About Services

1. ASH OUT

A Support Group by Kinara

Information Sheet

Type of Service: Support Groups

Document version: [Draft_V1]

Effective date: [11/08/2026]

Programme duration: Approximately 6 weeks, 6 Group Sessions

Mode: Digital/Online

1. About the Ash Out Programme

  • Ash Out is a structured and flexible tobacco-cessation programme for adults who want to stop or reduce tobacco use.

  • The cohort sessions are conducted in English.

  • The programme is delivered through scheduled online group sessions using audio and video communication.

  • You will need a suitable device, a stable internet connection, and a reasonably private space for each session.

  • A facilitator may request an age/identity check using an appropriate identification document before or during enrolment.

2. Session Structure and Facilitation

  • Each group will generally include 3 to 12 participants.

  • Sessions generally last about 75 minutes for smaller groups and up to 90 minutes for larger groups. An additional 10 minutes may be used when needed to complete the discussion.

  • Each session is led by two facilitators. The primary facilitator leads the session and the secondary facilitator provides technical, moderating, and participant-support functions.

  • A clinical expert may be available to support the team when a participant experiences significant distress or when referral to additional care is required. 

  • The date, time, frequency, expected duration, and procedure for rescheduling or handling technical interruptions will be communicated before sessions.

3. What Participation in a Group Means

  • Group sessions provide an opportunity to learn, reflect, and participate alongside people who may have similar tobacco-related goals or difficulties.

  • You may participate by speaking, listening, reflecting, or responding to activities. You will not be forced to disclose information that you are not comfortable sharing.

  • Facilitators will work to maintain a respectful and supportive environment and may intervene when discussions become disruptive, unsafe, or significantly uncomfortable for participants.

  • Please attend on time, remain for the scheduled session as far as possible, and inform the programme team when you cannot attend.

  • If your participation or behaviour repeatedly interferes with the safety or functioning of the group, the facilitators may pause your participation or recommend an alternative form of support.

4. Privacy, Confidentiality and Recording

  • Please join from a private and reasonably quiet space. Keep your video on during the session unless the facilitator permits otherwise.

  • If you must attend from a shared environment, use earphones/headphones and take reasonable steps to prevent others from hearing or seeing the session. You may be asked to leave the session temporarily if privacy cannot be maintained or your environment disrupts the group.

  • No participant may audio-record, video-record, photograph, screenshot, copy, publish, forward, or otherwise share the session or another participant’s identity, statements, or personal information.

  • Kinara and the facilitators will take reasonable steps to protect confidentiality and information security. However, confidentiality among group participants cannot be guaranteed because the programme team cannot fully control what another participant may disclose outside the group.

  • You are expected to maintain the privacy of other participants after the session, including on social media or messaging platforms.

  • Session records or brief professional notes may be maintained where appropriate for service delivery, continuity, safety, quality, or administration and will be stored with appropriate safeguards.

  • Technology can carry a residual risk of unintended disclosure or data breach despite reasonable security measures.

5. Limits to Confidentiality and Safety

  • Confidentiality is not absolute where disclosure is necessary to respond to a serious and immediate safety concern, a need for emergency intervention, or where disclosure is otherwise required by applicable law.

  • If you disclose active thoughts, plans, or actions involving suicide, self-harm, or harm to another person, the programme team may take appropriate steps to seek urgent or emergency support, which may include contacting an emergency contact or relevant local service.

  • If significant emotional distress occurs during a session, a facilitator may move you temporarily to an individual/private conversation or otherwise arrange additional support and referral.

  • Because online group sessions are not emergency services, you should not rely on Ash Out for urgent medical or mental-health care. You may be advised to seek immediate help from the nearest appropriate hospital, emergency service, psychiatrist, psychologist, or other qualified health professional.

6. Suitability and Referral

  • The programme team may assess whether group-based online participation is appropriate for you and may review this decision during the programme.

  • If your needs are beyond the scope of Ash Out, if remote participation is not appropriate or sufficient, or if more intensive care is indicated, you may be advised or referred to an in-person or other appropriate professional service.

  • You may choose to stop participating at any time. The programme team may also discontinue or change the mode of support when this is considered necessary for safety, appropriateness, or continuity of care.

7. Fees, Cancellation and Refunds

  • The applicable programme fee, payment method, and any session or package conditions will be shown or communicated before booking.

  • Once the programme has been booked, routine cancellation is not permitted and routine refunds are not provided.

  • A refund request may be considered where Equiliva Healthcare Private Limited cancels the service, or where a participant requests consideration because of unavoidable personal circumstances. Approval is subject to administrative review and is not guaranteed.

8. Programme Completion and Follow-Up

  • The final session includes reflection, feedback, and review of next steps.

  • At completion, you may receive a PDF handout containing tobacco-cessation resources and relevant referral information.

  • A follow-up check-in may be conducted approximately 2 to 3 months after completion using a call or form.

  • Any optional feedback or programme evaluation activity will be explained separately where applicable.

9. Technical and Communication Requirements

  • Keep other applications and notifications to a minimum during the session to reduce distractions.

  • If communication becomes unreliable or a technical problem substantially interferes with the session, the facilitator may end or pause the session and arrange a new appointment or other appropriate follow-up.

  • Do not join a session while driving or while engaged in an activity that prevents you from participating safely and privately.

10. What Consent Means

By providing consent, you confirm that you have had the opportunity to read or have this document explained to you in a language you understand; that your questions have been answered; that you understand the potential benefits, limitations, risks, confidentiality provisions, and alternatives to participating; and that you are choosing to participate voluntarily.