TSI Knowledge Network – Session 8
Featuring: NHS Tayside & PKAVS Carers Centre
Last Updated: 30 July 2026
23/09/2025
This session of the TSI Knowledge Network brought together NHS Tayside Smoking Cessation and PKAVS Carers Centre to share insights into the ways their organisations support individuals to improve their health, wellbeing, and quality of life. The session highlighted the importance of early intervention, accessible support, and partnership working in helping people make positive changes and access the services they need.
Both organisations showcased person-centred approaches that empower individuals through practical guidance, tailored support, and community connections. From helping people quit smoking and reduce health inequalities to supporting unpaid carers with information, wellbeing services, and advocacy, the session demonstrated how collaborative, compassionate support can make a lasting difference for individuals, families, and communities across Perth & Kinross.
Featured Organisations
NHS Tayside Smoking Cessation
About:
NHS Tayside Smoking Cessation Service supports people across Tayside to stop smoking through free, evidence-based advice, treatment, and ongoing support. Working alongside community pharmacies, healthcare professionals, and local organisations, the service helps people understand nicotine addiction, access appropriate stop smoking treatments, and make positive, lasting changes to improve their health and wellbeing. The team also provides training and resources to equip professionals and community organisations with the confidence to support people on their quit journey.
Highlight – Supporting People to Quit Smoking
During the session, NHS Tayside Smoking Cessation highlighted the significant impact smoking has on health and health inequalities, while demonstrating how compassionate, evidence-based support can help people successfully quit. The presentation explored the range of free support available across Tayside, including community pharmacy services, financial incentive schemes, and specialist support for priority groups such as pregnant women. The team also encouraged attendees to make use of their programme of free training and information sessions for professionals and community organisations, helping more people feel confident in having supportive conversations about smoking and signposting individuals to the right services.
Key Focus Areas:
- Free stop smoking advice, treatment, and support
- Raising awareness of nicotine addiction and tobacco harm
- Training for professionals and community organisations
- Reducing health inequalities through partnership working
Contact Details:
- Email: tay.smokingcessationservice@nhs.scot
- Tel: 01382 424 127
- Website: www.nhstayside.scot.nhs.uk
- Training & Information Sessions: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/tobacco-4805115
PKAVS Carers Centre
About:
PKAVS Carers Centre provides free information, advice, and support for unpaid carers of all ages across Perth & Kinross. Whether someone cares for a family member, friend, or neighbour due to illness, disability, mental ill health, addiction, or age-related needs, the Carers Centre works alongside carers to help them access the support, resources, and opportunities they need to maintain their own health and wellbeing while continuing in their caring role.
Highlight – Supporting Unpaid Carers Across Perth & Kinross
During the session, PKAVS Carers Centre shared an overview of the wide range of services available to unpaid carers and the importance of recognising the invaluable contribution they make within our communities. The presentation highlighted the practical, emotional, and wellbeing support available through the Carers Centre, including one-to-one guidance, carers’ rights information, peer support opportunities, financial wellbeing advice, and activities designed to reduce isolation and improve resilience. The session also reinforced the importance of ensuring carers are identified early and connected with support that helps them balance their caring responsibilities with their own wellbeing.
Key Focus Areas:
- Information, advice, and advocacy for unpaid carers
- Carer wellbeing, peer support, and social connections
- Financial wellbeing and carers’ rights
- Young Carers and Adult Carers support services
Contact Details:
- Email: carers@pkavs.org.uk
- Website: www.pkavs.org.uk/
- Tel: 01738 567076
Perth & Kinross Association of Voluntary Service Ltd (PKAVS) is a registered Scottish Charity (005561) and a Scottish Company Limited by guarantee (SC086065).