Exeter smokers urged to visit Trust clinics for free specialist advice on quitting
Smokers in Exeter who are thinking about quitting but were too late to join the 28-day Stoptober challenge are being urged to visit their local stop smoking clinic for free specialist advice.
The Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust supports people to quit through its weekly stop smoking clinics across the county.
Specialist advisers Denise Veen and Sarah Leggatt, from the Trust’s Health Promotion Devon team, run clinics at two venues in Exeter:
- St Sidwell’s Centre, Sidwell Street – Monday (9am to midday), Wednesday (9am to 4pm)
- Riverside Leisure Centre – Thursday (4pm to 8pm)
Denise and Sarah are currently helping Exeter smokers give up the habit throughout October as part of the national Stoptober campaign.
But they are keen to support smokers who missed the official start date on 1 October and harbour thoughts of quitting.
Denise said: “Smoking remains the nation’s biggest killer, with half of long-term smokers dying prematurely from a smoking-related disease.
“Our clinics have seen a number of smokers trying to quit for 28 days for Stoptober, but we know there are so many more people in Exeter who have considered giving up and have yet to take the plunge.
“Myself and Sarah are on hand each week to offer free support and advice, with appointments lasting for 20 or 60 minutes.”
The clinics form part of the Devon Stop Smoking Service, which is supported by chemists, GPs and dental practices.
Sarah said: “Our advisers have supported about 1,000 people to quit smoking in the last year and their success rates are among the best in the country, with over three-quarters of those stopping not lighting up within four weeks.
“Stopping smoking not only has an impact on your health but on the health of those around you – and at a time when we’re all feeling the pinch it will also bring significant financial benefits.”
The free stop smoking clinics are not ‘drop-in’ sessions and anyone interested in attending must book in advance.
For more information, call 01884 836024 or visit click here.
