A new free service to help Ealing residents aged 18 and over quit smoking has been launched by Ealing Community Partners.
The Ealing Smokefree Service, which requires residents to be registered with a local GP, is offered through an 8-week treatment programme which provides nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and behavioural support for those needing it.
Previously it was offered to pregnant women and those with mental health conditions.
Around 15.9% of Ealing residents, up from 10.3% in 2021, currently smoke which is above the average for London (11.7%) and England (12.7%).
To new service sees Ealing Community Partners working with local pharmacies across the borough who will be prescribing nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and providing behavioural support for those who need it.
Katerina Manginas, manager of Ealing Smokefree Service said: “We are thrilled to introduce our new smokefree service in Ealing borough, dedicated to empowering our community to lead healthier lives. By addressing and reducing the health inequalities caused by smoking, we are committed to fostering a brighter, healthier future for everyone.”
Eman Mohamed, who has completed three sessions of the new service said: “I was smoking two packs a day, that’s 30 to 40 cigarettes. I was worried about developing future health conditions and decided I was smoking too much.”
Ms Mohamed added: “I have young children and I was worried about their future too, and seeing me and thinking it’s ok to smoke. I contacted my GP and they put me in touch with the service. I started Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) and am two weeks smokefree. I feel much more active and have been saving around £40 a day. I’m going to put aside the money I was spending for a holiday with my family.”
The launch event at Perceval House was opened by Councillor Polly Knewstub, Ealing Council cabinet member for Healthier Lives. Councillor Knewstub said: “I confess to being an ex-smoker. When you’re a smoker, you feel rubbish. It took me a very long time to stop and I still have nightmares where I’m smoking a cigarette. Anything we can do to support people through that is important.”
Mamta Sheth of Northfields Pharmacy said: “We’re very happy to be supporting the new service. Pharmacies are good places for people to walk in. We will be helping not only by prescribing but also by providing behavioural support. We have offered this in the past and it was very successful, so we’re looking forward to offering it again to the community.”
To find out more call 0208 354 8889 or click here.
