Have you ever wondered what it’s like for a blind or partially sighted person to visualise art? Hubert has been speaking to Millie, a graphics student about her sight loss journey, and how she makes art accessible for her.

On Guide Dog Blogs this week, Hubert once again chats to Chris Wallace from Berkshire Stags, this time all about going shopping and visiting restaurants.

It’s that time of the week when we discuss our favourite guide companions. This week, Hubert chats with blind adventurer Dean Dunbar, as he tells us about taking his guide dog Molly mountain biking, and there’s even a short story about an under cover guide dog.

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 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 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 admin@newlifepharmacy.co.uk  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 helpline@rnib.org.uk.

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 helpline@rnib.org.uk.

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, 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 helpline@rnib.org.uk.

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 helpline@rnib.org.uk.

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...'

Rewind Scotland 2024 returned to the spectacular grounds of Scone Palace in Perth on Friday 19th till Sunday 21st of July to celebrate music icons of the 80s and beyond.

Allan Russell went along and spoke with American pop singer, Tiffany.

Image: Rewind Scotland logo. A white square with 'REW!ND' written in bold black capital letters, underlined with a bold black line and underneath written in one neat row and separated by small black dots: 'Scotland', 'North', 'South.'

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 helpline@rnib.org.uk.

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 helpline@rnib.org.uk.

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, 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 helpline@rnib.org.uk.

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 admin@newlifepharmacy.co.uk 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, Cardiff

Everyone’s Talking About Jamie - Thursday 21 September, 7.30pm, Sunderland Empire

Shrek the Musical - Friday 22 September, 7.30pm, New Oxford Theatre

Audio Art:  Utterly in the Picture - Thursday 28 September, 12noon, National Gallery, London

Metamorphosis - Saturday 30 September, 2pm, touch tour 12.30pm, Mast Mayflower Studios, Southampton

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 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 https://blinddaveheeley.co.uk/

Rewind Scotland 2024 returned to the spectacular grounds of Scone Palace in Perth on Friday 19th till Sunday 21st of July to celebrate music icons of the 80s and beyond.

Allan Russell went along and spoke with Pauline Black, lead singer of English 2 tone ska revival ban, The Selecter.

Image: Rewind Scotland logo. A white square with 'REW!ND' written in bold black capital letters, underlined with a bold black line and underneath written in one neat row and separated by small black dots: 'Scotland', 'North', 'South.'

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 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: '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 admin@newlifepharmacy.co.uk  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 admin@newlifepharmacy.co.uk  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, Leicester

Edinburgh Art Festival, Keg de Souza’s Shipping Roots - Wednesday 23 August, 10am, the Royal Botanical Gardens, Edinburgh

Paper making Workshop - Wednesday 30 august, 11am, British Library, London

The Ocean at the End of the Lane - Friday 1 September, 7.30pm, touch tour 5.30pm, King’s Theatre, Glasgow

Macbeth - 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 admin@newlifepharmacy.co.uk  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, London

Charlie and The Chocolate Factory - The Musical, Wednesday 9 August, 7pm, Sunderland Empire

Cuckoo - Saturday 12 August, 2.30pm, touch tour 1pm, Royal Court Theatre, London 

Blood Brothers- Thursday 17 August, 2.30pm, Chelmsford Theatre

Barnsley 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 admin@newlifepharmacy.co.uk  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

Rewind Scotland 2024 returned to the spectacular grounds of Scone Palace in Perth on Friday 19th till Sunday 21st of July to celebrate music icons of the 80s and beyond.

Allan Russell went along and spoke with English singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and record producer, Nix Kershaw.

Image: Rewind Scotland logo. A white square with 'REW!ND' written in bold black capital letters, underlined with a bold black line and underneath written in one neat row and separated by small black dots: 'Scotland', 'North', 'South.'

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, London

Bleak 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, London

My First Ballet: Swan Lake - Audio Described Film, from Friday 7 July, from ballet.org.uk

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 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 admin@newlifepharmacy.co.uk  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 here
hollythomasdance.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%203pm

To get in touch with Elizabeth Roddick email Elizabeth.r@newlifehealthcare.co.uk 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)

Rewind Scotland 2024 returned to the spectacular grounds of Scone Palace in Perth on Friday 19th till Sunday 21st of July to celebrate music icons of the 80s and beyond.

Allan Russell went along and spoke with Scottish musician, singer-songwriter and record producer Midge Ure.

Image: Rewind Scotland logo. A white square with 'REW!ND' written in bold black capital letters, underlined with a bold black line and underneath written in one neat row and separated by small black dots: 'Scotland', 'North', 'South.'

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 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)

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/constipation

To get in touch with Elizabeth Roddick email Elizabeth.r@newlifehealthcare.co.uk 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