“We didn’t think that anyone would want to support a group like ours. The members equate charitable giving to things like drugs and young people… We were absolutely ‘gobsmacked’ to receive the funding”
The
Darlington Macular Disease Society is an entirely volunteer-led service, established
in 1999. Essentially it is a self-help group for those suffering from any
eye condition that affects the central vision by damage to the macula (a small
area of the retina at the back of the eye). The society provides information
and practical support for those with the condition so they can make the most
of their remaining vision. This group provides an invaluable service to the
visually impaired, elderly community of Darlington, many of whom have lost
their partners. Members of the organisation lack opportunities for social
interaction and the monthly meetings provide a lifeline of support.
The group plan day trips and outings as often as possible, however because of their age and disabilities the group have difficulty in raising their own funds. Our grant allowed the group to offer educational trips for its members, involving meetings with other Macular Disease Societies in and around the area. It also helped towards the cost of transport, as many of the members felt unsafe using public transport as their eyesight isn’t good enough.
We gave the society a grant of £660 for room hire, running costs, subsidised taxi fares for members and 2 outings (one educational and one social).
Not
only did the grant give the group the reassurance that they would be able
to continue for at least another 12 months but the Trips gave members confidence
in getting on and off a bus or paying for something themselves as they do
not have the eyesight or confidence to achieve this. Both trips allowed members
to browse, explore and shop in a safe environment.
“It probably doesn’t mean much to most people but
to members who can’t see the prices on goods or the coinage in their
purse or hand, the opportunity to shop in a relaxed environment was very much
appreciated. It gave them the confidence to shop at their own pace and in
their own time – a huge success for some of them”.
Macular Disease is not a well-known or publicised condition; consequently knowledge of the organisation is limited. As a direct result of this grant, referring agencies have been able to actively promote the organisation to existing and new patients. They have so far attracted 3 new members.
“It was a huge surprise and a delight to have the money. Thank you. Huge appreciation.”