A sight loss support group forced to shut last year due to a shortage of volunteers has been relaunched.

The Macular Society's Croydon branch, which offers information and friendship to people with age-related macular degeneration, will meet on March 12.

It was reborn with the help of the charity Croydon Vision and local volunteers.

Annette Gahlings, aged 76, from Warlingham, attended the group's meetings before they stopped. She said: "I’ve had a macular dystrophy for quite a long time. It can be very frustrating.

"It was difficult to give up driving and become more reliant on other people.

“I’m pleased the group is being re-launched. I think it’s a very good idea.

"There were a lot of people who were disappointed when it stopped. We had a number of interesting speakers and I enjoyed going along.   

“The group gives people an opportunity to meet others in a similar position and discuss the problems they are having with their sight."

Tom McInulty, Macular Society group support and development manager, said: "This group is here for anybody affected by macular degeneration. we want to encourage people to come along. 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 will meet 10am-12pm at St. Andrew’s Church, Southbridge Road, Croydon.

Age-related macular degeneration, which affects central vision, is the most common form of sight loss in the UK, affecting more than 500,000 people.


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