RNIB Connect Radio

Happy Volunteers’ Week! Adam initially started his volunteer journey with RNIB as a community coordinator. This eventually led to him applying for and getting the role of a Business Analyst with the charity. Adam is still connected to volunteering by being a volunteer manager.

Can Access To Work scheme be fixed? For blind and partially sighted people the scheme is vital for getting into, and staying in work. Unfortunately the Government scheme has been buckling under pressure. Allan Russell spoke with RNIB's Roisin Jacklin to learn more. Podcast: https://bit.ly/4ejGavS

Happy Tuesday! For the tech-curious, a Meta Glasses demo with Hubert 👓 For more techy chat and accessible technology for blind and partially sighted people, check out Tech Talk every Tuesday 1pm or Thursday 9pm/Saturday 5pm. New episode up now: https://bit.ly/RNIBTechTalk #AccessibleTechnology

Join us in wishing Jess a very Happy Birthday! Jess just turned 8-years-old, and last September, she got her whole family involved in the Edinburgh Kiltwalk in support of RNIB, a charity which supports blind and partially sighted people across the UK.

Scones are rubbish and pineapple on pizza? 🙃 This week marked the end of Rosie’s work placement with our team, so our social media person dragged her and David in front of the camera for some silly questions time. #Scone #Pizza #FoodSky

Throwback Monday: 🐶 Cesar vs Robbie! Back in 2025 Hubert and guide dog Cesar raced against RoboGuide Robbie. Developed by the University of Glasgow, we bumped into Robbie whilst attending the Inclusive Design for Sustainability conference at the Glasgow Science Centre. #GuideDog #Accessibility

Happy #GlobalAccessibilityAwarenessDay from our accessible tech expert Hubert! You can hear him discussing accessible technology for blind and partially sighted people on Tech Talk Tuesdays 1pm, or Thursdays 9pm/Saturdays 5pm. What's something you’ve made accessible for yourself or for others?

Saunas are hot right now, but what are the mental and physical benefits of sitting and sweating? Evan Schwerbrock, World's Strongest Disabled Man 2025 and founder of Cane And Able Fitness, shares his sauna tips for blind and partially sighted people. #BlindSky

Throwback Monday: Paris, 2024. How does a blind person navigate bustling public transport during the Paralympic Games? Well, our Toby had some help😉 NaviLens codes enable blind and partially sighted people to be able to access and locate information and interact with the environment around them.

A failed Easter Egg photoshoot? 🤡 Here’s Amelia and David discussing the never before shared outtakes from this year’s Easter photoshoot.

What's your wellbeing tip? It's Mental Health Awareness Week and the theme is taking action for good mental health, so we asked visually impaired runner Henry Powell-Davies, what helps him feel better. For more happiness and wellbeing, tune in to the Happy Hour Show Mondays 1 pm or Thursdays 6 pm.

This afternoon, join Allan Russell and guests for a special Election Show. They’ll be looking at Election results, chat accessibility of voting, and discussing what this could mean for blind and partially sighted people. Join us, 3 PM till 6 PM today.

😂 Are you a fan of flamingos? David and Amelia keeping things silly on Two Truths and a Lie. Catch David on the Afternoon Edition for a good dose of shenanigans, weekdays 3pm till 6pm.

RNIB's Visibly Better Employer standard helps organisations become inclusive workplaces for blind and partially sighted people. As we celebrate a milestone £15 million raised by players of the Postcode Lottery and helping make this work possible, we spoke with Aneurin Bevan University Health Board.

Imagine someone shouting "Frank!" outside your window 😂 This Sunday is International Dawn Chorus Day and we asked our friends at @rspb.bsky.social what's their biggest tips for recognising and remembering birdsong.

Joanna's life hack: porcelain pens! What simple hacks help make your life easier as a blind or partially sighted person? Catch more life hacks like this on the Lunch Break with Hubert Pawelkiewicz, Weekdays 12 - 1pm.

As you lose your sight do you also lose the visual memory of it? Robert H. King is a digital artist and photographer from Scotland and in his latest exhibition Everything Near Becomes Distant, explores just that.

That one time our book expert Robert and author of The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Alexander McCall Smith, had a good laugh. Robert had a great chat with the author amidst the frenzy of the Boswell Book Festival in 2024. Follow Read On: The Audiobook Show: https://bit.ly/ReadOnRNIB

Meet Maureen and Mohammed. Following sudden sight loss, Maureen reached out to the RNIB Helpline and was introduced to Mohammed, a digital skills advisor that helped her navigate these changes with confidence. RNIB Connect Radio's Toby spoke with them to learn more.

