Help for smokers who want to quit the habit

Larne’s Smoking Cessation Clinic will offer group support to motivated quitters. The programme is due to start on Thursday, March 25 at Larne Health Centre, Gloucester Avenue from 7pm to 8pm.

Specialist support will be provided by local healthcare professionals. Anyone who wants more information can contact Geraldine MacManus on 028 2826 1632.

The programme follow on from No Smoking Day, which takes place on Wednesday, March 10. Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey, joined the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) to urge thousands of smokers across the Province to use No Smoking Day as an opportunity to quit smoking.

Gerry McElwee, head of cancer prevention for UCF said: “24 per cent of adults in Northern Ireland smoke and research has shown that over two thirds of them would like to stop. By using the support available from UCF on No Smoking Day and throughout the year, smokers can significantly increase their chance of success.

“This year’s theme, ‘Break free, we can help’, acknowledges that No Smoking Day is the time for smokers to escape their smoking habit. It is a message of support and empowerment that has come from smokers’ themselves.”