§ Mr. KilfoyleTo ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how the work of the Social Exclusion Unit is incorporated into her initiatives on drug abuse. [145191]
§ Marjorie MowlamThe Government's anti-drugs strategy fully acknowledges the close link between problems associated with drug abuse and other social problems, and the work of the SEU helps to inform the ways in which the various strands of the drugs' strategy are delivered on the ground. Drug misuse is one of a combination of linked problems that can lead to social exclusion. It has been a recurrent theme in reports produced so far by the Social Exclusion Unit, in particular the reports on rough sleepers, poor neighbourhoods and opportunities for 16 to 18-year-olds not in education, employment or training.
As examples of joined up government in action, the UK Anti-Drugs Co-ordination Unit is working closely with the Rough Sleepers Unit to tackle the multiple problems facing the homeless. A study of young homeless people will shortly be commissioned under the Government's drugs research programme focusing on vulnerable groups.
Also, the Department for Education and Employment is implementing the action plan set out in the Unit's "Bridging the Gap" report. All young people between the ages of 13 to 19 will have access to a Connexions Personal Adviser to provide advice, guidance and support to help them overcome barriers to effective participation in learning and society more generally. Personal Advisers will be trained in recognising the symptoms of drug misuse, making referrals and brokering access to appropriate drugs projects and agencies.