People across Scotland who want to stop smoking are being encouraged to get support from Quit Your Way, the free NHS stop smoking service designed to help you quit in a way that works for you.
With just under 600,000 people in Scotland still smoking, the campaign aims to raise awareness of the range of free, confidential support available - from one to one advice to stop smoking medication - to help people stop and stay quit.
NHS Shetland is encouraging anyone who wants to stop smoking to get in touch with the NHS Shetland Health Improvement Team who offer the Quit Your Way service in Shetland.
Smoking is the leading cause of premature, preventable death globally. The Quit Your Way programme is delivered by friendly, non-judgmental, and encouraging advisors who are trained in techniques for smoking cessation. They are available to work with you to increase and reinforce your motivation and readiness to quit - and be that ear to listen to how smoking fits into your life and why you want to quit.
The Health Improvement Team wants to reassure anyone feeling hesitant to reach out by reminding them that they are not alone and have a flexible programme that can be delivered face to face, over the phone, or via video-call or a combination of these. Alongside behavioural support they can offer free NRT (Nicotine Replacement Therapy) or medication such as Varenicline to aid quit attempts.
Verona Johnson, Health Improvement Practitioner at NHS Shetland, shared further information: “Stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, your wellbeing and your wallet. We know it can be tough, and many people try several times before they succeed. Furthermore, stopping smoking in a remote and rural community can be difficult for many reasons, and getting in touch to ask for support can often be a challenging first step. The Quit Your Way programme usually takes 12-weeks to complete, but if you need support in the lead up, and afterwards, we can provide that too. Your first session will usually take place before you set your quit date. However, you can still contact the stop smoking service if you’ve already stopped and are looking for support or extra help.
“By focussing on making lifestyle changes that work for you, this will hopefully make your quit feel more achievable. Within a session, we will explore reducing triggers that might tempt you to consider reaching for a cigarette, for example, by changing routines and avoiding smoking environments. Our behavioural support also covers things like boosting your motivation, tackling habits, sharing helpful resources and social support and how to maintain your quit long-term. Smoking is often used to cope with stress, but evidence shows that quitting can help reduce anxiety, improve mood, and support better mental health.”
The Health Improvement Team is also a vaping (e-cigarette) friendly service. If you would prefer to stop smoking using a vape, they can support you to do this. They do not supply vapes, but the team is trained to discuss the use of vapes as a stop smoking tool and can support you to choose the best approach for you. If you want to stop vaping, the team can support you with this also.
Free Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is available throughout Shetland from your local community pharmacies, without behavioural support.
Verona Johnson added: “We have strong links with Shetland health centres and the community pharmacies, which ensures that we can provide joined up care throughout your quit. If you are pregnant or planning a family you can receive specialist support in helping you to stop smoking or vaping.”
NHS Shetland Health Improvement Team works across the length and breadth of Shetland and strives to ensure that everyone living and working in Shetland has access to the knowledge and opportunities needed to allow individuals and communities to take more control over and improve their health and well-being. Whether you want to quit smoking for your health, your family or your finances, the Quit Your Way programme is here to help you stop in a way that works for you.
- Quit Your Way Scotland has a free national helpline, 0800 84 84 84, which can provide advice and support during the week between the hours of 9am -5pm.
- To contact the NHS Shetland Health Improvement Team, please call 01595 743330 or visit https://www.healthyshetland.com/quityourway/ to complete a Referral Form
- How to stop smoking | NHS inform