From childhood smoker to smoke-free: Wellbeing for Life helps Tara quit

From a chance meeting in a GP surgery, Tara* accessed the Stop Smoking programme with Wellbeing for Life (WBFL). A brief conversation led to 12 weeks of support, putting an end to decades of smoking. Tara has now completed a journey of being ‘so addicted that [she] didn’t think [she’d] ever be able to stop’ and started a new chapter of being smoke-free.

Nikki Williams, Community Connector at WBFL, set up an information stall at a promotional day at a local GP surgery. Tara came over, the two started talking, and moved onto the topic of stopping smoking. Tara wanted to stop and had done for some time, but she had not been able to herself. Nikki explained the support that is available through the WBFL Stop Smoking programme, and Tara’s quitting journey started there.

Firstly, they sat down together and identified Tara’s smoking history. What her triggers were and her past quitting attempts. This was to figure out a pathway to get the best results for her. Tara had been smoking since she was a child and felt it was impossible for her to stop. This serious level of smoking had negative effects on her health, as expected. “I did a Carbon Monoxide (CO) reading and explained the results, and Tara was horrified,” Nikki said.

To pair with the one-to-one support from a practitioner, the Stop Smoking programme offers Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT). This is a 12-week free prescription for NRT products, such as vapes, patches or gum. The option is decided by the client, and a plan is put in place to move forward with the product.

“I explained that Tara had a high level of dependency and how we would manage this using NRT and coping strategies. Alongside support from myself to keep her motivated,” Nikki said.

Tara made an informed choice of 24-hour patches and a vape to support her through this. The next day she made her quit date.

At the next appointment, Tara was already using the NRT products she collected. As the weeks went by, Tara was struggling and craving, but she was supported by Nikki. “I assured her this was normal and would pass. We identified some coping strategies, such as change of routine,” Nikki said. “Over the next 10 weeks, Tara came to see me and each time remained smoke free. During this time, we lowered the NRT patch dosage and discussed how well Tara was doing and the difference it was making to her life.”

Tara is now over 3 months smoke-free and no longer using patches. She has a vape she still uses as and when but is slowly weaning herself off that too. Thanks to this achievement, Tara has noticed an improvement in her breathing and tastebuds, and a difference in her bank balance. She has also experienced other successes with starting a gym and getting a new job. Nikki said: “Tara felt this was the push she needed to generally make healthier choices and to finally stop smoking after decades.”

Now, a word from Tara herself on her journey: “I have smoked from being a child and never been able to stop. I’m so proud of my achievement and it made me see that I can do something if I put my mind to it. Having one-to-one support gave me accountability, and Nikki was very supportive. This is an amazing service.”

*Names have been changed for confidentiality.

Wellbeing for Life is a part of Adult Wellbeing Services, delivered in partnership by Pioneering Care Partnership and County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust.