Photo: Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
A new stop smoking pilot has been launched in Sheffield to help people experiencing homelessness access tobacco treatment support.
The scheme is being run by the tobacco treatment team at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in partnership with Ben’s Centre, a charity based in Broomhall.
The pilot aims to make smoking cessation support more accessible to people experiencing homelessness, who may face barriers to mainstream healthcare services.
Specialist staff will offer supportive and non-judgemental conversations, tailored advice on tobacco dependence and alternative strategies to help people stop smoking. Individuals can also be referred to community support services.
The service will run alongside Sheffield Teaching Hospitals’ podiatry clinic, which also supports people experiencing homelessness.
According to the Trust, uptake of the service has been positive so far, with the vape offer particularly well received. The team has also provided training to staff at Ben’s Centre.
Smoking prevalence among people experiencing homelessness is estimated to be around 80%. The average life expectancy for people experiencing homelessness in England is around 45 years for men and 43 years for women.
The Trust said smoking is one of the biggest drivers of health problems experienced by this group. It added that people experiencing homelessness may view smoking differently because of psychological stress, the physical hazards of daily living and expectations of a shorter life, which can make quitting feel less urgent.
Anthony, a lifelong smoker who has used the service, said: “My chest feels better and my COPD symptoms have eased and I am lot less breathless. It has helped me cut down, I was a really heavy smoker.”
Joe Le Sage, who manages the Healthy Hospital and Community Programme at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, said the new scheme was helping to improve access to healthcare.
“This approach offers clear benefits for people using the service including improved access to healthcare in an environment that helps to build trust and engagement,” he said.
“It provides practical support to reduce tobacco dependence and improve overall health.”
People who live or work in Sheffield and want to quit smoking can access support through Smokefree Sheffield.
