A volunteer is needed to help run a leading sight-loss charity support group in Croydon which helps people affected by macular disease.
Offers of help: the Macular Society needs volunteers to help run its regular support group
The Macular Society Croydon Support Group gets together every second Monday of the month, at Croydon Vision, Bedford Hall, 72-74 Wellesley Road, CR0 2AR.
The south London-based group, overseen by sight-loss charity the Macular Society, is welcome to everyone, be that new or existing members, those newly diagnosed with macular disease, their family, friends and carers.
Volunteers help to run and co-ordinate the group meetings, such as arranging guest speakers and days out.
Former group leader Regan Ruther stood down after moving away from the area, though she continues to volunteer with the Macular Society.
The former ophthalmic nurse, who has since been diagnosed with macular disease herself, said: “When people first come to a group that alone is a big step for them. It’s being able to speak to other people who you can then be open with and relate to because you all have issues related to your sight.
“People begin to feel more confident, they buddy up and it becomes a confidence thing; people rediscover their confidence because that is something you can lose when you can’t see as clearly as you once did.
“I’ve learned a lot of things about what to do and what not to do with someone who is blind, all sorts of things, and it’s been great fun. I just love helping people, and giving something back.”
Regan added: “The group offers a lot for people and it shows life isn’t too bad if you can find ways around things with macular disease.”
Shalini Nanayakkara, Macular Society’s London volunteer manager, said: “The difference that our volunteers make to the lives of many macular disease patients is really beyond measure. Training is provided, and expenses are covered. So, if you have some free time and would be willing to help out, we would love to hear from you.
“We know the peer support can be so helpful and our groups can really help people increase in confidence and become more independent.”
Along with the loss of central vision, macular disease is a currently incurable disease that has a devastating impact on other aspects of people’s physical and mental well-being. People often liken the loss of their sight to bereavement – it steals their independence, and their ability to see the faces of their loved ones, adding to their social isolation and feelings of loneliness.
Nearly 1.5million people are affected and many more are at risk. The disease can have a devastating effect on people’s lives, leaving them unable to drive, read or see faces. There is still no cure and most types of the disease are not treatable. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common form of macular disease, affecting more than 700,000 people, usually over the age of 50.
If you would like to become a volunteer, please email Shalini.Nanayakkara@macularsociety.org or call the Macular Society regarding volunteering on 01264 560 259.
For more information about the other services available from the Macular Society please call 0300 3030 111, email help@macularsociety.org or visit www.macularsociety.org
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