Raising the issue of smoking in money advice settings

If the smoking rate in the 20% most deprived areas of Scotland fell just 1% those communities would save £16 million a year. 

Debt and money advice services can work collaboratively with stop smoking services to support an individual's desire to quit smoking to not only improve their health but to reduce debts, or increase their financial resilience. 

The expertise within money advice settings provides an opportunity to:

• improve people’s financial resilience and wellbeing by raising awareness of the financial impact of smoking and the savings that can be made by stopping;
• increase disposable income available to people by redirecting money that would otherwise be spent on tobacco;
• increase engagement with local stop smoking services for those interested in stopping smoking.

elearning: Raising the issue of smoking in a money advice setting

This short module is designed for money advice organisations, foodbanks and community organisations who offer any type of financial advice and support.

It's aim is to enable advisors to feel confident in having non-judgemental conversations around the financial costs of smoking and highlight the benefits of stopping smoking and saving money.

To access the module register for a free account at www.ashscotlandmoodle.org.uk

Pilot: The role of stopping smoking in money advice

Between 2014 and 2016 NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and ASH Scotland worked together on a pilot project that evaluated the role that money advice services can play in raising the issue of smoking.

The pilot provided tailored training on tobacco and smoking issues to money advice staff across five Health and Social Care Partnership areas.  Following the training evaluation we interviewed staff, managers and people using the services to identify their perceptions of the change, the impact achieved and any barriers they encountered. 

To download the full report The role of stopping smoking in money advice - putting health and economic benefits together report and Executive Summary

Resources: Coping and Richer

Based on the recommendations from the pilot project ASH Scotland developed a new resource for money advice organisations to positively engage with people on the financial implications of smoking and raise awarness of the support available to them should they wish to quit.

Each pack contains leaflets setting out the money that can be saved by stopping smoking and providing ten tips on the free advice and support available to help individuals quit their way.

For further information download the summary report or read the full report. To order resources contact engagement@ashscotland.org.uk.

Contact us

We are renewing our engagment with money advice organisations, poverty related groups, foodbanks and any community group who provide financial advice as part of the support they provide. If you would like get involved please contact engagement@ashscotland.org.uk.