What having an office guide dog is really like 🐶 Jayson the guide dog also likes to hang out with his dad Allan on the Daily Connect show weekdays 9 am till 12 noon.

Can you share your experience of Access to Work? Charity RNIB has a short survey and they'd like to hear from blind and partially sighted people who have used, are using, or applied for the important Government scheme. Learn more as Hubert speaks with Roisin from RNIB.

On Thursday 7th of May the Senedd Election is taking place in Wales. But what support is available to blind and partially sighted people heading to the polling stations? RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan spoke to Liz from @rnibcymru.bsky.social, and Ella from the Electoral Commission UK, to find out.

A new accessible voting aid? The Scottish Parliamentary elections will take place on 7th of May, and blind and partially sighted people will be able to try a new and simple voting aid to cast their vote. Catriona Burnes from RNIB Scotland explains.

After struggling to get answers to why her vision was worsening, Kay Bennett was finally diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), a condition which she never heard of before. Kay has embraced support and is getting used to her white cane. Though sometimes she feels shy about using it in public.

Yesterday, RNIB handed in their Out of Sight petition, calling for better provision of rehabilitation services to blind and partially sighted people. With an incredible 48,484 signatures, the petition was handed in following a cane walk, which included blind athlete and public speaker Rob Sears.

Congratulations to @rnibscotland.bsky.social for ‘Swap with Me’ project reaching 100 sessions across Scotland! We asked Eileen from the charity, how the imitative helps raise awareness of traveling with a sight condition amongst trainee drivers at Lothian Buses, McGill's Buses and First Buses.

Next month, Phil Harrison is running with Team RNIB in the 2026 London Marathon. He joined us to talk about his challenge, alongside filmmaker Reuben Armstrong, who has created a short documentary 'An Exercise in Perspective' about Phil's journey. Follow his journey: https://reubenand.co/phil

Do all giant dogs think they're puppies? Gibson was a black Labrador Retriever and 15 years ago became Gary's first ever guide dog. What are your doggos quirky habits? #GuideDog

Working towards them top (podium) steps indeed 💪 RNIB Connect Radio caught up with partially sighted skier Neil Simpson and his guide, Rob Poth, following their amazing silver medal win at the Winter Paralympic Games. But how are they feeling knowing there’s still more work to do? #Paralympics

"It was great to have somebody that knew what you were going through, what was to come." Louise is mum to 18-month Frankie, who was diagnosed with Septo-optic dysplasia at just 6 months of age. In February they attended a drop‑in information event hosted by @rnibscotland.bsky.social in Wick.

What makes our Tech Talk Show special? Join our Techy Crew as they celebrate a milestone episode and hear about a project using accessible tech as a tool for empowerment, news on Sight Village Scotland, and Jackie tries ‘Pod Trak P4 Next’ from Zoom. Listen Tue 1pm, repeats: Thu 9pm and Sat 5pm.

Excited for the Paralympic Games? ❄️ If you're blind and partially sighted, here's how you can watch the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, follow live events and catch up on any missed action with @channel4tv.bsky.social

🐿️ What does @paralympicsgb.bsky.social team think of their gear? We grabbed visually impaired skiers Sam, Menna, and Fred to hear their honest thoughts. Our reporter Barry spoke with them and their guides Adam, Katie, and James, at the official Kitting Out event.

❄️ Sand dunes and plastic "train tracks", what was it like training for the first ever Winter Paralympics? Mike Brace is blind and in 1976 represented Britain at cross-country skiing in the Winter Paralympics in Sweden. He spoke with us at a recent Kitting Out event for the Paralympics GB team.

When two Roberts sit down to chat RNIB Bookshare 📖 Learn about this importance service as our Robert Kirkwood spoke with Robert Whan of @qubelfastofficial.bsky.social to learn how he uses the service to support students.

Coming to RNIB Connect Radio this Tuesday!

Did you know that only 1 in 4 blind or partially sighted people of working age are in paid employment? Mohammed recently started a paid work placement with RNIB and spoke with us about his experience. For more stories like this listen to RNIB Connect Radio online, Freeview 730 or smart speakers.

