Our community networks team

Over the past year, the Macular Society has been strengthening how we support people affected by macular disease across the UK. A central part of this work has been the introduction of our community networks team – bringing together expertise in local support, partnership working and community engagement.

The team’s focus is simple: to ensure members can access trusted support, meaningful connections and reliable information – whether locally or nationally.

Throughout this period, we have continued to meet regularly with volunteers through online sessions and open Q&As, including conversations with our chief executive, Ed Holloway; director of services, Jessica Kirby; and head of community networks, Maria van de Vorst. These discussions have helped shape how the team works today, and ongoing dialogue remains an important part of how we listen and learn together.

How the community networks team supports you

The team is organised around three closely connected areas, each designed to strengthen peer support and community connections across the UK.

Community engagement

This part of the team focuses on building and maintaining relationships with hospitals, eye clinics, local services and partner organisations. By working collaboratively at both national and regional levels, the Society helps raise awareness of macular disease, improves access to support, and ensures local needs are reflected in wider planning.

Community engagement also helps maintain strong links with local groups, ensuring members stay connected to both local and national networks.

Volunteer and group support

This area provides practical, day-to-day support to local groups and volunteers – helping with coordination, communication and guidance so groups can run smoothly.

The aim is to provide a consistent point of support behind the scenes, allowing volunteers to focus on what matters most: creating welcoming spaces for peer connection and shared experience.

Community development

Community development focuses on strengthening peer support for the future. This includes reviewing guidance, developing resources, and working collaboratively with volunteers to explore new ideas or improvements.

There is no expectation for groups to change how they operate. Instead, development work is shaped by feedback and aims to support sustainable, member-focused services over time.

Supporting local groups and national connections

Local peer support remains a cornerstone of the Macular Society. Groups across the UK provide welcoming spaces for people to share experiences, learn from one another and build friendships.

The community networks team supports these groups day to day, while also maintaining a strong national network. This ensures shared learning, consistency and access to resources that benefit members wherever they live.

Members can continue to engage with the Society in ways that suit them best – through face-to-face groups, telephone services, printed materials and digital options.

Listening and shaping the future together

The development of the community networks team has been guided by feedback from volunteers and members. Conversations over the past year have highlighted the importance of preserving local relationships while strengthening practical support.

Regular drop-ins and Q&A sessions remain central to how we share updates and gather insight. Groups are not expected to change how they operate, and any future developments will continue to be explored collaboratively.

Our long-term vision for community support

Our long-term aim is to stabilise and grow support so that more people affected by macular disease can benefit from connection, partnership and shared knowledge.

We appreciate the openness and engagement shown by volunteers and members throughout this period of change. The community networks team is here to support, collaborate and continue building strong local and national connections across the UK.

At the heart of this work is a clear priority: ensuring everyone affected by macular disease has access to welcoming, reliable support – now and into the future.