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2 | InTouch SPRING 2025 NEWS ROUNDUP New Facebook group for young men with DMD (16+) You don’t have to go it alone. Let’s connect. Are you a young man (16+) living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy? Looking for people who get it — friends who face the same challenges, share the same jokes, and understand the ups and downs? Talk real life. Share what you’re into. Support each other. Have your say. MDANZ wants to create a new Facebook group - a safe, relaxed space just for you, run by people who care and created with your voice in mind . Whether you’re navigating independence, school, health, or just want to chill and chat. If you are interested, please message us via Facebook or send us an email – info@mda.org.nz Our coffee groups are a great way to meet new people and make friends. We have regular coffee groups in: Nelson • Blenheim • Rangiora • East Christchurch Papanui • Riccarton • Dunedin Coffee groups are subsidised by MDA and held at accessible venues. Come and join the fun! Contact Viv for more information. Email: southern@mda.org.nz Ph: 022 304 6840 Did you know, over 700 people attended our coffee groups in 2024? NZ Disability Strategy open for consultation Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People has released the draft New Zealand Disability Strategy for 2026 to 2030 and they want to hear what you think. The current strategy is for 10 years and ends next year. This new strategy will run from 2026 to 2030. You can find the draft New Zealand Disability Strategy on the Whaikaha website – https://tinyurl.com/3thfsfte It is a draft, which means that if you spot some things that you think could be done better or looked at in a different way, it just might change. How to have your say Consultation on the New Zealand Disability Strategy 2026- 2030 is open from now until Sunday 28 September 2025. There are plenty of ways you can give your feedback here: https://tinyurl.com/bdd6wae2 Want to connect? Make friends?