A new service is giving smokers in Leeds free support to stop smoking.
From the start of April, Leeds Stop Smoking Services will support smokers across the city to reduce their nicotine dependency and quit for good.
With around 122,000 adult smokers in Leeds, the much-needed service supports the council’s ambition to reduce smoking by a minimum of 0.5% per year – at least 2,500 fewer smokers.
Smokers using the service will work with an expert Health Coach to develop a personalised plan with a pre-agreed quit date. The service offers free nicotine replacement therapy and e-cigarette supplies, as well as regular breath tests to demonstrate progress. Support extends to a year after each person’s quit date to make sure people are given the best possible chance to stop smoking permanently.
The health benefits of stopping smoking are significant. After between three and six months of quitting, an ex-smoker’s lung function increases, and smoking-related coughs and wheeziness will improve. After one year, an ex-smoker’s risk of heart attack halves.
For pregnant smokers, stopping smoking reduces the risks of complications in pregnancy and birth, and increases the likelihood of having a healthy baby.
Leeds Stop Smoking is being delivered by health experts Reed Wellbeing, who have been delivering evidence-based health interventions to Leeds residents for almost six years.
The prospect of stopping smoking is daunting for many. This may be your first quit attempt, or you might have tried to quit many times before. We are here to give you the best possible chance of quitting for good. We’ll work with you to develop a tailored plan and be with you every step of the way – to a whole year beyond your quit date. Stopping smoking is not easy, but it is a lot more likely if you access support to help you. You don’t have to go through it alone!
Health & Wellbeing Manager
Visit leedsstopsmoking.co.uk to set up an account and book your first appointment. Alternatively, call the team on 0800 169 4219.