NHS Borders Stop Smoking Support Services

Details

Individual and group support sessions

Group support sessions are available in Eyemouth, Jedburgh, Hawick, Walkerburn, Peebles, Galashiels, Innerleithen and Selkirk. They are facilitated by trained smoking cessation advisors and take place for around 1 hour each week for 6 weeks. Advice on how to stop smoking, and information about products like nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and other stop smoking medicines, is provided. The groups are relaxed, informal and friendly, and the support and encouragement you get from the advisors and the other quitters in the group means that you are much more likely to stop smoking than going it alone. Most areas can also offer support on a one-to-one basis for 6-8 weeks if preferred.

GP support

All GP practices (except Teviot Medical Practice, Hawick) offer motivational one-to-one support and can prescribe products to help you stop smoking, including NRT. Support is normally available from the Practice Nurse or Health Visitor, except in smaller practices where this is provided by the GP.

Community pharmacy scheme

Most community pharmacists (chemists) across the Borders can also offer specialist one-to-one support for smokers who want to stop and provide NRT (which means you don’t need to go to your GP for a prescription). Call free on 0844 811 8180 for details of participating pharmacies in your area.

Pregnancy services

Stop smoking support specifically for pregnant women is also available. Call free on 0844 811 8180 or email smoking.cessation@borders.scot.nhs.uk to be put in touch with a specialist advisor.

Workplace support scheme

Occupation Health Service provides a workplace-based service for employees of companies who are contracted to the Occupational Health scheme. Organisations wishing to participate in the scheme should call 01896 825 982 or email smoking.cessation@borders.scot.nhs.uk.

Contact Information

Freephone information line:  call 0844 811 8180 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm and 24-hour answering service) for an individual assessment appointment before being referred to a specialist support service in your area.

Email:  smoking.cessation@borders.scot.nhs.uk 

Address: NHS Borders Stop Smoking Support, Health Promotion Department, Westgrove House, Waverley Road, Melrose TD9 9SJ

Referral method: self referral via 0844 811 8180, via a GP/health professional, or visit a participating pharmacy.