Clare Aldworth, RNIB Customer Voice Insight Officer shares the latest opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to get involved in with RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey.

Opportunities highlighted this week included:

RNIB Northern Ireland is planning a technology themed event in February 2024. The aim of this event is to showcase different technology solutions that can give people with sight loss more independence and reduce isolation. 

The Northern Ireland team are putting together a working group to ensure that the event is truly customer-led and that it’s as enjoyable and accessible as it can be. They’re looking for people who can volunteer for a 6 month period between October and March. Naturally as this event is taking place in Northern Ireland, it could be a great opportunity for anyone who hails from my part of the world. But anyone with an interest in event planning is welcome to apply. 

To be part of this project, please contact Rosie Edge: [email protected] with your name, email address and details of what attracted you to this opportunity.

We run focus groups throughout the year here at RNIB. The aim of these focus groups is to shine a light on the issues that really matter to blind and partially sighted people. The insights that we uncover in these groups will shape the work of RNIB. Each season, we’ll have a different theme. This Autumn, our theme has been technology. 

We run most of the groups online, but for people based in and around Manchester, there is a face-to-face group which will be running on Tuesday 10 October in the St Thomas Centre at Ardwick Green North. This focus group is all about your experiences of progressive technology, including AI, wearables and advanced apps. We’ll also be talking about what the future of technology has in store for blind and partially sighted people. We’re looking for participants who are confident in the use of technology.

The RNIB is also looking for participants for next season’s round of online focus groups, and the theme is going to be sight loss and your emotional wellbeing. And you must be comfortable talking about your mental health and the effect that sight loss has had on you. We’ll also be talking about any support you may have received along the way, as well as any solutions you’ve found to help you take care of yourself. 

If you’d like to sign up or just find out more info, you can call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 and ask to sign up to the Voice of the Customer Focus Groups. You can also email [email protected]. 

To find out more about these Connect Voices opportunities and how you can get involved with RNIB Connect Voices do visit-

https://www.rnib.org.uk/connect-community/connect-voices-network/connect-voices-current-opportunities

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