Hobart Macular Degeneration Support Group
Carol and Tony Cane set out to provide a venue for people with MD to come together; specifically, in the first instance to talk and share experiences.
To gauge the interest of the people with MD living in Hobart area, the group started with a meeting in December 2003 with over 30 people attending.
The support group is growing and strengthening, with the core group coming to most of the meetings and many others attending when they are able. The smallest number was 12 (on a cold winters day) and in contrast, nearly 100 to hear Dr. Paul Beaumont in November 2005. There are over a hundred and fifty people with Macular Degeneration on the Support Group mailing list, but many are unable to attend for a variety of reasons; mainly lack of transport, medical appointments and failing health. Some family members do attend regularly as well.
Isolation has been cited as one of the major problems for people with MD; this refers to emotional as well as physical difficulties. Members’ inability to be independent in all the little tasks that we take for granted is a particular concern because this impacts on their relationships as well as their day to day living.
Providing help even in a small way is very rewarding, moral support validates feelings and fears can be alleviated at times.
Reaching out to people with MD living outside the Hobart metropolitan area and those living in hostels and in care is of special interest.
The Hobart Macular Degeneration Support Group.
Our Vision:
Our aim is to be a happy, positive, mutually supportive Group, which listens and reaches out to those people who desire it.
Our Mission for the MD Support Group
To provide a convenient and friendly venue for people with Macular Degeneration, their families and carers/friends to meet.
- To meet regularly; 11 times a year at this stage, between the months of January and November, on the last Tuesday of the month.
- To give members opportunities to meet with other people who have MD. This would hopefully lead to sharing experiences, and in turn to provision mutual support.
- Provide a forum to voice concerns about community matters, both individually and collectively.
- To invite Health and other professional people to meetings for the benefit of the group members.
- To source aids and services that may be of benefit to members of the group, and/or that may be requested by the members.
- To grow with the group in a constructive and positive way.