Stop smoking

Smokers are four times more likely to quit successfully if they get support from the NHS rather than going it alone.

Advisors are available across central Lancashire, offering free one-to-one and group support or telephone consultations to help people who want to stop smoking. Call free on 0800 328 6297 to find out more.

Kick Ash! with new online support

Advice on how to stop smoking and lose weight will be just a click away with the launch of two online services from NHS Central Lancashire.

The primary care trust’s stop smoking and weight management teams have joined forces with a new look to let people know that they can join one or both courses and that they are both free of charge.

New details and more information on the services can now be found at www.fitsquad.nhs.uk and www.quitsquad.nhs.uk.

Tracy Murdoch, NHS Central Lancashire clinical co-ordinator, said: “More than 70% of households now have Internet access and often people feel more comfortable researching information at home before they take decisive action.”

The website has been developed to help people who would like more information about what help is available for residents in central Lancashire before they arrange face-to-face meetings or go along to a group.

Tracy Sutton, NHS Central Lancashire healthy lifestyles co-ordinator, said: “Many people are reluctant to think about stopping smoking because they worry that they may put on weight in the process. The courses can run on their own or hand in hand and have proven results.”

In addition to the times and places that people can seek help, the website also features the stories of the many people who have already experienced the courses and found them really useful, in terms of advice and tackling triggers for smoking and eating certain foods.

Many of them not only talk about how helpful and friendly the advisors are, but how they have also made friends through the groups that have continued to be a source of support to them.

Did you know?

Every week smoking-related illnesses kill 14 people in central Lancashire (three in Chorley, four in Preston, three in South Ribble, four in west Lancashire).
The average cost of a packet of 20 cigarettes is £5.85. If a smoker smokes 20 cigarettes a day for a year it would cost £2,135.25.
Research shows smokers are up to four times more likely to stop smoking successfully if they get support from the NHS compared with relying on will power alone.

Facts and figures about people who quit with help from NHS Central Lancashire between April 2008 and March 2009

Men: 1,514

Women: 1,714

Pregnant women: 129

Students: 110

Retired: 363

People who attended one-to-ones: 2,544

Think before you print

Case study: James supports James

James Berry knew he had a smoking problem when he was getting through 20 cigarettes a day at the age of 14. Now aged 24, James from Astley Village has vowed to stay off cigarettes. He said: "Once I started smoking I became hooked very quickly and thought I was cool.

"My mum used to give me £2 a day for dinner money, but I would skip dinner and buy a packet of cigarettes instead which were £1.20 for a pack of 10 at the time. I have been smoking 20 a day since the age of 14."

However, James who works seasonally in France as a watersports and ski instructor was motivated to give up smoking after suffering 12 chest infections in one year.

James kicked the habit with the help of James Fazackerley from the Stop Smoking Service.

James Berry said: "It is the best thing I have ever done. The hardest part is making the decision to stop and seeking help to do it."

As of 9 April 2010 James Berry has been smoke free since 6 December 2009!

NHS Central Lancashire, Jubilee House, Lancashire Business Park, Centurion Way, Leyland, PR26 6TR