Explore every episode of the podcast RNIB - Health and Wellbeing

Following on from the last check in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick which was all about diets and salt this time we are finding out more about the Mediterranean diet which seems to be recommended quite a lot.

Elizabeth began by explaining to RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey about the benefits of the Mediterranean diet and why processed foods are not recommended as part of a healthy diet. 

Elizabeth ended by talking about her recent holiday in Sardinia and some of the reasons why many of the people who live there do seem to live long and healthy lives.

To get in touch with Elizabeth you can email info@elizabethroddick.com 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.

Each November, Men's Health Awareness Month draws attention to the physical and mental health challenges affecting men across the UK.

On the Happy Hour this week we're joined by Mark from Beyond Limits Life Coach to discuss the challenges men face when it comes to finding community, speaking up, and breaking away from stereotypes. 

Image shows Mark smiling. He's wearing a lime green t-shirt and rests his left hand against his temple as he looks off to the side.

Let’s join Paulina in the kitchen again, and this time, she's trying a cosy and warming soup recipe.

Paulina followed this recipe: Roasted red pepper, sweet potato & smoked paprika soup recipe | Good Food

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

Yoga teacher Dawn Blezard returns to the Happy Hour for another Off The Matt chat.

This month, her and Paulina discuss how comparison is the thief of joy and how we can overcome feelings of jealousy in this modern age where we're constantly confronted with a highlight reel of other people's life.

You can find out more about Dawn by searching for "Pathway Yoga with Dawn" on Instagram, Facebook or YouTube. Dawn also has a podcast: Seeing Within Podcast. 

Image shows a birds eye view photo shows Dawn holding a pose on her black yoga matt. Her legs are crossed and she holds onto her toes on either side of her body as she looks up at the camera. She has blonde hair set in two French braids and is wearing a lilac long sleeve top with patterned leggings. The yoga matt is black with high contract purple alignment lines, which are designed to help align your body and improve posture during yoga poses.

Joining Paulina on the Happy Hour is Shoaib Nazir club secretary for the Greater Manchester Gladiators Blind Baseball Club.

Shoaib shares how he discovered blind baseball, how he was inspired to start a club in his local area and how the sport not only supports physical wellbeing but also helps create a sense of community and build confidence.

To learn more about the club, email greatermanchestergladiatorsb4b@gmail.com or follow them on social media.

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New month, new self-help book title spotlight.

And today, an unusual title, one that hopes to help us find comfort in the knowledge that happiness is not the natural human condition.  Written by George Loewenstein, Paulina checks out at The Opposite of Happiness: how bad feelings make and break us.

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

Following on from the last check in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick and the mention of the benefits of the Mediterranean diet this week we continue to look at the different aspects of our diet and focus on the amount of salt we should be taking each day.

Elizabeth began by explaining to RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey why our bodies need salt and the maximum amount of salt we should be taking each day. 

Then to where our bodies actually get salt from and whether having too much salt is a bad thing for our health.

Elizabeth ended with a beneficial story about eating chocolate.

There is more information about salt in your diet on the following pages of the NHS website - 
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-types/salt-in-your-diet/

To get in touch with Elizabeth you can email info@elizabethroddick.com 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.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and today we’re shining a spotlight on charity Future Dreams.

The charity was created from the vision of a mother and daughter Sylvie Henry and Danielle Leslie, who founded the charity after both being diagnosed with breast cancer but died before they could see their dream of a permanent support centre become a reality.

Based in London, Future Dreams House just marked its fifth anniversary and supports thousands of people facing breast cancer.

Joining Paulina Kuchorew on the Happy Hour to talk about their work and the importance of support that goes beyong medical treatment is Sam Jacobs, CEO of Future Dreams.

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World Mental Health Day falls on the 10th of October so on the Happy Hour this week, we focus on resources available to support your mental wellbeing.

Joining Paulina Kuchorew on the show is Amanda Hawkins, Head of Mental Health and Counselling at RNIB, to look at some of the mental wellbeing resources available from the charity to support blind and partially sighted people.

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

October is Menopause Awareness Month and on the Happy Hour this week we’re going to focus on the link between strong muscles and heart health.  

New research by the British Heart foundation shows that over a third (34%) of women aged 40-70 aren’t aware that perimenopause and menopause can cause them to lose muscle more rapidly. Furthermore, separate research part-funded by the charity has linked stronger chest and back muscles with a lower likelihood of heart attack.

We’re joined now by  Prof. Michelle Williams, a Professor of Cardiovascular Imaging and Honorary Radiology Consultant at the University of Edinburgh and NHS Lothian.

