Free specialist stop smoking service Yorkshire Smokefree Wakefield launches next stop to better health
Yorkshire Smokefree Wakefield, in partnership with Wakefield Council, has launched an innovative new quit bus that will provide specialist stop smoking support across the Wakefield district.
The mobile service will visit local communities, offering free stop smoking support, specialist advice, guidance on prescription products and ongoing support during your quit journey.
To mark the launch of the new bus service, there was an official opening event in Wakefield on 9 December. The bus was parked outside the cathedral in the city centre. This gave local people a chance to explore the new quit bus, meet our friendly team and learn how we can help them achieve better health by quitting smoking.
Sonia Brown, service manager at Yorkshire Smokefree Wakefield, said: ‘‘The addition of our new quit bus is an excellent asset to the service. This initiative allows the service to travel around the district, making it easier for local people in our communities to access free support for quitting smoking. We provide up to 12 weeks of personalised support, focusing on understanding personal motivations for quitting, avoiding smoking triggers, and establishing new routines. Your personalised stop smoking plan may include up to 12 weeks of smoking cessation medication to help manage cravings. This support is designed to help identify triggers, prevent relapse, and includes free carbon monoxide testing for up to 12 weeks.’’
‘‘It’s important to recognise that many people may need several attempts before they successfully quit smoking. However, with our assistance, the likelihood of quitting increases significantly. There are many reasons why someone might relapse, but there’s no need to worry; you can always return to our service if you’ve accessed it before. It’s completely free, so why not give it another go.’’
Cllr Michelle Collins, Wakefield Council’s cabinet member for adults and health, said: “We and our partners are here to offer help and advice to encourage people to try and give up smoking. If you use a stop smoking support service, you are three times more likely to succeed in quitting, than if you do this alone.
“It is important for smokers to know that they are not alone on their journey towards quitting and that any attempt is a step in the right direction. The new bus will deliver our friendly local services right in the heart of our communities. We are here to help you all the way.”
For more information about Yorkshire Smokefree Wakefield, you can call the team on 01924 252174 or 0800 6120011 (free from a landline) or 0330 660 1166 (free from most mobiles) Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 4.30pm and Saturdays between 9am until 4.30pm.
For more information on the service visit the website http://wakefield.yorkshiresmokefree.nhs.uk
