New free programme helps Tallaght women give up smoking

By Echo Reporter

A GROUP of women from Tallaght are celebrating after completing a free programme called ‘We Can Quit’ which aims to help women quit smoking together. In total, 12 women from the area successfully attended and completed the course.

We Can Quit is an initiative of the Irish Cancer Society, in partnership with the HSE, Fettercairn Community Health Project, South Dublin County Partnership, South Dublin County Council and Rossfield Pharmacy.

The women commenced the free 12-week programme in May and since then have joined forces on a quitting journey together.

They attended weekly group sessions and one-to-one support meetings as well as receiving 12 weeks of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) to the value of €450 free of charge.

The programme was open to female smokers over the age of 18 years and living in the Tallaght area.

Rachel Burke, Community Cancer Prevention Officer at the Irish Cancer Society said: “We would like to congratulate all of the local women who have completed We Can Quit – it is a fantastic achievement which will have a positive impact on their lives, and those of their families.

“We know that quitting smoking is a challenge and that women today lead busy lives with many commitments and responsibilities. We Can Quit offers women support to take on and succeed on their quitting journey.

Through We Can Quit, women can access a friendly and supportive network of like-minded women who really understand what they are going through. Together, the women in We Can Quit help each other to quit smoking for good.

“This is our third year running the programme in Dublin and we know that We Can Quit works. We already have many women across Dublin who have managed to successfully quit smoking as a result of the initiative and we look forward to welcoming more women to our next programme in the area.”

Our next We Can Quit course is starting on the 14th of September in Fettercairn Community Centre at 7pm for women living in the Tallaght area.

To find out more about We Can Quit or to register your interest for the next course, visit the Irish Cancer Society’s website www.cancer.ie/we-can-quit or contact Rachel Burke rburke@irishcancer.ie