A SIGHT loss charity is calling for volunteers to help out at a Kidderminster-based support group for people with macular disease.

The Macular Society is appealing for anyone living locally who would be willing to give up some of their time to assist at the group’s meetings, with help from the charity’s services and volunteering team.

The Kidderminster Macular Support Group meets on the second Wednesday of every month from 10.30am to 12pm at the Corn Exchange in Vicar Street, Kidderminster.

It is one of more than 400 groups of its kind in the UK offering vital information, encouragement and friendship to people who are affected by macular disease.

The group will hold its next meeting on Wednesday, February 13.

Macular disease is the biggest cause of blindness in the UK. The disease can have a devastating effect on people’s lives, leaving them unable to drive, read or see faces.

There is still no cure and most types of the disease are not treatable.

Amanda Read, Macular Society regional manager, said: “The Kidderminster Macular Support Group provides a real lifeline for people living locally with sight loss. The peer support offered by the groups is absolutely vital – it’s incredibly reassuring for people to know that there are others who truly understand their situation.

“With around 300 people in the UK being diagnosed with macular disease every day, the existence of our support groups has never been more important. No prior experience of macular disease is needed – just excellent organisational skills, lots of enthusiasm and a passion for helping to make a difference to peoples’ lives.

“Support will be available for all new volunteers as they learn their new roles, from myself and our services and volunteering team. If you have some free time and would be willing to help out, we would love to hear from you.”

For more information about the Kidderminster Macular Support Group, contact Amanda Read on 01453 755 803 or 07432 700 478, or via email on amanda.read@macularsociety.org.

For general information on macular disease, call the Macular Society’s Helpline on 0300 3030 111 or email help@macularsociety.org.