NHS Lanarkshire’s Quit Your Way Team has launched its latest programme as part of a research study to support Lanarkshire families in creating a smoke-free home.
The study aims to tackle the number of children breathing in second-hand smoke at home, and is being led by researchers at the University of Stirling in partnership with NHS Lanarkshire and the University of Glasgow. As part of the initiative, free Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) will be provided to those taking part. This is delivered by post to use while at home, to help cut down smoking.
The team is looking to hear from those who:
- are over 18 years old
- live in Lanarkshire
- smoke in their home
- have a child or children aged 0-16 years old that’s either living with them or visiting at least once a week
Those who take part will receive:
- free access to NRT for 12-weeks, posted to their home.
- £50 of supermarket vouchers (2 x £25)
Dr Rachel O’Donnell, of the University of Stirling’s Institute for Social Marketing and Health, said: “We know from previous work in this area, that this type of initiative can help people to do better than they thought they could in terms of reducing their smoking – with participants in similar programmes often reducing the number of cigarettes they smoke by 50% or more.
“Smoking is highly addictive and we know that people often want to quit but aren’t quite ready to completely give it up. We hope that this research study will take the pressure off participants and take those who smoke closer to thinking about quitting – supporting them to take that first, important step on the journey to a smoke-free home.”
Karen Mather, Quit Your Way Team Leader, NHS Lanarkshire, commented: “As part of our commitment to a smoke-free future for children, we’re developing initiatives that work with families to reduce the barriers they face to create a smoke-free home.
“Second-hand smoke is harmful to everyone’s health, even pets, but it’s especially harmful to babies, children and pregnant women.
“By working with the University of Stirling and the University of Glasgow, we can further support families who may not feel ready to quit or to contact our Quit Your Way service.
“The NRT provided will support those who smoke and prevent them experiencing nicotine withdrawals. Most importantly, it removes the risks of children’s exposure to second-hand smoke.”
Find out more by viewing the sign up form or contacting either:
- Laura Sinclair, Health Promotion Practitioner – NHS Lanarkshire on 07483 143 315 or Laura.Sinclair@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk
- Tracy Henderson, Health Improvement Senior – NHS Lanarkshire on 07917 557 570 or Tracy.henderson@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk
Second-hand smoke is known to be especially harmful for children as they have less well-developed airways, lungs and immune systems. Children who live in a household where at least one person smokes are more likely to develop asthma and chest infections – like pneumonia and bronchitis.
The study is funded by the Scottish Government’s Chief Scientist Office and researchers aim to recruit 50 participants to take part in the pilot. As well as free NRT, participants will also be offered regular telephone support.
