North Wales smoking quitters inspire others this Stoptober
More than 2,000 people in North Wales successfully quit smoking with NHS support over the past year, making it a record-breaking year for quitters in the region.
Data from the Help Me Quit service shows that 2,077 people managed to stop smoking between April 2023 and March 2024, thanks to the support of specialist advisors.
Now, the health board is encouraging more people to take their first steps towards quitting this October.
Smoking remains the leading cause of early death and preventable illness in Wales, contributing to over one in 10 deaths of people over 35, according to Public Health Wales.
One local success story is Ian Tomlinson from Wrexham, who quit smoking earlier this year and was able to attend an AC/DC concert at Wembley Stadium with renewed energy and excitement.
“We paid for tickets, we paid for the hotel, we paid for food, we paid for petrol down,” he said. “The whole thing was an experience that I would never have ever had if I had still been smoking.
“Not only did I get to go and see the concert, I could stand there with my wife and enjoy it. And she could enjoy me standing with her, rather than me having to go and sit down.
“We stood there for five hours. I’m not saying I danced like a kid, but I was shuffling the best I can which I couldn’t do before! It just gives you the energy and the enthusiasm to do stuff that you always wanted to do.”
Graham Roberts, from Abergele, feels he has broken free from being controlled by cigarettes after kicking smoking with Help Me Quit.
“The best thing about quitting smoking is health-wise, definitely health-wise, money, and not smelling of smoke – especially when you’re trying to say goodnight to your children,” he said.
“I think the main thing is I’m no longer addicted to smoking. I’ve actually beaten something that had a grip on me for many, many years.
“And if I can do it, anybody can do it. It’s nice to know that I have finally beaten something that I was addicted to. But no – not anymore.”
Services like Help Me Quit have been shown to be more than four times more effective than quitting without support. Help Me Quit offers free, motivational face-to-face or phone support from a specialist advisor or at a local pharmacy, plus free nicotine replacement products like patches, gum or mouth spray to help with cravings.
Acting Executive Director of Public Health Dr Jane Moore said reducing the impact smoking has on the health of people here in North Wales was a key priority for the health board.
Prevention of illness is one of the health board’s primary objectives, and has recently been underlined by our new three-year plan.
“Smokers know that tobacco is damaging their health, and that tobacco smoke damages the health of the people around them,” Dr Moore said. “They know that smoking is expensive.
“So we’re pleased that so many smokers are turning to our specialist, free Help Me Quit service when they make the decision that it is time for them to break free. People like Ian and Graham show just how life-changing support to stop smoking from our service can be.
“Our Help Me Quit advisors know how difficult it is, and work really hard to support and continue to motivate people who want to quit. Their help is available to everyone, including people who have tried to stop before – and people who might have restarted smoking.”
- You can find more information about Help Me Quit services in North Wales or register for a call-back to start your journey to quitting smoking here, or by calling 08000 852 219.