Press release - 25 July 2008

Thinking about stopping smoking? Then pop to the pub!

GILL Cunnington, landlady of the Rose Hill Tavern, Brighton, is hosting the city’s first stop smoking group to be held in a pub.

She has teamed up with Brighton and Hove stop smoking service to run the six-week course in the pub after receiving support from stop smoking specialist Mike Dixon to beat her own nicotine addiction.

There’s a free information drop-in with a free buffet and non-alcoholic drinks at the pub in Rose Hill Terrace on Thursday (31 July) from 6pm-7pm followed by individual assessments on 7 August and the six-week course from 28 August to 2 October.  Several of Mike’s clients, who have successfully stopped smoking, will be at the information drop-in to explain how they succeeded and encourage people to join the group.

“As you can imagine, smoking and the smoking ban is a regular topic of conversation in the pub,” says Gill.  “When I decided to try to stop, mainly because of my health, the support I had from Mike and a lot of customers was important.  I thought the pub would be a good venue for a stop smoking group so other people could get the same kind of support.”

Mike Dixon adds: “I jumped at Gill’s offer to host a stop smoking group at the pub.  I’m glad I was able to help her beat her addiction to nicotine and look forward to meeting any regular customers and others who want to do the same at Thursday’s information drop-in.

“The six-week course covers planning to quit, changing habits, celebrating being smoke-free and relapse prevention.  Those intending to join should commit to attending all six sessions as people who succeed are usually those who complete the whole course. As Gill and thousands of other local people have discovered, you can beat nicotine addiction.”

For more information about the Rose Hill Tavern stop smoking information drop-in or to book an appointment, ring Gill on 01273 607825.

The free NHS stop smoking service has specialist advisers who run stop smoking groups across the city, including in workplaces, and also give people one-to-one support.  There’s more information on the Smokefree website at www.smokefreeeastsussex.org.uk or telephone 01273 267397.