Introduction to stop-smoking support

'Introduction to stop-smoking support' training is a new course which uses a blended approach in order to increase the ease of accessibility for potential participants. This approach involves a combination of e-learning and face-to-face training methods.

Intended participants

The training is suitable for specialist stop-smoking workers new to the field, or other workers who are providing stop-smoking support (possibly on an ad hoc basis) as part of their role. There are no pre-requisite requirements for this training.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this course, participants will be able to:

explain the purpose, process and benefits of delivering brief advice to stop smoking
describe the diseases and health complaints caused by smoking and the health benefits of stopping
understand the nature of nicotine addiction and be able to assess a client's level of dependence
communicate effectively and empathically when providing stop-smoking support
have and understanding of planning, organising and delivering specialist stop-smoking support to individuals and groups
describe the range of pharmacotherapies available and be able to help clients choose the most suitable product for them
understand the link between smoking and health inequalities, including the specific needs of priority target groups
give an overview of local and national stop-smoking policies including the national minimum dataset.

Structure of training

This course contains a number of different elements, all of which are compulsory in order for participants to obtain their completion certificate:

e-learning session: this is the first element of the course which is completed prior to attendence at the face-to-face sessions. The focus for this e-learning session is brief advice
two training days: these face-to-face training days are run as a two day block and are at the core of this training course. During these two days participants will cover many aspects of stop-smoking support, from communication skills and pharmacotherapy to content and structure of a stop-smoking programme
post-training reflection log: this is to be completed by the participant at their own discretion following the face-to-face session and provides the participant with the opportunity to put the theory and knowledge learned during the training into practice
follow up half day: this takes place six months after the the two day face-to-face training sessions and is an opportunity for participants to reflect on their practice since undertaking the training. Participants will also have the opportunity to receive any new updates which are available, ask questions and receive their completion certificate on this day.

This training is a stand alone course, however successful completion will provide participants with the required knowledge to access the PATH 'Stop-smoking support: theory into practice' academically accredited module. For further information on our accredited modules click here.

Course dates and registration information

There is currently no cost for this training and dates for the next available courses are as follows:

Face to Face Session	1/2 day follow up	Registration cut off date
26th & 27th May 2010	25th November 2010	Fully Booked
23rd & 24th June 2010	12th January 2011	24th May 2010
29th & 30th September 2010	30th March 2011	30th August 2010
3rd & 4th November 2010	11th May 2011	4th October 2010

All elements of this training course are compulsory, therefore you should only apply if you are able to attend the two day face-to-face training days and the six month follow up half day.

To register for either intake, contact: TAdministrator@ashscotland.org.uk for a booking form or download it here Course Booking Form, and please indicate which intake you would like to attend. You can also telephone 0131 220 9959 for any further queries. Please note, these courses are run on a 'first come first served' basis therefore it is advised to register early to avoid dissapointment.

Last updated: July 2010