A NEW support group for people in Malvern affected by macular degeneration has been given the mayoral seal of approval.
Mayor Councillor Cynthia Palmer officially opened the new group when it met for the first time on Monday (April 10) at the town’s library.
The group has been launched to help increase the confidence and independence of people living locally who have macular disease.
It has been set up by the Macular Society in partnership with local people and offers information, encouragement and friendship.
Coun Palmer has been involved with the Macular Society since being diagnosed with macular degeneration herself three years ago.
In her spare time, she volunteers for the charity and recently became one of its Gadget Guide trainers.
The role sees her demonstrating a range of low vision aids and gadgets, designed to make everyday tasks easier.
Coun Palmer said: “Since I was diagnosed myself, I’ve found that there are a number of people living in and around Malvern who have macular conditions, so I knew there was a need for a support group locally.
“It was lovely to see so many people at the first meeting.
“What was most pleasing was seeing everyone sharing their experiences and giving tips to each other on some of the things they’ve done to adapt to their sight loss and make their day-to-day lives easier, such as recommending useful pieces of equipment that help them with simple everyday tasks.
“I’m very excited about the future of the group and I really hope that we get as many people from the local area using it as possible.”
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the central vision and is the most common cause of sight loss in the UK, affecting more than 600,000 people.
More people are affected as our population ages.
Macular Society regional manager Amanda Read said: “Coun Palmer has been instrumental in helping set this group up, so we’re delighted she was able to come and launch it, and we’re extremely grateful for her ongoing support.
“It’s vital that groups like ours exist.
“Whether you’ve had a macular condition for a long time, or if you’ve just been diagnosed, it really does help to know there are people out there who are going through the same experiences and fully understand your situation.
“As well as being able to find out about the latest support, treatments and research into macular disease, the groups are also just a great meeting place where you can have a chat with friends over a cup of tea or coffee.”
The Malvern Macular Support Group meets on the second Monday of every month, from 2pm to 4pm at Malvern Library, Graham Road.
For more information on the group or macular degeneration, call the Macular Society’s helpline on 0300 3030 111 or email [email protected].
