Kick The Habit!
Introduction
Working alongside partners Greenwich Teaching Primary Care Trust, Greenwich Council, and the Football Foundation our Stop Smoking project aims to help all those in the borough who wish to stop smoking and adopt healthier lifestyles. Fully qualified NHS Stop Smoking Advisors provide free and friendly advice and support and will help you to work through the process of quitting.
Our Kick the Habit! Stop Smoking initiative is the first of its kind involving a professional London Football club. The project demonstrates how health and football professionals can successfully work together to promote healthy living in local communities and since its inception in 2006 has seen other local clubs begin to initiate similar projects.
Research shows that 70% of smokers say they want to quit and the new smoke free legislation, introduced in July 2007 has provided many people with the motivation to do so. If your ready to quit, you’ll find that Kick the Habit! can provide an excellent FREE support service for you.
It's never too late to quit, why not book onto a course today?
Stop Smoking Groups
Kick the Habit offers the following Free services:
Seven Week Stop Smoking Groups (Our Groups have and 85% success rate!)
This is a programme of 7 weekly sessions which run during the evenings at the Valley for adults who wish to quit with the help and support of others:
The Next group starts on Thursday 28th of January as follows:
The group meetings will cover such topics as:
For further information and advice or for one to one support call the Greenwich Stop Smoking Service on 0800 587 5833 or text quit to 07790 909 999 or e-mail: stopsmoking@greenwichpct.nhs.uk
Next Group dates are as follows:
Monthly Support Groups
For those people who have completed a 7 week group we continue to offer opportunities for support on a monthly basis at the Valley. The group meets on the first Thursday of each month. For further details call 0800 5875833.
Comments from group members:
“Couldn’t have stopped smoking without the stop smoking service. Highly recommended!” - Nigel Bowness, 44
“I think the Stop Smoking Group @ The Valley is great. I feel now that I’ve stopped smoking, my life is back on track!” - JJ
“Fantastic! Stop Smoking Service have been a great help! The Valley is a brilliant Venue, better than a hospital.” - Anne Freeman, 63
“Giving up smoking isn’t easy, but the Stop Smoking Group and advisors are very encouraging and have helped me to give up” - Colin Allen, 56
Are you ready to Quit?
Score 0 – 4
You are at the hesitation stage. Think again about the reason you want to stop smoking and the things that worry you about stopping. You need to strengthen your motivation and self confidence.
Score 5 - 7
You are fairly motivated. Remind yourself of the benefits of quitting: i.e Health, Money, social and family pressure.
Score 8 - 10
You are well motivated and ready to set a quit date. Call 0800 5875833 and Book onto our next course today.
(Adapted from the Richmond Medical Survey)
How addicted Am I
Ask yourself the following questions to determine how addicted you are.
How many cigarettes do you smoke per day?
Which cigarette would you most hate to give up?
Do you smoke even if you are so ill that you are in bed most of the day?
Do you find it difficult to refrain from smoking in places where it is forbidden?
Even heavy smokers cam stop for good!
The Benefits of Quitting
After 20 minutes your blood pressure an pulse return to normal.
After 8 hours nicotine and carbon monoxide levels in your blood are halved.
After 24 hours Carbon monoxide will be eliminated from your body and your lungs will have started to clear out the tar been clogging them up
After 48 hours no nicotine left in your body. Your senses of taste smell are greatly improved.
After 72 hours your breathing becomes easier and your energy levels increase
After 2 -12 weeks your circulation improves and exercise can be easier
After 3 – 9 Months any coughs, wheezing and breathing problems improve
After 5 years Risk of lung cancer is halved
After 10 years Risk of heart attack is at the same level as non-smoker
Medium to long -term Risk of developing ling cancer, other cancers, heart disease, stroke and chronic lung disease is reduced – the sooner you stoop, the risk starts going down.
Medium to Long- term Stopping smoking at any age increases your life expectancy provided that you stop before the onset of serious disease. Even if you have developed disease, you can benefit from stopping as your body will be under less strain and be able to fight it more easily.
For Life You’ll be less stressed and tired, and physical activity will be easier. Food will taste better and your skin will look younger.
Educational Programmes
Stop Smoking Advisors – Breakthrough Councillors
Community Trust coaching staff are trained as level 1 and 2 stop smoking advisors and attend schools and community groups within the borough to talk about the dangers of smoking and the benefits of quitting. The coaches are able to break through traditional barriers to learning and will encourage young people to work with their school nurses or will provide group support for those young people who wish to give up smoking through fixed term rolling groups.
