New app, My Quit Route, helps smokers to kick the habit in 2019
10:14, 31 January 2019
updated: 10:20, 31 January 2019
Smokers in Medway will now be able access a number of pioneering services to help them kick the habit.
A new app, My Quit Route, launched last week which allows people to access advice via their phones.
The app was showcased at The Smokefree Advice Centre on Railway Street, Chatham.
It allows users to self-asses their habits, set their own goals and access advice remotely.
Jonathon Ward, the app's developer, said: "It helps people understand those thoughts and beliefs that can lead them to lapse once they have quit, and it really helps them change those thoughts.
"So it shifts their mindset from being a smoker to a non-smoker."
The Smokefree Advice Centre on Railway Street, Chatham offers users to chance to drop in to get 1-2-1 support.
The centre opened in 2015.
A new feature of the advice centre is a video link service which allows those seeking advice for their smoking to access the help of a consultant from the comfort of their own home.
Users can access the video link service via their smartphone, tablet or PC.
Brian Wiltshire, 69, from Brompton, has been a frequent user of the Smokefree Advice Centre.
He had been smoking since he was 10 years-old when at the age of 64, he became very ill and got osteoporosis as a result of his habit
"The stop smoking service was the thing that helped me. Being able to come here is also a help because it just gives you that little bit of boost.
"It did save my life."
The centre also offers a Text to Quit service, in which people can get access to help by texting.
In 2017, the council reported that its services helped more 1,300 residents top stop smoking.
The number of people smoking in Medway has reduced from 25.5 per cent in 2012 to 17.6 per cent in 2018.
Cllr David Brake, portfolio holder for adult's services at Medway Council, was at the Smokefree Advice Centre for the launch of the app and video link service.
He said: "It has been a very successful story as you can tell. The number of people who have stopped smoking across Medway has dropped significantly.
"The facility, the stop smoking shop, we have a dedicated team of people who are dedicated in getting out there, speaking to people and identifying and explaining to people what the problems are with smoking."
For more information about Medway Council's quit smoking services, go to https://bit.ly/2UrLEcf
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