Rnib Conversations

For this week’s regular check in with Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick from New Life Pharmacy in Glasgow we are focusing on the part of the body we use every day, our feet and how to prevent some of those foot problems we get from time to time. Elizabeth began by telling RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey about some of the foot injuries that some people seem to get. Then on to how important it is to look after your feet if you have diabetes.   Elizabeth then explained to Toby what actually athlete’s foot is and how best to prevent athletes foot and treat the condition. Finally Elizabeth shared some recent research around marathon runners and Osteoarthritis and telling toby that he can’t use the condition as an excuse for not running a marathon! You can find out more about Osteoarthritis by visiting the following pages of the NHS website - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/osteoarthritis/ To get in touch with Elizabeth Roddick email Elizabeth.r@newlifehealthcare.co.uk or for more information visit https://newlifepha

When things seem hopeless being able to reach out for support can make a world of difference. Amanda Whitfield was diagnosed with Stargardt’s disease a few years ago, but when her condition started getting worse in 2020 she reached out to charity Sight Scotland for help. There she met Community Worker Debbie McGregor, who has supported Amanda in getting back on her feet. Our Paulina Kuchorew spoke with both to hear their story. Image of Sight Scotland 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 weekly email newsletter. Audio described shows and events included: Noughts & Crosses - Saturday 1 April, 2.30pm, touch tour 1pm, Curve Theatre, Leicester Quality Street - Wednesday 5 April, 7.30pm, Royal & Derngate Theatre, Northampton The Winter’s Tale - Wednesday 12 April, 2pm, touch tour 12noon, Sam Wannamaker Playhouse, Shakespeare’s Globe, London Bonnie and Clyde - Thursday 13 April, 7.30pm, Garrick Theatre, London Home, I’m Darling - Saturday 15 April, 2.30pm, touch tour 12.30pm, Theatre Royal Brighton The Beekeeper of Allepo - Wednesday 19 April, 7.30pm, touch tour 6.30pm, The Lowry, Salford To find out more about these and other up-coming audio-described arts events as well as details about how

Time to connect with the natural world around us. On this month’s Sensory Reflections, Andy gives us an idea of what birdsong to listen out for as well as some crafty homework to help out our friendly neighbourhood 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) 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. Song credits: 'Dawn Chorus' by sean.townsend, bats.m4a. 

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: Girl From the North Country - Saturday 11 March, 2.15pm, touch tour 12.45pm, Curve Theatre, Leicester The Postal Museum - Audio described tour, Tuesday 14 March, 2.30pm, Postal Museum London Heathers the Musical - Thursday 16 March, 2.30pm, touch tour 12noon, Theatre Royal Brighton Medea - Saturday 18 March, 2.30pm, @Soho Place, London Northern Ballet The Great Gatsby - Saturday 18 March, 2.30pm, touch tour 12.15pm, Leeds Grand Theatre and Opera House and Saturday 25 March, 2pm, touch tour 11.45pm., Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield Mangler - Friday 24 March, 7.30pm, touch tour 6.30pm, The Lowry, Salford Quays, To find out more about these and other up-c

As more and more people seem to be taking supplements such as vitamin D on a day to day basis, for this week’s regular check in with Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick from New Life Pharmacy in Glasgow, Elizabeth began by telling our Toby Davey whether we should be taking supplements routinely and do we actually need to take them. Elizabeth continued by explaining to Toby about why eating a proportion of fresh produce raw might be the best way to obtain some of the supplements we might need and even if you are eating a healthy diet how maybe taking vitamin D supplements could be of benefit and outlining the different types and strengths of vitamin D supplements.   Elizabeth ended by highlighting research that was published in 2017 that suggested taking certain supplements might help to slow down the signs of Age Related Macular Degeneration. If you or you know someone who might be worried about Age Related Macular Degeneration you can find support and advice along with a webinar about Eat for your Eyes by visiti

Barry Snell caught up with Anne Dignan, to talk about an upcoming event which will celebrate the art of storytelling…. ‘Tales Of Gallus Women’ will take place on the 11th March in Bellfield Community Hub, Portobello, Edinburgh.

Audio described theatre performances can be a brilliant way to enjoy a production without missing any of those all-important details.  By describing stage design, costumes and make-up, movement and more, they can enhance the experience of a production making it accessible to visually impaired patrons. Vidar Hjardeng MBE is inclusion and diversity consultant for ITV News and he’s joining us once again for another one of his theatre reviews as he takes a look at Matthew Bourne’s gothic take on the classic tale of Sleeping Beauty. Find out more here: Sleeping Beauty | New Adventures (new-adventures.net) Image: Framed by a thicket of tangled tree branches, Aurora leaps forward in a white flowing gown, her arms out to the sides and her leg kicked back. From among the branches, six fairies and elves are emerging, dressed decadently in black and gold, and reaching towards Aurora. Around them all are red roses and rose petals, floating in the air and carpeting the floor. In a central opening in the thicket, a ful

In honour of Their Majesties’ service to the country, Royal Voluntary Service is launching the Coronation Champions Awards for volunteers, an official Coronation project. Together with Her Majesty The Queen Consort, the awards will celebrate extraordinary volunteers across the country who have been contributing to their communities. Barry Snell spoke with Fiona Longhurst from the Royal Voluntary Service to find out more. If you would like to find out more please visit www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk Image: Coronation Champions Awards logo. Grey spotlights shine from all directions at a gold crown with 'Coronation Champions Awards 2023' written in three rows below.

