A new, vital support group to help reduce loneliness and isolation among people living with sight loss across Wales have been set up by a leading national charity.
The telephone support groups, run by the Macular Society, meet by phone every week as a dial-in service, for people unable to attend face-to-face support groups which are operated in towns and cities across the country.
The new telephone support groups will meet at the following times:
- First Wednesday of the month, between 11am-12pm. English speaking
- Second Wednesday of the month, between 2-3pm. Welsh speaking
- Third Wednesday of the month, between 2–3pm. English speaking
- Fourth Wednesday of the month, 11am-12pm. English speaking
In just an hour, the telephone support group meetings offer information, encouragement and friendship to people affected by macular disease and other sight loss conditions across Wales.
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.
Adele Francis, Senior Regional Manager for South Wales, said: “I’m really proud and excited with the launch of these new telephone support groups. 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 support from others who are going through similar to them.
“We know the peer support can be so helpful and our groups can really help people increase in confidence and become more independent.”
To join these calls, which are charged at your local rate, please contact Adele on 07494468007 or email [email protected]
For more information on macular disease, call the Macular Society on 0300 3030 111 or email [email protected]
