Peer support group leaders and group volunteers

Helping to run a peer support group in your local community

Across the UK, local Macular Society groups offer practical and emotional peer support for people with macular disease. They’re open to anyone who has macular disease, their friends, family members and supporters. Our groups provide information and new friendships to people with macular disease, and their family and friends.

Groups typically meet monthly and invite guest speakers, run tele-conferences or social events, arrange outings and holidays, fundraise, help raise awareness of macular disease, get involved in campaigns and work with local eye care professionals.

Most of all, they’re a chance for people with macular disease to spend time with other people in the same boat – to sympathise, share stories, and take courage from each other.

Apply for a volunteer role

How can I help?

Our wonderful group volunteers work together as a team to ensure the smooth running of the group. No one person is responsible, which helps to lighten the load. They might make tea and coffee at group meetings, collect meeting fees or help organise outings and social events.

Some take part in awareness events or run virtual meetings via tele-conferencing calls – it all depends on the help the group requires, and how much time volunteers have to give. You don’t need to have a macular condition or sight loss; empathy and an understanding of its impact will help you to provide the best support.

Tasks shared by volunteers may include:

Meet and greet – welcoming members and guests, sharing information, wrapping things up at the end of the meeting.
Group programme – organising guest speakers and suggesting social activities.
Keeping in touch with group members.
Maintaining a list of members and sharing updates with head office.
Organising and/or serving tea and coffee.
Helping prepare for group meetings.

Time commitment

Most of our groups meet monthly. Two to three hours is all we need each month, with flexibility if things change for you.

“That was the best thing that happened to me. Getting involved with that support group. It gave me the feeling that it wasn’t the end of the world. I could contribute, I could do things. It really gave me a boost."

Charlie Bennett, volunteer