There is a variety of smoking cessation resources that health professionals can utilise and increase their skills to help patients with mental illness to quit smoking.
National Drug Research Institute
The evidence based, best practice, Brief Intervention Training Program (external site) has been developed by the National Drug Research Institute (external site) specifically for Smoke Free WA Health.
All WA Health staff are encouraged to complete the training to achieve competency in brief intervention and motivational interviewing.
Mental Illness Fellowship of Western Australia
Referrals can be made to Mental Illness Fellowship of Western Australia (MIFWA) Tobaco Support Group (external site) on discharge should the patient wish to attend classes and receive further support in quitting.
The classes consist of 10 week free group sessions and are currently held in Fremantle and Midland, Rockingham and Mandurah.
If a mental health service area would like to attend group sessions in their area they should contact MIFWA to discuss.
Should a health service provider have a group of patients interested in quitting together they can request a Talking Tobacco session to take place on-site.
These smoking cessation sessions are relaxed brief interventions which encourage discussion about the reasons for quitting in a positive and comfortable atmosphere.
Patients are offered ongoing support after completing the sessions.
MIFWA can train health professionals to deliver 10 week group smoking cessation sessions on site.
More information
MIFWA National Tobacco and Mental Illness Project
QuitNow resources
QuitNow (external site) provides a range of publications to help health professionals working with mental health patients to quit smoking.
More information
Discharge
The following support programs can be referred and recommended to patients who are discharged from health care facilities.
Mental Illness Fellowship of Western Australia (MIFWA)
MIFWA provide information as well as comprehensive and integrated range of support services to people with mental illness, their carers, families and friends who have an interest in caring for a person with a mental illness.
Neami National
Neami is a community-based mental health service supporting people living with mental illness to improve their health, live independently and pursue a life based on their own strengths, values and goals.
- Phone: 9498 0477
- Visit Neami (external site)
Horizons – Community Mental Health Rehabilitation Service
Horizons is a free service for people aged 18-65 recovering from a mental illness.
More information