Quit smoking this summer with NHS support from your home

Cumbria NHS Stop Smoking Service is encouraging busy parents to quit smoking this summer holiday by offering free support over the telephone. Joan Braithwaite, Stop Smoking Service Coordinator for Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, explains:

“Quitting smoking is often difficult at the best of times, never mind over the long summer holiday when many people have to balance work while looking after the children. That’s why we offer free and confidential phone consultations to help people quit.

We offer phone consultations all year round, but if you are struggling to find time to make a face-to-face appointment due to the holidays then it’s the perfect opportunity to get support from the comfort of your own home.

Don’t let the summer holidays stop you from making a positive step towards a healthier and happier life. Smokers are up to four times more likely to quit smoking successfully with help from the free Stop Smoking Service.”

Liz Morton quit on smoking on the 14th April. She said of her experience quitting smoking with the Cumbria Stop Smoking Service:

“I received support from the Stop Smoking Service via the telephone. I work full time so it was much easier for me to talk to my Stop Smoking Advisor over the phone. Had I had to go to clinics/meetings every week I just wouldn’t have been able to keep it up. I really enjoyed being able to have the support and reassurance on the phone when it was convenient for me.”

You can also pop along to your local pharmacy for support to quit smoking. Furthermore, the Cumbria Stop Smoking Service will be in some local town centres this summer to talk to people about attempting to quit smoking:

Barrow indoor market - 11am - 2pm every Wednesday
Workington market stall - 10am - 2pm (Wednesday 15th, 22nd and 29th)
Carlisle - TBC

Call 01900 324 222 or text ‘QUIT’ 82540 for an appointment.

For a list of community clinics and participating pharmacies visit: http://www.cumbriapartnership.nhs.uk/stop-smoking-service.htm or call 01900 324 222.

Isabella Clark is from Maryport and quit smoking a month ago. She said of her experience quitting smoking with the Stop Smoking Service:

“I started smoking when I was 21 years old and I am now 61. I was a heavy smoker – I could smoke 12-15 roll ups in a night. I have asthma and angina; I decided to quit because I kept getting a pain in my chest which I just couldn’t get rid of.

Since quitting I can now taste my food better and the pain has gone. I go to the clinic every fortnight, get checked and have a good chat. I have found the Stop Smoking Service really helpful, I don’t think I would have done it on my own.

I decided to quit completely instead of cutting down slowly – if I was going to do I wanted to do it straight away. I have been tempted to smoke again but have managed to get over it.  I cross-stitch in the evenings which helps – it’s important to keep your hands busy. With my asthma I should have quit ages ago but put it off.

I would definitely recommend the Stop Smoking Service to other people wanting to quit.”

Liz Morton from South Lakes quit on smoking on the 14th April. She said of her experience quitting smoking with the Stop Smoking Service:

“I have been smoking on and off since I was 15 years old – so for around 20 years. My main motivation for quitting was financial. Obviously the benefits to my health are positive too, but I did want to stop spending money on cigarettes. I am definitely better off financially since quitting.

I received support from the Stop Smoking Service via the telephone. I work full time so it was much easier for me to talk to my Stop Smoking Advisor over the phone. Had I had to go to clinics/meetings every week I just wouldn’t have been able to keep it up. I really enjoyed being able to have the support and reassurance on the phone when it was convenient for me.

I would recommend the service to others wanting to quit – I am busy trying to convince my other half to quit too now!”