The Scottish Government

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MIND THE GAPS
Meeting the needs of people with co-occurring substance misuse and mental health problems

MINISTERIAL FOREWORD

People with a combination of mental illness and substance misuse problems face many challenges, and are themselves a substantial and particularly challenging group. We are grateful to the Working Group, set up by the Advisory Committees on Drug and Alcohol Misuse, for its thorough and honest appraisal of their needs and how these needs should be met.

There are strong messages in the report for all of us. We need to challenge the perceptions and attitudes that people have about mental illness and substance misuse, and ensure that everybody receives respect and a proper response to their problems. The report highlights the need for better promotion and prevention activities; improved education and awareness; more effective care and treatment services, backed up by improved standards; and better strategic planning. Interventions can and do work, particularly if delivered early enough and involving the client in a meaningful way.

The report acknowledges that much progress has already been made by the Executive to ensure social justice and inclusion for vulnerable people. It highlights the opportunities which exist through Partnership for Care, Joint Future and Integrated Care for Drug Users to improve effective partnership working and the delivery of more flexible and integrated care. However, it also challenges us to do more.

We fully support and accept the recommendations of the Working Group and are already working with key stakeholders on their implementation. By doing so, we offer hope to the many vulnerable individuals who rely on these services.

October 2003

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