LIVEWIRE is offering a free service to help people beat the cravings and quit smoking this year.

SmokeFree Warrington helped 669 people stop smoking in four weeks last year and is now providing the same specialised advice.

One resident who made use of the service said: "I would like to thank the team so much for all their support.

"I cannot believe how much better I feel mentally and physically for not smoking.

"I can walk into town now without getting out of breath and having to stop for a rest.

"My sense of taste and smell is now so much better - I just have to remember not to put too much heat in my curry!"

Top tips to quit:

  • Contact SmokeFree Warrington for help and advice: you are up to four times more likely to stop smoking for good if you use a combination of stop smoking treatment and receive support from a stop smoking service
  • Drink more water: smoker’s bodies are more acidic so when you quit you may suffer from dehydration, a dry mouth or ulcers as water in your body is used to help repair the damage.
  • Go for a walk: take some deep breaths of fresh air as a distraction to your cravings.
  • Work out how much each cigarette in your pack costs: each time you resist the urge to have a cigarette you can visualise how much money you are saving.
  • Reward yourself: save the money you would spend on cigarettes and treat yourself to something special.

Ruth Armstrong, LiveWire lifestyles officer said: "Stopping smoking can really support people to address issues they may have elsewhere.

"It’s not just about their health, but about the financial and emotional health of the individual and their family too.

"Smoking can affect every aspect of someone’s life, which can sometimes make it really overwhelming when people are thinking of quitting.

"It’s our role as advisors to try and support people to really break down those barriers and change people’s lives for the better.

"We try and make it as easy as possible for people to access support where and when they need it.

"We have drop in and appointment sessions each day throughout the borough, support available at the bedside at Warrington Hospital, we deliver support in workplaces and deliver some interventions in High Schools in partnership with school health teams.

"Please get in touch with us on 03000 030818 if you would like our help to quit."

For more information visit livewirewarrington.co.uk or find Smokefree Warrington on Facebook.