Smoking and vaping support is important for people living with severe mental illness, who often have higher rates of tobacco use compared to the general population. People with mental illness may turn to smoking as a way of coping with their symptoms. Additionally, some psychiatric medications can increase the risk of tobacco dependence. Providing support for smoking and vaping can help people reduce their tobacco use, promoting better physical and mental health and helping to reduce their higher rates of smoking-related illnesses.

About the project

Mindgardens is supporting the evaluation of Keep Quitting in Mind (KQIM) – an individualised smoking and vaping cessation program for people living with complex mental health disorders. KQIM supports people who use South Eastern Sydney Local Health District mental health services, assisting their efforts to quit and providing nicotine replacement therapy and other  targeted interventions.

Through collaboration with Prince of Wales Hospital Foundation, KQIM is evaluating the integration of a mental health peer worker to work alongside a tobacco treatment specialist, to understand whether this makes a difference for people who join the program.