Minutes:
Emma Hudson, Healthy Lifestyles Advisor, was welcomed to the meeting. Through a contract with Public Health, Yorkshire Smokefree Barnsley delivers support for smoking cessation. This is undertaken through a variety of means such as one-to-one support with individuals, telephone assistance and through groups.
Members heard how those admitted to hospital are given support, with each patient asked about their smoking status, and offered nicotine replacement with a referral to the support service should they so wish. The fully funded scheme offers nicotine replacement and Champix, together with behavioural support through the team for a period of 12 weeks.
Behavioural support is designed to help individuals change habits and routines. This is provided on an appointment basis with group sessions held in a number of places throughout the area, including in Goldthorpe Library.
Members asked how the service was advertised, and heard that promotion was undertaken through posters, the internet, Twitter, on local forums and through word of mouth. A suggestion was made to provide Members with resources such as posters to distribute and display through their networks.
Those present heard that the resources contained contact information, and following contact with the service, an initial assessment would be undertaken and individuals asked to attend groups for support.
Members heard that smoking cessation services had been available 20 years in Barnsley and statistics for the borough showed that prevalence had reduced to around 16%, which was close to the national average. However, it was noted that rates were higher in the Dearne than the Barnsley average.
RESOLVED that thanks be given for the presentation.