Don’t give up on giving up

The Cumbria NHS Stop Smoking Service is encouraging people to get in touch ready for Stoptober – a mass quit attempt launched by the Department of Health. Joan Braithwaite, Stop Smoking Service Coordinator for Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, explains: "Stoptober is an excellent opportunity to quit smoking and make a fresh start. I would definitely encourage people to get in touch with our free Stop Smoking Service, as people are four times more likely to quit with help from us.

There are many health benefits associated with stopping smoking – not only for you, but for your family. By quitting, you will reduce the chances of your children developing illnesses caused by second hand smoke, including asthma attacks, pneumonia, bronchitis, meningitis and ear infections.”

The Stop Smoking Service has also joined forces with CFM and The Bay Radio to help people to quit. They will be running a week-long on-air campaign from Monday 24th September, so tune in for advice and tips on how to stop smoking and for the chance to win High Street vouchers.

People from across Cumbria who are quitting smoking with the help of the Stop Smoking Service have shared their experiences.

Stephen McGovern,(pictured)  from Whitehaven, said: “I have a little girl who needs me to be around longer than I will be if I keep smoking and she hates the smell. I used the Stop Smoking Service last year and quit for six months but picked it up again earlier this year. I decided I needed to try again for my health and my daughter and I have been a non-smoker for four weeks now thanks to the help of the Stop Smoking Service. I would definitely recommend the service to others. Even if like me you have failed to quit before it is important to keep trying.”

Rachel Fisher, from Barrow, said: “I have two beautiful kids and I noticed that my youngest daughter, two, started to copy me and pretend she was smoking with a pen. My older daughter, six, went to a smoking course at school and kept telling me I was going to die – it really upset her and I knew that I needed to give it up for good for myself and my girls. I decided to call the Stop Smoking Service and my advisor was brilliant. She really helped me follow the programme and gave me the support that I needed.”
Jane Mitchell, who is 80 and lives in Egremont, said:

“I tried to quit smoking a few times but I didn’t stick with it. I developed a cough and my doctor recommended that I try the Stop Smoking Service. My advisor was excellent and I got the help I needed to quit for good.  I feel great now and my breathing is much better and I’m saving a lot of money. I have already recommended the Stop Smoking Service to a friend”.

There are now more ways than ever for smokers to get support from the Stop Smoking Service to give up smoking.  This includes telephone consultations, community clinics or popping along to your local pharmacy.

To book an appointment call 01900 324 222, it only takes one phone call and there are no waiting lists. You can also text QUIT to 82540. For a list of community clinics and participating pharmacies visit http://www.cumbriapartnership.nhs.uk/stop-smoking-service.htm or call 01900 324 222.

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CASE STUDY: BARROW

Rachel Fisher, 25, smoked for 14 years and tried to quite a few times without success. It wasn’t until she saw how her smoking was affecting her two young daughters that she realised she needed to quit for good and called the NHS Stop Smoking Service. She said:

“I have two beautiful kids and I noticed that my youngest daughter, two, started to copy me and pretend she was smoking with a pen. My older daughter, six, went to a smoking course at school and kept telling me I was going to die – it really upset her and I knew that I needed to give it up for good for myself and my girls. I decided to call the Stop Smoking Service and my advisor was brilliant. She really helped me follow the programme and gave me the support that I needed.

My friends were a big help this time too. They were really supportive, especially on nights out when I needed it the most. I would definitely recommend the Stop Smoking Service to anyone who wants to quit, it really worked for me.”

CASE STUDY: WHITEHAVEN

Stephen McGovern, 39 had a very good reason to quit smoking; his four year old daughter Grace.  He said:

“I have a little girl who needs me to be around longer than I will be if I keep smoking and she hates the smell.

I used the Stop Smoking Service last year and quit for six months but picked it up again earlier this year. I decided I needed to try again for my health and my daughter and I have been a non-smoker for four weeks now thanks to the help of the Stop Smoking Service.

The Stop Smoking Service is excellent, it is easy to follow the programme and the advisors were very supportive and helpful. I would definitely recommend the service to others. Even if like me you have failed to quit before it is important to keep trying”.

CASE STUDY: EGREMONT

80 year old Jane Mitchell of Egremont smoked for 64 years before she finally found the help she needed to quit for good. She said:
“I tried to quit smoking a few times but I didn’t stick with it. I developed a cough and my doctor recommended that I try the Stop Smoking Service. My advisor was excellent and I got the help I needed to quit for good.

I feel great now and my breathing is much better and I’m saving a lot of money. I have already recommended the Stop Smoking Service to a friend”.