With No Smoking Day approaching on March 13th 2019. Here is how the Public Health Agency (PHA) can help you in your mission to quit for good this year. 

The agency's comprehensive network of FREE Stop Smoking services are offering tailored advice and support to help you quit for good. Giving up smoking will not only benefit your health but it will also have a postitive effect on your appearance, finances and relationships. However, it is well known that giving up smoking can be challenging and different approaches will need to be set out for each individual, by using the Stop Smoking Services offered you'll be four times more likely to quit for good. 

If you have tried to quit before and relapsed, don't worry, you can simply identify where you think you went wrong, refocus and take it on in the future. Using the PHA's Stop Smoking Services can provide friendly, supportive assistance in a calm environment; these approaches are tailored to you to make it as easy as possible. 

Services are offered in many community pharmacies, GP practices, HSC Trust premises, and community and voluntary organisations, and can be set up in workplaces.

Top tips on giving up smoking

• Make a date to give up – and stick to it!

• Make a plan. Think about what could help you stop smoking, such as using a nicotine-replacement product, and have it ready before the date you plan to stop.
• Get support from your local stop smoking service. Also, let your family and friends know that you're quitting. Some people find that talking to friends and relatives who have stopped can be helpful.
• Keep busy to help take your mind off cigarettes. Try to change your routine, and avoid the shop where you normally buy cigarettes.
• Treat yourself. If you can, use the money you're saving by not smoking to buy yourself something special.

A video showing how the PHA’s Stop Smoking Support Services can help you quit your habit can be seen, here.    

The PHA has recently refreshed its stop smoking website with the involvement of smokers and ex-smokers, to support people in their quit attempt. The updated site has information on the benefits of quitting, stop smoking aids, and stop smoking services across Northern Ireland, and you can also order your free Quit Kit to help give you the best chance of success in becoming smoke free.

The website has an interactive map to locate services and also features local people who’ve successfully quit using the stop smoking service. Simply follow the link and see what is near you -  https://www.stopsmokingni.info/

To learn more about the NHS Smokefree App, follow the link - www.nhs.uk