Development of a national Carers' Strategy

Ministry of Social Development and the Carers' Alliance, National

The Ministry of Social Development and the Carers' Alliance, a network of 43 non-government organisations, are working together to improve support for family and other informal carers through the development of a national Carers' Strategy.

When we talk about carers in this context, we're referring to family and other informal carers who provide routine and ongoing unpaid support for friends, family or whânau members who because of ill health, disability, old age or mental health issues cannot manage everyday living without help and support.

The Ministry of Social Development and the Carers Alliance are seeking widespread feedback from carers, the people they support and the wider community to identify the immediate priorities for change that will most improve the quality of life of carers.

The consultation will contribute to the first ever national strategy for carers, which will be developed by April 2008. An Action Plan will also be developed to support the Strategy.

The consultation document and information about the consultation process are available on the Ministry of Social Development website:
http://www.msd.govt.nz/work-areas/cross-sectoral-work/carers-strategy/#documents

The Carers Alliance is holding public meetings around the country as part of the consultation process. The dates of these meetings are available on the Carers New Zealand's website:
http://www.carers.org.nz/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=377&mode=thread&catid=0&order=0&thold=0

The consultation period ends on 14 September 2007

Contact person Carers' Strategy
Postal address Ministry of Social Development PO Box 1556 Wellington
Phone
Email carersstrategy@msd.govt.nz
Submitted by Ns