Eye Believe Podcast is launching on RNIB Connect Radio! A collective of visually impaired individuals from different cultural backgrounds coming together to share their personal experiences of sight loss. Toby spoke with Ashrafia Choudhury to learn more. Listen: Tuesday 17th of February at 7pm.

"Run around a lot, because that's good for stories!" Hear this very solid advice from young writer Wyn below. Wyn was a runner-up in last year's creative writing competition hosted by RNIB. Do you know a child or young person bursting with creativity just like Wyn?

Are you celebrating Burns Nicht? Here's an awfy guid poem shared by RNIB Scotland community member Bob, ahead of the famous Scottish poet's birthday. Big shout out to Robert Kirkwood from Read On and Talking Books for providing the very fitting narration.

From inconsistent passenger assistance to being left stranded and relying on other passengers for help. Erik Mathies tells us about RNIB's Platform For Change report and the barriers blind and partially sighted people are faced with when travelling on trains. Full report: bit.ly/RNIBPlatform...

Josephine lives with sight loss and shared what helps support her wellbeing over the dark winter months. Want to share what helps you? Comment below or email: radio@rnib.org.uk

🐶 Guide Dog or a moody teenager? Did you catch Toby talking about his new guide dog today? Catch Guide Dog Blogs every Monday between 12 and 1pm on The Lunch Break with Hubert Pawelkiewicz. The Lunch Break, your weekday source of great music and feel-good chat.

Join Jonathan Abro for a journey across the globe 🗺️ Catch the Travelogue Festive Special today at 5pm with a repeat on Sunday 4th Jan at 9pm.

Celebrate World Braille Day with RNIB Connect Radio 🎉 Next Sunday, why not join Toby Davey for a 2-hour special show packed with music, braille features, interviews, and more? Listen: 10am on the 4th of January 2026.

Join us for a look back on 12 months of accessible technology from 2025. Listen to Tech Talk: Best of 2025 on Tuesday 30 Dec at 1pm or New Year's Day at 5pm. And, an extra treat, you can still catch the Tech Talk Christmas Special today at 5 pm 💚

🤘 Are you ready to make some noise? The Little Alternative Album of the Year Party with David Hogg is here! Listen tonight at 8pm and Saturday 27 Dec at 6pm.

What’s our favourite Christmas dish? On RNIB Connect Radio, we don’t just dish out good music. Find out what treats we’re serving this festive season here: https://bit.ly/RNIBRadioFestive

Cosy up By The Fire with Amelia Hilton🧣 - Christmas Special: 1 pm Christmas Eve and 4 pm Boxing Day - New Year’s Special: 8 am New Year’s Day and 1 pm on Sat 3 January Find our full festive schedule here: https://bit.ly/RNIBRadioFestive

“On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me four calling birds.” What’s a calling bird? Adrian from @rspb.bsky.social explains. More birdsong and festive treats on the Happy Hour: Merry & Mindful Special with Claire and Paulina. Listen Boxing Day at 12 noon❄️

Which Christmas movies should you curl up with this festive break? Join Allan Russell and our radio team for their best movie picks for the holidays!

✨ Experience the magic of festive song at Westminster Chapel. On RNIB Connect Radio next week - an exclusive recording from RNIB's Evening of Festive Music, featuring Get Gospel choir and special guests. Listen Tue 23rd of December at 6 pm or Wed 24th December at 11 pm.

👓 AI glasses to help capture poignant life moments? Here's today's life hack with @sightlessKombat and our Hubert. Hear more life hacks on the Lunch Break with Hubert Pawelkiewicz, Weekdays 12 noon till 1 pm.

Today on Read On, Robert Kirkwood chats with Jay Foreman and Mark Cooper-Jones, AKA the Map Men, about 'This Way Up: When Maps Go Wrong (and Why it Matters)' and how hey turned a very visual book into an audiobook. Sneak peek below or full podcast here: https://audioboom.com/posts/8815213

Happy International Volunteer Day! Meet Ken, one of our wonderful presenters. Want to get involved with RNIB? Find out more about volunteer opportunities here: http://rnib.org.uk/volunteering

"Our only hope for salvation is acceptance and tolerance." On International Day of Persons with Disabilities we learn about the lasting legacy of Wolfgang Strange, the late choreographer and founder of AMICI Dance Theatre Company. Full interview here: bit.ly/RNIBAmici

Have you ever had someone assume your friend or family member is your carer? Caroline lives with sight loss and finds that she has to deal with assumptions like this often in her day-to-day life. [Video description: a transcript of text plays over the RNIB Connect Radio logo.]

