Croydon Council is offering more support to help residents who may not engage with local services to quit smoking and be healthier.
The new service, SmokeFree Croydon, is a specialist stop smoking service for residents who are using mental health support services, going through drugs and alcohol treatment, and people affected by homelessness.
This supports Executive Mayor Perry’s priorities to enable people in Croydon to live healthier and independent lives for longer, and to reduce health inequalities.
The Council’s public health team has commissioned the charity Change Grow Live to deliver SmokeFree Croydon for people who are more likely to smoke. The charity helps people across the country to change the direction of their lives, grow as a person and live life to its full potential.
Residents who use the new stop smoking service will receive tailored one-to-one support at community venues, making it easier for them to engage with health and wellbeing professionals to get the help they need to quit.
“We know that some residents need additional support to improve their health and wellbeing. People are more likely to quit smoking with help from a local stop smoking service. Our new service, SmokeFree Croydon, is based in the community to ensure that we can reach more people and offer them the support they need.”
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon
Samantha Craggs, CGL Director for Specialist Services: “We are delighted to be awarded the specialist stop smoking service contract for Croydon. We know that people accessing support for homelessness, drug and alcohol treatment, or mental health services often want to improve their health, but quitting smoking can feel overwhelming when facing multiple challenges. SmokeFree Croydon will provide intensive, specialist support, offering treatment through community-based services at accessible venues, making it easier for people to get the help they need to quit smoking in a supportive environment.
“As the provider for Croydon’s drug and alcohol treatment system, Change Grow Live is well placed to offer this specialist support. We are fortunate to have a great network of key partners in mental health and homelessness who are keen to engage. We look forward to bringing Smokefree Croydon to enhance and complement the work you do.”
Anyone who wants help to quit smoking can get in touch with the Council’s Live Well Croydon service which offers residents self-help materials and signposts to organisations with additional healthy lifestyle advice.
Smokers in Croydon can also access tools on the Smoke Free app which is offering enhanced support for a limited time to help people quit.
