RNIB Conversations

RNIB Connect Radio’s Barry Snell chats to blind photographer Ian Treherne, to learn about his passion for taking photographs and also about how he plans to use his own experience of isolation to raise awareness and help others….

Diabetes Week 2019 aims to raise awareness for people who don’t realise they are suffering with the condition.

RNIB Connect Radio's Barry Snell spoke with Dr Sarah Brewer and also to Jan Hudsell, who was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, to find out more.

Nigel Limb lost his sight in a sudden speedway accident in 2015. Since then Nigel has turned his life around and is back on his bike giving the wheels a well-deserved spin.  Speaking with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley, Nigel chats his most recent bike escapade at the Bridlington 'Race the Waves' event. 

(Photo shows Nigel riding his bike on a sandy beach. Photo credit: Braking Point Images)

RNIB’s Creative Making Workshops Exhibition took place last month. The workshops, ran by Natanya Mark, gave an opportunity to blind and partially sighted people to explore art through non-visual mediums. Reflecting on the exhibition, which showcased artwork from the recent workshops, Natanya explains how the project came to be and why it’s so important. Natanya spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley.  For more information email: [email protected] call the RNIB helpline on: 0303 123 9999 

It’s National Smile Month 2019 and Oral Health Foundation is urging parents to teach their children good oral health habits. Channel 4’s Celebrity dentist Dr. Uchenna Okoye and President of the Oral Health Foundation, Professor Liz Kelly MBE spoke with us about the importance of teeth in our kids’ health. Dr. Okoye and Prof. Kelly spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. For more information visit: http://www.nationalsmilemonth.org/ 

The sight loss charity East Sussex Association for Blind and Partially Sighted People (ESAB) has been recognised for its work with volunteers.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Barry Snell caught up with their Chief Executive Daniel Brookbank to find out more about the prestigious award & also to find out more about the work that the charity do.

Last few months have been busy for Dave Heeley and this week is no different as he’s flying out to take on an the 2019 Comrades Ultramarathon all the way in South Africa.

Speaking with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley, Dave explains what drives him to keep running and how his life changed since the famous seven marathons in seven days challenge.  

Follow Dave on Facebook at ‘Blind Dave Heely’ or on twitter: @blinddaveheeley

Our favourite pharmacist, New Life Pharmacy’s Elizabeth Roddick dropped by our studios to once again offer her health tips and advice. This week Elizabeth considers whether honey can be used to treat cold sores, how bad is processed food, and the importance of eye drops for treating glaucoma. Elizabeth spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. For more information visit: http://www.newlifepharmacy.co.uk/

Diagnosis of sight loss can be devastating, even more so if it's your child being diagnosed. 20 years ago Tracy Stoneman was told her son Callum had Norrie Disease, a rare genetic condition that affects vision from birth and can also lead to loss of hearing. Speaking with us Tracy explains how her family learned to live with the diagnosis and how much has changed since that initial shock many years ago.  Tracy spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. To get in touch with Tracy and Callum, email Simon at: [email protected] or visit the Norrie Disease Foundation website: https://norriedisease.org.uk/

(Photo: A close up image of a child's blue eye) 

Are paper maps accessible or is digital the way to go?  We spoke with Adventurer Sean Conway and MD of Ordnance Survey Leisure Nick Giles about the usefulness of paper maps and whether they can be just as accessible as our phones.  Sean and Nick spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. For more information visit: https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/shop/os-maps-online.html

(Photo shows two men dressed for outdoor exploration closely inspecting a map, blue sky above them)