Higher prevalence of smoking among mental health patients and staff is a major concern and a possible target for health promotion. A survey of attitudes to smoking and smoking cessation was carried out among patients and staff in our catchment area in view of the NHS smoke-free initiative in the U.K.. We found that a majority (70%) of participants were aware of this initiative and 60% of smokers wanted to quit. Aids for quitting smoking were also viewed positively and combined methods and nicotine replacement were seen as most helpful. Our findings suggest that introduction of a smoke free policy is an excellent opportunity to promote smoking cessation among mental health patients and staff.