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Brief Advice & Guidelines

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As a TIS worker or Aboriginal Health Worker, it’s vital to know how to yarn with mob about quitting the smokes in a non-judgemental and supportive way.

The brief advice model ‘Ask, Advise, Help’ (AAH) (also known as Very brief advice) helps you do just that. The yarn about quitting using this model can take anywhere from 30 seconds to 10 minutes. It reinforces the importance of stopping smoking, boosts motivation and will often encourage a quit attempt.

Brief advice: Ask, Advise, Help (AAH)

The brief advice AAH model describes how you can have a yarn about quitting smoking in a non-judgemental and supportive way.

1. Ask

Ask all clients whether they smoke or vape. Asking will also help you understand:

  • Why they smoke
  • Motivations or reasons for quitting
  • Their smoking behaviours and triggers
  • What stops them from quitting.

2. Advise

Advise all clients who smoke to quit, in a supportive and non-judgemental way, and advise of the best way to quit.

If they are not ready to address their smoking or vaping, then talk to them in a clear, non-confrontational and personalised way: 

  • “Quitting the smokes is the best thing you can do for your health.” 
  • “Quitting the smokes can save you money and improve the wellbeing of your family.”
  • “I’m here to help whenever you’re ready to talk about quitting.”

3. Help

Help by offering a referral to Aboriginal Quitline (13 7848) and providing information about nicotine replacement therapy.

How to refer to Aboriginal Quitline (13 7848)

Referring to Aboriginal Quitline AQL is simple:

  1. Gather your client’s information and consent to refer to AQL
  2. Complete the online referral form
  3. Keep a copy of all people you refer for your records.

You may also like to call 13 7848 with your client present and ask to yarn with an AQL counsellor.

Once a referral is received, one of our deadly AQL counsellors will contact your client. Their number one priority is to ensure a Culturally appropriate, safe space for the mob to yarn about their smoking. Our Circle of care approach means we’ll stay connected with you to ensure your client is receiving the best possible care throughout their quit journey.

What if my client is vaping?

AQL can support mob of all ages to quit vaping, as well as support mob who are using vapes to quit smoking. Refer your client to AQL using our online form:

Refer to AQL


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