Getting rid of the cigarette (From Barry And District News)

Getting rid of the cigarette

NEXT Wednesday, March 9 is No Smoking Day - and it is the ideal opportunity to take that first step in giving up the habit.

The All Wales Stop Smoking Service was launched in autumn 2004.

Smoking cessation specialist Colleen Newport said: "We have five groups now running in the Vale of Glamorgan to meet the demand from smokers wishing to give up smoking."

The weekly group sessions are free and run for six weeks at Barry Hospital (day and evening groups available), Penarth and Llantwit Major.

Colleen added: "At the end of the six weeks, we expect 60 to 70 percent of the people to have quit smoking, compared with just two to three percent of the population who try to give up on their own and without using any treatment or help."

Brian Jones from Barry quit smoking nine weeks ago after he phoned the All Wales Smoking Cessation Service and attended the six-week stop smoking group in Barry Hospital.

He said: "Attending the group has made all the difference to me.

"I've tried to stop smoking on my own a few times but could not stop for long.

"It was really helpful to listen to how other people coped with problems or difficulties that arose from week to week.

"The specialist was very supportive and took our carbon monoxide readings every week - this was a great incentive, and motivating.

"Even though it has not been long since I stopped it's the best thing I ever did.

"I feel great, much fitter, saved loads of money and that has to be good news."