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Dept of Health

Answer

Helen Southworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to ensure that adequate information and support is available for carers of people who have been diagnosed as having a mental illness who also have a drug or alcohol dependency. [142772] Ms Rosie Winterton: The Department of Health published guidance on "Developing services for carers and families of people with mental health illness" in November 2002. The guide is aimed at helping local mental health services develop support services for carers of people with mental health problems. The Department also published "Dual Diagnosis Good Practice Guide" in May 2002. The guide sets out policy and good practice in the provision of mental health services for people with severe mental health problems who are also experiencing difficulties with any drug, including alcohol. It is aimed at all those who commission and provide mental health and substance misuse services and sets out a clear framework within which staff should continue to develop services in partnership with patients and their carers and families. In addition, the Government's Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy for England is due to be published in the new year and will be implemented from 2004 in accordance with the timetable set out in the NHS Plan. This strategy will set the future direction for the development of alcohol treatment, which will encompass and be of relevance to carers as well.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

142772; 415 c776-7W

Session

2003-04

Subjects

Carers Alcoholism Drugs Mental illness Misuse Mental health services

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk