National Stop Smoking Programe being delivered in Inishowen

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 start in Buncrana (in IDP Offices):  Monday 17^th October at 7.00 – 8.30pm and in Carndonagh (in Spraoi & Sport): Wednesday 19^th October at 10.00am – 11.30am. 

All participants of the We Can Quit programme will be offered weekly group sessions, one-to-one support, and FREE Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) and is suitable to those who use cigarettes/e-cigarettes/vaping. 

Léan McBrearty, Community Facilitator with the Inishowen We Can Quit team, says, “there are three elements to the programme.  First and foremost, we put the person at the centre and offer one-to-one support depending on their individual needs.  We provide group support, which is facilitated by the team of Inishowen based Facilitators, some of whom are ex-smokers.  For the first time, each participant who registers for this programme can access the FREE medication to help relieve cravings, with support from professionals on how to use it”. 

Patricia Lee, IDP Sláintecare Co-Ordinator, adds, “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.  The destination is to ultimately stop smoking, but while on that journey, it is vital that you feel supported and encouraged each step of the way.  That support will include family and friends, but it is invaluable to know other people who are also trying to reach their own goal of stop smoking; it really makes all the difference and I believe that it is one of the key factors in why taking part in the We Can Quit group programme is so successful nationally”. 

Sheila Keyes, Community Facilitatoradds, “as an ex-smoker myself, I know that beginning the journey to quit smoking is a big decision.  I particularly like the fact that within We Can Quit, participants do not have to decide their quitting date until after the third week.  This might help alleviate any initial worries smokers may have about beginning the We Can Quit programme”. 

In addition to the extensive number of health benefits associated with not smoking, there are further intangible benefits, such as increased confidence, feelings of empowerment and a sense of personal achievement.  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, there is significant savings to be made.  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.

Groups and individuals are encouraged to take part, for example, work colleagues, a friend group or family members.  Those who complete the We Can Quit programme are statistically four times more likely to quit smoking!  So, start your stopping journey and book your place now CLICK HERE or alternatively, visit www.inishowen.ie/whats-on scan the QR code on the poster.  For further information, email quitsmoking@inishowen.ie or call Inishowen Development Partnership on Tel: (074) 9362218.