Menu
16/11/2005
Text service encourages smokers to quit
Smokers will be able to access support enabling them to quit via text messages, emails and phone-calls, under new plans announced by the government.
The ‘Together’ programme is aimed at helping those who wish to keep their attempt at kicking the habit discreet. It is also suitable for people in remote areas and shift workers, who might be unable to attend support meetings.
Under the programme, smokers register their quit date and then receive a series of supportive direct mail packs, text messages and call backs as they reach the key stages of the giving up process.
If the smoker opts out of the service or it is discovered that they have started smoking again, they will be encouraged to persevere and set a new quit date.
Launching the scheme, Public Health Minister Caroline Flint said: “In the past year, almost 300,000 people have given up using the one-to-one or group counselling that is available to them.
“However, it is clear that not everybody will be suited to this type of help and would prefer to receive support in their home environment, which fits around their busy lives.
“By providing this type of innovative solution, we hope to get more people to give up smoking and reduce their likelihood of developing smoking related diseases.”
The Department of Health said that the initiative had already proved to be successful during a pilot involving 30,000 smokers. Nearly a third of participants had given up smoking after six months, compared to only 5% going ‘cold turkey’ alone.
Alexia Patterson, NHS Smoking Helpline adviser, said: “Research shows that smokers are much more likely to give up smoking for good with the help of ongoing support, rather than relying on willpower alone.
“This new service gives those people who are less willing to opt for face-to-face help a real alternative.
“Receiving ongoing communication in the form of text messages, emails and call backs ensures that, even without the face-to-face element, we are able to reach people who might otherwise not have given up.”
(KMcA/SP)
The ‘Together’ programme is aimed at helping those who wish to keep their attempt at kicking the habit discreet. It is also suitable for people in remote areas and shift workers, who might be unable to attend support meetings.
Under the programme, smokers register their quit date and then receive a series of supportive direct mail packs, text messages and call backs as they reach the key stages of the giving up process.
If the smoker opts out of the service or it is discovered that they have started smoking again, they will be encouraged to persevere and set a new quit date.
Launching the scheme, Public Health Minister Caroline Flint said: “In the past year, almost 300,000 people have given up using the one-to-one or group counselling that is available to them.
“However, it is clear that not everybody will be suited to this type of help and would prefer to receive support in their home environment, which fits around their busy lives.
“By providing this type of innovative solution, we hope to get more people to give up smoking and reduce their likelihood of developing smoking related diseases.”
The Department of Health said that the initiative had already proved to be successful during a pilot involving 30,000 smokers. Nearly a third of participants had given up smoking after six months, compared to only 5% going ‘cold turkey’ alone.
Alexia Patterson, NHS Smoking Helpline adviser, said: “Research shows that smokers are much more likely to give up smoking for good with the help of ongoing support, rather than relying on willpower alone.
“This new service gives those people who are less willing to opt for face-to-face help a real alternative.
“Receiving ongoing communication in the form of text messages, emails and call backs ensures that, even without the face-to-face element, we are able to reach people who might otherwise not have given up.”
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 June 2004
Smokers die 10 years younger, according to long-term study
On average cigarette smokers die 10 years younger than non-smokers, but stopping at age 50 halves the risk, and stopping at 30 avoids almost all of it, according to a 50-year-long study of smoking and death among British doctors, published in this week's British Medical Journal (BMJ).
Smokers die 10 years younger, according to long-term study
On average cigarette smokers die 10 years younger than non-smokers, but stopping at age 50 halves the risk, and stopping at 30 avoids almost all of it, according to a 50-year-long study of smoking and death among British doctors, published in this week's British Medical Journal (BMJ).
08 March 2007
Survey reveals 'secret smokers'
One in ten people are 'secret smokers' who try to keep their habit hidden, a new survey has revealed. The survey of 4,000 adults, commissioned by Boots, found that 52% of smokers had not told their parents about their habit, while a third had lied to their family, who believed that they had given up or never smoked at all.
Survey reveals 'secret smokers'
One in ten people are 'secret smokers' who try to keep their habit hidden, a new survey has revealed. The survey of 4,000 adults, commissioned by Boots, found that 52% of smokers had not told their parents about their habit, while a third had lied to their family, who believed that they had given up or never smoked at all.
08 February 2011
Smokers 'Quit Kit' In Time For Valentine's
Smokers in the North West are being encouraged to share a ‘fresh breath’ kiss with their Valentine this year, by quitting smoking with the help of a free NHS Quit Kit now available in participating pharmacies.
Smokers 'Quit Kit' In Time For Valentine's
Smokers in the North West are being encouraged to share a ‘fresh breath’ kiss with their Valentine this year, by quitting smoking with the help of a free NHS Quit Kit now available in participating pharmacies.
12 November 2003
NHS to offer free nicotine gum to smokers
Products such as nicotine patches and gum will be given to the NHS for free under a new deal to help at least 10,000 more smokers quit. Agreements between the government and the major suppliers of smoking cessation products will give all Primary Care Trusts additional support from these suppliers, including free nicotine patches.
NHS to offer free nicotine gum to smokers
Products such as nicotine patches and gum will be given to the NHS for free under a new deal to help at least 10,000 more smokers quit. Agreements between the government and the major suppliers of smoking cessation products will give all Primary Care Trusts additional support from these suppliers, including free nicotine patches.
01 February 2010
Smokers 'Halved' By 2020
An ambitious new strategy will halve the number of smokers, from 21 to 10% of the population by 2020, Secretary of State for Health Andy Burnham announced today. The number of people smoking has fallen by a quarter in the past decade – just last year 337,000 people stopped smoking thanks to free support from the NHS.
Smokers 'Halved' By 2020
An ambitious new strategy will halve the number of smokers, from 21 to 10% of the population by 2020, Secretary of State for Health Andy Burnham announced today. The number of people smoking has fallen by a quarter in the past decade – just last year 337,000 people stopped smoking thanks to free support from the NHS.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry evening with late sunny spells and some long clear spells overnight. Becoming cloudier across the north towards dawn with a few showers possible. Touch of frost in south. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
