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STARSS

STARSS. In Partnership with York Region Community and Health Services, Reproductive Health Team, Tobacco-Free Living/Smoke-Free Ontario Grants Section and the Canadian Prenatal Nutrition Program www.york.ca. STARSS Project. Start Thinking About Reducing Second-hand Smoke

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STARSS

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  1. STARSS In Partnership with York Region Community and Health Services, Reproductive Health Team, Tobacco-Free Living/Smoke-Free Ontario Grants Section and the Canadian Prenatal Nutrition Program www.york.ca

  2. STARSS Project Start Thinking About Reducing Second-hand Smoke • A harm reduction and best practice support strategy for low-income mothers who smoke • Pilot project with CAPC and similar sites • Low-income moms who smoke were integral to development • Developed by AWARE: Action on Women’s Addictions-Research and Education www.aware.on.ca

  3. Philosophy Harm Reduction Notsmoking cessation “Success” is measured by small steps Strengths based Acknowledges the love moms have for their children Positives are emphasized and self-efficacy is nurtured Cognitive approach Encourages moms to think through their behaviors to make changes Gives moms skills to help them make a quit attempt when ready Goal setting strategy Builds on every change a mom makes (no matter how small) to the larger goal of smoking outside (not quitting)

  4. Philosophy Empowerment Gives moms a sense of control over their smoking and their lives Setbacks are not failures but an opportunity to try a different approach Participant focused Moms guide the entire process We meet them where they are in their process Flexible Can be used in existing programs or be a program on its own Can be used one-on-one or in a group setting Can be introduced formally or informally

  5. Who Benefits from STARSS? STARSS was designed to meet the needs of women who: Live on a low-income Are single parents (which may mean they have a part time partner) Have children under age six living with them Receive support from a service provider Are not ready to quit smoking

  6. Women’s Voices “I can’t leave my kids alone to go outside to smoke. The logistics are just too difficult. Either the kids tear the house apart. Or if they’re asleep and wake up, they scream because they’re scared.” “I smoke but I try as hard as I can not to smoke around my kids. But then their grandparents come over and they smoke. I can’t ask them not to smoke because I do. So then we’re all smoking. We try to vent the smoke to the outside.”

  7. Why Women Smoke Acts as an appetite suppressant Gives a sense of control over a life that may feel is out of control A chance to take a break and breathe A reward – the one thing they do for themselves A way to cope with difficult emotions/stress A friend To feel part of a social group Partners, friends, family who smoke

  8. Why It’s Hard to Quit Addicted Very difficult life circumstances Poverty Abuse (current or history of trauma) Partners, friends, family who smoke Surveillance (from ex-partners, child protection services, community)

  9. Not Ready to Quit Abstinence is healthiest for everyone – no known safe level of smoking BUT: abstinence not always possible Focus on positives of reducing smoking: Smaller, more manageable steps Tips to help them deal with triggers Accomplishments can increase confidence Can eventually move to quitting Keeps participant engaged

  10. Why Focus on CPNP Projects? • STARSS philosophy supports a gentle, harm reduction approach similar to CPNP programs and services • CPNP projects are ideal setting as they are designed to support low income moms • STARSS is flexible and easy to use • Staff can easily integrate STARSS strategies in the work they already do

  11. STARSS Components • Training for staff • STARSS manual for service providers • I’m A STAR! Journal • Series of five posters, brochure, handouts, worksheets and newsletters • A website with resources, ideas and supports for both staff and moms visit: www.aware.on.ca www.facebook.com/pages/STARSS.Canada www.twitter.com/STARSS_Canada For more information contact Neshma Dhanani at: 905-762-1282 ext 4620 orwww.Neshma.Dhanani@york.ca

  12. Action Plan • Partner with CPNP • Provide workshops/training to CPNP staff and PHNs • Informal implementation – weave messaging into ABC sessions • STARSS discussions over lunch/dinner • Distribution of print materials, videos and resources • Smokers’ Helpline Fax Referral Program (SHL FRP) • STARSS specific group sessions • Pursue funding options

  13. What Counsellors Say • “Before I learned how to deliver STARSS, I was reluctant to talk about smoking with moms. It felt like such a huge issue and I really didn’t know what to say or do. After my STARSS experience, I was reassured that you don’t have to try to get women to quit smoking; it’s just as important to develop a rapport about secondhand smoke and protecting children.” • “I really came to appreciate the value of the small steps approach. It wasn’t overwhelming or time consuming for me or for the moms.”

  14. What counsellors say about STARSS “I really came to appreciate the value of the small steps approach. It wasn’t overwhelming or time consuming for me or for the moms” “The material is straight forward, easy to use, and laid out well. It’s friendly, not scary”

  15. Psychology Environment Social Support Partner Biology Family & Friends Health Care

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