These flexible rolling groups enable young people to attend sessions on a weekly basis where they can receive advice and support on stopping smoking. The groups are a natural progression from our schools and Community outreach programme as outlined below.
Schools and Community Outreach programme
We offer free classroom based work shops and assemblies to schools. Aimed at young people both in schools and in attendance at community projects., Kick the Habit aims to improve knowledge of the dangers of smoking and the benefits of quitting. Football sessions are also offered as an incentive to students taking part in the workshops. Trips to the Valley can also be arranged where workshops can also be delivered.
Feedback from the schools programme:
"The content of the assembly was great"
"Work shop was fantastic – the girls really enjoyed it and engaged with it all. Highly recommended!"
(Alison Coyle 2008)
To book the breakthrough councillors for a school or community visit contact 0208 850 2866. or contact Deb Browne on deb.browne@cact.org.uk
NHS Health Trainers
Kick the Habit! also offers NHS Health Trainers. Community Trust Coaches and outreach staff are trained as Health Trainers, and are equipped to offer you support, help and guidance on a range of health matters.
For more information about Health Trainers please contact Deb on 077931 55467 or e-mail deb.browne@cact.org.uk
Smoke Free Football
We offer 5 and 7 a side football as an incentive to all those who take part in our Kick the Habit programmes. Matches are organised on an as and when basis throughout the year, culminating with a tournament at the end of the season.
Why Do I Smoke Questionnaire
Frequently asked Question
Q. What’s the best way to stop smoking?
A. The best way to stop smoking is what ever is best for you. It’s important to find out more about why you smoke. Research shows that you are four times more likely to give up while attending a group rather than going it alone.
Q I only smoke about 5 a day that doesn’t do as much harm as smoking heavily does it?
A. Unfortunately smoking 5 a day still puts you at risk of developing any of the smoking related illnesses and also puts your family at risk of all the dangers of passive smoking.
Q. I’ve tried giving up but I just can’t do it
A. Many people need more than one attempt to quit. Why not make up your mind to try again.
Q Does everyone get withdrawal symptoms?
A. Its usual for most people to suffer withdrawal symptoms such as mood changes, feeling irritable or depressed, poor concentration, difficulty sleeping, and feeling restless, but think positively, these things will pass in time. You may get a cough which means your body is clearing your lungs of tar. This is a good sign, in fact all withdrawal symptoms are a sign that your body is recovering from the effects of tobacco.
Q I’ve given up for 3 months, will it matter if I have just one cigarette now?
A. Nicotine is a drug which is as addictive as heroine. One Cigarette will lead to another then another.
Q I’ve tried NRT before, it didn’t work for me?
A. Everyone is different. NRT is available in different forms although It’s not the answer for everyone, our advisors will be able to help you choose what will work for you and to try another type of NRT if necessary. Research shows that NRT will help double your chances of success if used in the right way. But it is not magic, you must want to quit
Q. I’ve heard that you can get addicted to the NRT is that true?
A. NRT delivers a very small dose of nicotine into the body in a very different way from smoking. One puff of a cigarette sends a concentrated does of nicotine to the brain within 10 seconds which contributes to the addictive nature of smoking. NRT delivers a much lower dose in a slower and controlled way to help you cope with the withdrawal symptoms, in this way you can gradually reduce your need for nicotine. You also avoid exposure to the 4,000 harmful chemicals produced by smoking
Q. I think I’m addicted how can stop?
A. Call one of our advisors to discuss your feelings toward quitting smoking or just book onto our next group?
Working alongside partners Greenwich Teaching Primary Care Trust, Greenwich Council, and the Football Foundation our Stop Smoking project aims to help all those in the borough who wish to stop smoking and adopt healthier lifestyles. Fully qualified NHS Stop Smoking Advisors provide free and friendly advice and support and will help you to work through the process of quitting.Our Kick the Habit! Stop Smoking initiative is the first of its kind involving a professional London Football club. The project demonstrates how health and football professionals can successfully work together to promote healthy living in local communities and since its inception in 2006 has seen other local clubs begin to initiate similar projects.
Research shows that 70% of smokers say they want to quit and the new smoke free legislation, introduced in July 2007 has provided many people with the motivation to do so. If your ready to quit, you’ll find that Kick the Habit! can provide an excellent FREE support service for you.
It's never too late to quit, why not book onto a course today?
Stop Smoking Groups
Kick the Habit offers the following Free services:
Seven Week Stop Smoking Groups (Our Groups have and 85% success rate!)
