Q I stopped smoking through a group session. There were ten of us, all workmates.
LSSS Okay, welcome everybody.
LSSS The NHS offers a free service, which comprises of a group support programme or one-to-ones with an advisor and the client can choose which they prefer.
Q I needed the support. Whatever you're feeling, if you've got a good support worker, you can go and explain those situations to that person.
Q If I didn't have the support, I wouldn't have known where to turn to or where to start or what to have done.
LSSS Clients like to have the support because it's better than doing it alone, and a lot of people have tried to give up smoking alone and not succeeded.
Q I don't think I could have given up on my own. I've tried several times before, whereas in a group you don't let yourself or the others down.
LSSS The first week of a group session, we go through all the different medications that are available and pick a product that will fit in with their lifestyle, because if it's suits them, it�s much more likely that they will use it.
Q I do a physical job. I'm always out of breath.
LSSS People enjoy groups. Sometimes they're a little bit reluctant to come, but once they've been, they see that it's not what they expected it to be.
LSSS We use a smokelyzer to measure to carbon monoxide and this is a motivational tool because it will help the client to see the benefit of giving up smoking.
Q It was something tangible that we could see. The first time, I think I was showing something like 21. Then I stopped smoking and it went down to 3.
Q I have to class myself as a non-smoker as well now.
Q 10 of us took part in the course and 9 of us are still non-smokers 3 years on. So I think it's pretty good.
Q Now I've given up, I feel much healthier within myself. I can go for long brisk walks, which I couldn't do before.
Q I�ve been able to buy more clothes and that is... I'm just being honest with you, I obviously save... I save a lot of money.
LSSS You really do see people change. Their self-esteem increases and physically their eyes are sparkling and they really do look a lot better.
Q You�ve got to try it. You really have.
Q I wouldn't have been able to do it just on my own.
Q Now we save. Because we smoked 60 a day, we're saving over £500 a month, which is nearly £6,000 a year. So, we're actually going to Kenya next year.
Q Group sessions work.
N To find your local NHS Stop Smoking Service call now on 08800 169 0 169 or visit gosmokefree.co.uk