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| 08.05.08 New Horizons Quit and Get Fit |
8 May 2008
New Horizons Quit and Get Fit
Clients of New Horizons, mental health organisation in Newry have been enjoying the challenge of getting fit whilst giving up cigarettes.
12 clients took part in the 12 week ‘Quit and Get Fit’ programme delivered by the Southern Health and Social Care Trust and Newry and Mourne District Council.
Along with weekly exercise sessions, participants received smoking cessation support, advice and information on Nicotine Replacement Therapy, Non-nicotine aids, withdrawal symptoms, weight control, diet, coping strategies and relaxation.
Caroline Keenan, Smoking Cessation Officer for the Southern Health and Social Care Trust says: “Many people find giving up smoking a lonely process. Motivation, encouragement and support are vital to stop and stay stopped. Physical activity plays an important role in the Quit and Get Fit programme as exercise helps to combat the factors that can lead to relapsing back to smoking like weight gain, withdrawal symptoms and cravings.”
The exercise part of the programme included a six week introduction to exercise with a Physical Activity Support Worker followed by six weeks of gym sessions facilitated by a fitness instructor from Newry and Mourne District Council.
For further information on ‘Quit and Get Fit’ or other smoking cessation services in Newry and Mourne contact Caroline Keenan Tel: (028) 3083 4325.
Ends
Notes to Editors:
• AMH New Horizons opened its doors in Newry 20 years ago. The charity now has two locations in the area, Greenbank Industrial Estate and Canal Street, and works to improve the health and well-being of people with mental health needs, by creating opportunities towards independence and employment.
• From its inception in 1963, AMH has grown to be one of the largest mental health charities in Northern Ireland. They have an established track record in providing a range of unique high quality services helping more than 1700 people every year across the region. Services include AMH New Horizons, AMH Accept, AMH Vote, AMH Promote Action, AMH MensSana, and AMH The Junction.