Ealing resident quits smoking after 50 years with free council support
The Ealing Smokefree Service offers up to eight weeks of funded help for residents looking to quit.
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Ealing resident Mohamed has successfully quit smoking after five decades with the assistance of the Ealing Smokefree Service. His experience highlights the support available to the estimated 45,600 people in Ealing who currently smoke, a prevalence rate between 15.9% and 22%.
Overcoming a 50-year habit
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Mohamed, who had tried to quit multiple times without success, found hope through the Ealing Smokefree Service. He stated, "I’ve been smoking for over 50 years and tried to quit many times, but I never thought I could succeed." The service provided him with behavioural support and stop smoking medication, enabling him to reduce his cigarette intake gradually. By the fourth week of engagement, he had stopped smoking entirely. The service continued to support him for a total of eight weeks.
He added, "Now, I’m smoke-free, feel healthier, and am very proud of what I’ve achieved. I never imagined I could quit after so many years."
Stoptober campaign and financial benefits
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Mohamed's success story is shared as part of the annual Stoptober campaign, which encourages smokers to quit during October. The campaign's message, "Closer each time," emphasises that each quit attempt is progress. Evidence suggests that stopping smoking for 28 days increases the likelihood of quitting permanently by five times. Professional support and treatment can further quadruple an individual's chances of success.
Beyond health improvements, quitting smoking can lead to significant financial savings. The national average spend on tobacco is approximately £2,964 per smoker annually, according to ASH. This saving can provide substantial relief for household budgets.
Accessing free support
The Ealing Smokefree Service offers up to eight weeks of fully funded support, including tailored one-to-one guidance from specialist advisors and free stop smoking aids. The service operates through various clinic locations across Ealing and collaborates with 19 local pharmacies. For those unable to attend in person, evening and weekend telephone appointments are available.
An event to mark the start of Stoptober will take place on October 1 from noon to 4pm at Northolt Leisure Centre, Eastcote Lane, Northolt, UB5 4AB. Attendees can meet specialist advisors and receive free stop smoking aids to begin their quit journey.
Residents can self-refer for support by visiting westlondon.nhs.uk. The Ealing Smokefree Service provides resources and expert guidance, but acknowledges that individual willpower and motivation are key to success.
Questions this report answers
+How does the Ealing Smokefree Service help people quit smoking?
The Ealing Smokefree Service offers up to eight weeks of fully funded support. This includes behavioural advice from specialist advisors and free stop smoking medication to help manage cravings and increase the chances of quitting successfully.
+How many people in Ealing currently smoke?
Around 45,600 people in Ealing are estimated to currently smoke. The smoking prevalence in the borough is reported to be between 15.9% and 22%, which is higher than the London and national averages.
+What is the Stoptober campaign?
Stoptober is a national campaign that encourages smokers to quit during October. Evidence shows that quitting for 28 days makes smokers five times more likely to quit for good, and professional support can further increase success rates.
+Where can I go to get support for Stoptober in Ealing?
An event for Stoptober will be held on October 1 from noon to 4pm at Northolt Leisure Centre. Residents can also access support through various local clinics, 19 partner pharmacies, or via telephone appointments offered by the Ealing Smokefree Service.
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