0800 731 2656

The Colchester and Tendring Stop Smoking Support Service is a free NHS service offering practical help, support and advice for people who want to stop smoking.

Contact us on freephone 0800 731 2656 or email stopsmoking@northeastessex.nhs.uk

When you call our freephone number 0800 731 2656 we will offer you an appointment at a time and place to suit you.

We also run drop in sessions at Clacton Town Hall and Cornerstone in Colchester.

GP surgeries across North East Essex now have designated Smoking Advisors who run stop smoking clinics each week.

There is also a pharmacy scheme in North East Essex, you can walk into a participating pharmacy and see a smoking adviser.

We also have a designated adviser for young people and specialist advisers for pregnancy.

It is proven that this kind of specialist support from a qualified adviser, combined with treatment such as nicotine patches and gum, can be up to four times more effective than willpower alone.

Some of the benefits of stopping smoking:

• Freedom from addiction to nicotine
• High levels of carbon monoxide will no longer be in your body
• Taste and smell improves
• Breathing becomes easier
• Energy levels increase
• Coughs and breathing problems improve
• Reduced risk of heart disease and other serious diseases
• More money in your pocket
• Fresh breath and whiter teeth
• Clothes and hair will no longer smell of smoke

Top tips to help you quit:

• Plan ahead and pick a day for stopping that will be relatively stress free
• Take one day at a time and congratulate yourself frequently
• Use nicotine replacement therapy, Champix or Zyban if prescribed to reduce your cravings
• Keep busy, especially during the first week
• If you want a cigarette practice the 4Ds - delay, drink water, deep breathe and do something else
• Count the money you save and treat yourself to something special
• Don't try 'just one' cigarette - it will take you back to the beginning

If you would like to join the thousands of people who are giving up successfully through local NHS Stop SMoking Services, call us on freephone 0800 731 2656 or email stopsmoking@northeastessex.nhs.uk