A range of telephone and online services have been introduced by the Macular Society in order to continue providing support to people living with macular disease during the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
All face to face services have been suspended by the charity including peer support group meetings in order keep members, volunteers and those using the services safe.
Telephone conference support groups have been set up that will be run by the Macular Society’s regional managers and are open to anyone living with macular disease, as well as their families and friends.
Cathy Yelf, chief executive of the Macular Society, said: ‘In an unprecedented situation like this health and wellbeing must always come first. However, it’s absolutely vital that everyone who needs our support continues to receive it.’
Yelf explained that the telephone groups will provide support in the same way its face to face meetings do, offering help in understanding macular disease and living with sight loss.
‘They will also help us to ensure that everyone is kept up to date with all the current news and information. Most importantly, they will allow people with macular disease to continue to take part in social activities, helping to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation during these difficult times,’ she said.
Regional managers at the Macular Society have set up individual social media accounts on Facebook and Twitter so that members can contact them.
In addition, the charity has recruited 20 volunteers for its telephone service, which provides a friendly ear to people affected by macular disease.
