§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he is taking to reduce levels of(a) substance abuse, (b) alcohol abuse, (c) suicide, (d) mental illness and (e) eating disorders among young people in Northern Ireland. [168275]
§ Angela SmithSince 1999, over £22 million has been allocated to initiatives to help deliver the aims of the drug and alcohol strategies, both of which place particular emphasis on targeting young people. They include education and awareness raising in schools, public information campaigns, information and research, harm reduction, substitute prescribing, and counselling services for young people.
The Department issued a Promoting Mental Health Strategy and Action Plan last year. The strategy aims to improve people's mental and emotional well-being and in particular that of people at risk. It includes a specific section on preventing suicide. A range of preventative 1123W measures are being taken as part of the strategy including promoting coping skills among the general population, suicide awareness and outreach work with young people in areas of need and especially young men.
A Regional Eating Disorders Working Group was established in June 2003, to consider essential service development. The model of service proposed by the working group is one of local services complemented by a regional service comprising a specialist regional consultant post with a supporting team. £1 million has been secured for 2004–05 to develop these services and it is hoped to advertise for these posts shortly.