Connect to Change
Commercial tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable disease and death in Canada and is the risk factor most strongly linked to preventable cancer cases. In Canada, the rates of commercial tobacco use are statistically higher among Indigenous peoples. Smoking commercial tobacco is 2.4 times higher among Inuit, 1.9 times higher among First Nations living off reserve and 1.7 times higher among Métis than among non-Indigenous adults.
Community group facilitators will receive training to deliver community-based programs with a focus on quitting or reducing commercial tobacco use while also increasing physical activity.
A land- or water-based physical activity program will be developed, and the two programs will be blended into a single 8-week program for participants seeking to quit smoking and vaping.
Participants will:
- work with an Indigenous group facilitator to develop their personal goals and plan their quit journey
- build social connections with other group members starting the same journey while engaging in culturally appropriate and traditional exercises such as beading, jigging and gardening to support in the success of quitting smoking or vaping
- check in with community group facilitators and peers for weekly support, progress updates and guidance
- receive 6 weeks of free nicotine replacement therapy
- receive a referral to the Canadian Cancer Society’s Talk Tobacco program to receive culturally tailored and personalized support from a cessation specialist to complete their quit plan. Support is available by phone, online or live chat.
Contact us
If you have questions about the Connect to Change program, please contact us for more details at: connecttochange@cancer.ca
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