Coping in a Cloud of Stress: Leading the Way on Smoking Cessation
Mind in Bexley Chief Executive Dr David Palmer is currently writing up a major new study in partnership with colleagues Simone Kerr and Monique Virgin, Healthwatch Bexley and colleagues from Public Health Bexley to explore how local residents experience smoking, vaping, and quitting.
The forthcoming report, Coping in a Cloud of Stress, brings together the views of over 400 residents from across the borough to understand how stress, mental ill health, and financial pressures shape smoking behaviours and attitudes towards vaping.
The study highlights the complex relationship between mental health, coping, and addiction, and aims to inform local prevention and wellbeing strategies and the South East London Integrated Care System’s “Vital 5” priorities on smoking and mental health.
The report will also make recommendations for improving access to support, communication around vaping, and the integration of mental health and cessation services. The final report is expected to be published in December.
Mind in Bexley is also pleased to be leading a new smoking cessation project that will provide targeted support for people experiencing distress and mental ill health, offering practical tools, guidance, and emotional support to help them quit in a way that feels safe and achievable. Alongside this, the charity will be rolling out new physical health and SMI training to strengthen the links between mental and physical health care across services.
Together, these initiatives build on the insights emerging from the Coping in a Cloud of Stress study and reflect Mind’s ongoing commitment to tackling health inequalities, improving wellbeing, and ensuring that every person in Bexley has access to compassionate, joined-up support.
