Determined to quit for good – Martyn’s story

Before accessing support through Leeds Stop Smoking Service, Martyn was struggling with the impact smoking was having on his health. Living with ongoing health issues, he knew he needed to quit but found it difficult to do alone. Although he had tried to stop smoking before and managed to stay smoke free for three weeks, being around other smokers led him back to the habit. Despite feeling guilty about continuing to smoke, particularly after advice from healthcare professionals, Martyn was determined to find a way to quit successfully.

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 guidance, practical advice and ongoing encouragement to help them overcome challenges and build the confidence needed to achieve lasting success.

“My motivation to quit smoking was my health and ongoing illness. I knew I needed to make a change, but previous attempts had shown me just how difficult quitting could be. I had tried to stop smoking before and managed to quit for three weeks, but being around friends and other smokers made it difficult to stay smoke free.”

“When I was smoking, I felt guilty because I knew what the doctors were telling me and I understood the impact smoking was having on my health. The problem was that I couldn't do it on my own. When I first contacted the service, I honestly didn't think it would work. However, I was more determined to stop than I had ever been before, and I knew I needed support to help me succeed.”

“My goal was to quit completely, so I chose to use nicotine replacement therapy in the form of patches and inhalators. The support I received from my coach, Adam, made all the difference. I don't think I would have succeeded with nicotine replacement products alone. Adam didn't just give advice. He listened when things were difficult, helped me work through challenges and gave me practical ways to overcome temptation. Having someone who understood what I was going through was incredibly valuable.”

Our Health Coaches use the latest, evidenced-based behavioural change, support and medication to help people quit smoking for good. Our sessions can be delivered as one-to-one, or as part of a group of other people working towards the same goal.

“One of the biggest challenges I faced was temptation. Being around other smokers and even smelling cigarette smoke could trigger cravings and make quitting feel difficult. To overcome those challenges, I tried to avoid situations that tempted me to smoke and kept myself occupied whenever cravings appeared. Focusing my mind on other things helped me stay on track.”

“I found the service excellent. The combination of practical support, encouragement and regular coaching helped me maintain my motivation and confidence throughout my quit journey. I'm currently in my sixth week without smoking, which is something I'm very proud of. Reaching this point has shown me that quitting is possible with the right support and determination.”

“I've also used the money I've saved in a positive way. Instead of spending it on cigarettes, I've been putting it into a jar and have already treated myself to a new television. My next goal is to decorate my living room and get rid of the smell of smoke completely.”

“My plan moving forward is to gradually reduce the strength of my patches, move on to using inhalators only and then reduce those as well. I feel confident about the future and determined to remain smoke free.”

“Quitting smoking has already made a positive difference to my life. With the support I've received and the progress I've made so far, I know I'm on the right path to a healthier future.”