November is Diabetes Awareness Month and with 589 million adults worldwide living with the condition, this number is expect to raise to over 850 million by 2050. 

The condition comes with many complications, and with the increased pressure on NHS and healthcare systems worldwide, a new clinical trial could be a major step forward in how diabetic complications are treated.

Joining Paulina on the Happy Hour, is Stanley Kim, Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder of WinSanTor.

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We’re going to chat today about the importance of connecting with others in a similar situation as yourself.

Nathan Hood is a member of the 18 to 35 year olds peer-to-peer support group in Northern Ireland and he joined Paulina on the Happy Hour.

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Joining us on the Happy Hour is Rimple Raja, creator and host of the Unseen Adventures Podcast. 

Rimple is a mum of two teens and created the podcast as a platform to talk about sight loss, happiness, life, and everything else in between.

She spoke with RNIB Connect Radio's Paulina Kuchorew.

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From picture-perfect Instagram feeds to unsolicited advice at the school gates, many parents feel they’re under constant scrutiny.

 A new study from MAM Baby UK, as part of its “As They Grow, So Do You” campaign, reveals that almost two in three parents say they feel pressure to be a “perfect parent.” 

Joining Paulina on the Happy Hour to chat about this is Midwife, Parenting Expert and Mum of 3, Zoe Watson. 

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Trying new things following a sight loss diagnosis or changes to your vision, can be daunting.

Joining us on the Happy Hour to chat about opening yourself up to new experiences and how it can help grow your confidence, is Emmy Anstee.

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Joining us on the Happy Hour is Bruce Christie.

Bruce is a member of a weekly Football Call Group through RNIB Scotland and found that connecting with others following his sight loss diagnosis made all the difference.

To find out more about the different befriending and interest groups facilitated by RNIB, call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999.

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Following changes to her sight, Hannah Cohen discovered that she wanted to make a positive difference in the lives of those living with a disability.

Happy Hour's Paulina Kuchorew spoke with Hannah about launching her coaching business, The Insight Coach, and how she teaches self-advocacy and runs workshops for inclusivity in the workplace.

Find out more about Hannah's work: About – The Insight Coach

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International Volunteer Managers Day takes place on the 5th of November, we're talking about the important work of RNIB Volunteers and the difference they make on the lives of blind and partially sighted people.

Speaking with RNIB Connect Radio's Paulina Kuchorew, is accredited counsellor and Volunteer Mentor with RNIB’s Counselling and Wellbeing Team, Malachy McGuone.

Find out more about volunteering with RNIB here: Benefits of volunteering with us | RNIB

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On the Happy Hour this week, we bring you a sunny recommendation to warm up the colder months.

With her review of Veronica Henry's The Beach Hut, it's Beatrix.

If you're blind or partially sighted, you can access this Talking Book and more through the RNIB Library, visit: Home - Reading Services 

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We’re already in October, and as nights grow longer and darker and we enter the often-busy period leading up to holidays, we might feel a pressure to make the most of our time.

But is that really conducive to our wellbeing, and could we take a leaf out of nature’s book an approach the winding down of the year with calm and rest?

Joining us for another Off the Matt Chat is Dawn Blezard from Pathway Yoga.

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.