As we kick-start 2026, NHS Lanarkshire is encouraging people considering quitting smoking to make this the year they stop – with free, tailored support available through its Quit Your Way service.
While strong willpower is a great start, expert support can make all the difference in achieving a smoke-free life.
Quit Your Way is delivered by a team of friendly, experienced advisers who provide confidential support to anyone ready to stop smoking, even if they have tried before. People who contact the service can expect practical advice, one-to-one support and access to free Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), including patches, lozenges and gum.
Health professionals can also find out more about referring patients on the Quit Your Way FirstPort Page.
Kat Jarvie, Senior Health Improvement Manager – Quit Your Way, NHS Lanarkshire, said: “Quitting smoking is challenging, and many people may need support along the way – but it is also one of the most positive steps a person can take for their health, finances and family.
“Over the years, Quit Your Way has supported thousands of local people to stop smoking, including staff working within NHS Lanarkshire, by offering understanding advice and personalised support.
“Lanarkshire residents can now drop in to our new one-to-one sessions to ask questions, talk through their options and consider if signing up the service feels right for them at this time. And, of course, our existing 0800 84 84 84 helpline is available to do the same.”
Sam McCalmont, from East Kilbride who recently quit smoking with the service, said: “I quit smoking because I was diagnosed with COPD.
“I tried to quit before using vapes but then I was using cigarettes and vapes which cost me double the cash. I flung the vape away and started smoking again. Over the years I’ve tried stopping and cutting down and only managed a couple of hours.
“The service was really easy to get started. I had weekly phone calls and received my NRT products. Catriona (my adviser) also helped me use this properly as I wasn’t sleeping at the start and she suggested removing the patch earlier in the evening, which then worked for me.
“It was making slight changes to my day also that worked for me to get me out of bad habits.
“I smoked for over 40 years and now I’ve stopped smoking for over six months. Even with my COPD, it feels better being smoke-free.”
Quit Your Way is a free NHS stop smoking service. To find out more about information on stop smoking services, call the Quit Your Way helpline on 0800 84 84 84 or visit QuitYourWay.scot.
Quit Your Way can be contacted Monday – Friday from 9am until 5pm.
You can also visit your local Community Pharmacy for FREE stop smoking support.
Drop-in times and information.
