news and events

A Guide for Carers launched by the Ministry of Social Development 

The Ministry of Social Development has just published A Guide for Carers. This resource was launched by Hon Tariana Turia, Minister for Disability Issues and Associate Minister of Social Development and Employment at the recent Carers Conference.

The Guide was developed as the need for clear and simple information was identified as an action area of the Carers Strategy, a cross agency initiative that the Ministry of Health is part of. Several of the sections deal with supports funded by the Disability Support Services Group, HDNS (e.g. respite care, equipment and modifications) or DHB support services for older people or mental illness or drug or alcohol issues. It also has useful sections on financial assistance, Special Education assistance and ACC etc as well.

MSD plans to distribute the Guide widely. It has a flyer in English and Maori with key contacts.

If you have access to a computer and the internet you can download the Guide from the MSD website and you can click on http://www.msd.govt.nz/what-we-can-do/community/carers/index.html   to print a copy. 

If you don’t have computer access, you can ask any Work and Income office for a copy.  You can also obtain copies from Disability Information Centers and from any NASC (needs assessment and Service Coordination Agency funded by the Disability Services Directorate or the District Health Boards.