Offaly Minister highlights free supports to help people stop smoking
Offaly Minister Pippa Hackett is promoting the free and proven supports out there to help people stop smoking.
"January is a popular time for people to try to stop smoking. As a former smoker I know how difficult this can be and that the right supports and therapies are vital for the best chance of quitting.
"I want to make sure that everyone who wants to stop smoking, vaping or both, is aware of the HSE Quit supports including free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) along with other tried and tested supports.
The HSE Quit services are free and available all year round, not just in January, Minister Hackett added. “The Quit service provides personalised, evidence-based plans, tailored to your needs including free access to nicotine replacement therapy (NRT).
"Research tells us that smokers are five times more likely to quit for good if they stop smoking for 28 days. I recall quitting many years ago and I am very glad that we have personalised supports available to people, free of charge, now. If you decide to quit I wish you strength and endurance for the journey ahead; you don’t have to travel alone."
HSE Quit services are free and available all year round. The Quit service provides personalised, evidence-based plans, tailored to your needs, using any combination of the support options:
- An online-personalised Quit plan where you can track your progress
- Face-to-face and group support from local community based services
- Text message or phone support from the Freephone Quitline 1800 201 203
- A free Quit Kit to help you prepare
- Free Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) and advice on how to use it
- Daily tips and support from people who have quit and who are trying to quit on the You Can Quit Facebook page
Top tips for quitting smoking successfully
- Don’t feel you need to go it alone. HSE Quit is there for you to help you take this step with simple, practical and effective help, maximising your chance of staying quit for good. Staff will provide non-judgemental support and encouragement.
- Focus on the goal to stay smoke-free for one day at a time until you get to 28 days. Once people get to that goal, they are up to 5 times more likely to stay quit for good.
- Use stop-smoking medicine, like NRT. This is a safe, effective and a clinically sound way of getting through the first 28 days and dealing with cravings.