You may be aware that in April this year I announced that the Government would develop a Carers’ Strategy in partnership with the New Zealand Carers Alliance.

This will be a Strategy for people who provide unpaid support to friends, family or whānau members who because of ill health, disability or old age cannot manage everyday living without help and support.

In July I launched a public consultation process in partnership with the Carers Alliance. The consultation document Caring for New Zealand Carers sought feedback from carers, the people they support and the wider public on the vision for a Carers’ Strategy and priorities for change.

The consultation process closed on 14 September and we had a wonderful response. Over 1000 people attended meetings, more than 190 people or organisations submitted a written response and over 450 people filled in a short survey on their priorities.

I would like to say thank you to everyone who participated and to all the organisations who were involved in holding meetings. Caring affects every one of us and consultation is vital in building a shared vision for the future.

The feedback is currently being analysed by the Ministry of Social Development in partnership with the Carers Alliance and other government agencies.

I look forward to seeing the results. A final Carers’ Strategy will be delivered in April 2008.

Ruth Dyson

In the attached issue of Participate:

Policy Updates. 

• NZSL in Curriculum.
• Research and publications.
• The Health Research Council.

New Initiatives. 

• Launch of Inclusive Education Action Group website
• Local Government Elections.
• District Health Boards.
• Lottery Grants Board and Lottery Distribution Committees.

Congratulations!