Community Stop Smoking closes and service changes

Story: Emma Msigiti

Over the past five years, I have been employed as Community Stop Smoking Worker for Burngreave. Unfortunately, the Community Stop Smoking Service will be closing at the end of March due to changes in the delivery of tobacco control in Sheffield.

My work has involved working with residents of Burngreave, Fir Vale and Page Hall to give advice and support to people who want to stop smoking, engaging more than 400 people in one-toone support. As a local resident myself, it has been a real privilege to be able to help people from my own community, and I have been very fortunate to work with some great people who have made this job an extremely rewarding experience. I would like to say a really big thank you to all the clients who have engaged with the service, and for those who have quit, a massive “well done” as stopping smoking is a major achievement.

For others who want to quit but haven’t made it yet, it’s important to remember that each time you try, you will be a step closer to quitting for good. Although my post is ending, you will still be able to access support from the citywide Smoke Free Service (the contact details and local clinics are listed below).

Another important aspect of my job has been liaising with local schools, community groups and other local partner organisations to deliver workshops, training, and information sessions. Many thanks to all local colleagues and the Burngreave Health Network for supporting and promoting the Community Stop Smoking Service.

Stop Smoking support from April

For local Stop Smoking Support, drop in to see a trained stop smoking adviser at:

• Pitsmoor Surgery, 151 Burngreave Road S3 9DL*

• Swift Pharmacy, 1 Gower Street S4 7HA

• Upwell Street Surgery, 93 Upwell Street S4 8AN*

• Wicker Pharmacy, 55-59 The Wicker S3 8HT

*Please note that advisers in practices can only support registered patients

Alternatively, you can call into the city centre drop-in service at Sheffield Quit Stop, 39 Charles Street S1 2HU, just off Pinstone Street. For further information call Sheffield Stop Smoking Service on 0800 0684490, visit the website http://www.sheffieldstopsmoking.org.uk or go to the Facebook page NHSSmokefreeSheffield.