A new support group has been launched in Bridlington for people affected by Macular disease.
This week is Macular awareness week, it's a condition that affect one and a half million people in the UK, leading to a loss of central vision.
Vicky Thompson has helped set up the support group in Bridlington, and says it's a great resource for the town.
The support group, run by leading sight loss charity the Macular Society, meets in person on the fourth Friday every other month at Bridlington Community Hub, 2A Marshall Avenue, Bridlington, YO15 2DS.
The next group meeting, which is a chance for social interaction with local people, takes place between 10.30am - 12pm today (28 June) with future meetings planned for 23 August, 25 October, and 6 December in 2024.
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.
Vicky Thompson is from the the Macular Society and says it's fitting that the latest meeting sits in Macular awareness week.
Macular disease is the biggest cause of sight loss in the UK. 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. 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.
Vicky Thompson, added:
“I’m really proud and excited with the launch of this new group for people living in and around the area of Bridlington. I know from experience of our other support groups in the country, that people who have been diagnosed with a sight loss condition do rely on them for socialising and support.
“The local group is not only welcome to new members who have been diagnosed with macular disease, but also their family, friends and carers. We know the peer support can be so helpful and our groups can really help people increase in confidence and become more independent.”
For more information about the Bridlington Macular Group, to become a volunteer, or to confirm your attendance for the next group meeting, please contact VickyThompson on 07376398916 or email vicky.thompson@macularsociety.org
Anyone in the Yorkshire area unable to attend their local support group in person can join a monthly telephone support group, held every second Tuesday between 2-3pm. Call the Macular Society groups admin team on 01264 560 259 to find out more.
For more information on macular disease, call the Macular Society on 0300 3030 111 or email help@macularsociety.org
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