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 Angela Ricketts is an author, speaker, artist, entrepreneur, advocate, wife, and mother of three whose life and work are rooted in helping people feel seen, supported, and hopeful. 

She is also the founder of Sight Stones, a non-profit dedicated to building community and finding and funding cures for rare retinal diseases.

 She joined Happy Hour's Paulina Kuchorew to talk about her work and also her new book, Never Lose Sight.

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

This week on the Happy Hour we’re joined by Saima Ashraf MBE.

You might recognise Saima as one of the voices on the Eye Believe podcast, but she also works as a senior auditor and runs the East Lancs Legends Visually Impaired Sports Club in Blackburn.

She spoke with the show's Paulina Kuchorew about how she got involved in the sport and why she would encourage everyone to try it.

Image shows Saima in a blue t-shirt laugh as she holds an award for East Lands Legends, a medal around her neck. She has long dark hair pulled back in a ponytail.

Yoga teacher Dawn Blezard returns to the Happy Hour for another Off The Matt chat.

This month, she reflects on her recent challenge, which saw Dawn and her yoga community walk the Jurassic Coast Walk over the course of three days in support of RNIB.

Dawn shares how years of yoga practice and also having a friendly community and a good cause in mind makes all the difference.

You can find out more about Dawn by searching for "Pathway Yoga with Dawn" on Instagram, Facebook or YouTube. Dawn also has a podcast: Seeing Within Podcast. 

Image shows a birds eye view photo shows Dawn holding a pose on her black yoga matt. Her legs are crossed and she holds onto her toes on either side of her body as she looks up at the camera. She has blonde hair set in two French braids and is wearing a lilac long sleeve top with patterned leggings. The yoga matt is black with high contract purple alignment lines, which are designed to help align your body and improve posture during yoga poses.

On the Happy Hour this week we share another personal story. Musician Neil Billinness chats with Paulina about losing his sight after a stroke and turning to music for comfort in hard times following the death of his partner and his dad’s brain cancer diagnosis. 

We’ll also dig deep into his musical style and inspirations. 

To find Neil's music, simply search "Neil Billinness music."

Image shows: Neil in dark glasses, headphones around his neck and a microphone hanging in front of him. He looks very cool.

Have you heard of Stickler Syndrome? Stickler Syndrome is a genetic condition affecting connective tissue and causing different symptoms. There are at least 11 distinct sub-groups of the condition, but they typically can present in main four areas: Eyes, hearing, musculoskeletal, and oro-facial.  

Frequently unrecognised and undiagnosed, Charity Stickler Syndrome UK is hoping to raise awareness of this genetic condition, but also awareness of a free checklist tool to help catch the condition early.

Happy Hour's Paulina Kuchorew is joined by student Amelia Aves, who was diagnosed early and able to retain hair sight due to early intervention.

To find the free checklist screening tool visit: Screening for Stickler Syndrome Type 1

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With a raise in meningitis cases amongst students, last month, the UK Health Security Agency has announced a free time-limited MenB vaccination programme for a million eligible young people in the 2026-27 academic year. 

Today, we’re joined by Patricia, who contracted meningitis in her late 30s back in 2006 and was left with long-term effects on her sight, hearing, taste and mobility.

 She spoke with Happy Hour's Paulina about the long-term impact, finding support as she recovered and keeping a positive mindset.

If you have a question about living with sight loss, no matter how big or small, RNIB are here to offer support. You can call the Helpline on 0303 123 9999 anytime from 9am–5pm, Monday to Friday.

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On the Happy Hour this week, we're chatting health and wellbeing, with a particular focus on blind baseball.

But, how do you play it and what wellbeing benefits does it offer?

We’re joined by Sheraz Chohan founder and competition and development officer at UK Blind Baseball Association (UKBBA) as well as Amjad Khan, Chairman and co-founder or the organisation.

To get in touch with the UK Blind Baseball Association visit: UK Blind Baseball Association

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

How can music help memory and support people with dementia?

Amelia speaks to Pam Ribbeck from Playlist For Life to learn more about their work and why you should consider making a playlist.

Learn more on their website - Homepage - Playlist for Life

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

Let’s join Paulina in the kitchen again, and this time, she's trying a couple gut-friendly recipes.

Paulina followed the recipes from UK’s digestive health charity Guts UK.

Recipe for overnight cocoa oats: Overnight Cocoa Oats - Guts UK - Guts UK
Recipe for cottage cheese bread: Cottage Cheese Bread - Guts UK - Guts UK
Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white and black background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font. 

How can you look after your digestive system?

