New educational resources have been developed for mental health consumers to arm them with successful strategies to for managing nicotine dependence.
In recognition of World No Tobacco Day, a pop-up event was held at Cumberland Hospital Campus.
This launch was the culmination of a year-long co-design and consultation process with mental health consumers, consumer representatives and mental health staff.
The event provided staff and consumers with information about support to stop smoking and vaping through interactive activities.
“These are practical, evidence-based resources founded on the voices of lived experience,” said Juanita Taylor, Acting Director of Mental Health Services.
Resources include posters, factsheets, postcards and sensory modulation tools (fidget toys).
Each resource is designed to inform and empower the consumer, from the mental health benefits of quitting to strategies for coping with cravings and how to use different nicotine replacement therapies (NRT).
“By supporting both staff and consumers, we are creating more opportunities for recovery-focused care,” Juanita said.
The resources were developed as part of a larger research project, which revealed that 60% of consumers in mental health services smoke and/or vape; but more than half want to stop.
The new materials aim to support staff in having meaningful conversations with consumers about managing nicotine dependence and to empower consumers with information to make informed decisions.
“Written information is always vital to reinforce verbal communication and these elegantly designed materials convey a message of respect and understanding,” Nancy Zaki, Cumberland Mental Health Consultant Pharmacist said.
For support to quit or cut down on smoking or vaping, contact NSW Quitline (13 7848) or visit the iCanQuit website and take a step towards your quit journey today!