Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what specific measures have been implemented since 2024 to raise awareness among at-risk populations, including people sleeping rough and socially isolated people, about the dangers of synthetic opioids.

Further to the answer provided to the Hon Member for Warrington North on 5 September 2025 in response to Question 69426, the Department launched a media campaign to raise awareness of the risks posed by new drug trends and products including adulteration of counterfeit medicines with other drugs like synthetic opioids. The Department has distributed resources to local public health teams, drug and alcohol treatment services, youth services, schools, and universities.

In addition, further to the answer provided to the Hon Member for Cheadle on 16 March 2026 in response to Question 116356, the Department has now analysed responses to the consultation seeking views on further legislative options to expand access to take-home and emergency use naloxone and will set out next steps soon.