RNIB Connect

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.
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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.
#RNIBConnect
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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.
(Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underlined with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font)

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.
(Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underlined with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font)