Give It Up For Baby scheme for Rattray launched
Last updated | 12/03/2008
The Give It Up For Baby (GIUFB) incentive scheme to assist pregnant smokers to kick the habit will be launched at Tesco in Blairgowrie today (Tuesday 11 March 2008).
The scheme is a partnership project between Perth & Kinross Council, NHS Tayside and Perth & Kinross Community Planning Health & Wellbeing Strategic Forum. Operating as a pilot scheme in parts of Perth City and Rattray since October 2007, the scheme offering practical help, support and advice for any pregnant women in these areas who want to give up smoking.
Participants are identified either by midwives at their first antenatal clinic visit and recruited if they indicate they want to give up smoking, or through a GIUFB Support Worker who provides support throughout the whole process. Mums-to-be can also self-refer by going to their local pharmacy.
Nicotine replacement therapy will be provided either from a GP or from a local pharmacy, and social support is also given to women taking part through community-based groups for expectant mothers. Support for other family members who may wish to stop smoking is also available.
Those taking part are tested weekly at designated local pharmacies (for Rattray the pharmacies are Davidsons and Boots) to confirm they are tobacco-free and if they manage to stay off cigarettes then a limited-use store card is credited with cash amounts (£12.50 a week maximum) which can be redeemed with partners recruited to support the scheme. In Rattray, Blairgowrie Tesco is providing this service. The store card can be used for groceries and baby goods, but not for tobacco or alcohol.
Perth & Kinross Council's Vice-Convener of Housing and Health, Councillor Alasdair Wylie, said: “This scheme has already been shown elsewhere in Tayside to have a beneficial effect for families and children by encouraging pregnant smokers to give up for the good of their health and that of their baby. I am delighted that through this scheme we can invest in healthier lives for local people.”
The NHS Tayside Smokeline can be contacted by calling 0845 600 9996.
