Are you a smoker who wants to stop? Have you tried to quit before and not succeeded?
Don’t worry – there is free help and support available across Fife to assist you on your quit journey.
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There are many reasons people want to stop, says Kay Samson, deputy health promotion manager at NHS Fife. In her role, Kay is tasked with recruiting smokers on to a free 12-week programme which involves one-to-one sessions and has already been successful in helping many smokers in Fife kick the habit since 2000.
Below, Kay reveals the challenges and the rewards of stopping smoking.
“The biggest challenge for smokers is maintaining their quit. Evidence tells us that quitters are more likely to stay stopped after three month. Life can get in the way and it can be hard to stop smoking, as you can fall away for one reason or another,” says the deputy health promotion manager.
So my message to smokers would be you can do it, but ‘don’t do it on your own’ as you can get help and support along the way.”
How can I stop smoking?
NHS Fife has re-launched its in-person Stop Smoking Service across Fife in GP surgeries and community venues. There are no awkward group sessions, as all appointments are one-to-one.
The health board launched the service 22 years ago and now has a target of seeing 700 quitters complete the 12-week quit course each year. Could you be one of them?
“Come and see us, we offer free advice and guidance and we can support you on your quit journey.
“There is also a free phone number 0800 025 3000 you can call and chat it through with us,” added Kay.
Also, look out for a mobile unit visiting Fife communities on Saturdays. You’re more than welcome to say hello to the advisors and have a friendly chat.
5 reasons to be smoke free in 2023
- Have more energy: Those who give up smoking find they have more energy and feel healthier.
- Look good: Smoking can take its toll on your appearance, so when you quit you notice a difference in how you look, as well as how you feel.
- Have more money: With cigarettes costing at least £10-a-packet, it can be a costly habit. Those who quit notice a huge difference in their outgoings. See how much you could save by reading on.
- Free patches and gum: Most smokers want to quit but find the addiction to nicotine the hardest part, however, if you sign up to the free 12-week course you will gain free access to nicotine replacement products including nicotine patches and gum.
- Free one-to-one support: All sessions are conducted on a one-to-one basis throughout NHS Fife’s 12-week programme and will happen at a GP surgery or community venue near you.
How much money could I save if I stopped smoking?
With the cost of living crisis upon us, people are trying to save money in any way they can. For smokers, the cost savings can be quite significant. Below, see how much you could save based on how much you smoke (based on £10-a-pack) each day:
- If you smoke socially and buy a packet of cigarettes at the weekend, you could save £40 every month
- If you smoke five cigarettes a day, you could save: £20-a-week, or £80 every month
- If you smoke 10 cigarettes a day, you could save: £40-a-week, or £160 every month
- If you smoke 20 cigarettes a day, you could save: £70-a-week, or £280 every month
Start your quit journey and be smoke free in 2023 with help and support from NHS Fife’s Stop Smoking Service today by visiting the website or calling the freephone number 0800 025 3000.
