Add more flour if necessary. Divide the dough into four balls, cover and let rest for 30 minutes. Heat the oven to 180°C. Butter and flour a 40cm x 25cm baking tin. On a floured surface, roll out one part of the dough to the size of the baking tin, then lay it in. Mix the 150g ground walnuts with the 50g icing sugar. Spread one third of the apricot jam on the first layer of dough. Sprinkle with a third of the walnut and sugar mixture. Roll out the second piece of dough and place on top of the other layer. Put the jam on it and sprinkle with the walnut and sugar mixture. Repeat this twice more so that you have four layers of dough, each spread with jam and the walnut and sugar mixture. Bake the cake for 30 minutes, until the top is light-brown. Let it cool completely. 1For the chocolate layer, melt 20g of butter in a smaller pan with the 300g of chocolate. When melted, cover the entire cake with the chocolate sauce. Cut into diamonds and serve. Image shows RNIB Connect Radio 20th Anniversary logo. On a green background written in 3 rows: RNIB, Connect Radio, 20th Anniversary. Connect Radio is underlined with a bold white line.