This is a programme of 7 weekly sessions which run during the evenings at the Valley for adults who wish to quit with the help and support of others:
The Next group starts on Thursday 28th of January as follows:
The group meetings will cover such topics as:
- Strategies to cope without cigarettes
- Dealing with cravings and withdrawal symptoms
- Use of nicotine replacement therapy such as patches Zyban and Champix which are available on prescription from your GP.
- Quitting in a group you are 4 times more likely to give it up for good. At our groups you will meet other people who are in exactly the same position as you and you will also get to meet former Charlton Athletic Players who pop in from time to time to give motivational talks and support.
- All those who set a quit date with us receive a gift of Charlton Athletic Merchandise
- All successful 4 week quitters are entered into a prize draw to win 2 tickets to watch Charlton play at the Valley this season.
- At the all of the groups former Charlton Athletic players visit to give support and motivational chats.
For further information and advice or for one to one support call the Greenwich Stop Smoking Service on 0800 587 5833 or text quit to 07790 909 999 or e-mail: stopsmoking@greenwichpct.nhs.uk
Next Group dates are as follows:
| Date | Time | |
| 1. 28/01/10 | 6.30 – 7.30pm | Introductory session |
| 2. 4/02/10 | 6.30 – 7.30pm | Preparing to quit |
| 3. 11/02/10 | 6.30 – 7.30pm | Quit day |
| 4. 18/02/10 | 6.30 – 7.30pm | Coping with withdrawal |
| 5. 25/02/10 | 6.30 – 7.30pm | Coping with withdrawal |
| 6. 4/03/10 | 6.30 – 7.30pm | Coping with withdrawal |
| 7. 11/03/10 | 6.30 – 7.30pm | Staying stopped |
Monthly Support GroupsFor those people who have completed a 7 week group we continue to offer opportunities for support on a monthly basis at the Valley. The group meets on the first Thursday of each month. For further details call 0800 5875833.
Comments from group members:
“Couldn’t have stopped smoking without the stop smoking service. Highly recommended!” - Nigel Bowness, 44
“I think the Stop Smoking Group @ The Valley is great. I feel now that I’ve stopped smoking, my life is back on track!” - JJ
“Fantastic! Stop Smoking Service have been a great help! The Valley is a brilliant Venue, better than a hospital.” - Anne Freeman, 63
“Giving up smoking isn’t easy, but the Stop Smoking Group and advisors are very encouraging and have helped me to give up” - Colin Allen, 56
Are you ready to Quit?
| Points | ||
| Would you like to stop smoking? | Yes | 1 |
| If you could do it easily? | No | 0 |
| Do you really want to stop smoking? | Yes Definately | 3 |
| Probably | 2 | |
| Maybe | 1 | |
| No | 0 | |
| Do you intent to give up smoking completely in the next 2 weeks? | Yes Definately | 3 |
| Probably | 2 | |
| Maybe | 1 | |
| No | 0 | |
| Do you think you will be an ex-smoker in 6 months? | Yes Definately | 3 |
| Probably | 2 | |
| Maybe | 1 | |
| No | 0 |
Score 0 – 4
You are at the hesitation stage. Think again about the reason you want to stop smoking and the things that worry you about stopping. You need to strengthen your motivation and self confidence.
Score 5 - 7
You are fairly motivated. Remind yourself of the benefits of quitting: i.e Health, Money, social and family pressure.
Score 8 - 10
You are well motivated and ready to set a quit date. Call 0800 5875833 and Book onto our next course today.
(Adapted from the Richmond Medical Survey)
How addicted Am IAsk yourself the following questions to determine how addicted you are.
How many cigarettes do you smoke per day?
Which cigarette would you most hate to give up?
Do you smoke even if you are so ill that you are in bed most of the day?
Do you find it difficult to refrain from smoking in places where it is forbidden?
Even heavy smokers cam stop for good!
The Benefits of Quitting
After 20 minutes your blood pressure an pulse return to normal.
After 8 hours nicotine and carbon monoxide levels in your blood are halved.
After 24 hours Carbon monoxide will be eliminated from your body and your lungs will have started to clear out the tar been clogging them up
After 48 hours no nicotine left in your body. Your senses of taste smell are greatly improved.
