Stop Smoking
How can we help you?
We offer FREE healthy lifestyle programmes for all ages. Click the links below to find support that’s right for you.
Client stories
Check out the case studies from our clients and learn about the amazing health journeys they have been on.
Cliff
I came to the service because of my health. I realised I needed to stop smoking and quickly. I take medication for angina, COPD, high blood pressure and cancer of the bladder. I found walking long distances a struggle and needed to stop to catch my breath quite frequently. I finally stopped working part-time at the age of 81 and with the support of my family and the Stop Smoking Practitioner, I have now been smoke-free for 7 months. I thought stopping smoking would be a challenge but to do it during a pandemic was an even bigger challenge – but I did it.
Whilst on the course I received quality support. During appointments, we would discuss openly our smoking habits, triggers, coping tactics and hand-to-mouth pleasure which was a habit for over 60 years. We would also have the odd conversation about golf, cricket, and fishing. I still receive regular telephone support and during lockdown, I feel his calls have had a positive effect, not just on my quit attempt, but my overall wellbeing.
The impact it has had on my life since quitting smoking has been nothing but positive. I can walk for longer periods of time and at a faster pace without getting out of breath. The circulation in the bottom of my legs has improved and I can now sleep better. I am hoping to return to the golf course very soon. I feel without the support of the stop smoking service I would not have been able to do it. I would highly recommend the free service to anyone wanting to stop smoking. I feel great!
Thank you, Cliff.
Frances
I had smoked since I was a teenager and was a relatively heavy smoker during my 20s – although mainly only smoking in the evenings and first thing in the morning. I easily quit during both my pregnancies and whilst breastfeeding, but just as easily restarted. I convinced myself I wasn’t a smoker as I only smoked in the evenings once the children had gone to bed, but I was still smoking at least once a day if not more, especially if I had an alcoholic drink.
My main motivation for quitting was when I realised that I was kidding myself if I thought I wasn’t addicted to nicotine and that I wasn’t in control of my smoking habit, even if I had managed to convince myself for years that I was self-disciplined. I didn’t want my daughters to see me smoking, disliked smelling smoke. I enjoy running and doing yoga and didn’t want smoking to affect my fitness. I was also aware that at 41, I needed to start being kind to my skin. I spent most of the time pretending I didn’t smoke, or saying that I only smoked occasionally, and hated being hypocritical.
I have never felt supported before when trying to quit – Tom talked through my habit with me first, understanding where my headspace was, before he suggested a course of action for me to try. All the way through the twelve-week programme I was on, it was good to know I had someone to discuss any issues and it also made me accountable for my actions.
I have managed to finally stop smoking. The biggest change is an acceptance that I now know I can never, ever, smoke even one cigarette again – and interestingly, I have no desire to try having gone this length of time without smoking. I’m enjoying not smoking and being around others smoking strangely does not bother me at all. It is entirely my decision not to smoke and it’s not a big deal – in fact, I haven’t mentioned it to many people. This has been a personal choice and not one I’m concerned with sharing. Quitting this time has made me very happy and therefore, I’m not needing to discuss it, as it hasn’t been a problem.
I’m really chuffed with myself for quitting!
It’s good to know I’ll have a follow-up phone call in about 6 months, again helping the personal accountability attached to quitting and I definitely feel confident that I won’t try to start smoking once again.
It’s been a great experience that I wasn’t expecting to appreciate to this extent. The support has been hugely beneficial and I genuinely think it’s made a massive difference to my success in quitting smoking.
Renita
When I realised I had symptoms related to being a smoker, I found a local stop-smoking clinic. I used the patches and nicotine inhalator. I am so glad I have quit! The temptation is still there because I had been smoking for a long time. It wasn’t easy but I followed the advice I got from my advisor and used Nicotine Replacement Therapy. That way there was no able to fail and I didn’t suffer cravings.
I haven’t had a cigarette since, and I would say good luck to anyone else thinking of giving up.
