Local quitters encourage others to stop during Stoptober

Local people who have stopped smoking with professional advice and support from Locala Stop Smoking Service are encouraging smokers in Kirklees to take advantage of Quit Kits and local support, promoted by the Stoptober campaign.

The national promotion is encouraging people to seize the moment and quit during October. Here in Kirklees, stop smoking support is available all year and two people who have used that support to quit are eager to help others do the same.

What a difference it's made

After smoking for 60 years Geoff Thornton from Liversedge had to spend two weeks in hospital so he was forced to stop smoking. He meant to stay off the cigarettes but when he went home he started again. He had thought about stopping before but then went to Gibraltar where the cigarettes were so cheap it was too tempting.

He said: "Smoking's been a habit but now after six weeks I don't want a cigarette and I haven't had one. I can socialise with smokers and I'm not bothered. I can't believe what a difference stopping has made. I'm already finding that breathing's a lot easier and I'm no longer wheezing."

Geoff went along to the Locala Cleckheaton Stop Smoking group session not knowing what to expect but found it suited him just right. "It's been good. When you hear other people's stories it's encouraging. I'm on patches now but sometimes I forget them and I've not been tempted. If anyone wants to stop smoking I'd say come along."                                                                                                                     

Don't be frightened; give it a go!

Kathleen Stenson was smoking 30 cigarettes a day when she decided she wanted to stop for good. She had tried before but realised she needed support to be successful.

She went along to a Locala Stop Smoking group support session at Cleckheaton Health Centre and thanks to the support of professional Specialised Advisors she has not had a cigarette for seven weeks.

Said Kathleen: "I've done it slowly this time, with patches and lozenges. I tried before on my own but came to the group because I could get more support there. Smoking had taken over my life, I couldn't do anything without thinking where and when would I be able to smoke. I feel so much better now and people say I look better too."

Kathleen, who lives in Roberttown, is also saving money. Before she stopped she worked out how much it was costing her to smoke and said it was a "scary" amount.

She readily acknowledges that stopping smoking was the hardest thing she has ever done but added: "Cigarettes are like your best friend; you don't want to go anywhere without them and that's why it's hard. But I would recommend anyone to go along to a Stop Smoking support group. Give it a go; don't be frightened or nervous. Everyone is very friendly and it's good to hear other people's stories."

Sonia Brown, Locala Specialist Stop Smoking Advisor, who has worked with Kathleen and Geoff, said:" Evidence shows that you are four times more likely to quit with professional support and therapy. We're here for you; we're friendly and we won't judge. Come along, have a cuppa and a chat; you can even make new friends."

The Locala Cleckheaton Stop Smoking group session is every Thursday 6-7pm but there are group sessions in many parts of Kirklees. You can also arrange one to one appointments. For more details contact 01924 351498 and find more information about Stoptober here.