RNIB Connect

‘The Coming of Age’ at The Wellcome Collection explores experiences and perceptions of ageing and asks how societies can adapt for us all to age better.

They are hosting Lights Up and Audio Described Tours of the exhibition, have large print guides and a digital higlights tour available online.

Amelia speaks to Jake Blackavar and Anja Richardson from The Wellcome Collection about the exhibition themes, some stand out pieces and access.

Learn more about the exhibition and access on the Wellcome Collection website - The Coming of Age | Wellcome Collection

Our Toby Davey recently caught up with Ken to find out what the show is all about, some of the themes that have featured on the show so far, what it has been like for Ken presenting the show and working with Barry Snell on putting the show together each week and maybe a hint of the theme for the 100th episode of the Mix Tape.

You can catch the Mix Tape show here on RNIB Connect Radio Mondays at 8pm and on Sundays at 1pm or catch the latest episode online - https://www.rnib.org.uk/connect-radio/rnib-connect-radio-shows/mix-tape/ 

Image shows Ken inside the radio studio smiling for a photo. He has big studio headphones on his head and an even bigger smile on his face. He's wearing a light green button down shirt.

There’s an exciting opportunity to join the team behind the UK’s largest producer of official statistics. Hywel Davies has been finding out about a new work placement scheme with The Office for National Statistics.

Each month, RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell is joined by some of RNIB Northern Ireland’s Campaigns Team to discuss some of the big projects they’re working on.

This month’s topics include work on accessible voting and the charity Manifesto for next year’s elections and a transport hub accessibility launch.

If you’d like to find out more, or get involved in campaigning, email [email protected]
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Each month RNIB Connect Radio speaks to the Policy and Campaigns Team from RNIB Cymru. This month, we hear about the letter RNIB Cymru has sent to the new Cabinet Minister for Health in Wales and the ‘Pathways in Practice’ sessions that are taking place all over the country.

For more information on the work of RNIB Cymru's Policy and Campaigns Team, visit the website - Policy - Wales - RNIB Cymru campaigns I RNIB | RNIB

Each week, on RNIB Connect Radio we sit down with Simon Antrobus, CEO of RNIB, to look at some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity.

This week Simon began by reflecting on the increase in the availability of audio description for many of the 2026 Football World Cup games on television for blind and partially sighted fans.  Then to the reception on Wednesday 17 June at the House of Commons hosted by Marsha de Cordova, Labour MP for Battersea that brought together people from across the sight loss sector and Eye Care Health service to launch a new training package sponsored by the RNIB, hosted on the Royal College of Ophthalmologist's’ Inspire platform for Clinicians working within Eye health to raise awareness around the importance of emotional support at the point of diagnosis for people affected by sight loss. Plus a couple of other important events at the Houses of Parliament for the RNIB this week too.

If you, or someone you know, would like information on the support and services available from RNIB, go to www.rnib.org.uk
You can call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999
Or ask your Amazon smart speaker to call RNIB's Helpline.
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Time to catch up with the latest work from RNIB Scotland's Campaigns Team.

This month, RNIB Connect Radio's Paulina Kuchorew is joined by Kirstie Henderson to chat tactile paving at train stations across Scotland, free travel for companions and more.

If you’d like to find out more, or get involved in campaigning visit: Read about RNIB Scotland's campaigns | RNIB or call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999.

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RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the channel Islands for another audio described theatre review.

This time we have a bold, uplifting celebration of ambition, transformation and self-discovery as the current tour of ‘Frankie Goes to Bollywood’ visited the Birmingham Repertory Theatre with description by Professional Audio Describer Carolyn Smith. 

About ‘Frankie Goes to Bollywood’

After a smash-hit UK tour, Frankie Goes to Bollywood returns - bigger, bolder, and bursting with Bollywood glamour.

Ordinary suburban Frankie never dreamed of stardom until a chance encounter sweeps her from gritty, grey Huddersfield to the glittering fever-dream world of Bollywood.

As she climbs the shimmering staircase of fame, Frankie must decide what she is willing to risk for fortune, family and belonging.

With handsome heroes, delicious villains and billowing saris, this is a funny and fearless tale of being British in Bollywood.

Featuring explosive choreography, lavish costumes and pulsing songs, this feel-good musical bursts with ambition and heart - a joyful celebration of love, courage, self-discovery and pure theatrical sparkle. 

For more about access at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre do visit - https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/your-visit/accessibility/

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On Wednesday 17 June 2026 in the Thames Pavilion at the House of Commons Marsha de Cordova, Labour MP for Battersea hosted an event that brought together people from across the sight loss sector and Eye Care Health service to launch a new training package sponsored by the RNIB, hosted on the Royal College of Ophthalmologist's’ Inspire platform for Clinicians working within Eye health to raise awareness around the importance of emotional support at the point of diagnosis.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was there for the launch event and caught up with RNIB Chair of Trustees Anna Tylor.

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On Wednesday 17 June 2026 in the Thames Pavilion at the House of Commons Marsha de Cordova, Labour MP for Battersea hosted an event that brought together people from across the sight loss sector and Eye Care Health service to launch a new training package sponsored by the RNIB, hosted on the Royal College of Ophthalmologist's’ Inspire platform for Clinicians working within Eye health to raise awareness around the importance of emotional support at the point of diagnosis.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was there for the launch event and caught up with Professor Mhairi Thurston who is visually impaired and helped with the set up of the training package.

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