Hartlepool’s smoking cessation service is celebrating after helping more than 400 smokers set a quit date to stub out the habit for good.
Since its launch in January this year, the Hartlepool Stop Smoking Service has offered expert support and advice to more than 400 local people.
With each service user receiving a personalised quit-plan and tailored support, including nicotine replacement therapies, the service has been hailed as an ‘outstanding success for Hartlepool’.
The service, which operates out of convenient community locations throughout Hartlepool, complements existing schemes including specialist support for pregnant women, hospital inpatient advice, and community navigators at Hartlepool’s Community Hubs.
Support
The support provided by the team of experts, on a clinical or self-referral basis, includes:
- 12-week support programme (including nicotine replacement therapies and/or an e-cigarette)
- Face-to-face clinics across the community
- Telephone consultations
- Home visits for housebound patients
- Workplace clinics
Hartlepool Borough Council has commissioned North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust and Hartlepool & Stockton Health to deliver the service to smokers who live or work in Hartlepool.
Outstanding success
Councillor Gary Allen, chair of the adult services and public health committee, said: “Reaching our 400th successful quitter through the Stop Smoking Service is a powerful reminder of the impact local support can have on people’s lives and is an outstanding success for Hartlepool.
“Every person who quits smoking takes a vital step toward a healthier future, not just for themselves, but for their families and communities. This service continues to be a cornerstone of our public health efforts, helping hundreds of residents break free from tobacco and embrace a better quality of life.”
Carmen Carcea, stop smoking advisor, said: “We’re thrilled to have helped 400 local people create a personalised plan to quit smoking.
“We provide a friendly support system, helping each person find solutions to tackling cravings, smoking ‘triggers’ and individual goals, so we can set a quit date they can confidently work towards.
“Seeing the results when a smoker tells us they have gone a week, a month or longer without smoking is just so satisfying.
“We don’t judge and we don’t lecture. We are here to help people stop smoking and live longer, healthier lives.
“If you want to quit smoking, get in touch!”
Get in touch
The Hartlepool Stop Smoking Service can be contacted on 01642 383819, Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm.