5.3 MILLION SMOKERS
ASK. ADVISE. ACT.
Every service and workplace plays a role in helping more people to quit tobacco
Very Brief Advice+ & Vape Myth Busting Training
National Centre for Smoking Cessation and Training (NCSCT) and
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) aligned
Why this training matters
Very Brief Advice+ Works
- A 30-second, evidence-based intervention recommended by NICE NG209 and the NCSCT
- A single brief interaction can meaningfully shift behaviour
- Around 40% will make a quit attempt after receiving very brief advice +
- With 5.3 million smokers nationally, delivery will create population level impact
Vape Myth Busting Is Essential
- Confusion about vaping harms prevents people who smoke from switching away from tobacco
- Clear understanding of the NCSCT position on nicotine vapes
- Replaces common myths with accurate, evidence based knowledge
- Appropriate response to youth vaping concerns
Localised delivery
This training integrates national evidence with local context to ensure it is directly relevant to local services and support pathways.
Commissioning organisations are invited to provide key local information which can be incorporated into the training, including:
• Local smoking prevalence, priority populations and health inequalities
• The local tobacco and nicotine cessation service offer
• Local referral pathways and pharmacotherapy options
• Relevant policy or strategic priorities, including the Tobacco and Vapes Bill context
This ensures participants leave the training with practical knowledge of how to support residents within their local system.
Course Content
✓ Smoking harms, nicotine and behaviour change
✓ Delivering effective VBA+ (Ask–Advise–Act)
✓ NCSCT-aligned scripts and messaging
✓ Vaping evidence and regulation
✓ Addressing vape myths confidently
✓ Local referral pathways and tools
✓ Follow-up conversations
Who Attends
Primary audience
All frontline staff and volunteers who have conversations with residents.
Secondary audience
System leaders and system influences with the autonomy to operationalise VBA+ as ‘business as usual’
Procurement
Commissioners can secure training now and schedule delivery to align with operational plans via a 12-month call-off option. This enables organisations to:
✓ Guarantee availability within 2026/27 timetable
✓ Align with new initiatives or workforce change
✓ Use remaining development budgets proactively
What participants gain
✓ Increased confidence delivering VBA+
✓ Up-to-date vaping knowledge
✓ Aligned to NCSCT and NICE evidence
✓ A new or improved skill set for the ‘tool box’
✓ CPD certificate and resources
What attendees say
“Extremely informative in looking at the different approaches in assisting people to quit. I feel more confident in talking to patients about quitting using the Ask, Act and Advise and the VBA approach.”
“Myth busting was very informative and very important to know. I work in pulmonary rehab and assessments give us the perfect opportunity to question patients and refer to smoking cessation.”
“Really informative, light hearted, but useful, practical information that can be used in every day practice.”
“Very interesting statistics and I feel they have the most impact on changing people’s mindsets.”
“Great delivery, and good explanation of topic. Inspired me to do a ‘walk around’ the hospital wards promoting VBA to the staff. Thankyou“
Ready to embed Very Brief Advice+ across your workforce?
Email training@smarthealthsolutions.co.uk to discuss commissioning options or secure delivery within your 2026/27 plans.
Meet the trainers
Louise Ross
Louise has managed stop smoking services for over two decades, and launched the first vape-friendly stop smoking service in 2014.
She is clinical consultant at the NCSCT (National Centre for Smoking Cessation and Training) and is Stop Smoking Lead for Smoke Free Digital.
Michaela Nuttall RGN MSc
Michaela is a Cardiovascular Nurse Specialist, Director at Smart Health Solutions and founder of Learn With Nurses. She is the former Head of CVD Prevention for Public Health England and Clinical Advisor at OHID. She is the Chair of the Heart UK Health Care Committee and a member of the Nurses and AHP & The Guidelines and Information Working Party of the British and Irish Hypertension Society.
Una O’Connor RGN MSc FHEA
Una is an Independent Nurse Consultant. Education is a priority for her, having achieved PGCE, PG Dip and Master of Science Degree in Medical and Healthcare Education and she is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Her passion for promotion and delivery of teaching led to the role of Communications and Engagement Lead for Learn With Nurses and Una is currently the Operations Manager for both Smart Health Solutions and Learn With Nurses.
