Stop smoking - You can do it!

Story: Emma Msigiti

With New Year just around the corner, it’s getting to the time of year when people traditionally think of making New Year’s resolutions. Top of the list for some will be to kick the habit and stop smoking.

One in three adults are smokers in the Burngreave area, many want to quit, but may lack the confidence to do so, or feel they’re not quite ready. Sometimes inspiration can come from others who have successfully stopped smoking.

Neil’s Story

Neil started smoking at 14, all his mates smoked at school, and close family also smoked – smoking was the norm!

Heavy smoking

When I first met Neil he was smoking up to 40 cigs per day, and had been a heavy smoker for nearly 30 years. He had various jobs over the years, many increased his levels of smoking. As a care worker in a residential home during the 1980’s it was common place to sit and have a chat and a smoke with both staff and residents. Following this Neil moved on to bar work where once again smoking was common.

Wanting to quit

He wanted to quit due to recurrent chest infections and also wanted to save money as his habit had become very expensive. He’d also been inspired by the recent success of a friend and her mum who had both successfully stopped smoking.

Success at last

He’d had several previous attempts at quitting over the past few years, but hadn’t managed to last more than 3 weeks. This time, Neil has been successful with the combination of using stop smoking medication and regular support sessions.

Months have now passed since he completed his treatment and Neil is still smoke free and very positive about his experience. He remained determined throughout the process and even when stressed he worked through his cravings by keeping busy and reminding himself how well he done so far.

Feeling better

Neil also feels much fitter as he can now run around at work without having to stop to catch his breath and finds it generally much easier doing some of the heavy work involved with his job as a caretaker. He also made the step of making his home completely smoke free. This not only made it easier for him whilst quitting, but he also noticed how much nicer and fresher it is. Family and friends are now directed outside if they want to light up!

I don’t smoke

Neil was really proud of himself the other day when he went to fill up his car at the local petrol station. The assistant had put out a pack of 20 ready for Neil to buy. Neil said “No thanks I don’t smoke anymore!” When he got out of the shop he realised what a milestone he’d reached as he knew he truly didn’t want them.

Neil says that when he’s offered cigs he just replies

“No thanks, I don’t smoke!”

Neil is proof that despite smoking heavily for many years, stopping smoking really can be done! What a fantastic achievement!

Getting support to stop smoking can make quitting easier and greatly improve the chances of success. Anyone living or working in the Burngreave / Fir Vale areas can access free and confidential one to one support.

Information sessions for local groups and organisations are also available.

If you want to stop smoking, or require further information please call / text Emma Msigiti on 07847 893 134 or leave a message at The Furnival on 0114 272 7497