What should you expect

Is it your time to quit smoking?

There’s never been a better time for you to give up smoking. You’re far more likely to kick the habit for good if you use a service than if you just go it alone, so read on about the free services on offer.

What do we offer?

• Professional, trained advisors to help you decide when’s the best time to stop and how to succeed.
• Regular sessions in the first four weeks after stopping to encourage you to keep going.
• A choice of medications to suit your level of smoking and preference. These are free or on prescription.
• Carbon monoxide checks to show you the progress you’re making.
• Lung age testing also available.

Call us on 020 8298 6147 or email us at stopsmoking@bexley.nhs.uk and we can let you know where you can see an advisor close to where you live or work.

 

Free Six-week Stop Smoking courses

Held throughout the year at Queen Mary’s Hospital, Sidcup every Tuesday evening.  Sessions last for one hour and it’s important to attend all sessions over the six week period.  Two experienced Stop Smoking Advisors will be on hand to support everyone on the course.  The sessions will provide:

• Tips and ideas on how to succeed
• Access to all NHS approved smoking cessation medications
• Information about the full range of medications – how to use and for how long
• Support to everyone on the group to stop by Week 2 of the course
• Weekly handouts
• Carbon monoxide tests to check your progress
• Motivation to keep you going
• Certificates for successful quitters
• Information about on-going support once the six week sessions are completed

Stopping at the same time as other people can be really effective. People who have shared the experience of quitting at one of our groups recommend Group Quits to friends and colleagues.

Session 1 starts with information and discussion to decide which treatment would suit you best and help you to stop smoking.  Treatment options include the full range of nicotine replacement products - patches, gum, nasal spray, lozenges, microtabs or inhalators – plus the two oral medications of Champix or Zyban. These products are all available on prescription – which means they are free if you do not pay for your prescription.  The first session also prepares you practically and psychologically to quit the following week.

The 2nd session is Quit Day for everyone.  One of our previous quitters told us: “It’s very powerful to have the same Quit Day as everyone else on the group as you feel really motivated to try your very best not to smoke during the next week. You feel you don’t want to let everyone else down by smoking!”.

Sessions 3 – 6 cover topics like How to Cope with Cravings, Dealing with Stress, Health Benefits of Quitting, Common Withdrawal Symptoms, Staying on Track. People discuss their progress, giving each other ideas on managing and alternatives to smoking. Experienced advisors give information and encouragement.

The Group Quits are very popular and can accommodate up to 20 people so it’s important to book.  For information about the next start dates for Group support please call 020 8298 6147or email stopsmoking@bexley.nhs.uk

 

 

‘Smoke Free Nights’

These are six-weekly follow up ‘smoke free nights’ for anyone who wants to meet up with others from their group, to celebrate their success and keep motivated to remain smokefree. You can only attend if you’ve maintained smoke free status (i.e. not smoked!).  There’s always an advisor or other people who’ve been to a previous group to talk your progress over with. Call us on the above number for dates of the next Smoke Free Nights. If you do slip up and return to smoking – don’t despair – just call us again and we can help you get back on track.