Time to connect with the natural world around us.  On this month’s Sensory Reflections, Andy gives us an idea of what birdsong to listen out for as well as some crafty homework to help out our friendly neighbourhood 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) Find out more about building hedgehog cafes here: Feed hedgehogs in a DIY hedgehog café | The 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: 'Common Chiffchaff Song' via Quick Sounds (Common Chiffchaff Song Sound Effect MP3 Download Free - Quick Sounds), 'Song Thrush Singing' by field recording geek (song thrush singing.wav (soundcamp.org)

Last year Dave Heeley, OBE cycled 800 miles from Colditz castle to West Bromwich to raise money for charity, but since October he has been recovering from a knee operation. RNIB Connect Radio's Barry Snell caught up with the charity fundraiser, to talk about his ongoing recovery, plans for the future and life with new guide dog Peter. {Image = Close up photo of Dave wearing a red, white & blue bandana}

The Sheffield Adventure Film Festival will take place from 3rd till 5th of March 2023 and showcase the best new adventure, travel and extreme sports films from around the world. This year the festival is also making a push to increase inclusivity by making more of their films available with audio description and captions.  Our Paulina Kuchorew spoke with Danielle Sellwood, who is the project lead and her daughter Poppy Levison, who was a consultant on the project. Find out more here: Sheffield Adventure Film Festival 2023 (shaff.co.uk) Image shows the festival logo. Atop a white background 'ShA' is written in capital letters with 'FF.' written below.

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: Peaky Blinders: the redemption of Thomas Shelby, Wednesday 22 February, 7.30pm,  Royal & Derngate Theatre, Northampton Sound of the Underground, Saturday 25 February, 2.30pm, touch tour 1pm, Royal court Theatre, London, The Lehman Trilogy, Monday 27 February, 7pm, Gillian Lynne Theatre, Drury Lane, London, Titus Andronicus, Saturday 4 March, 2pm, touch tour 12noon, sam Wanamaker Theatre, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, London, Fisherman’s Friends, Wednesday 8 march, 7.30pm, Theatre Royal Brighton,  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 newslet

We seem to be hearing more in the news about Covid and thankfully not as severe as in the height of the pandemic. For this week’s check in with Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick from New Life Pharmacy in Glasgow Elizabeth outlines to our Toby Davey about recent research that suggests that changing our lifestyle could help protect us against covid.  Elizabeth went on to explain some of the lifestyle changes we could all make to help protect us against Covid which might include being a bit more active and taking up some form of exercise too.  Finally Elizabeth updated Toby on the current situation around some of the shortages of medicines in the Pharmacy.  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: The Ocean at the End of The Lane - Wednesday 8 February 7.30pm, touch tour 5.30pm, curve Theatre, Leicester The Mirror Crack'd - Thursday 9 February, 7.30pm, touch tour 6pm,Wycombe  Swan Theatre, High Wycombe The King and I - Saturday 11 February, 2.30pm, Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury Choir of Man - Friday 17 February, 3.30pm, Arts Theatre, London Birmingham Royal Ballet: Swan Lake - Saturday 18 February, 2.30pm, touch tour 12.15pm, Birmingham Hippodrome 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:/

Time to connect with the natural world around us. On the first of his Sensory Reflections for this year, Andy tells us what we should keep an ear out for in nature including some robin song, and fox calls. 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: 'Robin Singing' BY SPANAC, 'Fox Calls' BY ALEXANDER.

Jon Gingerich began losing his sight while writing his debut novel The Appetite Factory. He shares his story with David Hogg.

The people who volunteer for RNIB are a talented group. Hywel Davies catches up with one volunteer from South Wales who's heading for your television screen this weekend. Michael McIntyre's Big Show is on BBC1 at 6:50, Saturday the 14th of January. If you miss the episode you can catch up on the BBC iPlayer.

As part of the celebrations for World Braille Day 2023 RNIB's Dave Williams chaired a discussion between Mary Fernandes from Cisco Systems, Christopher Patnoe from Google and Robin Spinks from RNIB. The panel discuss the various uses of braille and the future of the format.

Would you like to get away for some rest and relaxation? Maybe an action-packed adventure holiday is more your style. Hywel Davies has been speaking to one travel company that's making sure everything they do is accessible. For more information about Seable Holidays, visit www.seable.co.uk