Education and training key to reducing social exclusion

Joined-up and integrated public services are key to improving
the lives of disadvantaged people, according to government research
published today, writes Maria Ahmed.

Research by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister’s
Social Exclusion Unit found that benefits, healthcare, education
and training were important factors in improving life for the
worst-off members of society.

Around 1,000 participants including older people, young adults
and those from ethnic minorities were interviewed as part of an SEU
programme on how they would like to make public services work more
effectively.

Key issues highlighted included improving communication and
awareness of the services on offer, making services more flexible,
resolving funding problems, building self-esteem and providing
long-term support that cuts across different age groups.

The research will be followed up by a series of cross-government
action plans on improving life chances for the disadvantaged over
Autumn and Winter 2005-6.

www.socialexclusion.gov.uk