Some 30 per cent of smokers in the UK have a mental health condition and more than 40 per cent of adults with a serious mental illness smoke, according to a new survey published by Johnson & Johnson. The survey also found that people with mental health conditions tended to be more dependent on nicotine than those without a mental illness.

To help combat this, Nicorette has joined forces with Mental Health UK to create a factsheet and conversation guide for healthcare professionals (HCPs) and mental health frontline workers to help them support smokers living with a mental health condition to quit.

This comes as the survey also revealed that 59 per cent of HCPs would find a dedicated resource hub or website with relevant professional and patient materials helpful, and 44 per cent would value guidance on how to initiate this type of smoking cessation conversation, according to Johnson & Johnson. “Given the right tools, 81 per cent of HCPs agreed that smoking rates could be reduced in patients living with mental health conditions,” added the company.

“We are proud to be partnering with Mental Health UK to highlight the health inequality experienced by smokers facing mental health conditions and to equip HCPs with resources to help support their patients on their quit journey,” said Charmaine England, area managing director, Johnson & Johnson Limited, Northern Europe. “We share the vision of the UK Government and devolved administrations for a ‘smokefree’ society and support the NHS long-term plan on addressing health inequalities and smoking cessation. Through an important partnership such as this we are committed to help ensure smoking cessation resources are available to help smokers to quit.”

The resources are available for all healthcare workers here.