Write a letter to the Editor

Keep your letter very short – about 100 words. Most newspapers have guidelines either in the paper itself or online for writing Letters to the Editor.

Make your most important point in the very first sentence, for example, Aotearoa New Zealand needs to address a national dementia mate wareware crisis.

Use the next two or three paragraphs to explain the crisis and why the Government needs to act now. For example:

• The dementia mate wareware sector is so concerned about the increasing numbers of and lack of support for people living with this health condition.
• The Dementia Mate Wareware Action Plan is in place, the Government needs to fully implement it.
• Acting now will improve the life for people with dementia mate wareware, their family, whānau, and reduce pressure on and the cost of the health system.

Include some strong facts to support your points, you can find them here.

Include a personal touch – share your experience or connection o dementia mate wareware.

Avoid jargon, acronyms, and get someone else to read the letter before sending.

Consider writing a longer piece, like a blog or opinion article (around 800 words – find some tips here).