New smoking cessation association provides national voice for practitioners

The British Association for Stop Smoking Practitioners (BASSP) is a new organisation run by practitioners for practitioners, providing a national voice for all those working in smoking cessation. 

The British Association for Stop Smoking Practitioners (BASSP) is a new organisation run by practitioners for practitioners, providing a national voice for all those working in smoking cessation. 

To be eligible to join individuals should have an active professional interest
in smoking cessation, and be committed to reducing the prevalence of smoking
in the UK. 

The Association aims to:
- Raise the profile of the profession nationally;
- Improve communication between practitioners and other relevant organisations;
- Increase support for practitioners;
- Provide representation at national and local levels in order to highlight issues that are pertinent to practitioners;
- Share and encourage evidence-based best practice.

A key aim of BASSP is to encourage practitioners to share information as well as best practice advice.

The first national conference was held earlier this year, in September, and a new online discussion forum for practitioners was launched. 

BASSP is supported by the British Thoracic Society. Membership is not open to those employed in, or supported by, the tobacco industry, or those gaining financially from the sale of tobacco or tobacco-related products.

For information about BASSP and for details about becoming a member visit www.brit-thoracic.org.uk/Smoking%
20BASSP or email thebassp@ntlword.com