Useful contacts for volunteers

Thank you for volunteering with the Macular Society.

This guide will help you find the right team to contact. If you are ever unsure who can help, please contact the Volunteer and group support team and they will make sure your enquiry reaches the right person.

Who can help?

I need help with...

• Volunteer enquiries, recruitment or training: Volunteer support team
• My local support group or promoting a local event: Group support team
• Volunteer expenses or group finances: Finance team
• Information about macular disease: Helpline
• Feeling isolated or wanting someone to talk to: Befriending service or Counselling service
• Technology support: Connect by tech
• Membership or donations: Membership and donations
• Leaving a gift in my Will: Gifts in Wills
• Media related enquiries: PR and content team

Community networks team

The community networks team supports volunteers, local groups and community services across the UK.

Volunteer and group support team

The volunteer and group support team are the main point of contact for volunteers and local groups.

The team can help with:

• Volunteer enquiries and support
• Local group support and administration
• Volunteer recruitment
• Volunteer learning and training
• Volunteer communications
• General guidance and signposting

If you are unsure who to contact, this is the best place to start.

Contact:
Phone: 01264 560 259
Email: volunteersupport@macularsociety.org 
Email: groupsupport@macularsociety.org

Community engagement team

The community engagement team works across the UK to build relationships and connections within local communities. Community engagement managers work together as one team and may support volunteers and groups depending on local knowledge, projects or specific community needs.

They work with:

• NHS services and governing bodies
• Partner organisations
• Community groups and charities
• Local networks and services
• Professionals supporting people affected by sight loss and macular disease.

The team helps:

• Develop partnerships within local communities
• Build relationships with organisations and services
• Understand local community needs
• Support more complex situations where local knowledge or relationship building is needed.

Usually you won't contact this team directly. If your enquiry involves one of the above issues, the volunteer and group support team can introduce you to the appropriate community engagement manager.

Community development

Community development focuses on developing and improving volunteer-led peer support and community services across the UK.

This includes:

• Developing new volunteer opportunities
• Improving support for volunteers and groups
• Reviewing guidance, processes and resources
• Gathering feedback and insight
• Helping ensure services remain sustainable, accessible and fit for the future.

Head of community networks

The head of community networks provides leadership for volunteer-led peer support and community services across the UK and works with teams across the Society to ensure volunteers, local groups and communities are supported effectively.

Responsible for:

• Leading community networks
• Developing and improving volunteer-led services
• Shaping future opportunities and community initiatives
• Using volunteer and community feedback to improve services
• Supporting the development of safe, sustainable and accessible services.

Support services

Helpline and counselling service

For Information, advice, emotional support and counselling for people affected by macular disease.

Phone: 0300 3030 111
Email: help@macularsociety.org 

Befriending service

Regular telephone support for people affected by macular disease who may be feeling isolated or would like someone to talk to.

Phone: 01264 326 622
Email: befriending@macularsociety.org

Skills for seeing

One-to-one support to help people make the best use of their sight and maintain their independence.

Phone: 0300 3030 111
Email: skills@macularsociety.org 

Connect by tech

One-to-one support to help people use technology with confidence and stay connected, informed and independent.

Phone: 0300 3030 111
Email: volunteersupport@macularsociety.org 

Finance and administration

Finance team

The finance team can help with volunteer expenses, group finance queries, payments, banking arrangements and questions about managing group funds.

Phone: 01264 560 229
Email: finance@macularsociety.org 

Membership and donations

For membership enquiries, donations, fundraising payments and general questions about the Macular Society.

Phone: 01264 350 987
Email: info@macularsociety.org

Gifts in Wills

Information and support for anyone considering leaving a gift to the Macular Society in their Will.

Phone: 01264 322 410
Email: legacy@macularsociety.org

Macular Society online shop

For greeting cards, stationery and seasonal products. Every purchase helps support the work of the Macular Society.

Phone: 01264 560 237
Visit the online shop

Communications

PR and content team

For support with local publicity, promoting events, sharing success stories and engaging with local media.

Phone: 01264 321 987
Email: To promote your local group or event: groupsupport@macularsociety.org
            To share a good news story: stories@macularsociety.org