Clinics have been opened in Fort William and Mallaig by NHS Highland to help people stop smoking.
Coinciding with the UK-wide ‘Stoptober’ health campaign, the clinics will provide those wishing to give up smoking or vaping 12 weeks of support and medication from specialist trained stop smoking advisers.
The Lochaber clinics are part of a number of clinics that include services in Aviemore, Brora, Campbeltown, Culloden, Inverness, Lochgilphead, Lybster, Nairn, Thurso and Wick. Clinics will open soon on Bute and in Cowal. In some cases the clinics are re-opening after being forced to close during the Covid lockdown.
Although linked to the ‘Stoptober’ campaign, the clinics will continue beyond October.
Susan Birse, Health Improvement Principal at NHS Highland, said people who seek support to give up smoking were three times more likely to be successful in quitting than those who try to do so alone.
She added: “Smoking is the leading cause of preventable early death in Scotland. We are pleased to offer additional in-person clinics to give people more choice for support. Particularly now when many are feeling the squeeze on household budgets, quitting can help save money as well as bring many health benefits.”
Support can also be provided by phone or video calls using the NHS NearMe facility.
NHS Highland, which includes Highland and Argyll and Bute, states that 413 people successfully quit smoking at 12 weeks last year. Over the last 10 years, the number is 6,417.
Anyone wishing to know more about the Highland smoke-free service can call 01463 704619, visit www.smokefreehighland.scot.nhs.uk or ask to be referred by their GP or another health professional.