RNIB

That does mean that after 7 years, we’ll be saying goodbye to our current CEO, Matt Stringer at the end of the year. Thank you for everything, Matt. Wishing you all the best for your next adventure.

Simon will continue driving forward our strategy of ensuring blind and partially sighted people can live the life they want to lead, without limits.

We can’t wait to welcome Simon to the team in the new year.

Headshot photograph of Simon Antrobus smiling for the camera. He is a white man with neat, short brown hair, dressed in a white shirt and charcoal suit jacket.

🧵We’re delighted to announce that Simon Antrobus will be our new CEO from early 2026.

Simon joins us from BBC Children in Need with a wealth of experience leading organisations that build services and drive social change, opening opportunities for individuals and communities.

Heaven is walking down a clear street. Wheelie bins are in their dedicated bin homes, A Boards aren’t blocking the pavement and the paving has been freshly laid so it’s nice and smooth on my cane.

"You’re so cool.”

Is it because I went for my two-yearly eye test and added amazing alt text to the picture of my yummy brunch (which I had as a post eye test treat)?

"Our new Seeing It Through support groups are a safe space to talk about your situation and feelings". Pink graphic with outline symbol of hands cupping a heart.

It can be helpful to talk to and hear from others who have shared experiences.
Our Seeing It Through support groups give you the chance to do exactly that, whilst being ran by a qualified counsellor.

Got questions or would like to book on to a group? Email: CWT@rnib.org.uk 💚

To add alt text or not to add alt text actually isn’t the question.

Simply click "Alt" after you've uploaded your image, write a description and post.

Images of a scene from the film Mean Girls. The top image text reads 'On October 3rd, he asked me what day it was', then on the picture below it says 'It's October 3rd, the day you start using alt text!' Both images show the character Aaron Samuels who's white with brown hair, a brown open shirt and blue t-shirt and is sitting at a school desk. Behind him is Lindsey Lohan's character Cady who is also writing notes in her book, has long fierce red hair and a grey open zip hoodie on. She's giddy and smiling as she confirms what day it is today.

What day is it?

Christmas is our favourite🎄

*blushes poetically*

Okay, here goes our attempt for #NationalPoetryDay...

We don’t rescue birds,
We don’t sail the sea,
We’re here for blind and partially sighted people,
We’re @RNIB.

New RNIB Support Groups Available RNIB are launching a new series of support groups run by qualified counsellors. Hywel Davies has been hearing about the benefits of sharing your story.

"It's just a safe therapeutic space."

Charity RNIB are launching new support groups for blind and partially sighted people run by qualified counsellors.

The groups will help connect those with shared experience and our Hywel Davies has been hearing more.

A minimalistic graphic displays bold black text on a bright yellow background, stating: “Have your say on ideas to improve post-diagnostic support.” The words “Have your say” are highlighted in a black box. In the lower right corner, a black stick figure with raised arms and a smile adds an inviting tone to the message.

We want to better understand which improvements to post-diagnosis support should be prioritised and why.

If you’ve had a sight loss diagnosis in the last five years, or are a friend or family member of someone who has, share your thoughts: http://bit.ly/4251Rt5

“Connected Together” A woman smiles warmly at a young girl beside her. Colourful purple and blue light trails across the image symbolising digital connection. The BT logo sits in the corner.

Did you know UK landlines are going digital?
We’re working with BT to raise awareness of what the switch means for blind and partially sighted people.
Learn more and get prepared: www.bt.com/about/all-ip... #BTConnectedTogether

Thank you to our panel chair Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant at @itvnews.bsky.social, and our panel speakers Sumaira Latif of Procter and Gamble, David Padmore of ITV, and Christopher Patnoe at Google.

Left to right sits Christopher Patnoe, David Padmore, Sumaira Latif, Vidar Hjardeng MBE, and Sophie from RNIB. They are sitting in front of a purple and pink gradient backdrop, which reads ‘The Inclusion Dividend’ in the top left corner and has the RNIB logo in the right. The whole room has a purple glow from the backdrop.

“Accessibility must be at the heart of any modern, forward-thinking society.”

We’ve been at the #LabourPartyConference, discussing how different skillsets and sectors, like broadcast and business, can come together to drive change on accessibility and inclusivity and make customers feel valued.

Questions about benefits, equipment, or daily life?
Call our helpline on our helpline at 0303 123 9999 or drop us an email at helpline@rnib.org.uk. No question is too small, and support is always just a call away

Aww, shucks 🤭 Thanks Charlie!

We make the internet slightly fun by adding alt text to cat memes. We also help make life easier by supporting blind and partially sighted people through our helpline. That’s real humans who’ll pick up the phone or reply to your email, answer questions, and make you feel heard while they’re at it.

A photo of the front entrance of RNIB Scotland HQ, with a black railing, tactile paving, and RNIB Scotland signage in the windows. Over the top of the image is the Doors Open Days 2025 logo.

A photo down the main corridor of the building, a tactile sign lists everything on the ground floor- including our Product and Advice centre, and everything on the lower ground floor, including our community space.

Alan, holding his folded up white cane, leans over a counter, to get a closer view of some of the magnifiers and other products in our centre.

Neil from our Social Action team demonstrates a lamp at an RNIB Scotland stall.

A reminder of Doors Open Days tomorrow! RNIB Scotland HQ at Hillside Crescent in Edinburgh will be open 10am -3pm.

Come and discover how we support blind and partially sighted people across the country. Everyone is welcome!

Get the details at: www.doorsopendays.org.uk/regions/edin...

🙀

Did you know that if you chant “add alt text” three times in the mirror, a social media manager appears behind you with a cat meme!

If you're a parent or carer, book your child's test – and give this post a like to encourage others to do the same.

'Reminder: book my little one's eye test.' An eye chart with letters in descending size with a blue background.

Almost 1 in 10 parents say they'll take their child for their first eye test if an issue crops up. What you might not know is that regular eye tests every two years are vital for kids, teens and adults alike. Because good eye health supports learning, confidence, and quality of life.

The Booker Prize shortlist books. Four are on top of stool with a mustard coloured cushion, with two above resting on a Victorian-style radiator. The spines of the books are visible. The titles and authors are The Land in Winter by Andrew Miller, Flesh by David Szaley, The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny, The Rest of Our Lives by Ben Markovits, Flashlight by Susan Choi, and Audition by Katie Kitamaru.

We've got all six books on @thebookerprizes.com shortlist free to download, and on DAISY CD and USB. 📚

Thanks to publishers @penguinrandomhouse.bsky.social, @faberbooks.bsky.social and @hachetteuk.bsky.social for their donations!

Join our Library to download or borrow: https://rnib.in/TalkingBooks

Well done, team! 😱

“Little Miss Social Media Accessibility.” A character akin to the Little Miss and Mr series smiles proudly into the camera. She has blonde hair, a purple body with a thumbs up icon on her belly and holds a phone in one hand because she’s ready to capture content or reply to a comment.

Sometimes all you need is a little reminder. That's why we're here.

rnib.in/AccessibleSocialMediaGuide

Ahhhh, there’s no better lunchtime feeling than going for a walk and all the wheely bins and A-boards aren’t blocking my route. 🙌

“It’s recommended to have an eye test at least every two years”. A yellow graphic with black text. Below is an image of a calendar with ‘Eye test!’ circled on 25 September.

Since it’s National Eye Health Week, it’s a good time to remind you to book an eye test if you’re due one 🗓
Regular eye tests are an important health check for your eyes, even if you have no problems with your vision and don't need glasses.

Have you booked yours?

Oops, that was human error. Thanks for letting us know - we’ll redo this post!