For Jon, smoking had been part of life for around 50 years. He didn’t enjoy the act of smoking, what held him there was nicotine, the pull that shapes daily routines and moments. A family history of heart problems and his own health scares made the decision urgent.
Give up smoking or risk not being here.
Jon’s turning point
One day, walking up Vicarage Street in Frome, Jon found he could barely breathe or speak. That moment was clear and frightening: something had to give. It was the start of a different path.
Finding supportive, judgment‑free help
Jon joined a Smokefree Somerset group at his local hospital. What made the difference? Peer support, a friendly facilitator, and no lectures. The group offered practical tools and left the choice in Jon’s hands. He started a 12‑week course, completed simple sign‑up steps, and used nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) finding an oral option that quickly eased cravings so he could get through the early weeks.
Re‑working routines, one small step at a time
Jon learned to interrupt “cigarette moments”: getting up and doing something, making a cuppa, moving around, anything that shifted attention when a craving hit. Those small swaps, repeated daily, added up to real change.
The rewards of being smokefree
Now three years smokefree, Jon feels the difference:
- Better breathing, no heavy‑lung feeling, and the cough is gone.
- More money in his pocket, he was spending over £90 a week on cigarettes.
- Freedom from the cycle of planning the next smoke.
Jon’s message to anyone hesitating:
Go along and try it, there’s no judgment. If you’re successful, brilliant. If you slip, it’s part of the process. Just try and remember, support is free.
Watch the full video below of Jon sharing his Smokefree journey:
Ready to take the first step or support someone you care about?
If you or someone you know, has been thinking about stopping smoking, our free Smokefree Somerset service are here to help you find the best solution to quit for good. Please visit our contact us page for details about how to get in touch.
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