Taking the next steps- Tom’s story

As Tom approached his 50th birthday, he began to reflect seriously on his health and the future he wanted for himself and his family. Having tried to quit smoking several times before, he knew that if he didn’t stop now, there was a real risk he would carry on smoking for years to come.

“Smoking had begun to make me feel ashamed. I’d stopped before for short periods, the longest was about three weeks, but willpower alone always seemed to pull me back. The cost was also a big factor, but more than anything, I was thinking about my kids and wanting to be part of their lives for a long time. That was my biggest motivation.

“When I decided to quit completely, contacting Leeds Stop Smoking felt like the right next step. I was ready to make a change and knew I needed the right support to help me succeed.”

You can choose to stop smoking with a Health Coach. You’re up to three times more likely to quit with expert support. Get up to six sessions delivered one-to-one or in a group, using proven behavioural support and stop smoking treatments. You’ll also receive carbon monoxide (CO) breath tests to track progress, free vapes or Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), plus ongoing support to help you stay smokefree.

“I was supported through one-to-one sessions at the Seacroft Centre with my Stop Smoking Coach, Lucy. We talked a lot about my motivations for quitting, how to break longstanding habits, and how to deal with situations where I would usually reach for a cigarette. For me, having facetoface support was important and made the process feel more personal and focused.”

“I chose to use nicotine patches to help with the physical cravings. Breaking the habits around smoking was one of the biggest challenges, but it was also the key to my success. Combining willpower with the support of the patches helped take the edge off the nicotine cravings while I adjusted to life without cigarettes.

“Lucy was amazing throughout the process. She continually reinforced the positive decisions I was making and helped me talk through what had gone well and what I found difficult at each session. Having that space to reflect honestly made a huge difference.

“I’ve now been smokefree for five weeks and I’m feeling proud of how far I’ve come. Although I haven’t treated myself with the money I’ve saved, I’ve rewarded my kids instead, which feels even better.

“As I approach the end of my face-to-face sessions, my focus is on maintaining what I’ve achieved. The habits that once kept me smoking have been broken, and I’m getting used to a life where smoking isn’t part of it anymore.”