Serious mental illness
Richmond Council is addressing higher smoking rates among people with serious mental illness.
Richmond upon Thames Council is currently addressing higher smoking prevalence among individuals with serious mental illness, which are severe and persistent mental health conditions. A March 2026 report highlighted that despite the borough's overall low smoking rates, this group remains a priority for targeted cessation efforts. The council employs a multi-faceted approach, including the Smoke Free App and the Swap to Stop scheme.
While no specific upcoming discussions on serious mental illness have been announced, Islington's Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee met in September 2026 to review public health performance and adult social care outcomes. These broad areas are relevant to the provision of mental health services.
Key facts
- Richmond upon Thames Council identified individuals with serious mental illness as a priority population for targeted smoking cessation efforts in March 2026. Source
- Richmond upon Thames had an adult smoking prevalence of 6.7% as of 2022/24. Source
- The national average for adult smoking prevalence was 10.9% as of 2022/24. Source
- Richmond upon Thames Council uses initiatives including the Smoke Free App and the Swap to Stop scheme. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.