Peer workers’ role in smoking-cessation groups for people with mental illness

Abstract

The objective of this article is to evaluate the impact of peer workers' involvement as co-leaders in smoking-cessation programmes provided within mental health services. Group smoking-cessation programmes were provided for people living with mental illness. Peer workers were involved in the development and delivery of these programmes. Group participants and mental health workers were asked to respond to a questionnaire about their experience of the peer workers. The questionnaire included both Likert scales and qualitative responses. Thirty-three mental health workers and 108 group participants completed the questionnaire. The majority of participants believed that the peer workers increased their confidence, helped them to learn about smoking cessation and promoted well-being. Mental health workers were also positive about the role of peer workers in the groups. This study supports the role of peer workers providing support and guidance within smoking-cessation programmes for people with mental illness. The results suggest that peer workers make a substantial contribution and that greater peer worker involvement in such programmes is likely to improve their acceptability and efficacy.