2 January 2008

Drop in Smoking Cessation Service: Free one to one support

The Southern Health and Social Care Trust is offering free support to people who would like to stop smoking as a new year’s resolution.

The Trust is offering a drop in clinic to people who want to quit smoking on Friday mornings from 11am to 1pm at John Mitchel Place, Newry. People can drop in during this time for weekly support and advice without an appointment. Advice and guidance is provided on Nicotine Replacement Therapy, Non-nicotine aids, withdrawal symptoms, weight control, diet, coping strategies and relaxation.

Seeking specialist support can significantly increase a smokers chance of successfully quitting and people who use and NHS stop smoking service are four times more likely to quit successfully compared to going alone.

Caroline Keenan, Smoking Cessation Officer says: “Smoking kills up to 3,000 people in Northern Ireland every year and is our single greatest cause of premature death and ill health. Quitting smoking is the most effective step towards improving the smokers health and the health of those around them. Each cigarette smoked shortens a smokers life span by five minutes. On average, this shortens a smokers life by 10-15 years, so the younger you are when you stop smoking, the better.”

The Southern Health and Social Care Trust also offers a one to one appointment service in a variety of settings for those who want to quit smoking. To find out more information about Smoking Cessation Services Tel: 028 3083 4325.