Welcome
Welcome to the Newcastle Stop Smoking+ Service Winter Newsletter, packed with lots of useful tips, service updates, activities to keep your hands busy, as well as a healthy recipe to support you on your smokefree journey during Christmas, and the cold winter months.
Service update - By Service Manager Rachel
We are thrilled to announce some significant updates to our service aimed at enhancing service provision and options available to residents of Newcastle who wish to quit smoking for good.
First and foremost, we have recruited three dedicated volunteers who bring invaluable skills and passion to our team. Their commitment and expertise will enhance the level of support we provide as we work together to help people achieve their goals.
In the coming months, we will be introducing several new initiatives to further assist people on their path to becoming smokefree.
Free vapes: As part of our commitment to provide alternative options, we will be offering free vapes to help people transition away from traditional smoking as part of the Government’s ‘Swap to Stop’ pilot.
Medication: Champix is back!!! We also hope to be able to re-introduce Champix as an option for our service users along with a new medication on the market called Cysitine. More information to come.
Face to face sessions: For those who prefer a personal touch, we will be offering face to face sessions where you can receive direct support and guidance from our trained advisors.
Group sessions: Engaging in group sessions can provide additional motivation and shared experiences. We will be hosting group work sessions that foster a supportive community among individuals on the same journey.
Our goal is to empower people to quit smoking and to make 2025 the year for people to improve their health and fitness. Together, we can create a healthier and happier community.
Sign up to our newsletter and our social media platforms to receive up to date details on these exciting changes.
Thank you for your commitment to a smokefree future!
Farewell to Anne
It is bittersweet to announce that our Stop Smoking Advisor Anne Oliver has officially retired after an incredible 20 years of dedicated service.
Anne’s professionalism and kindness has inspired many and she will be greatly missed. As she embarks on this new chapter of her life, we wish her all the best in her future endeavours.
Ode to Anne Oliver
By Service Manager Rachel
“In the heart of the clinic, she made her stand
Anne Oliver, with laughter, a guiding hand.
A stop smoking specialist, sassy and bright,
With wit like a spark, she lit up the night.
On October ninth, she hung up her hat,
A champion of health, imagine that!
With care in her heart and a confident smile,
She helped thousands quit, going the extra mile.
Her training session, a joy to behold,
Sharing her wisdom, her stories retold.
Colleagues gathered round, eager to learn,
From the queen of cessation, with passion that burned.
‘Just one more puff?’ they’d tease with a grin,
But she’d laugh and remind them, ‘That’s not how we win!’
With humour she tackled the toughest of fears,
Turned smoke-filled rooms into laughter and cheers.
Now, as she retires, we’ll feel the void,
A vibrant presence greatly enjoyed.
Yet her legacy lives on, in each life she touched,
In the battles she fought, and the hearts she clutched.
So, here’s to you, Anne, as you take your rest,
In the journey of quitting, you truly were the best.
Though you’ll be missed, your spirit will stay,
In the fight against smoking, you’ve paved the way!”
Bouncing back after a smoking setback
Everyone's quitting journey has its ups and downs. If you've recently smoked while trying to quit, remember this isn't failure – it's just part of the process. Many successful quitters need multiple attempts before saying goodbye to cigarettes for good. Your commitment to trying is what truly counts.
The festive season can be particularly challenging for those trying to stay smokefree. If you've had a slip-up over Christmas, remember that holiday stress, social gatherings, and changes in routine can test even the strongest resolve. Rather than viewing it as a failure, use this experience to strengthen your quit strategy by:
- Identifying specific holiday triggers i.e. stress/ family situations
- Plan smokefree alternatives like NRT or a vape, for upcoming celebrations
- Remember that the New Year offers a fresh opportunity to recommit to your health goals.
Understanding your triggers
Cravings often stem from specific situations in our daily lives. Environmental triggers might include your favourite pub or spending time with friends who smoke. Emotional triggers like stress, frustration, or even celebrations can spark cravings. Daily routines such as morning coffee or work breaks, and seasonal challenges like holiday gatherings can also test your resolve.
