New support is giving smokers more ways to help stub out the habit for good.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is highlighting its stop smoking programme in West Dunbartonshire, providing free, in-person support at several community locations.
The programme, delivered through the Quit Your Way service, offers one-to-one and group sessions to help individuals quit smoking using a combination of behavioural support and nicotine replacement therapy.
Personal success stories, such as that of Clydebank resident Karen Turnbull, highlight the effectiveness of the Quit Your Way service.
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Karen quit smoking with the help of the service at Clydebank Health Centre, using a mix of behavioural support and nicotine replacement products.
Donna Lang, who leads the NHSGGC community-based stop smoking services in West Dunbartonshire, said: "We know stopping smoking can be hard, but overcoming tobacco and nicotine addiction will improve your health, wellbeing and finances.
"There’s no judgement with our service; we just want to support as many people as possible to stop smoking and we have more ways to do that than ever before, including our one-to-one clinics.
"Someone who smokes 20 a day could save £100s in one month if they quit, and with our support you’re more likely to stop and stop for good.
"This is a totally free service so reach out, and we’ll help you quit your way today."
Smoking remains one of the leading causes of poor health in Scotland, responsible for about one in five deaths each year.
Although the overall smoking rate is declining, a significant gap persists between communities.
In West Dunbartonshire, 19% of people living in the most deprived areas smoke, compared to just 7.5% in the most affluent areas.
Specialist practitioners now offer one-to-one support by appointment at several locations across West Dunbartonshire.
These include Clydebank Health Centre, which offers one-to-one clinics on Tuesdays from 9am to 12.30pm; Clydebank Library, which holds group sessions from 1.30pm to 2.30pm and one-to-one support from 2.30pm to 4pm on Tuesdays; Vale of Leven Centre for Health and Care, offering one-to-one clinics on Wednesdays from 12.30pm to 4pm; and Dumbarton Health Centre, with one-to-one clinics on Thursdays from 9am to 12pm.
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Councillor William Rooney, Convener of Corporate Services at West Dunbartonshire Council, said: "Libraries in West Dunbartonshire offer a wide range of services, and we are delighted to work closely with NHSGGC to host sessions at Clydebank Library that will equip smokers with the right tools and motivation to quit.
"We would encourage anyone who wants to stop smoking to contact Quit Your Way, where you will find dedicated NHS staff who can provide support and share the many success stories of the people they have helped."
Quit You Way can be contacted by calling 0800 916 8858.
More information about services in the area is available by searching the NHS Inform Service Directory or visiting www.nhsggc.scot/your-health/quit-your-way.
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