What Our Clients Say
“Not doing it on your own and having the support is great, the service backed me up on my choices, I feel great!”
“The Wellness Service team have been very patient, supporting and empathetic. I have every confidence I will stay smoke free for the rest of my life.”
“I like to blow in the carbon monoxide monitor and see that I am staying in the green numbers, it makes me feel accountable for my actions.”
“Support from the various health coaches in the central team has been a great help and weekly appointments has kept me motivated. I am not a smoker anymore and plan on keeping it that way forever more.”
“And after seeing my green breathalyser result during the second week, I honestly felt inspired and motivated to carry on and complete the process. I am now approaching my last meeting with Hannah (Wellness Service Coach) to receive my certificate celebrating 3 months of smoking cessation. I can’t believe I have managed to do this – I would recommend it to any smoker considering quitting, as I am now able to look forward to a healthier and happier future thanks to Hannah.
Simon’s story: “There’s so much more you can do once you’re free of smoking”
Simon started smoking in 1996 and, at his heaviest, was smoking around 25 to 30 cigarettes a day. Working from home made it particularly easy to smoke throughout the day and although he had previously stopped for six years he eventually returned to smoking.
A frightening experience with his breathing became the wake-up call he needed.
“I ended up doubled over coughing so hard I genuinely thought I might not make it to the end of the street. I was turning 51, the cost was adding up, and I knew I wasn’t getting any younger. Most importantly this time I wanted to quit for me.”
Simon accessed support from the Wellness Service and used Varenicline to help him stop smoking. He found that the medication helped reduce his physical cravings, allowing him to focus on breaking the habits and routines he associated with smoking.
One of the biggest challenges was automatically reaching for cigarettes while working at his desk. Whenever this happened, Simon reminded himself: “No, I don’t smoke.” Over time, those old habits began to disappear.
Since stopping smoking, Simon says his life has changed significantly. He completed Couch to 5K and now runs 5K every other morning, as well as swimming, playing padel and weight training. He has also completed his first Parkrun and has lost two and a half stone.
“I’m fitter, healthier, lighter and genuinely happier.”
Simon attended regular appointments at Cleckheaton Library where he could check his carbon monoxide levels, ask questions and receive ongoing support. Although he has now completed his 12-week programme he continues to attend the drop-in and values seeing the familiar faces each week.
Quitting has also introduced Simon to new activities and new people, something he hadn’t expected when he first decided to stop.
His message to anyone considering quitting is simple:
“I can’t recommend quitting enough. There’s so much more you can do with your life once you’re free of it.”
Ready to start your own quit journey?
If you live in Kirklees, are aged 16 or over and would like support to stop smoking, the Wellness Service can help.
A client of our Wellness Service wrote this poem about their journey to becoming smoke-free
Free at Last
For fifty-six long years I smoked,
Through days of joy and nights of doubt.
The habit held me in its grip,
But now I’ve found my way out.
No cloud of smoke, no chains remain,
No craving calls my name.
I’ve left addiction far behind,
And life feels new again.
Each breath is fresh, each step is strong,
A victory I can see.
After fifty-six years of smoking,
At last, I’m truly free.
-Written by David (Wellness Service Client)
