St Mungo’s responds to 2008 Drug Strategy

28 February 2008

St Mungo's, London's largest homelessness charity, has pledged its support for government plans to target problematic drug use, in particular the introduction of individual treatment plans and the recognition of the need for distinct treatment for people with complex needs.

Peter Cockersell, St Mungo's Director of Programmes said:

"St Mungo's welcomes the new drugs strategy and supports the proposals to pilot more individualised treatment packages, individual budgets and case management approaches.

St Mungo's work with drug users shows that intensive, persistent work pays off. St Mungo's helped over 500 drug users enter treatment last year.
It's good to see the Department of Health taking responsibility for improving access to treatment for under represented groups, especially those with complex needs such as rough sleepers. We look forward to working with them to develop effective new treatment options.

However we must urge caution, stopping benefits is unlikely to be effective in helping people with chaotic lives to recover from drug addiction. Failure to take up treatment is often because the treatment option proposed does not meet an individual's current needs and stopping benefits may lead drug users into crime."

ENDS

For further information please contact the St Mungo's press office on 0208 762 5570.

Notes to Editors

  • St Mungo's is London's largest charity for homeless people. We support people in their recovery - opening the door to safe housing, health care and work.

Back to latest press releases

Related content