06/04/2005    Edenbridge residents helped to stub out the smoking habit

Edenbridge residents are being given free support to stop smoking as part of a new healthy lifestyle initiative being set up in the area by South West Kent Primary Care Trust and Sevenoaks District Council.

The South West Kent Smokers' Support Service will be running two free seven week courses for 'Stop Smoking' Support Groups in Edenbridge. One will start on 12 April at 11am and the other on 13 April at 6pm. Each session will last for one hour and these will be led by trained Stop Smoking Advisors. Local residents will receive group advice and support throughout the course. Recommendations about nicotine replacement therapies will also be available to suit each individual's needs.

The groups run by South West Kent Smokers' Support Service have a 65% success rate at four weeks after quit day. Those who attend a group and use a stop smoking aid are four times as likely to quit successfully compared to those going it alone.

Angela Painter, Locality Manager for South West Kent PCT says: "We are really pleased to be able to offer more support groups in Edenbridge where they have been found to be so successful. It forms another important strand in our ongoing commitment to implement the recommendations arising from the Edenbridge health needs assessment".

Cllr Felicity Broomby, the Council's Cabinet member with responsibility for health issues, adds: "Giving up smoking is a huge challenge, but we know it has enormous health benefits long term. I'm really pleased that we are able to provide these group courses that will increase the chances of success".

To find out more call 01622 723836 or e-mail smoking@swkentpct.nhs.uk and speak to an advisor who will book you on to a group.