Albion in the Community offering free support to people looking to stop smoking
Giving up smoking is the biggest positive action people can take to protect their health – and the team at Brighton & Hove Albion’s official charity is trying new ways to help people make the steps towards a smoke free life.
Albion in the Community’s (AITC) specially-trained coaches will soon be working in Whitehawk, Moulsecoomb and Bevendean, as well as other areas in the west of the city. Using a mix of one-to-one drop-ins and group sessions, the charity is offering people a range of options to help them stop. For example, the stop smoking groups will be able to access free support with food, nutrition and physical activity.
The first group launches today (28 September) at St Richard’s Community Centre in Hangleton, and will run on Friday lunchtimes; additional support will be provided by The Hangleton & Knoll Project.
Anyone signing up will be eligible to receive nicotine replacement therapies, while the service is also e-cigarette friendly and will help people using vapes as a way to quit.
Siobhan Meaker, health manager at AITC, had this message for smokers looking to quit: “If you’re thinking about quitting, we are on your team.
“We know with the right support you can become smoke free and feel the benefits straight away.
“A 20-a-day habit doesn’t just harm your health, it can hit your wallet hard, costing more than £3,000 a year. Let our coaches help you kick it.”
For more information text QUIT to 07876 898023 or email: speakup@bhafcfoundation.org.uk.
The project is funded by Brighton & Hove City Council’s Public Health and NHS Brighton and Hove Clinical Commissioning Group.