What to do next
Remember, one cigarette doesn't erase your progress. Instead of self-criticism, use this moment as a learning opportunity. Think about what situation led to smoking and how you were feeling at the time. Consider what you could do differently next time. For instance, if stress triggered you to smoke, you might try deep breathing, a brisk walk, or calling a supportive friend next time those feelings arise.
Tips to help you stay smokefree
1. Get support
Ask for help when you need it from family and friends. You could also join a stop smoking support group, and chat with people who understand what you're going through. Remember to plan for extra help during busy times during the Christmas period.
2. Change your surroundings
Try to avoid places where you used to smoke. Find new spots to hang out where smoking isn't allowed. Start new habits that don't involve cigarettes, like going for a walk after meals instead of having a smoke.
3. Deal with cravings
Keep your stop smoking products with you at all times and use them when you need to. When you really want a cigarette, tell yourself to wait two hours before deciding, this gives the urge time to pass.
4. Stay busy
Find new things to do with your hands and time. Take up a hobby, sort out those jobs you've been putting off, or find fun smokefree activities to do with friends and family at Christmas.
5. Think positively
Focus on what you're gaining, not what you're giving up. Notice how much better you feel, how much money you're saving, and be proud of every day without cigarettes. If you slip up, learn from it and try again.
Remember, each attempt brings you closer to your smokefree goal. You're learning, growing, and getting stronger with every step forward. If the holiday season has brought challenges, use this experience to strengthen your commitment to staying smokefree. Every time you try to quit, you're building resilience and wisdom that increases your chances of lasting success.
Christian’s story
Actor and Comedian Christian Steel shares his experiences stopping smoking with our service.
“My mum and dad smoked growing up, and I went to drama school as well, and everyone smoked there too. Looking back, all my idols as a kid smoked or did drugs, like comedian Jack Nicholson, so it was all around you. All the coolest kids in the class were smokers, so you wanted to be one of them too. My dad used to smoke liquorice papers, it was an older time back then, so you appreciated things like that more. The sequence of it, the rolling of the cigarette, but it doesn’t feel like that now.
I recently went to the doctors and discovered that I have high blood pressure, and I’m on strong medication. My GP referred me to the Newcastle Stop Smoking+ Service to get some help. I’ve tried quitting twice before using this service, and support from my Stop Smoking Advisor Rachel. She has been excellent on all occasions. The reason I keep failing is that I’m triggered by stress. I quit and then unfortunately my mother died, and then my father was diagnosed with Dementia and Parkinson’s during Covid, so I started smoking again to cope with it all.
I’ve realised now that I’ve stopped though, that what I used to get from smoking, I no longer crave or no longer need. I don’t even like the taste of it anymore.
I used patches previously when I stopped, and the mouth spray as well, but I found it horrible and I started coughing, so the last two attempts didn’t work out for me. However, this time I’ve used a vape and patches as well, and it’s been by far the best option for me to help me quit. I feel like I get a stronger hit of nicotine using the vape, and I get the smoke inhalation feeling too, which I needed as part of my addiction. I still use the patches as well when I need to, but it’s on a lower dose, I’m not rushing to come off them, so that I don’t turn to smoking again.
My advice would be to keep busy to cope with any cravings that you may have, and drink plenty of water. I used to smoke 1 in the morning with my coffee, but I don’t need one now. I still go through the dialogue in my head each day, but I have broken my routine instead.
I’m a comedian, so I would smoke before I went on stage, during the interval at half time, and then chain smoke when I got home too. My dad was in the same business as well, so I’ve grown up around this environment all my life, and smoking was part of it.
But my health was a big motivation for me to quit, I thought I’ve got to do it, there was no option for me not to try. When I have the vape, this place doesn’t trigger me now, but if I didn’t have the vape, I think I would have struggled being in that old environment.
Vapes were the best thing to help me, I read all the negative things they say about them online, but it’s changed my opinion of them and how they can help people come off cigarettes. I definitely wouldn’t be stopped smoking if it wasn’t for the vape.
My Stop Smoking Advisor Rachel has been so supportive of me and my journey throughout, she is easy to talk to and she knows everything about stopping, what tips will help you and the pitfalls too.
