Yellowknife (Apr 04/03) - The Yellowknife Association for Community Living is looking for caregivers in need of a break.

Cappy Elkin: 'Trying to be proactive.' - NNSL File photo

The association is preparing a list of recommendations about the needs of disabled clients and their caregivers for the Yellowknife Health and Social Services.

And they are looking for some help during a Respite Focus Group tomorrow.

"We want to gather together people, specifically people with disabilities to find out needs and wants," said respite group member Janet Diveky.

"We have to come forward with something concrete," explained respite group member Cappy Elkin.

"We're trying to be proactive and say what respite should look like," said group member Moe Miller.

Last year the group hired a consultant to produce a report about the respite services offered all over Canada.

The report -- titled A report on respite services and programs in Canada for families caring for people with disabilities -- was released in February.

Now the group will compile a list of respite ideas as part of a pitch to Yellowknife Health and Social Services.

"We need something solid in place that's flexible," said Miller.

The focus group will meet from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Abe Miller Building on 53rd Street.

Lunch will be provided and childcare support is available.

For more information contact the Yellowknife Association for Community Living.