Amelia spoke with Guts UK information manager, Julie Thompson, to learn about which foods and activites can support your digestive health.

From Monday 13 to Sunday 19 July, the national charity for the digestive system is on a mission to flush away the stigma surrounding our digestive health and get the nation talking about their guts.

Learn more about the Let's Talk Guts campaign and Guts UK on their website - Guts UK - the national charity for the digestive system - Guts UK

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What is the gut microbiome and why is it so important for our health?

Amelia spoke with Guts UK information manager, Julie Thompson, to get an introduction to the Gut microbiome.

From Monday 13 to Sunday 19 July, the national charity for the digestive system is on a mission to flush away the stigma surrounding our digestive health and get the nation talking about their guts.

Learn more about the Let's Talk Guts campaign and Guts UK on their website - Guts UK - the national charity for the digestive system - Guts UK

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

From Monday 13 to Sunday 19 July, the national charity for the digestive system is on a mission to flush away the stigma surrounding our digestive health and get the nation talking about their guts.

Amelia spoke to Jade Keay, Senior Communications Manager, to learn more about the campaign.

Learn more about the Let's Talk Guts campaign and Guts UK on their website - Guts UK - the national charity for the digestive system - Guts UK

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

Yoga teacher Dawn Blezard returns to the Happy Hour for another Off The Matt chat.

This month, her and Paulina discuss a famous quote by Buddha: “In life, we can’t always control the first arrow. However, the second arrow is our reaction to the first. The second arrow is optional.”

You can find out more about Dawn by searching for "Pathway Yoga with Dawn" on Instagram, Facebook or YouTube. Dawn also has a podcast: Seeing Within Podcast. 

Image shows a birds eye view photo shows Dawn holding a pose on her black yoga matt. Her legs are crossed and she holds onto her toes on either side of her body as she looks up at the camera. She has blonde hair set in two French braids and is wearing a lilac long sleeve top with patterned leggings. The yoga matt is black with high contract purple alignment lines, which are designed to help align your body and improve posture during yoga poses.

On the Happy Hour this week, we're going to chat about Charles Bonnet Syndrome, a condition that causes people who have experienced sight loss to see things that are not there.

In recent years, we’ve seen a raise in awareness of the condition, however, what many might still not realise is that these hallucinations can appear at any age.

We’re joined now by Judith Potts, Founder and Trustee of charity Esme's Umbrella, as well as Aliza Rehman, who’s been involved in their current campaign raising awareness of the condition in children.

Learn more about Charles Bonnet Syndrome here: Esme's Umbrella | Charles Bonnet Syndrome

Find the latest Happy Hour episodes here: The Happy Hour - RNIB Connect Radio | RNIB

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

Let's join Paulina in the kitchen as she tries out a simple recipe that is perfect for this summer season.

Paulina follows the recipe here: Crispy Smashed Potato Salad - Hungry Happens

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

With exams underway for students across the UK, many young blind and partially people mind be feeling the pressure of preparation.

Joining Paulina on the Happy Hour to share her best tips for preparing for an exam and handling stress is Emmy for Emmy’s VIP life.

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

Yoga teacher Dawn Blezard returns to the Happy Hour for another Off The Matt chat.

This month, her and Paulina discuss why asking for help can sometimes feel difficult and why we shouldn't be embarrassed if we do need a little bit of help. 

You can find out more about Dawn by searching for "Pathway Yoga with Dawn" on Instagram, Facebook or YouTube. Dawn also has a podcast: Seeing Within Podcast. 

Image shows a birds eye view photo shows Dawn holding a pose on her black yoga matt. Her legs are crossed and she holds onto her toes on either side of her body as she looks up at the camera. She has blonde hair set in two French braids and is wearing a lilac long sleeve top with patterned leggings. The yoga matt is black with high contract purple alignment lines, which are designed to help align your body and improve posture during yoga poses.

Let’s join Paulina in the kitchen again, and this time, she has a super easy and delicious slow cooker recipe for honey garlic chicken.

Paulina followed this recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken | Easy, Healthy Crockpot Recipe

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

Saunas are becoming more popular across the UK, but why should blind and partially sighted people try them out?

Amelia spoke to Evan Schwerbrock, a blind fitness professional and world's strongest disabled man 2025, about the mental and physical benefits of saunas and how to use them safely.

Read more about Evan on his website - HOME | Cane & Able Fitness

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

Yoga teacher Dawn Blezard returns to the Happy Hour for another Off The Matt chat.

This month, her and Paulina discuss why asking for help can sometimes feel difficult and why we shouldn't be embarrassed if we do need a little bit of help. 

