THE SMOKERS and vapers of Inishowen are being urged to take part in a new FREE stop smoking programme which aims to help them give up the nicotine for good.

Beginning on Thursday, March 9, and running for eight weeks, We Can Quit is a FREE stop smoking programme, being delivered by Inishowen Development Partnership, and funded by HSE Sláintecare.

We Can Quit is a community and peer led programme available for adults (18yrs+) living in Inishowen, who want to quit smoking or vaping.

 It follows the standard treatment programme for smoking cessation but takes a more holistic approach in our local community, that will further support individuals on their quit smoking journey and will help sustain long term quitting success. 

We Can Quit will run in the IDP Office in Buncrana on Thursday, March 9 from 7pm – 8.30pm, however another programme will also commence later in the year in another area of Inishowen, depending on where the demand/need is.

The first of the We Can Quit programmes took place in the latter part of last year and it resulted in nine Inishowen smoking giving up the cigarettes for good.

IDP’s Sláintecare Co-ordinator Patricia Lee is hoping for similar successes in 2023.

“We are so proud of hard work of the quitters from last year,” said Patricia.

“There was such a good response and we are hoping we can help even more people give up for good this March. With it now being Lent we think this is a great time to commit to give up smoking for good.

“As the saying goes, ‘there is strength in numbers’ and that is certainly the case when it comes to feeling supported when trying to achieve a goal, such as to stop smoking. 

“With We Can Quit the participant will be supported and encouraged each step of the way with the help of group sessions and one-to-one support from our wonderful community facilitators – who themselves are ex-smokers,” added Patricia.

As well as being offered weekly group sessions and one-to-one support, participants will also be about to access  FREE Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT).

Léan McBrearty, Community Facilitator with the Inishowen We Can Quit team said this FREE medication can help to relieve cravings, but as well as this they will be provided with support from professionals on how to use it.”

Unlike other stop smoking programmes We Can Quit participants do not have to give up smoking immediately – they can decide their quitting date after the third week. 

Community Facilitator Alison Bardini believes this may help alleviate any initial worries smokers may have about beginning the We Can Quit programme.

“Those who complete the We Can Quit programme are statistically four times more likely to quit smoking for good, so, start your stopping journey and book your place now,” added Alison.

In addition to the extensive number of health benefits associated with not smoking, there is a large financial incentive to give up smoking, given that the price of a box of cigarettes is now costing on average of €15 per pack. 

“The current cost of living crisis is causing increasing financial burden in our homes but by removing the weekly costs associated with smoking, it could help in terms of saving money,” concluded Alison.

To book your FREE spot on the programme CLICK HERE or alternatively, visit www.inishowen.ie/whats-on scan the QR code on the poster.

 For further information, call Claire at Inishowen Development Partnership on Tel: (074) 9362218 or email [email protected] .