It’s never too late to Crush the habit Expanded stop smoking service helps residents quit for good
Every year, residents make the decision to quit smoking, and now they have more support than ever before to make that commitment stick. Telford & Wrekin Council’s Stop Smoking Service has recently expanded its team to better reflect the diverse community it serves, ensuring everyone can find the right support to become smoke-free. The enhanced service recognises that people come to their quit journey from all walks of life, at different ages, and with varying levels of smoking history. The newly expanded team brings together advisors with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, including NHS and healthcare, making it easier for residents to connect with someone who understands their individual circumstances and challenges.
One common misconception the team is working hard to dispel is the idea that it’s ever too late to quit. Whether someone has been smoking for five years or fifty, the health benefits of stopping begin almost immediately. Paul, from Hadley, decided to quit after smoking for 15 years. “Just over three months ago, I was a heavy smoker, and now I’m completely smoke-free,” he said. “When I first started this journey, I was anxious, nervous, and very doubtful that I’d succeed. But Catherine, my stop smoking advisor, was incredibly welcoming, and we set a quit date for two weeks later.
“It starts to feel normal not to smoke. You accept the new you, and everything gradually becomes less of a struggle. You get more energy with each passing day, you breathe more easily, and your heart rate and blood pressure improves. “The benefits are honestly too good to be true – but they are real: more energy, better health, and a lot more money! “I’m so glad I made the decision to go on this journey, and having the Healthy Lifestyles team as an anchor point made a huge difference.” The service also recognises that quitting isn’t always a straightforward journey. Many people need several attempts before they succeed, and the team provides non-judgmental support every step of the way, helping residents learn from previous attempts and build strategies that work for them. What sets the service apart
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is its understanding that smoking isn’t just a habit – it’s often intertwined with stress, social situations, and daily routines. Advisors work with residents to identify their triggers and develop practical coping strategies, making
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Quitting smoking for a year could save a twenty-a-day smoker over £3,500 – enough for a family holiday!
long-term success more achievable.
Are you ready to quit smoking? Anyone ready to quit can access the service by heading to www.telford.gov.uk/stopsmoking to book a call back appointment today.
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