Get free NHS support and stop smoking for good says south London mum

A Lambeth mum is urging local smokers to overcome their smoking addiction with NHS support, just as she did. 
 
Research shows that people who stay smoke-free for 28 days are 5 times more likely to stop smoking for good. 
 
Sara Dzik, 30, a sales assistant, started smoking at age 16. She said: “In Poland many people smoke. Everyone was smoking at home. Even my grandmother, who is 82, smokes cigarettes. But it’s a much healthier life without smoking.”
 
Sara has two children under five and is studying for a degree while working. She smoked 20 cigarettes a day. She was able to stop smoking with the support of Guy’s and St Thomas’ Tobacco Dependence Treatment Service while pregnant with her with son in 2019 and daughter in 2023, but struggled to stay smoke-free once her children were born.
 
In September 2023, Sara contacted the service for a third time and this time her determination has paid off as she remains a non-smoker. Sara was offered a range of free treatments including weekly check-ups with a stop smoking advisor, nicotine replacement therapy, patches, gum and electronic cigarettes (vapes) to help her to stop for good.
 
Sara said: “Before I would wake up and want a cigarette, or if I had a stressful situation like an exam, I would crave one. When I started swimming lessons I couldn’t even do two lengths because of my shortness of breath. But since I stopped smoking, I’m not even thinking about it, and I don’t have a problem going upstairs or running after the kids.
 
“My advisor Judith was always supporting me from the side. Even when I wanted to give up she found another way to help me. I put in a lot of effort but she put in a lot of effort too. You can do it, if you need to, and want to do it."
 
Catherine Kironde, assistant project manager with the Tobacco Dependence Treatment Service, said: “We’re here to help you stop smoking once and for all. We’ll give you tips on how to beat the cravings and motivate you to stay on track in a way that works for you.”
 
To stop smoking this Stoptober, visit Guy's and St Thomas' website or call our Tobacco Dependence Treatment service on 0800 856 3409 or 020 3049 5791.