In March 2006 the British Thoracic Society held a conference for stop smoking professionals. This built on  initial scoping work by the BTS Tobacco Committee which tested support for the establishment of a new Association which would meet the unmet needs of this significant group of practitioners. The conference confirmed its support and mandated a Steering Group to take work forward. The British Association for Stop Smoking Practitioners (BASSP) therefore came into being.

This Group developed a membership scheme, arranged elections for a properly constituted management committee, and organised a second conference in September 2007. We were delighted when Kevin Barron MP accepted our invitation to become the Patron of BASSP and hosted its formal launch at the House of Commons in July 2007. 

BASSP is intended to be run by practitioners for practitioners and we would like as many people as possible to become involved. Membership of BASSP is open to all those who have a professional interest in smoking cessation and who are committed to reducing the prevalence of smoking in the UK. 

You can find out more about  BASSP and how to join here. You can also contact the BASSP Project Manager via email at thebassp@ntlworld.com