You can find out more about Dawn by searching for "Pathway Yoga with Dawn" on Instagram, Facebook or YouTube. Dawn also has a podcast: Seeing Within Podcast. 

Image shows a birds eye view photo shows Dawn holding a pose on her black yoga matt. Her legs are crossed and she holds onto her toes on either side of her body as she looks up at the camera. She has blonde hair set in two French braids and is wearing a lilac long sleeve top with patterned leggings. The yoga matt is black with high contract purple alignment lines, which are designed to help align your body and improve posture during yoga poses.

Let's join Paulina in the kitchen as she tries out a delicious and easy cookie bar recipe.

Paulina follows the recipe by Jane's Patisserie: Mini Egg Cookie Bars - Jane's Patisserie

Image shows a stack of scrumptious square cookie bars with gooey mini eggs and chocolate chips. 

New collaborative work in Sunderland is looking into how smoking cessation services can be made more accessible and supportive for people living with sight loss.

Joining Paulina on the Happy Hour to talk about the work and the impact it could have on the local community are Sarah Lever Head of Co-Production and Inclusion at ABL Health and Jack Moffat North East and Cumbria Engagement Manager for Thomas Pocklington Trust Sight Loss Councils.  

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

Yoga teacher Dawn Blezard returns to the Happy Hour for another Off The Matt chat.

This month, freshly of her white cane training she discusses how using tools and aids can really support us in life and why we shouldn't feel embarrassed.

You can find out more about Dawn by searching for "Pathway Yoga with Dawn" on Instagram, Facebook or YouTube. Dawn also has a podcast: Seeing Within Podcast. 

Image shows a birds eye view photo shows Dawn holding a pose on her black yoga matt. Her legs are crossed and she holds onto her toes on either side of her body as she looks up at the camera. She has blonde hair set in two French braids and is wearing a lilac long sleeve top with patterned leggings. The yoga matt is black with high contract purple alignment lines, which are designed to help align your body and improve posture during yoga poses.

Let's join Paulina in the kitchen as she tries out a quick and spicy noodle recipe.

This time around, she's making the Peanut Gochujang Chili Noodles.

Paulina follows the recipe by Feel Good Foodie, which you can find here: Peanut Gochujang Chili Noodles - Herman at Home

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

We’re focusing on Ocular Melanoma today, a rare cancer that develops inside the eye and affects a few hundred people in the UK each year.

However, many are not aware of a devastating consequence of the condition as it can spread to the liver, in which case treatment options become extremely limited and expensive.

At a recent Parliamentary Reception, Ocular Melanoma UK, The only UK organisation dedicated solely to supporting those affected by ocular melanoma, brought together MPs, clinicians and patients to highlight delays and inequities in access to care.

We’re joined now by Jo Gumbs from Ocular Melanoma UK, as well as Carol Player and Jamie Scott, who will share their experience of living with the condition and the effects it had on their lives. 

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

Receiving a sight loss diagnosis can be a difficult and confusing time, often leaving patients without emotional support. 

Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust wants to change that by improving provisions of psychological support for patients following an eye condition diagnosis. 

Joining Paulina on the Happy Hour is Charlie Evans, Assistant Psychologist at St Mary's Hospital and part of the team working on this important work.

To get in touch with the team and share your experience, email imperial.intouch@nhs.net or call 0203 311 3322

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

Let's join Paulina in the kitchen as she tries out that viral baked feta pasta.

Paulina follows the recipe by Feel Good Foodie, which you can find here: Baked Feta Pasta {With Cherry Tomatoes} - Feel Good Foodie

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

Yoga teacher Dawn Blezard returns to the Happy Hour to chat how to not give into the pressure of a perfect Valentine's Day. Plus, Paulina has a bit of homework for you.

You can find out more about Dawn by searching for "Pathway Yoga with Dawn" on Instagram, Facebook or YouTube.

Image shows a birds eye view photo shows Dawn holding a pose on her black yoga matt. Her legs are crossed and she holds onto her toes on either side of her body as she looks up at the camera. She has blonde hair set in two French braids and is wearing a lilac long sleeve top with patterned leggings. The yoga matt is black with high contract purple alignment lines, which are designed to help align your body and improve posture during yoga poses.

We’re focusing on wellbeing and physical activity as we speak with Tokeer Akhtar. 

Tokeer played sports both in the leagues and for England, in cricket, goalball and baseball and is active in his local community, rising awareness and creating opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to get involved in sports.

He spoke with Happy Hour's Paulina Kuchorew.

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

New research commissioned by not-for-profit healthcare provider, Benenden Health, has revealed the devastating toll menopause is taking on women’s careers.

