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 Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) 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 support 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. One of the main reasons is because of nicotine – the highly addictive drug in cigarettes. It is this addictive nature that makes it difficult to quit.

"The good news is we can help. Our free and friendly local 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 insist the ongoing coronavirus pandemic means there has never been a better time to stop smoking.

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

Illnesses such as diabetes or heart conditions can also worsen a coronavirus infection.

To find out more about the support on offer to those who want to stub out their habit, call the Quit Your Way helpline on 0800 84 84 84 or visit QuitYourWay.scot.

The helpline is open Monday to Friday, from 9am until 5pm.

Residents can also visit their local community pharmacy for free help to stop smoking.

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the benefits of giving up smoking during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

For community, youth, hospital and pregnancy services please call 0800 916 8858 or complete an enquiry form and we will contact you.