This Stoptober, NHS Lanarkshire is reminding local people that there’s help available to stop smoking.
The health board’s Quit Your Way service offers free, confidential and personalised support to anyone considering quitting, including people who have tried before. Its friendly advisers provide practical guidance, one-to-one support and free Nicotine Replacement Therapy, such as patches, gum and lozenges.
The service has helped many people who smoke across Lanarkshire to stop by offering tailored support that meets each person’s needs.
To inspire others to take their first step towards a smoke-free life, two local people who quit smoking with support from Quit Your Way have shared their stories and reflections on the positive impact it has had on their lives.
Paul Morley, from Coatbridge, said: “I’m so glad the team have been able to help me. I attend the face-to-face session every week where I meet my stop smoking adviser, Michelle. She has all the time in the world for me. We chat, and I get my CO2 reading every week which holds me accountable. I feel great leaving the clinic every week because it’s another week without a cigarette.
“I’ve been able to save the £120 a month that I would spend on cigarettes and haven’t smoked for eight weeks now. My cough is clearing and I’ve got more energy – my family have commented they’ve never seen me so healthy looking.
“I’ve tried to stop before, going cold turkey or vaping. To be honest with you though the time wasn’t right. People need to do it for themselves when they are ready. I want to make my Mum and Dad proud of me even though they’re not here anymore.
“I started smoking in my first year of high school on and off through the years. I’m 60 next year, so we’re all going to London. I’m able to get myself nicer things with the money I’m saving. A huge thank you.”
Peter Fanning, from Coatbridge, said: “I had quit with the service previously with their phone support and lasted a year. I had lost a couple of mates and started smoking again. I came back to the service and went to their face-to-face clinics.
“For me, the weekly, face-to-face contact made it easier. I was able to see their reaction and how supportive they were. Knowing there was someone there every week that I could speak to and say how hard it is when I was struggling for a cigarette, it made the difference for me, as they understood and sympathised.
“I’m on week 17, there are still times where I struggle with wanting a cigarette when I’m stressed or under pressure. I use the patches and the inhalator, which helped me still be able to do something with my hand, I get these free through the service. I also needed to get out the routine of smoking as well as I’d have one every morning with my coffee.
“I reckon I’m saving about £200-£250 a month. I’ve redecorated some rooms in my house, I would smoke in the same room of the house, and the carpet had become discoloured from smoke, so I’ve put in a new one. Me and my wife, Flo, have been on four local trips with the money I’ve saved. It’s given me peace of mind that I’m not counting down to payday every month.
“If I hadn’t gone to the clinic and met my adviser, Linda, I don’t think I would have given up smoking.”
Kat Jarvie, Senior Health Improvement Manager – Quit your Way, NHS Lanarkshire, added: “We’re delighted to see the positive impact our Quit Your Way service continues to have across Lanarkshire.
“These stories demonstrate that stopping smoking is about much more than giving up cigarettes. It is about improving health, increasing confidence, reducing financial pressures and supporting people to achieve goals that matter to them.
“We know that everyone’s journey is different, but with the right support, people can make lasting changes that improve their health, wellbeing and finances.
“Our advisers provide a non-judgemental and personalised approach, helping people navigate challenges and remain smoke-free. Every quit attempt is a step forward, and we would encourage anyone thinking about stopping smoking to reach out for support. Congratulations to Paul and Peter on their success.”
To find out more information about the NHS 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.
