A Leyburn-based support group, which helps to increase the confidence and independence of people living locally affected by macular disease, is set to resume its monthly meetings in January, following a break for the Christmas holidays.
The group, which is organised by leading sight loss charity the Macular Society in partnership with local people, will hold its first meeting of 2018 on Wednesday 17 January, from 10am to 11.30am, at Leyburn Community Arts Centre in Leyburn.
All subsequent meetings will be held at the same time and location on the third Wednesday of every month.
The Leyburn Macular Support Group is one of more than 350 groups of its kind in the UK offering vital information, encouragement and friendship to people who are affected by macular disease.
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.
Julie Swan, Macular Society regional manager, said: “The Leyburn Macular Support Group is here for anybody affected by macular degeneration – we want to encourage as many people to come along as possible. 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 often has 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.”
