A specialist service offering personalised support to people wanting to stop smoking is experiencing a surge in demand.
More than 200 people contacted our Quit Ready service in March and are now receiving practical support without having to set foot outside their front door.
Quit Ready offers a 12-week, evidence-based treatment programme run by a team of specialist advisers via the service’s helpline and online chat service.
In addition to weekly advice sessions, service users – including those who are self-isolating or shielded due to coronavirus – can also receive nicotine replacement therapy or e-cigarettes through the post, with no face-to-face contact required at any stage.
It is great to see more than 200 people setting a quit date with our Quit Ready service.
“Given what we already know about the negative effects of smoking on the immune system, in addition to the fact that smokers are at greater risk of developing acute respiratory infections, now is certainly a good time to take action to stop smoking.
“What’s more, the risks associated with smoking extend to those exposed to second-hand smoke – and, with many of us currently spending more time at home than usual, it’s important to bear in mind the risks to others.
“We would encourage anyone living in Leicestershire who is keen to quit smoking to get in touch with Quit Ready via the helpline, which is open between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Person:Councillor Lee Breckon, cabinet member for health and wellbeingThose who would like to get in contact with Quit Ready can do so by calling 0345 646 66 66; by texting “ready” to 60777; or by visiting www.quitready.co.uk.
Official, up-to-date Government advice and information on coronavirus can be found at www.gov.uk/coronavirus.