HEALTH chiefs are offering a helping hand to smokers who want to kick the habit in 2022.

A range of support services are available from NHS Ayrshire & Arran at a time when many local residents will have made a New Year resolution to give up smoking.

The health board offers a Quit Your Way programme, which is free of charge and aims to provide help that is tailored to each smoker’s individual circumstances.

A spokesperson said: “It’s never too late to stop smoking. Even people who have smoked all their lives will improve their health by doing so.

"Stopping smoking is a difficult thing to do. The good news is we can help.

“Our free and friendly Quit Your Way stop smoking services can hugely increase your chances of having a successful quit attempt and staying stopped for good.

“We have various support services available to help you stop smoking.”

Those who sign up will be asked to set a ‘quit date’ and list their reasons for quitting.

They will also take notes of when they have a cigarette and what triggered this, as well as being given tips on how to beat their cravings.

Health bosses have stressed that smoking is linked to many illnesses and long-term conditions, substantially increasing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, stroke and cancer.

They also say the ongoing coronavirus pandemic means there has never been a better time to stop smoking.

Research shows smokers are more likely to suffer from more serious symptoms if they catch Covid-19.

Contact the team on freephone 0800 783 9132 or email QYWAyrshire@aapct.scot.nhs.uk.