🎨 How do blind and partially sighted people explore their experiences through art? For our latest roundtable discussion we're putting Sian, Kerrie, Julie and Alan in the hot seat. Listen Friday 21st November at 11:30 am.

"I really believe in the power of music and the power of singing to lift a person's spirit." This December, Get Gospel Choir is performing at RNIB's Evening of Festive Music in Westminster Chapel🎄 We spoke with founder of the Choir, Jules Rendell.

What is it like being matched with a new guide dog? Our presenter Toby Davey joins us for Guide Dog blogs on the Lunch Break today. Listen from 12 noon. [Video description: a transcript of text plays over "RNIB Connect Radio" logo]

Titch the Elf is back! And busy practicing for the annual Elf Karaoke Contest and helping blind and partially sighted little ones get an accessible Letter from Santa🎅 Listen to Allan and Titch's adventure here: bit.ly/TitchTheElf2...

"That was the first time I'd ever heard about any kind of support that I could get. From my rehabilitation worker, 12 years after my diagnosis." Following her sight loss diagnosis, Bhavini had to put her life on pause. Join RNIB's call for change: https://bit.ly/RNIBOutOfSight

Happy Halloween from Grimm Russell and his guide dog Grimm Jayson 🎃

Spooky Rock and Roll vibes anyone?🦇 Gary Moritz has a special show heading your way tomorrow, don't miss it. We'll know if you did...

Following eye complications, David had to leave a successful job in IT and move back home with his parents. 18 months on, he was still waiting for a vision rehabilitation assessment from his local authority. Sign RNIB’s petition calling for change: bit.ly/RNIBOutOfSight

"(On bin day) I used to bounce around Glasgow like a municipal pinball." Actor and Comedian Jamie MacDonald sits down with RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell for a new series looking at life as a blind person. Hear their full conversation here: https://bit.ly/JamieMacDonaldPodcast

New research shows 4 in 5 local authorities in England failed to complete vision rehabilitation assessments within the recommended timeframe. Young mum Eloise is just one of many blind and partially sighted people who had to wait on support. Join RNIB's call to action:https://bit.ly/RNIBOutOfSight

"You are not alone, no matter how isolated it feels sometimes." As we mark #WorldMentalHealthDay, young Jam spoke on the Happy Hour about the importance of support. If you have a question about living with sight loss, RNIB Helpline is here for you. Call 0303 123 9999.

Hats, visors, lights, sunglasses, and winter❄️ Join us for the Wellbeing and Wintering roundtable discussion this Friday as our guests discuss everything from their top tips for winter survival, to overcoming winter challenges. Listen Friday 10th October from 11:30 am.

Football playing guide dog? 🤯 Hear Guide Dog Blogs every Monday on The Lunch Break with Hubert Pawelkiewicz and guide dog Cesar 🐶 On air from 12 noon. Do you have your own guide dog story to share? Get in touch! Email radio@rnib.org.uk

⁉️ We love a mystery theme. Join Ken Reid on next week's very personal episode of the Mix Tape. Listen on RNIB Connect Radio this Monday 6th of October at 8 pm. [Video description: a photo of a smiling Ken in the studio with a transcript of text playing over the image]

We have four nominations at this year's Community Radio Awards! Headphones on for David's reaction 🎧 #CRAs2025

Sarah was diagnosed with myopic macular degeneration seven years ago but it wasn't until much later that she learned about the support and services available to her. Find out what support is available, call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or email helpline@rnib.org.uk

First episode of RNIB NI Podcast 7pm tonight📻 On this month's podcast, hosts Joe and Micheal talk campaigning in Northern Ireland, myths around disability and welfare, and interview RNIB Northern Ireland Country Director. Listen Freeview 730, smart speakers & online https://bit.ly/RNIBConnectRadio

What puts us off making a will? For Remember a Charity Week, solicitor Emily Littlehales explained why we put off writing a will. Gifts in Wills help RNIB provide life-changing services and support to many blind and partially sighted people. Find your free Will guide: bit.ly/RACWeek2025

Tonight on The Jazz Club, we celebrate legendary blind musician Sir George Shearing🎶 Hear an exclusive clip of host Jake Heart interviewing Carl from Shear Brass, a band dedicated to playing new arrangements of Shearing's music. Listen this Friday 6 pm and Saturday 8 pm.