Hazel Cheeseman Director of Policy, Action on Smoking & Health (ASH), London
Rubyni Krishnan Stop Smoking Facilitator/Specialist for Mental Health, Smokefree Ealing, London
Gillian Connor Head of Policy & Development, Rethink Mental Illness
Martin Burrows Project Manager, Groundswell
Abstract
Smoking rates amongst the general population have fallen dramatically in the past few decades but have remained stubbornly high amongst people with mental health conditions: 70% of those discharged from a psychiatric hospital are smokers.
Parity of physical health can only be achieved if smoking rates among those with a mental disorder are similar to those of the general population. To achieve this there needs to be a radical reduction in smoking rates among those with a mental health condition.
In a new report, ASH and partners including the NCSCT, Royal College of Psychiatrists, the Association of Directors of Public Health and Rethink Mental Illness present the actions needed to support those with mental health conditions to quit smoking and therefore improve their physical and mental health.
· Key findings from the new ASH Report: The Stolen Years
· Action smoking cessation advisors and local tobacco control commissioners can take
It will include the following presentations:
· The Stolen Years - The case for action to reduce smoking prevalence among those with a mental health condition
Hazel Cheeseman, Director of Policy, Action on Smoking & Health
· Room to Breathe: A Peer-led health audit on the respiratory health of people experiencing homelessness
Martin Burrows, Project Manager, Groundswell
· In-patient and community mental health services to support service user to quit smoking
Rubyni Krishnan, Stop Smoking Facilitator/Specialist for Mental Health, Smokefree Ealing, London
· The value of peer support and how it can work effectively to support people with a mental health condition to quit smoking
Gillian Connor, Head of Policy & Development, Rethink Mental Illness
Source of funding: This work was funded by grants from the Department of Health, British Heart Foundation & Cancer Research UK.
