On 30th and 31st January 2024, we held a policy roundtable and open webinar to disseminate findings and to deliberate over implications for policy and practice.

Delivered in collaboration with study collaborators Sheila Duffy, CEO of ASH-S, and Amanda Stephen, lead practitioner at TPS, the events were attended by stakeholders from the Scottish Government and Parliament, Public Health Scotland, the British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK, Obesity Action Scotland, Asthmas and Lung UK, Royal Pharmaceutical Society, academics, researchers, and NHS practitioners.

Both events focussed on the new data and evidence, or ‘community intelligence’, surfaced during the study on smoking behaviours within the cost-of-living crisis, and how existing services, such as mental health services and smoking cessation services can be enhanced through community-led learning and dialogue with health authorities.

The discussion also addressed the suitability and applicability of the process to other service areas and health priorities, such as chronic non-communicable diseases and alcohol and drug problems. The team were encouraged by a high level of interest and positive response to the study, which overall aims to support the realisation and implementation of strategy and policy for community-led health in Scotland.