SUCCESSFUL quitters joined advisors and health chiefs to re-launch Gloucestershire NHS Stop Smoking Service’s Quit Shop.

The refurbished shop, in Southgate Street, Gloucester, was officially opened by Cllr Andrew Gravells, cabinet member for public health at Gloucestershire County Council, on Friday, September 17, to coincide with a launch event for Stoptober, a national 28-day quit challenge.

Service Manager Elaine Watson told supporters, including CEO of Gloucestershire Care Services NHS Trust, Paul Jennings, and town crier Alan Myatt, that over the past year the service had helped almost 2,500 Gloucestershire people quit smoking.

Cllr Andrew Gravells said: “Smoking is a tough habit to quit, but it’s an even tougher habit to have to live with. As an ex-smoker, I know it’s tough to give up, but there is help available to people to stop these days.

“The Quit Stop shop is full of lots of helpful advice for anyone who wants to try to stop smoking , and the staff there are great. They won’t lecture you, they’ll offer you the best support they can to help you to quit this potentially life threatening habit. Quitting now is one of the smartest things any smoker will ever do in their life.”

Quit Stop on Southgate Street has been renovated with improved consultation cubicles and more space so people can talk openly with the fully trained Gloucestershire Stop Smoking Service Team.

Elaine Watson, Gloucestershire stop smoking service manager, said: “We’ve made more of the space available to us, allowing us to welcome and support more people.

"The shop now offers a more relaxing, warmer and comfortable environment for people to share their concerns and thoughts about giving up smoking.’

"For more information about the Gloucestershire Stop Smoking Service and how they can help people to give up smoking for Stoptober, visit the Quit Stop Shop or go online to http://www.stopsmokingglos.nhs.uk/."