Joining us now to talk about the research and how we can better support women going through menopause is Dr Fiona Warner, GP for Women's Health at Benenden Hospital and Mike Hay, Chief People Officer at Benenden Health.

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

British Heart Foundation have conducted new research on how stereotypes around cardiovascular conditions impact mental health.

The charity is flipping the memorial bench into a symbol of survival and sharing the stories of people with heart conditions.

Amelia spoke to Sindy Jodar, Senior Cardiac Nurse, to learn more...

Learn more about BHF on their website - The biggest independent funder of heart and circulatory research in the UK - BHF

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

RNIB is running a new series of support groups for blind and partially sighted people.

They are facilitated by a qualified counsellor and provide a confidential and therapeutic space where you can receive support from a professional and others with a similar eye condition or life experience.

Each group runs on teams with audio format only for 8 weeks, with a maximum of 7 participants, ensuring plenty of time to connect and be supported.

Amelia spoke to Nikki Crosby, RNIB Counselling Team leader, to learn more.

Visit the events page on the RNIB website to view the upcoming groups - Events and courses to help you develop your skills | RNIB

Contact the counselling and wellbeing team at CWT@rnib.org.uk or contact the helpline on 0303 123 9999, email helpline@rnib.org.uk or say: “Alexa, call RNIB Helpline” to an Alexa-enabled device.

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

A Moorfields project published on Monday 12 January 2026 in the British Journal of Ophthalmology demonstrated the effectiveness of a widely-used eye injection to manage the previously untreatable rare condition, hypotony.

Harry Petrushkin, Consultant Ophthalmologist at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, tells RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey all about the recent published research into treatment for the rare eye condition hypotony which affects around 1,000 people in the UK each year and the set up of the world’s first dedicated hypotony eye clinic at Moorfields.

Harry also explained to Toby more about how the eye condition affects people’s vision, how a widely-used eye injection has been used to treat people with the condition which has not only restored the pressure in their eyes but in a number of cases has also restored their vision too.

There is more about the research project into hypotony, the treatment and the new eye clinic by visiting the Moorfields Eye Hospital website - https://www.moorfields.nhs.uk/about-us/news-and-blogs/news/promise-for-treatment-of-chronic-hypotony

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Step Change Studios is an award-winning, inclusive dance company committed to making dance accessible for everyone. 

Based in the UK, they offer fun and engaging dance opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.

They are currently running a slightly unusual class that you can join easily over the phone and here tell us more about it Community Dance Practitioner, Zoe Elliott.

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

Yoga teacher Dawn Blezard returns to the Happy Hour to chat with Paulina about setting gentle New Year's resolutions and some of her own tips for starting 2026 well.

You can find out more about Dawn by searching for "Pathway Yoga with Dawn" on Instagram, Facebook or YouTube.

Image shows a birds eye view photo shows Dawn holding a pose on her black yoga matt. Her legs are crossed and she holds onto her toes on either side of her body as she looks up at the camera. She has blonde hair set in two French braids and is wearing a lilac long sleeve top with patterned leggings. The yoga matt is black with high contract purple alignment lines, which are designed to help align your body and improve posture during yoga poses.

Charity Exeter Pride is launching a new initiative, which hopes to create a greater dialogue around sexual health, sexual identity and inclusivity.

Joining us on the Happy Hour to tell us more about it, is Sam Pritchard, accessibility lead for Exeter Pride in Devon.

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

On our 2026 Happiness Guide special of the Happy Hour, we're joining Paulina on a gentle winter stroll through Kelvingrove Park in Glasgow.

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

On our 2026 Happiness Guide special of the Happy Hour, we're joined, once again by Amanda Hawkins.

Amanda is the  Head of Counselling Emotional and Mental Health at RNIB and shares her tips for creating realistic and lasting new year's resolutions.

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On the End of Year Reset special of the Happy Hour, we're joined by yoga teacher Dawn Blezard.

Dawn shares her gentle yoga routine that will help soothe any stomach pain or bloating, especially post-holidays!

Image shows a birds eye view photo shows Dawn holding a pose on her black yoga matt. Her legs are crossed and she holds onto her toes on either side of her body as she looks up at the camera. She has blonde hair set in two French braids and is wearing a lilac long sleeve top with patterned leggings. The yoga matt is black with high contract purple alignment lines, which are designed to help align your body and improve posture during yoga poses.

On our End of Year Reset special of the Happy Hour, we're joined by Amanda Hawkins.

Amanda is the  Head of Counselling Emotional and Mental Health at RNIB and shares her tips for a meaningful and gentle end of year reflection.

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