Mental Illness Fellowship of WA
Problem
Smoking rates among people experiencing mental illness is higher than that of the general population. A programme specific to people with mental health issues was sorely needed, with input from specialists in the field. This includes more tailored support for smokers with mental illness who have requested assistance with reducing and quitting smoking.
Solution
Tobacco Free program is an initiative of the Mental Illness Fellowship of WA (MIFWA). Through this program MIFWA aims to support smokers with mental illness who have requested assistance with reducing and quitting smoking. To target this priority group, MIFWA provides mentally ill people with the opportunity to attend a support program over a 8 week period. The Tobacco Free program is individually tailored to the person’s situation and facilitated by peer workers who are also ex-smokers and understand the difficulties of quitting whilst experiencing mental illnesses. Informal Tobacco Free discussion sessions are also conducted to encourage conversation around tobacco issues.
Program
Mental Illness Fellowship of WA- Tobacco Free
Region
North Metropolitan Perth
Category
Non-Government
Source(s) of funding
Mental Health Commission
Target group(s)
Smokers living with a mental illness
Key contact details
Joyce Vidot
Program Manager
Joyce.Vidot@mifwa.org.au
ph: 08 9237 8900
fax: 08 9250 7337
Mental Illness Fellowship of WA
3rd Floor
9 The Avenue, Midland 6056 WA
P.O. Box 1947
Midland DC 6936 WA