Congratulations to Dr Ed Beveridge, our Divisional Medical Director, who’s been named the new co-chair of the Mental Health and Smoking Partnership.

Ed joined CNWL (again!) in April, bringing a wealth of experience as a consultant psychiatrist and a passion for improving the physical health of people living with mental illness. And this new role is right up his street.

Smoking remains one of the biggest drivers of poor health for people with severe mental illness - linked to three of the four main causes of early death. Rates are significantly higher in deprived and marginalised communities, and too often patients don’t get the support they need to stop, despite strong evidence that with the right help, quitting is absolutely possible.

Ed’s new role is about changing that. Working with partners across mental health, public health and tobacco control, including Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) - an independent public health charity - he’ll help push for a more joined-up, accessible approach to stopping smoking.

Ed said:

“I'm proud do have the opportunity to work with other experts in the field to make sure people with mental health conditions are less likely to start, and get the best support to stop smoking - they deserve no less.”

This comes at a key moment, with the Tobacco and Vapes Act now in place - a major step towards a smokefree generation.

For CNWL, this is a great link between our work on the ground and national leadership. It’s a chance to make sure the needs of people with mental health conditions are front and centre as policy and practice continue to evolve.