NHS Lothian Stop Smoking Service
Details
Group and individual support sessions
Group sessions are available throughout Lothian in the city of Edinburgh, West Lothian, Midlothian and East Lothian. Many of these groups are based in local community centres or health centres, and are facilitated by trained stop smoking advisors. Advice on how to stop smoking, and information about products like nicotine replecement 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.
One-to-one support may be available in outstanding circumstances where group support is not a feasible option, such as housebound clients or those for whom English is not a first language. This can be provided by a trained advisor or another health professional trained in smoking cessation, such as a health visitor, practice nurse, community worker or pharmacist (chemist).
Community pharmacy scheme
A selection of community pharmacists across Edinburgh and the Lothians now offer one-to-one support for smokers who want to stop over a course of 12 weeks. Your pharmacist can also prescribe NRT (which means you don't need to go to your GP). A list of participating pharmacies can be accessed at http://www.nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk/YourHealth/healthylifestyle/Smoking/smoking.asp (click on 'Stop Smoking Services Pharmacy Scheme').
Pregnancy services
Stop smoking support specifically for pregnant women is available, provided by trained advisors on a one-to-one basis or in small groups. Support can also be given to partners of pregnant women/significant others.
Young people's services
Stop smoking support (and possibly one-to-one support) specifically for young people is also available from trained advisors.
Other services
Separate support is available for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender (LGBT) people throughout Lothian if preferred to general services. Call the LGBT Centre for Health and Wellbeing on 0131 523 1104 or 0131 558 9444 for more information.
Contact Information
City of Edinburgh Stop Smoking Services
General services
North West Edinburgh (approx EH3 5-6, EH4 1-8, EH5 1-2, EH12 0, 5-9, EH28 8, EH29 9 and EH30 9): 0131 336 0979
North East Edinburgh (approx EH3 - some of, EH6, EH7 and EH15 - some of): 0131 536 6247
South West Edinburgh (approx EH11, EH13, EH14 and EH27): 0131 537 7447
South East Edinburgh (approx EH8, EH9, EH15 - some of, EH16 and EH17): 0131 672 9532
South Central Edinburgh (approx EH3, EH8, EH9, EH10, EH13, EH14 and EH16): 0131 536 9759
Pregnancy services
Edinburgh: 0131 672 9533
Young people's services
Edinburgh: 0131 536 6247
East Lothian Stop Smoking Services
All services: 01620 827 823
Midlothian Stop Smoking Services
All services: 0131 537 9914
West Lothian Stop Smoking Services
All services: 01506 523 871
Using the services
Phone: contact your local service Mon-Fri 9am-5pm (24-hour answering service available).
Web: http://www.nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk/YourHealth/healthylifestyle/Smoking/smoking.asp
Service times: varies depending on service type and location - call your local service for further details.
Referral method: self referral via your local service number, via a GP/health professional, or visit a participating pharmacy.