Stoptober Success: Dukinfield man stubs smoking habit with support from Be Well Tameside

This Stoptober, thousands of people have stubbed out their smoking habit with the help of Be Well Tameside.

One of these people was David Hall, from Dukinfield, who successfully quit his 30-year smoking habit and is now encouraging others to do the same. 

The 44-year-old had previously tried to stop smoking twice, but this time – with the help and support from Tameside’s free stop-smoking service, Be Well Tameside, he was motivated to quit for good and determined to get healthier to help improve his asthma and breathing.

Be Well Tameside offers stop smoking support from specialist stop-smoking advisors and supports smokers in accessing quit-smoking aids, such as nicotine patches and lozenges. The specialist stop smoking support can boost a smoker’s chances of quitting for good.

David explained how he would receive regular telephone calls from his advisor at Be Well Tameside when it suited his schedule.

He said: “I was particularly grateful for the advice at my first appointment. When the advisor advised me to try a patch, she explained everything concisely and clearly.

“My advisor made sure my prescriptions were sent to the nearest pharmacy every two weeks or more so I had enough ready to collect, and she always encouraged me to continue and keep going."

When stopping smoking, it is proven that there is a noticeable difference after just 20 minutes, as the pulse rate starts to return to normal.

After 72 hours, breathing becomes easier, and energy levels increase. These improvements continue steadily up to 10 years. After one year of quitting smoking, the chances of a heart attack are reduced by half.

David has seen drastic differences after not smoking for over three months.

 “The biggest and best thing about stopping smoking for me was when I got a call from my GP practice to let me know I have not ordered my inhalers,” he said.

“Without this call, I would not have realised I wasn’t using them as much; my breathing has improved to the point I do not need the blue inhaler. My circulation is better, I have more energy, and I walk a lot more, I am buzzing that I have stopped smoking!”

He added: “I would most definitely recommend the service, as they have been so empathetic, approachable, and non-judgemental, and I cannot thank them enough.”

People who live, work or have a GP in Tameside can access free, flexible, face-to-face or telephone support through Be Well Tameside and get six months of free access to 24/7 stop smoking support through the Greater Manchester Smokefree App.

Tameside Council Executive Member for Population Health and Wellbeing Councillor Eleanor Wills said:

“It is inspiring to hear about such a positive journey in stopping smoking, as well as the large role our very own service, Be Well Tameside, played in supporting David to improve his health and lifestyle.

“We continue to urge smokers to stop for good and to access support, whether through Be Well Tameside, your local GP or pharmacy. No matter how many times you have tried to quit before, we can work together to help you become smoke-free.”

Would you like some support in stopping smoking this Stoptober?🚭

We can help you throughout your journey. Get in touch with us by calling 0161 342 5050 or drop us an email at bewelltameside@tameside.gov.uk

For more information about our service visit 👇https://t.co/UW8NeqmCoQ pic.twitter.com/Zbl2w2T6kF

— Be Well Tameside (@BeWellTameside) October 24, 2023

*Be Well Tameside can be contacted by email at bewelltameside@tameside.gov.uk, or call on 0161 342 5050. Website: https://www.tameside.gov.uk/bewelltameside