A second chance at life – Jennifer’s story

Before joining the Leeds Stop Smoking Service, Jennifer experienced a serious health scare that became the catalyst for a life-changing decision. After being admitted to hospital with COPD, emphysema, asthma and respiratory failure, she spent six days receiving treatment and reflecting on the impact smoking had been having on her health. The experience made her realise it was time to make a permanent change and seek support to quit smoking for good.

“In May, I had a near-death experience. I wasn't breathing properly and spent six days in hospital with COPD, emphysema, asthma and respiratory failure. It was a frightening experience and made me realise how much damage smoking had caused to my health. I'd tried to quit before but never managed for very long. Usually I only stopped for about a day before starting again.”

Leeds Stop Smoking Service provides personalised support to help people quit smoking and stay smoke free. Through one-to-one coaching, behavioural support and access to stop smoking aids, participants receive tailored advice and encouragement to help them overcome challenges, manage cravings and build healthier habits for the future. Our Health Coaches work alongside participants throughout their quit journey, helping them develop the confidence and skills needed to achieve long-term success.

“For years, I thought smoking was normal. I believed it helped calm stress and deal with life's pressures. Looking back now, I can see that wasn't really the case. After becoming so ill, I felt like I had learnt the hard way just how serious the consequences of smoking could be. While I was in hospital, I asked the doctor if I could get some help to stop smoking. I wasn't allowed outside for cigarettes and it felt like the right time to finally make a change. The hospital referred me to the stop smoking service when I returned home.”

“I decided to quit completely rather than gradually cut down. I started using Nicorette patches, alongside an inhalator and mouth spray, which helped me manage cravings while adjusting to life without cigarettes. One of the most valuable parts of the programme was the encouragement, kindness and practical advice from my coach, Emma. She listened, supported me and helped me find strategies that worked for me personally.”

“We came up with the idea of adult colouring books to help keep me occupied when cravings struck. Whenever I wanted a cigarette, I'd sit down and do some colouring instead. It sounds simple, but it really helped with boredom and gave me something positive to focus on. One of my biggest challenges was coffee. Having a coffee had always been closely linked to smoking, so breaking that association was difficult. Stress could also be a trigger at times. With Emma's support, I learnt how to manage those triggers and work through difficult moments without reaching for a cigarette.”

Our team provides clinically credible support. We are trained and equipped with the latest techniques and knowledge to help you succeed. With our support, people make sustainable change that will help them improve their wellbeing, become healthier and reduce their chances of developing illnesses.

“Emma has been brilliant. She's fantastic, incredibly kind and always seemed to know exactly what to say. There is so much I've achieved with her support, despite us starting out as complete strangers. I've been smoke free for two months and I'm incredibly proud of how far I've come. What started as a frightening experience in hospital has become the beginning of a healthier future. I've also enjoyed treating myself and my family with some of the money I've saved. I've given money to my grandchildren, bought myself colouring books and pencils, enjoyed some chocolates and even have a theatre voucher to spend on a day out with my grandkids.”

“My next step is to remain smoke free and gradually move away from nicotine replacement products as well. The biggest achievement for me is that I genuinely don't feel like I want or need a cigarette anymore. That's something I never thought I'd be able to say. Quitting smoking has given me a second chance. I'm healthier, more positive about the future and determined to stay smoke free for good.”