I would highly recommend the service to anyone wanting to quit for good!”
*Image from Christian Steel - Backyard Comedy Club
Meet the team
We’d like to introduce 3 new volunteers to our team over the next few issues, Eleni, Rafiat and Alison, who will help promote our service in the community, as well as provide support to staff and clients.
Let’s get to know Eleni better!
What do you like to do to in your spare time?
I love to go on out on long runs and I enjoy walking my dogs in the countryside and at the coast.
If you had to listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
‘Let’s Groove’, by Earth Wind and Fire, because it’s such a happy song.
What job did you want to do when you were younger?
I think I wanted to be a vet because I love animals so much.
Why do you enjoy working as a stop smoking volunteer?
So far, I’ve really enjoyed the training around stopping smoking and I’m really enjoying working as part of a team again and learning new skills.
What are three items you’d take with you to a deserted island?
Teabags, Haribo’s and a book.
What’s your favourite food?
Chinese or Thai.
Why did you choose to work in smoking cessation?
I’m really interested in helping people to change behaviours to improve their lifestyle and health.
Do you have any pets, and what are their names?
I have two gorgeous dogs called Louis and Betty.
If you could pick up a new skill or hobby in an instant, what would it be?
I really want to learn how to ride a bike!
What would be your idea of a dream holiday?
A Safari and getting to see all the wildlife.
Recipes
Staying healthy and smokefree means more than just stopping smoking. Eating a healthy, balanced diet is an important part of maintaining good health and can help you feel at your best too.
Stop Smoking Advisor Emma shares her favourite hearty soup to keep your hands busy, and your belly full!
Winter Vegetable and Lentil Soup
It’s a very easy and tasty recipe to enjoy during the festive period, to keep you warm over the winter months, and it’s full of healthy ingredients too!
Serves 2.
- 85g dried red lentils
- 2 carrots diced
- 3 sticks celery sliced
- 2 small leeks diced
- 2 tbsp tomato puree
- 1 tbsp thyme
- 3 large cloves of garlic
- 1 vegetable stock cubes (I use 2 for more flavour)
- Ground coriander
Put all the ingredients into a large pot and pour over 1 and ½ litres of boiling water. Cover and simmer for 30 mins or until the vegetables and lentils are tender. Season to taste. You can serve as it is or blend down for a thicker texture.
That ‘hand to mouth’ action
In addition to the physiological effects of nicotine withdrawal, smoking is also a deeply ingrained habitual behaviour. A big part of the smoking routine is the repeated hand-to-mouth motion of lifting a cigarette. When trying to quit, this habitual aspect can be just as challenging to overcome as the nicotine cravings.
Stop Smoking Advisor Phoebe gives her tips to help keep your hands, mind, and mouth occupied during the Christmas holiday season below:
- Reading a new book - This keeps your hands and mind engaged in an activity that doesn't involve smoking. Choose a book you've been wanting to read.
- Doing a jigsaw puzzle - The repetitive motions of fitting puzzle pieces together can help satisfy the need to keep your hands busy.
- Playing board/card games with friends and family - Social games are a great way to stay engaged and distracted. The interaction and competition can take your mind off cravings.
- Playing games on your phone - Mobile games provide a quick, handy distraction when a craving hits. Look for brain teasers or casual games to keep your mind active.
- Taking deep breaths - Breathing exercises that engage the throat can mimic the sensation of smoking without the nicotine.
- Going for walks or dancing - Physical activity gets you up and moving, releasing endorphins that can curb cravings.
- Keeping your mouth busy - Chewing gum, sucking on hard candies or ice pops, or snacking on crunchy foods like carrots or nuts can satisfy the oral fixation of smoking.
The key is to have a variety of go-to activities ready, so you can quickly swap in a healthy distraction when a craving strikes over the holidays. Experiment to find which work best for you. With some planning, you can get through this challenging time and emerge closer to becoming smokefree.
Useful links
We understand the festive period can be hard for some people. For information, wellbeing advice and support, see the following links.
Get in touch
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