Conversations with community service organisations about smoking: what next? The first phase of this project involved wide ranging conversations with community service organisations (CSOs) to understand the current and potential role of CSOs in supporting people to quit smoking. The next 12 months (to July 2023) will put into action some of the ideas we heard in these conversations.
The ideas We heard some excellent and exciting ideas from CSOs, peak bodies and other organisations, including people with lived experience of smoking. The second phase of this project Smoke-free communities: developing a community of practice will focus on what is achievable and sustainable in the project period — see What can we do? on next page.
What you want to see happen in the future CSOs have strong connections with people to support quit smoking conversations and they need …
Easy access • To doctors and health workers, including Aboriginal health workers, nurses, pharmacists • To free, combination nicotine replacement therapy
Sustainable programs • Programs relevant to community needs • Evidence based programs, guides and toolkits • Access to quit smoking support workers • Peer-to-peer learning
• To incentivising quit programs
Looking at the big picture
Support for workforces
• Reducing supply through fewer retailers and increasing the legal age for smoking
• Energised and positive quit smoking educators and training
• Acknowledging tobacco tax consequences
• Strengthening leadership and governance of CSOs to help quit smoking • Focusing on staff health and wellbeing • Supporting improved health literacy for CSOs and individuals
• Thinking about tobacco ‘end game’ strategies
Less talk, more action • Including conversations and programs about quitting smoking in everyday practice • Promoting leadership through boards, management and workplace champions who prioritise smoke-free places and people
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