Authors: Central Northern Adelaide Health Service and Drug and Alcohol Services of South Australia
Year: 2009
Event: 2009 TheMHS Awards
Subject:
Type of resource: TheMHS Awards
Award state: SA
Award level: Special Judges Award
Award category: Specialist Service or Part of a Larger Service
Abstract: The rate of tobacco use amongst people with mental illness is very high and as a result many have significantly reduced life expectancy, poor physical health, poor finances, restricted access to community facilities and significantly reduced quality of life. The Tobacco and Mental Illness Project has brought together Government and Non-Government mental health and tobacco control services, to build skills, develop joint initiatives and work together to address this problem. The project has addressed the issue with considered passion and energy and careful consultation and it has been instrumental in raising awareness and in the development and implementation of effective approaches. Many people have tackled their tobacco, making a big difference to their health, finances and quality of life. Mental health and tobacco control services are beginning to make significant changes to ensure this serious health issue is addressed and people receive support. Description of Facility/Organisation: e Tobacco and Mental Illness Project is currently funded for 5 years by Drug and Alcohol Services of South Australia. The project is provided with $234,000 per year and is a state-wide service covering all of South Australia. The project has been addressing 3 key areas: -awareness raising; -policy and practice change; -smoking cessation/reduction programs. The project has 4 staff members, (2.7 full time equivalent), -2 Peer Workers and 2 mental health workers. Currently 95 participants are involved in a Be Smoke Free Group. The Tobacco and Mental Illness Project is a unit of the Central Northern Adelaide Health Service (CNAHS). CNAHS, employs more than 16,000 staff across around 200 health services, including four hospitals and significant mental health and primary health services. CNAHS Mental Health services work with consumers and carers and the broader health sector to provide consumers with comprehensive and integrated support throughout their journey to recovery.
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