Smoking
Stopping smoking is one of the best things you will ever do for your health. Especially now more than ever during the Covid-19 pandemic, as we know that smokers are more likely to have severe complications if they get Covid-19.
Getting help and support to stop smoking has never been easier with 7 in 10 smokers in Wales wanting to stop, why not give yourself the best chance to stop with free NHS expert support. Did you know that smokers are 4 times more likely to quit and stay quit with Help Me Quit? Don’t go it alone, give yourself the best chance of success and let us help you on your journey to quitting.
Finding the right support has never been easier. Our HMQ Hub Team are available to help you on 0800 085 2219.
Find out how to get free, expert support from HMQ.
Background on Tobacco in Wales
Smoking is the risk factor that contributes most to the current burden of disease in Wales, which caused over 5,500 death each year and costs the Welsh NHS an estimated £302 million per year. Smoking also is one of the main causes of inequality in health is Wales. This means that in the most deprived areas have the highest smoking levels and more ill-health. (Welsh Government, 2017) For these reasons, new legislation and laws have been introduced around smoking to help protect people and encourage smokers to quit.
In April 2007, laws banning smoking in most enclosed places was introduced to protect people from second-hand smoke. Because of this, fewer people in Wales are exposed to second-hand smoker and has helped to bring smoking prevalence to 18% (National Survey for Wales, 2020).
Since then, there have been a number of changes to encourage smokers to quit, such as increasing the buying age from 16 to 18 years old, introducing picture health warnings and plain packaging. From March 2021, Wales will be taking on board smoke-free legislation in school grounds, playgrounds, outdoor care settings and on hospital grounds (Public Health (Wales) Act 2017). This is again to protect people and de-normalise smoking behaviour for children and young people.
All these steps have led to reducing the smoking rates and improve the health of the Welsh population.
What support is available?
HMQ offers NHS expert support from a trained stop smoking advisor. You will be 300% more likely to stop than going it alone with HMQ. This boosts your chances of success by 4 times and you are more likely to stay stopped with this method of support.
If you decide to only use a stop smoking medication, this also increases your chances of stopping. You’ll need to see your GP or an HMQ service to see the best option or purchase it yourself. HMQ expert support is more effective and you can get medication worth £250 free along with personalised HMQ support.
Going it alone with self-help from an app or a website can work for some. The Smokefree App is available to download for free and is most popular.
Many people use electronic cigarettes also known as e-cigs and vapes to stop smoking. If you are thinking about stopping smoking using an e-cig, our HMQ Advisors can give you the right advice.
Where can I get support?
Finding the right support has never been easier. Our HMQ Hub Team are available to help you on 0800 085 2219.
You can request to be called back by providing your contact details and the Team will contact you at a convenient time.
You can also search for Services in your area, to find an HMQ service nearest to you.
What support can I expect from HMQ?
HMQ is free NHS support delivered by trained stop smoking advisors. They will provide you with friendly, confidential and non-judgemental support and advice. They can see you face to face or over the phone. Support can be either one to one or in a meeting with other smokers weekly over 6 or more weeks. Each week will be tailored and focused on monitoring your progress. Your stop smoking expert will also discuss your options around stop smoking medications and how to access for free. Read more here about what to expect and some common questions.
Remember, you are 4 times more likely to stop and stay stopped with HMQ support!!!