Former smoker ‘gets life back’ after quitting with council’s Wellbeing Service

“The team is amazing and friendly” – these are the words of Amin Zare from Cleethorpes who quit smoking with the council’s Wellbeing Service.

Ditch the cigarettes with one-to-one support with a wellbeing worker through the free stop smoking service.

This includes face-to-face support and advice, phone calls/texts and stop smoking aids that can help you to not smoke when you feel you really want to. You can also get access to a free vape starter kit, with up to 12-week supply of salts when using the service and meeting regularly with the team, as well as Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), such as nicotine patches and gum. You can use more than one of these paths.

• To find out more, discover a support venue near you or self-refer by visiting: www.nelincs.gov.uk/stop-smoking
• Call: (01472) 325500, Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 4pm, except bank holidays
• Email: [email protected]

The council also offers free six-month premium access to the Smokefree app to set goals, track progress and stay motivated, with expert advisors on hand 24/7.

For support to quit, visit www.nelincs.gov.uk/stop-smoking to refer yourself or find a drop-in session, call (01472) 325500, Monday to Friday 8.30am – 4pm (except bank holidays) or email [email protected].

The app is available on iOS and Android and can be downloaded via the app store or by visiting getmesmokefree.com. You will be invited to enter your details, including your postcode. Once a qualifying North East Lincolnshire postcode is provided, you can create an account and get started.

“I felt bad smoking around other people, particularly children. I tried to hide my habit, it made me shy,” said Amin.

“The wellbeing team is amazing and friendly. I appreciate all the they have done and helping me to successfully quit.

“Thank you to them all, I have come back to life.”

Since quitting, Amin says: “I’m more happy and more energy at work. I feel more confident as well.”

Councillor Stan Shreeve, deputy leader at North East Lincolnshire Council and portfolio holder for health, wellbeing and adult social care, added: “Make today the day you decide to quit. It’s never too late to quit and it’s easier to stop smoking with the right support.

“It is one of the best decisions I made to stop smoking and one that you can make too for your health. You don’t have to do it alone. Our council’s Wellbeing Service and Smokefree app is here to support you every step of the way.”