A new network will support lesbian and gay carers, as part of the work the organisation Carers NZ do to support New Zealanders caring for people affected by illness and disability. Retired occupational therapist Arafelle One will host the first discussion group meeting. She tells her personal story of caring for her long-term partner with early-onset Alzheimer's disease in ‘Family CARE' magazine's Autumn 2007 issue. “The emotional, mental and spiritual challenges are enormous,” she writes. “I know that we would not have survived without the wonderful support we received, and continue to receive, from our friends and the wider lesbian community. Something has been missing though. I have always wished to make contact with other lesbians in the same situation of caring for a partner, or perhaps another family member.” The first meeting of the NZ Lesbian and Gay Carers Network will be held as part of the Carers NZ summit on Friday 13th April at 1.15pm at Te Papa, Wellington. Wellingtonians can attend the network meeting without registering for the full summit. Contact Sara Rogers of Carers NZ to be added to the meeting list, or see the Carers NZ website for more information – at the link below. Sara Rogers, National Coordinator, Carers NZ Phone: 09 406 0412 Fax: 0832 67540 e-mail: sara@carers.net.nz PO Box 133, Mangonui, Far North 0557 Ref: Carers NZ (m)