Improving access to stop smoking support for people with mental health problems

The physical health inequalities experienced by people with severe mental health problems are now well recognised. Lifestyle factors, in particular high rates of smoking, have been identified as a major contributor to the raised mortality and morbidity in this population. A programme was developed in West Surrey to address smoking cessation support needs in people with mental health problems. Mental health workers were trained to deliver stop smoking support and a pilot programme of one‐to‐one stop smoking support was established. An evaluation was conducted using semi‐structured interviews to explore clients' experiences of receiving the one‐to‐one support. Service users positively evaluated the support they had received: in particular, the needs‐led, flexible approach. The study provides further insights into the views and experiences of people with mental health problems undertaking a smoking cessation programme.