What is Aboriginal Quitline (AQL)?
Aboriginal Quitline (AQL) is a free telephone counselling service for mob, by mob. We empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to quit smoking or vaping and be strong in health and wellbeing. We can also support you if you’re using e-cigarettes to stop smoking.
Who are the AQL counsellors I’ll be yarning with?
Our AQL counsellors are Jamara, Syl, Erica and Luis, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people who are passionate about empowering mob to quit smoking or vaping. They can also support you if you’re using e-cigarettes to quit the smokes. They can yarn with you if you’re supporting a loved one to quit.
Who else is available in my community to help me give up the smokes or e-cigarettes?
Your doctor, or a Tackling Indigenous Smoking (TIS) Worker or Aboriginal Health Worker are deadly mob in community who are trained to yarn with you about quitting smoking or vaping. They can help with a referral to AQL as well as ongoing community support while you're quitting smoking or vaping.
How do I access Closing the Gap to get nicotine replacement or quit medications?
Under the Closing the Gap Scheme, eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can access some quit medications for free or for a small co-payment. Speak with your doctor, Aboriginal health worker or TIS worker, or call AQL on 13 7848 for more information.
Will it cost anything to speak with Aboriginal Quitline?
No, our service is free.
When you call 13 7848, you will only be charged for the cost of a local call.
If you request a callback using our online form, we will call you back free of charge. Other completely free ways to contact us are:
- Request a callback
- Webchat
- Message us via Facebook facebook.com/aboriginalquitline
- Referral from your doctor, TIS Worker or Aboriginal Health Worker.
Aboriginal Quitline sometimes ask me to yarn about my personal life? Why is that?
Our Culture and traditions are based on storytelling and yarning. You can share as much or as little as you like about your story. We are here to listen and provide the best support we can for you on your quitting journey. We will need to ask you for your personal details so we can contact you for follow up calls. All the information you give us is confidential.
What is the STAR strategy?
We often help mob to use the STAR strategy when they’re preparing to quit:
S = Set a quit date
T = Tell people you’re quitting
A = Anticipate cravings
R = Remove smoking or vaping products.
How do I help other mob or loved ones give up the smokes or vapes?
Wanting to help a family member or friend give up the smokes or vapes is understandable; AQL counsellors can help you to support your loved ones through their quit journey.
What if I don’t want to yarn on the phone?
Yarning on the phone with us allows us to hear your story and chat about the ways in which you want to quit. If you prefer not to chat on the phone, there are other ways to get in touch:
- Use the webchat feature on the bottom right-hand corner of this website. Ask to chat with an AQL counsellor.
- Message us via Facebook at facebook.com/aboriginalquitline