After 72 hours your breathing becomes easier and your energy levels increase
After 2 -12 weeks your circulation improves and exercise can be easier
After 3 – 9 Months any coughs, wheezing and breathing problems improve
After 5 years Risk of lung cancer is halved
After 10 years Risk of heart attack is at the same level as non-smoker
Medium to long -term Risk of developing ling cancer, other cancers, heart disease, stroke and chronic lung disease is reduced – the sooner you stoop, the risk starts going down.
Medium to Long- term Stopping smoking at any age increases your life expectancy provided that you stop before the onset of serious disease. Even if you have developed disease, you can benefit from stopping as your body will be under less strain and be able to fight it more easily.
For Life You’ll be less stressed and tired, and physical activity will be easier. Food will taste better and your skin will look younger.
Educational ProgrammesStop Smoking Advisors – Breakthrough Councillors
Community Trust coaching staff are trained as level 1 and 2 stop smoking advisors and attend schools and community groups within the borough to talk about the dangers of smoking and the benefits of quitting. The coaches are able to break through traditional barriers to learning and will encourage young people to work with their school nurses or will provide group support for those young people who wish to give up smoking through fixed term rolling groups.
These flexible rolling groups enable young people to attend sessions on a weekly basis where they can receive advice and support on stopping smoking. The groups are a natural progression from our schools and Community outreach programme as outlined below.
Schools and Community Outreach programme
We offer free classroom based work shops and assemblies to schools. Aimed at young people both in schools and in attendance at community projects., Kick the Habit aims to improve knowledge of the dangers of smoking and the benefits of quitting. Football sessions are also offered as an incentive to students taking part in the workshops. Trips to the Valley can also be arranged where workshops can also be delivered.
Feedback from the schools programme:
"The content of the assembly was great"
"Work shop was fantastic – the girls really enjoyed it and engaged with it all. Highly recommended!"
(Alison Coyle 2008)
To book the breakthrough councillors for a school or community visit contact 0208 850 2866. or contact Deb Browne on deb.browne@cact.org.uk
NHS Health TrainersKick the Habit! also offers NHS Health Trainers. Community Trust Coaches and outreach staff are trained as Health Trainers, and are equipped to offer you support, help and guidance on a range of health matters.
For more information about Health Trainers please contact Deb on 077931 55467 or e-mail deb.browne@cact.org.uk
Smoke Free Football
We offer 5 and 7 a side football as an incentive to all those who take part in our Kick the Habit programmes. Matches are organised on an as and when basis throughout the year, culminating with a tournament at the end of the season.
Why Do I Smoke Questionnaire
Frequently asked Question
Q. What’s the best way to stop smoking?
A. The best way to stop smoking is what ever is best for you. It’s important to find out more about why you smoke. Research shows that you are four times more likely to give up while attending a group rather than going it alone.
Q I only smoke about 5 a day that doesn’t do as much harm as smoking heavily does it?
A. Unfortunately smoking 5 a day still puts you at risk of developing any of the smoking related illnesses and also puts your family at risk of all the dangers of passive smoking.
Q. I’ve tried giving up but I just can’t do it
A. Many people need more than one attempt to quit. Why not make up your mind to try again.
Q Does everyone get withdrawal symptoms?
A. Its usual for most people to suffer withdrawal symptoms such as mood changes, feeling irritable or depressed, poor concentration, difficulty sleeping, and feeling restless, but think positively, these things will pass in time. You may get a cough which means your body is clearing your lungs of tar. This is a good sign, in fact all withdrawal symptoms are a sign that your body is recovering from the effects of tobacco.
Q I’ve given up for 3 months, will it matter if I have just one cigarette now?A. Nicotine is a drug which is as addictive as heroine. One Cigarette will lead to another then another.
Q I’ve tried NRT before, it didn’t work for me?
A. Everyone is different. NRT is available in different forms although It’s not the answer for everyone, our advisors will be able to help you choose what will work for you and to try another type of NRT if necessary. Research shows that NRT will help double your chances of success if used in the right way. But it is not magic, you must want to quit
Q. I’ve heard that you can get addicted to the NRT is that true?
A. NRT delivers a very small dose of nicotine into the body in a very different way from smoking. One puff of a cigarette sends a concentrated does of nicotine to the brain within 10 seconds which contributes to the addictive nature of smoking. NRT delivers a much lower dose in a slower and controlled way to help you cope with the withdrawal symptoms, in this way you can gradually reduce your need for nicotine. You also avoid exposure to the 4,000 harmful chemicals produced by smoking
Q. I think I’m addicted how can stop?
A. Call one of our advisors to discuss your feelings toward quitting smoking or just book onto our next group?
