The NHS Highland Smoke-Free Service is encouraging people to ‘give quitting a go’ during ‘Stoptober’, and UK-wide health campaign to encourage people to go smoke-free.
Research shows people are up to five times more likely to quit for good if they manage to go smoke-free for 28 days.
People who wish to give up smoking or vaping can receive 12-week support and medication with specialist trained stop smoking advisers.
Depending on location and preference, the team across NHS Highland offers support via phone or video calls via the NHS Near Me facility. Face-to-face appointments are also available. Visit the Smoke-Free Highland website to contact a local adviser.
Smoking rates in Scotland have been falling steadily since 2003, and thousands of people are supported to quit each year. Over the last year across NHS Highland, 500 people have successfully quit smoking at 12 weeks.
Susan Birse, NHS Highland’s Health Improvement Principal, said: “Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable early death in Scotland. Stoptober provides a good opportunity for anyone who is thinking of giving up to take the plunge and quit for good with our support. People are three times more likely to be successful with support than quitting alone.”
A recent client of the NHS Highland Smoke-Free Service shared their story: “It really means a lot to me to be able to say I’m still smoke-free. I’m happy to share my story and hopefully it will help others to take the same journey to better health (and wealth) that has helped me.”
Susan added: “With a rise in the use of vapes, our specialist stop smoking advisers can provide up-to-date information on vaping and support anyone over the age of 12 who wishes to quit vaping.”
People keen to learn more or self-refer to the Highland Smoke-Free Service can:
- phone 01463 704619
- visit www.smokefreehighland.scot.nhs.uk
- or ask to be referred by their GP to another health professional
Read a report on NHS Stop Smoking services across Scotland.
Read more from NHS Highland about stopping smoking.
For more information or interviews, please contact:
Sarah Hobbs
Health Improvement Adviser (Smoking Cessation)
NHS Highland - Public Health
email sarah.hobbs2@nhs.scot
phone 07974 872 705
Katy Allanson
Health Improvement Specialist
NHS Highland - Public Health
email katy.allanson@nhs.scot
phone 07977 810 914
Susan Birse
Health Improvement Principal
NHS Highland - Public Health
email susan.birse2@nhs.scot
phone 07794 427 632