A new chapter and a year smoke-free – Al’s story

After a significant health scare, Al knew it was time to stop smoking for good. Although he had successfully quit for three years in the past, pressures and stress at work had led him back to smoking. This time, he reached out to Smokefree Norfolk looking for the support he needed to make a lasting change.

“I was desperate to get a lifeline to help me quit, so I was very happy to get in touch with someone. I’d stopped smoking for three years before, but the pressures and stresses of work had led me back to it. This time, I was absolutely determined to give up.”

Smokefree Norfolk works with people to understand their individual smoking habits and find a quit approach that suits them. With regular encouragement from a dedicated adviser and access to stop smoking aids, the service provides practical support throughout the quit journey, helping people stay focused on their reasons for stopping and work towards a smoke-free future.

“I chose nicotine lozenges to help me quit and had one-to-one support over the phone. For me, the most helpful part was being able to regularly talk things through with someone. Having that ongoing contact made a real difference.”

“I found the service really good. The medication arrived quickly, which was fantastic, and the whole process felt straightforward. Now that I’m retired and don’t have the same pressures I had before, I’ve found quitting a great deal easier than I have in the past.”

“I’ve now been completely smoke-free for a year, without a single puff since my quit date. I’m even about to go on my first ever smoke-free holiday, which feels like another big milestone for me.”

“I’ve also been able to enjoy the money I’ve saved from not smoking. I’m a foodie, so I’ve been spending more on better-quality food, as well as putting some of the money towards my old classic motorbike. It’s great to be able to enjoy those things instead.”

“Reaching a full year smoke-free has been a huge achievement for me. Having the right support, along with my determination to quit, has helped me get to where I am today, and I’m looking forward to enjoying my first smoke-free holiday.”