The Health Act 2006 makes provision for the prohibition of smoking in certain premises, places and vehicles, declaring them smokefree if they are open to the public or if they are used as a place of work.

For staff working within the community much of their work will take place within clients\' own homes, which means they could be working in an environment which exposes them to secondhand smoke.

Heart of Mersey has developed the Mersey Charter to support organisations in the development of policies and practices to protect staff in the community from exposure to secondhand smoke.

The Charter builds upon the recommendations of the Royal College of Nursing in terms of best practice for community staff when they work within clients' own homes.

To be awarded the Mersey Charter an organisation has to demonstrate that it:
• Has a Smoke Free Workplace Policy
• Requests clients provide a room which has been smokefree for a minimum of 30 minutes as far as is practicable prior to a planned visit by community staff
• Advises service users and staff on ways to minimise their risk of exposure to secondhand smoke
• Provides advice to service users and staff on smoke free issues and smoking cessation services.

There are currently a number of Local Authorities, Primary Care Trusts and Charitable Organisations who are working towards accreditation.

For more information about the Mersey Charter please contact the Mersey Charter lead, Gemma Weston on 0151 928 7820 or email info@heartofmersey.org.uk