RNIB Connect

The Eye Believe Podcast is a collective of blind and partially sighted individuals from different cultural backgrounds coming together to discuss and share their unique experiences of sight loss on a range of powerful topics from their own personal perspectives along with how the community around them sees them as visually impaired people.
RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Ashrafia Choudhury, the founder of Eye Believe, to find out more about how Eye Believe came about and the set up of the podcast, some examples of the topics that have been covered in the podcast, what Ashrafia would like people to come away with after catching the Eye Believe Podcast on Connect Radio and how the podcast has helped to change attitudes to sight loss within her community too. 
The first episode of the Eye Believe Podcast will be broadcast on RNIB Connect Radio on Tuesday 17 February at 7pm, repeated Saturday 21 February at 8pm with future episodes going out on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7pm and repeated on the 3rd Saturday of the month at 8pm.
You can subscribe to the Eye Believe Podcast by searching for ‘Eye Believe BlindPod’ on Spotify, follow EyeBeleiveBlindPod on Instagram and to reach Ashrafia and the rest of the collective behind the podcast do email [email protected].   
Image shows the Eye Believe logo: The words 'Eye Believe' written in bold black letters with 'Empower, Inspire, Share' written underneath in smaller writing. A drawing at the top is of an eye with orange rays beaming down behind the text on a beige background.

RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell sits down with Simon Antrobus, CEO of RNIB, for a look at some of the big stories coming from the UK sight loss charity.
This week Simon chats settling into his new position as RNIB Chief Executive, engaging with RNIB staff, and what work he'll focus on over the coming months.
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 also call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or ask your Amazon smart speaker to call RNIB's Helpline.
#RNIBConnect
Image shows Simon smiling for the camera. He is a white man with neat, short fair hair, dressed in a white shirt and charcoal suit jacket.

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 week we are looking at what might be someones first experience of theatre with two great family shows, Robin Hood at the Birmingham Hippodrome and Aladdin at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre to find out how a pantomime comes to live with AD for an accessible experience that can be shared with the whole family too.
About Robin Hood - 
The ultimate sheriff-busting pantomime extravaganza.
Join TV fashionista, DJ and radio star Gok Wan as Gok Scarlet, Birmingham panto favourite Matt Slack as Robin Hood, Faye Tozer as Maid Marion and Matt Cardle as the dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham. The all star line-up is completed by Andrew Ryan as Henrietta Hood, Sandra Marvin as The Spirit of Sherwood, and pantomime royalty Christopher Biggins who makes a special appearance as King Richard.
With stunning scenery and dazzling costumes direct from The London Palladium, Robin Hood promises all the ingredients of a perfect pantomime: laugh-out-loud comedy, bundles of audience participation, astonishing special effects, and plenty of boos and hisses for the whole family to enjoy.
About Aladdin - 
Join Aladdin on a spectacular quest from humble beginnings to riches beyond his wildest dreams! With a magical lamp, the help of a trusty genie and three wishes, only he can take on the evil sorcerer Abanazar! Can he conquer the cave of wonders and who will win the heart of the princess in the most spellbinding battle of good versus evil!?
Join West End leading lady Zoe Birkett (Pop Idol/Moulin Rouge The Musical/The Bodyguard) as Spirit of the Ring, Michael Greco (EastEnders/The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes) as the evil Abanazar and CBeebies’ Ben Cajee as Aladdin in the ultimate pantomime adventure for all the family!
Returning favourites Tam Ryan (Wishee Washee) and Ian Adams (Widow Twankey) are joined by Wolverhampton’s own Sofie Anné as Princess Jasmine, West End star Duane Gooden as the Genie and panto legend Ian Billings as The Notary!

With support from Thomas Pocklington Trust, there are now more than twenty-five volunteer-led Sight Loss Councils across the UK. Hywel Davies caught up with the team behind the new ‘Sight Loss Council Cymru’ to hear more.
For more information, visit the Sight Loss Council Cymru website - Wales - Sight Loss Council

Bees are buzzing and Grey Herons are with us! Amelia returns to explore the many celebrations in February and share some returning friends from nature.
Learn more about the nature you can enjoy each month on the RSPB website - RSPB Bird & Wildlife Conservation Charity 
Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.