Quitting smoking doesn’t have to be stressful

Free local support is available to help you give up for good this National No Smoking Day

Free local support and advice is available to residents, who are looking to take the first steps towards quitting the habit this National No Smoking Day (Wednesday 10 March).

Smoking severely damages your lungs and weakens your immune system and puts you at greater risk of developing respiratory disease.  With the added health complications caused by contracting coronavirus, there’s never been a more important time to stop.

Fortunately, quitting smoking doesn’t have to be stressful.  There's a huge range of free advice, support and quitting aids available to people, who want to take the first steps towards giving up for good and improving their physical and mental health and wellbeing.  Most ex-smokers experience improved mood, less anxiety and depression and they feel better about their lives, as well as seeing an increase in their bank balance.

Herefordshire’s Stop Smoking Service offers free personal support to people living in the county and anyone registered with a Herefordshire GP practice.  You can self-refer to the service by e-mailing hlts@herefordshire.gov.uk or calling 01432 383567.  You can find out more by visiting WISH at www.wisherefordshire.org/smoking.

The NHS also offer a wide range of support at www.nhs.uk/live-well/quit-smoking and there’s also a free Personal Quit Plan available at www.nhs.uk/smokefree.



Carol Trachonitis (pictured above), 58, said: "They always say that you are never too old to quit and this year I’ve finally done it.  The pandemic has really made me think about my health and what is important.  It’s been a tough year for everyone and I realised that with each lockdown I was drinking, eating and smoking more than usual because I was at home.  Then at Christmas, I found out that I was going to be a Grandma for the first time and this was the push that I needed to quit.  From New Year, I stopped smoking, started walking, did Dry January and now I’m in my third month of being smoke free and I feel great.

"Getting support to help you stop smoking is important and the tips about keeping busy and changing your routine are really helpful.  Also, letting people know that you are trying to quit is a good idea, so that they can encourage you and help you to keep going.  Now I feel so much better and I can look forward to being a fitter, healthier Grandma come the summer."

Acting Director of Public Health in Herefordshire, Dr Rebecca Howell-Jones, added: "It’s great to hear from people like Carol who have given up smoking and found such benefits.  Whilst giving up smoking is tough, people tell us it is easier with help from Herefordshire’s Stop Smoking Service and the NHS.  Covid-19 has shown us all how important it is to look after our health.  Even if you have tried before, I would urge every smoker to try again, and with our help, give it a go.  As Carol says, you might just feel great and it will save you money too!"

Published on behalf of Herefordshire Council.