About us
About Tobacco Free Nova Scotia
Tobacco Free Nova Scotia (TFNS) helps people quit and stay quit. We offer personalized support without judgment. TFNS is part of the 811 service in Nova Scotia. 811 is operated by Emergency Medical Care Inc. (EMCI) for the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness.
TFNS offers evidence-based support to quit.
You can get these supports for free through our 811 Quit Line and Secure Chat. TFNS counsellors are TEACH2 certified, with the following training:
- cultural competency
- motivational interviewing
- trauma informed practice
TFNS counsellors are also trained in Tobacco Cessation in Cancer Care. This training is offered by the Nova Scotia Health Authority.
What support does TFNS offer?
Our services are available to anyone who uses tobacco products and those who support them. You can choose any of these services:
- one-time calls
- ongoing phone counselling
- crisis counselling
- resources and quit kits
- secure text-message chat and support
What to expect after you contact TFNS
You can contact TFNS through our 811 Quit Line. You can also sign up for Secure Chat or Motivational Text Messages. Your healthcare provider can also contact us through the Healthcare Provider Fax Referral form.
Once you or your healthcare provider have contacted us, a counsellor will call you at the phone number given to us. This usually happens within 3 business days. We will try to reach you 3 times. When we reach you, you can do 3 things:
- learn about the services we offer
- ask questions
- give us information that will help us help you
If you decide you are ready to try to quit smoking, a trained counsellor will be available over the phone to support you. They can help you deal with cravings and withdrawal. They are also there if you just want to talk. When you are ready, your counsellor will help you make a quit plan that is right for you. Our counsellors have the skills and experience to help you quit using tobacco no matter what kind of product you use. They can also help you to quit vaping.
Program Hours:
Monday–Thursday: 9am–10pm
Friday: 9am-7pm
Saturday–Sunday: 10am–6pm
