Rnib Conversations

As we move from autumn into winter for this week’s check in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick it is all about how to keep safe from all the infections that seem to be around at the moment.  Elizabeth began by giving some good advice to RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey about whether it is better to wash with soap and water or use a hand gel, to then explaining how far a cough or sneeze actually travels which might shock us all. A bit of a discussion about being careful on touching contaminated surfaces and about mask wearing like we all did during the covid pandemic. Finally talking about having a good immune system and ensuring that we have are taking the right minerals and vitamins within our diet too. too.  To get in touch with Elizabeth you can email info@elizabethroddick.com or for more information visit - https://elizabethroddick.com/ Image:  Picture showing Elizabeth standing in her pharmacy, dressed in her white pharmacist coat and a colourful bandana around her neck, she's smiling.

In this episode recorded at the end of the intern day held at Thomas Pocklington Trust, Hubert spoke ot the internships team, to get their thoughts on the event, and the future of the internships programme

After Hubert spoke to the Employment team at Thomas Pocklington Trust, he found out what services are available to support the technology aspect of employment, plus also we hear about the Tech Friday events from Jonathan and Graham. 

In this podcast, during the intern day at Thomas Pocklington Trust, Hubert finds out what other support is offered by the charity along with the internship opportunities. 

In this episode, Hubert speaks to Matt, who share his sight loss story, and why he chose to apply for this internship opportunity. 

In this podcast, Hubert chats to Yemi, another intern, who shares her journey in working as a teacher, and now talks about a change of direction as part of her internship. 

In this podcast episode, Hubert hears some intern stories from the new interns at the event. 

As the firework season is here, Hubert chats to Robert from Guide Dogs, and finds out how we can best support our guide dogs during a tricky time of year. 

In this episode from the Thomas Pocklington Trust Intern Day Event, Hubert speaks to Charles Colquhoun as they reflect on the success of the internships program, how to make employment more accessible and inclusive, and his message for the currant interns and future aplicants. 

Now for a roundup of accessible arts events as RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey catches up with Jess Beal from VocalEyes, the national audio description charity providing access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people to share some of the accessible events that are featured in their regular email newsletter. Audio described shows and events included: Punch - Saturday 1 November, 2.30pm, touch tour 12.45pm, Apollo Shaftesbury Avenue, London English Touring Opera: Elixir of Love - Saturday 1 November, 7.30pm, touch tour 6.10pm, Malvern Festival Theatre Lights Up and Audio Described Tour of Thirst: In Search of Freshwater - Thursday 13 November, 3pm to 7pm, Wellcome Collection, London Titanic - The Musical, Saturday 15 November, 7.30pm, King’s Lynn Corn Exchange, Top Hat -  Saturday 15 November, 2.30pm, touch tour 1.15pm, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff To find out more about these and other up-coming described arts events as well as details on how to sign up to the regular VocalEyes What’s On

This week on Guide Dog Blogs, Hubert chats to Louise Carter. They chat about why Louise applied for her first guide dog, and about her first guide dog Faye herself and what difference Faye has made to her life. 

How can you explore making new types of art as your sight changes? Amelia spoke to artist Alan Mcintyre about what art means to him and having his work in the Edinburgh central library. You can visit the 'Touch Woods' Exhibition from the Hillside Art Group at Edinburgh Central Library until 31st October.

As we are pretty much into autumn now and with many people being asked to attend for winter vaccinations for this week’s check in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick it is all about flu and other regular vaccinations. Elizabeth began by explaining to RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey about the difference between flu and the common cold and what your local Pharmacist would recommend for someone with flu symptoms.    Then to an outline of those patients who should get the flu vaccination every year, why we need a new flu vaccine every year and where to go to get your vaccination. Ending with some advice about not going for your vaccinations if you are feeling unwell and whether it is fine to have both your flu vaccinations and your Covid boosters if you are eligible at the same time.  You will find information about booking a flu vaccination at your local Pharmacy on the following pages of the NHS website - https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/vaccination-and-booking-services/book-flu-vaccination/ To

If you are based in London, and want to find out about various products and services available to blind and partially sighted people, there's an event taking place which may be of interest. Hubert finds out more in this podcast. 

This week on Guide Dog Blogs, Hubert chats to Maureen, who talks about her retired guide dog Polly, who has very much changed her life. They also talk about Maureen's thoughts on getting another dog in the future. 

Hubert welcomes James O'Driscoll back to Guide Dog Blogs this week, as he finds out how his training, and the first few weeks with his new guide dog have been. We also find out a funny habit, and a very interesting talent of his new friend. 

Following on from the recent check in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick where we talked about vitamin D, we thought it would be good to talk further about other supplements this time. RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey began by asking Elizabeth about other supplements that might help us with Elizabeth explaining about the benefits of omega 3 and some other supplements that might be particularly good for the eyes.   Then Elizabeth highlighted the fact that some processed foods might not be giving us all the supplements that we need. We ended with some other supplement recommendations and Elizabeth pointing out that she is not an expert in nutritional supplements and always good to look for an expert if you need help and advice around supplements. Of course if you have any concerns about your eyes do contact your GP or make an appointment to see an Optician or your Consultant Ophthalmologist. To get in touch with Elizabeth you can email info@elizabethroddick.com or for more information visit - h

Now for a roundup of accessible arts events as RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey catches up with Jess Beal from VocalEyes, the national audio description charity providing access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people to share some of the accessible events that are featured in their regular email newsletter. Audio described shows and events included: Starlight Express - Fri 3 October, 7.30pm, touch tour 5.30pm, Troubadour Wembley Park, London English National Ballet: R:Evolution - Saturday 11 October, 2.30pm, Sadler’s Wells, London Clarkston - Tuesday 14 October, 7.30pm, touch tour 6pm, Trafalgar Theatre, London Here & Now - The Steps Musical, Thursday 16 October, 7.30pm, New Victoria Theatre, Woking The Lady from the Sea - Saturday 25 October, 2.30pm, Bridge Theatre, London, English Touring Opera: Elixir of Love by Gaetano Donizetti - Sunday 26 October, 4pm, touch tour 2.40pm, Buxton Opera House To find out more about these and other up-coming described arts events as well as details on

In this podcast, Hubert chats to Lauren Bateman, about how her guide dog Grace, changed her life, and finds out about her unique personality.  Image description:  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. 

If you fancy something creepy and a little bit kooky, season two of Tim Burton's Wednesday series is fully out on Netflix and available with audio description. Let's find out what Emmy thought as she caught up with the last half of the show. Image shows the poster for the show with Jenna Ortega as Wednesday Addams. In her signature sharp collared black dress and long black braids, Wednesday stares ahead unblinking with black tears streaming down her cheeks. A large white letter 'W' sits at the centre of the image with a small text below, which reads: 'Wednesday, Season 2, only on Netflix.'