Six weeks and counting – Yaqoob’s story

Yaqoob joined the Leeds Stop Smoking service for intense support with making the quit for good. After trying to quit smoking previously, Yaqoob felt that he needed to prioritise his health which motivated him to take professional support from our Health Coaches.

Like Yaqoob, stress is a common reason for picking up another cigarette after trying to quit. You are up to three times more likely to succeed with specialist support. Our Health Coaches will use the latest, evidenced-based behavioural change support and medication to help.

“When I smoked, I felt that I had difficulty with my breathing. I contacted Leeds Stop Smoking to quit completely, and the process was really easy to sign up. I have one to one remote appointments by phone, and they have provided me with a mouth spray and gum as nicotine replacement therapy.

Your six sessions can be one-to-one or as part of a group of other people working towards the same goal.

“The nicotine replacement products from my Health Coach helped me the most, as I was a heavy smoker, smoking 30-40 a day! I spend a lot of time socialising and all my friends smoke, which was challenging, however, I've stayed strong and smoke free throughout. For me, it was a case of mind over matter.

“The service has been helpful and supportive all the way through, making things a lot easier to quit for good. I'm now six weeks in without having a cigarette, and the money I have saved I have spent on family days out and planning to book a family holiday too.”