Don't Stop Stopping!
Did you take part in Stoptober? Last month’s Stoptober campaign is an annual challenge that encourages people to stop smoking, but its message can inspire us to think about our wider health and wellbeing too. There are some great programmes available across Kent and the wider UK to help and support you as you take the next step.
As always when you are making changes to your life, they can feel big but the important thing to remember is that you do not have to do everything at once. Just taking some small and achievable steps can make a real difference.
Beyond Stoptober
If you took part in Stoptober, well done! Regardless of whether you have stopped smoking completely, cut down or are still working towards quitting, every effort counts. If you have not managed to quit yet, there is no need to feel discouraged and the good news is that you will not need to wait until next October to try again.
One You Kent offers support to help people stop smoking, including advice and support options. The service offers a range of support and advice with face-to-face, telephone or video support, access to prescription products and your own personal quit plan. You can also get access to Allen Carr's Easyway programme, a one-day seminar which aims to change the way you feel and think about cigarettes. The seminar has helped millions of people break their addiction and is free for smokers who live in Kent as your attendance will be funded.
Get support with drugs and alcohol
Making positive changes can include reviewing your relationship with alcohol or drugs. If you are concerned about your own use or worried about someone close to you, Kent County Council provides information about free, confidential local support. Depending on your circumstances and where you live, services can offer one-to-one guidance, medical treatment and group support to help you make changes at a pace that suits you. It is important to remember that you do not have to face things alone, and asking for help is a positive first step.
Gambling-related support
Taking control of your finances and everyday habits can also mean seeking help with gambling. If gambling is affecting you or someone you care about, Breakeven offers specialist support for people experiencing gambling-related harm, as well as affected family members and friends. Help is available face to face, online and by telephone. You can also contact the free, confidential National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For further local information and support options, visit Kent County Council’s gambling harm and support page.
Find an activity that works for you
If you want to take a step towards a more active lifestyle, it does not have to mean going to the gym or taking part in high-intensity exercise. It is more about finding movement that suits your abilities, interests and circumstances.
Active Kent & Medway supports people across the area to become more active and helps connect residents with local opportunities. Its Everyday Active website is a useful starting point for finding activities and programmes near you. Alternatively, you could look at Every Body Moves to find inclusive sport and exercise, as this national site has details of activities and clubs that cater for different access needs. Whatever you find, it is usually worth contacting the programme provider to check eligibility, accessibility and any adaptations available before signing up.
Make positive changes to your eating habits
Looking after your health does not have to involve strict diets or drastic changes. Building sustainable habits around food, activity and everyday routines can be a more manageable way to work towards your goals. One You Kent offers healthy lifestyle support, including weight management. Their free 12-week programme offers weekly support to learn how to manage your weight through healthy eating, physical activity and behaviour change. The support is designed to help people work towards healthier lifestyles over time. Programmes may have eligibility criteria, so check directly with the service to find out which options are available to you.
Whatever change you want to make, remember that you do not need to change everything at once. Choose one thing that you would like to work on, set a realistic goal, recognise your progress and remember that everyone's journey is different. If something doesn’t go according to plan, you can always start again. Stoptober might be over, but your progress doesn't have to be.
If you would like us to refer you to any of these services, please get in touch with us below.
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