Volunteers are needed to help run a sight loss charity support group which helps people affected by macular disease in West Cumbria.
The Macular Society West Cumbria Support Group gets together on the first Friday of each month, from 1pm to 3pm at The Emmanuel Church, in Moor Row, near Whitehaven,
The local group, overseen by sight loss charity the Macular Society, welcomes everyone including those newly diagnosed with macular disease, their family, friends and carers.
Volunteers help to run and co-ordinate the group meetings.
Lucinda Hardy, volunteer and group support manager at the Macular Society, 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 wellbeing.
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 1.5 million people are currently 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 is the most common form of macular disease, affecting more than 700,000 people, usually over the age of 50.
To become a volunteer, contact Lucinda on 01264 560 259 or email [email protected]
