More People Expected To Quit Smoking
18 January 2011, 05:00
Heart's being told by the NHS in Suffolk and Norfolk that more people might be quitting smoking this year because all their new initiatives.
Pharmacies are offering free nicotine patches to smokers who want to quit as part of a major drive to help smokers quit the habit in the New Year. Coupons giving smokers a week's free trial of the patches will be added to "Quit Kits" for the first time.
The NHS says Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) patches help reduce cravings that people can get when giving up smoking, and that smokers can double their chances of giving up successfully by using them.
They also added that research shows smokers are 4 times more likely to quit with support from an NHS stop smoking service.
Jennie Pusey, NHS Norfolk’s Stop Smoking Service Commissioning Manager, said:
"This initiative will support the work we are already doing to try and bring stop smoking services closer to local communities and has the potential to reach large numbers of people.
We're only two weeks into the New Year so it's not to late to make a resolution to give up with all the help and support the NHS offers."
The Quit Kits also contain items such as calming audio downloads and "health and wealth" wheels showing the benefits of giving up."
Daniel Chapelle, NHS Suffolk’s health improvement manager said: "One of the top New Year resolutions is to quit smoking, and the Quit Kit can help people do this. Quitting certainly isn’t easy, and this is a great, free practical tool to help people become smoke free.
Whilst the most successful way of stopping smoking is using our local stop smoking services these Quit Kits will be useful for people who want to try and go it alone. Anyone who would like more information on stopping smoking should contact the Suffolk Stop Smoking Service on 0800 085 6037"
Smokers can find advice on quitting and see which stores are offering Quit Kits using the links.
A small number of Quit Kits will also be available through the Smokefree website and Smokefree helpline 0800 0224 332 for those who are unable to access a Quit Kit in their local area - while stocks last.
There is also free advice and support available from your local community pharmacy, GP or from Smokefree Norfolk, the NHS stop smoking service on 0800 0854 113.
You can find out more about the NHS Suffolk Stop Smoking Service at www.suffolkstopsmokingservice.co.uk
To find your nearest pharmacy where you can pick up a free Quit Kit visit www.smokefree.nhs.uk