Former smoker urges others to make quitting a New Year’s resolution

She had tried to quit by herself in the past but had always relapsed. This time she got free support from Wiltshire Council’s stop smoking service and downloaded the Smoke Free app which helped her quit for good.

Vicki said: Once I had decided to quit smoking, I decided to set my quit date for two days before my birthday and signed up to the Smoke Free app. I found the app really helpful as it gives you 24/7 access to a stop smoking advisor. I also received a vape really quickly, which was important as once I’d set a quit date I wanted to start straight away while I was in the right frame of mind.

Since quitting smoking, Vicki feels so much better, and she has noticed health benefits including having more energy and sleeping better. She is much more active now and has even treated herself to a walking machine.

There have been so many benefits to quitting smoking. My sleep and taste have improved, my clothes, car and house don’t smell and the stains on my teeth have gone. I have more energy, and my resting pulse rate has gone down from the high 80s to the 60s.

I no longer sit around smoking, I’m more fit and active. I’ve bought myself a walking machine and walk 1.5 miles every day. I would never have done that if I hadn’t stopped smoking. If I can quit after smoking for 55 years, anyone can quit. It’s never too late.

Cllr Clare Cape, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Co-ordination with the NHS, says: Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, so we’d urge people who smoke to make it their New Year’s resolution. Research shows that you’re three times more likely to quit with expert support, so make sure you take advantage of the free support on offer from our Health Coaches and the Smoke Free app.

Wiltshire residents can seek free support to quit smoking either by downloading the Smoke Free app, from the Wiltshire Health Improvement Hub stop smoking service or their GP. Search Smokefree Wiltshire online to find out more about local stop smoking support.

Anyone who lives or works in Wiltshire can get a free 12-week programme of stop smoking support, with friendly and specialist Health Coaches and access to free stop smoking aids.

Residents can also get six months’ free access to the Smoke Free app which offers 24/7 stop smoking support to fit around your life.

For links to download the Smoke Free app or to contact Wiltshire Council’s stop smoking service, visit https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/smokefree.