Tailoring smoking cessation programmes to young people: How do we promote, engage and deliver such programmes well? A case study of Sandwell stop smoking service (a partnership between DECCA and Quit 51)
Nathalie Dean Smoking Cessation Worker, DECCA, Sandwell
Abstract
Sandwell (West Midlands) has a large proportion of young people smoking. Approximately 2.6% of 11-15 year olds, 7.2% of 15 year olds, and 12.4% of 16-17 year olds are estimated to be regular smokers (PHE, 2013). This highlights the need for targeted intervention with young people.
As part of Quit 51’s provider contract with Sandwell Council, Quit 51 wanted to better their service when it comes to helping younger people to quit smoking. As a result of this, a partnership was formed in Sandwell with DECCA (Drug Education, Counselling and confidential Advice) Service, who work with young people specifically targeting drug use. Along with DECCA, Quit 51 provided a service which;
• Engaged 12-17 year olds in their schools
• Liaised directly with schools in order to generate referrals into the service
o Through both posters and school staff identifying students who smoke and informing / encouraging them to use it
• Offered a flexible, tailored approach to its patients using a variety of intervention techniques
• Utilised resources such as; activity sheets, quit certificates, and text messages / telephone calls (if consented)
This presentation will further detail the work Quit 51 and DECCA do in Sandwell, including case studies, quit rates and service pathway.
