§ Mr. WrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on the integration of people with mental health problems in society. [40652]
§ Jacqui SmithI have been asked to reply.
Standard 1 of the National Service Framework for Mental Health requires local services to develop and implement coherent strategies to combat discrimination against people with mental health problems and to promote their social inclusion. The Department of Health is working closely with the Department for Work and Pensions to find ways of providing active help and encouragement for them to move into work; taking the obstacles to work out of the benefits system; making sure that work pays; and promoting radical change in the workplace to ensure equality and opportunity.