There is great news for those planning to give up smoking in the New Year, with a new service offering free help and support for Cantabrians to quit.
The news comes as an increase on tobacco prices is announced.
Canterbury District Health Board Smokefree Manager, Vivien Daley says it is the perfect time of year to shake the habit.
“With smokers looking at hefty price increases on their cigarettes, more and more cafes and local places becoming smokefree and smoking generally becoming less accepted everywhere, the new year really is the perfect time to make a fresh start and begin the journey to becoming smokefree.
“I’m really excited to announce that there’s now even more help to kick the habit.”
Te Hā – Waitaha is a new free stop smoking service which is available to all Canterbury people who smoke. If you are Māori, Pacific, pregnant or living with a pregnant woman, Ms Daley says there are specific programmes suitable for you.
“Quit coaches are based all across Canterbury and the support provided will be really up to the individual, whether it’s face to face, via phone or text, in a group, or on your own.
“We provide information and work with clients to find ways that can help make quitting a little easier, including free nicotine replacement products like patches, gum and lozenges and advice on other supports.”
Quit coaches are currently located in He Waka Tapu (Wainoni), Te Puawaitanga (Hornby), Purapura Whetu (central city) and mobile workers will work in a range of other locations, both urban and rural.
Phone 0800 425 700if you or someone you know would like help in the new year to quit.
Price increases on tobacco
A pack of 20 cigarettes will increase from about $20 now to around $30 in 2020 after hefty new excise increases were announced as part of the NZ 2016 Budget. The tax on tobacco will rise by 10 per cent on January 1 each year for the next four years.
* The Canterbury Clinical Network is overseeing the service.