Meeting date for Macular Society support group

THE Loughborough Macular Society Support Group’s next meeting is on Wednesday, February 12, from 2pm - 4pm, at the Forest Room, John Storer House, Ward’s End, Loughborough.

It will then meet at the same time and location on the second Wednesday of each month.

The February meeting will be the group’s first under its new leader, Anne Hebblethwaite, who will be taking over the running of the group in the New Year.

The sight loss charity the Macular Society, together with local people, organises the group, which aims to offer information, encouragement and friendship to people who are affected by macular disease and other sight loss conditions.

The society says that Macular disease is the biggest cause of sight loss in the UK. Nearly 1.5m 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.

Many people affected describe losing their sight as being similar to bereavement.

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 600,000 people, usually over the age of 50.

Paul Holden, Macular Society regional manager, said: “This group is here for anybody affected by macular disease and we want to encourage people to come along. Friends and family are also very welcome.

“It’s good to be able to learn from each other’s experiences and get tips. The peer support can be so helpful. Our groups can really help people increase in confidence and become more independent.

“The group invites guest speakers on a variety of subjects, including macular conditions and their impact on our daily lives. The meetings are also social occasions where we can chat over a cup of tea.”

For more information about the Loughborough Macular Society Support Group, please contact Paul Holden on 07769 494 087 or email paul.holden@ macularsociety.org

For more information on macular disease, call the Macular Society on 0300 3030 111 or email help@macularsociety.org