Smoke Free Mental Health Summits Postponed

Invitation from Paul Cowans, Specialist Director and Professional Lead for Forensic, MH Rehab and PD Services.

Dear colleagues,                                                 

In England, smoking rates among adults with a long-term mental health condition are still nearly double compared to the general population (26.8% in 2018 to 2019) despite the same levels of motivation to quit. People with mental health conditions die on average 10-20 years earlier than the general population, with smoking as the single largest factor accounting for this difference.

Priory Healthcare hospitals are now smoke free; but I am aware that many sites are facing particular challenges while implementing the Smoke Free policy. The Centre for Health Research and Education (CHRE) has been working with Priory Healthcare since July 2019 and is committed to supporting us in going smoke free sustainably.

They have visited a few sites to suggest bespoke solutions along with successfully delivering a ‘reclaiming the stolen years: smoking and mental health summit’ in September 2019. After receiving very positive feedback from this along with assessing the needs for Priory staff members, CHRE is now organising 3 Smoking Cessation Summits in May 2020 at Stockton Hall, Llanarth Court and Roehampton.

The smoke free Mental Health summits with have:

•     day long training to upskill and empower the attendees
•    workshops on all quitting aids 
•     practical tips for implementing the policy and to support patients who smoke in their quit journey.
•     Panel discussion where experts will be there to answer your questions.

Attendees will also get a Certificate of Attendance. 

I would like each site to send:
- Multi service hospital - At least 1 representative from each service type. 
- Single service hospital - At least 2 representatives to attend 1 of the 3 summits.

These staff members will then be the empowered ‘Smoke Free Champions’ for their service/site. There is no limit to how many staff members from each site can attend the summits, space permitting.

The Summit fee is fully waived for Priory Healthcare staff members.
 
Please see the attached flyer for further info and dates. Booking is via the online registration link available at www.smokefreementalhealth.org 

Please email ‘smokefree@indexcommunications.com’ if any queries. 
  
Best Wishes,

Paul Cowans
Specialist Director and Professional Lead for Forensic, MH Rehab and PD services.

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