06/05/2014 - Permalink

Help2Quit service launches new initiative to support smokers looking to kick the habit

Related topics: Health / Partner organisations

News from our partners Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust

A new initiative to help people in Shropshire to stop smoking has been launched.

Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust’s Help2Quit service is reducing the cost of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) to support smokers who are seeking the kick the habit.

Anyone who sees a Help2Quit stop smoking adviser and joins the service’s 12-week stop smoking programme will receive a voucher.

The voucher entitles the recipient to a maximum of 12 weeks Nicotine Replacement Therapy for the price of one prescription charge (£8.05).  If you don’t pay for prescriptions, the voucher is free.

It is redeemable at your local pharmacy or direct from your Help2Quit adviser, and you will receive the Nicotine Replacement Therapy after your follow up appointments with the stop smoking adviser.  Terms and conditions apply.

Many smokers want to quit but aren’t sure where to turn.  Help2Quit offers services near to where you live in such locations as:

  • GP practices
  • Pharmacies
  • Community venues
  • Supermarkets
  • Specialist pregnancy services

For a detailed list of venues please visit www.shropscommunityhealth.nhs.uk/help2quit, call 01743 453537 or text 07799 416926.

Dr Kevin Lewis, Director of Preventative Health Programmes, said:

“The low cost of NRT is great news for smokers wanting to quit.  Although the number of smokers in Shropshire is falling fast, it is still a major risk factor for illness and early death. I would urge all smokers thinking of quitting to take up this opportunity.  You are four times more likely to quit successfully with personalised support from Help2Quit.”

Further information

Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust is the NHS organisation responsible for providing community health services to the people of Shropshire, and Telford and Wrekin. It has brought together and directly provides the health services previously provided by Shropshire County PCT and NHS Telford and Wrekin.

For more information about the Trust contact Mark Fletcher, Communications, Marketing & Membership Assistant, on 01743 277662, or email mark.fletcher@shropcom.nhs.uk.