What was your main reason for accessing the service? E.g. health, finances, COVID–19 or others.....
Health mainly, but as the cost of living has increased recently, I don’t think I could have been allowed to smoke now anyway.
Did you believe you could achieve four weeks Smokefree?
No, I have tried and failed so often that I assumed this time would be like all the others. I can honestly say that it is the hardest journey I have ever been on, but once I got going, I found the support I got from Lindsey a constant, and I wanted to succeed for her too.
Have you used to stop smoking medication to help you quit?
Yes
How helpful did you find it?
It was really helpful.
Apart from medication, what else helped you to quit and stay smoke-free?
My stop-smoking advisor Lindsey and support from friends who knew I was having a go at quitting; as the weeks went by, I felt stronger and more positive about being able to do it.
Has your health improved since you quit, and if so, in what ways?
It has improved breathing especially, and it has also improved my well-being and how I feel about myself, I feel fresh and clean because I don’t smell of smoke anymore, my teeth are lovely and white again, and in general, I have more energy and can be bothered to do stuff!
Besides health, have you achieved anything since quitting that you couldn’t do while smoking?
I suppose it is sort of health-related, but I enjoy walking with my dogs more than I was when I smoked. We walk for miles now, and they love me for it, and I get evenings to myself because they are shattered.
What have you found helpful in accessing the service via the Telephone?
Telephone appointments have been fantastic. There has been the odd occasion when I have been late home from work, and it has been brilliant to take the phone call in the car and either say to Lindsey I will be home in 5 or just pull over and take the appointment that way. If anyone is thinking about quitting and has not quite managed in the past, I urge you to give this a go. I will never ever put another cigarette in my mouth, I feel amazing.
