For many people who want to give up smoking, getting to a session after work can be difficult. That’s why workplace stop smoking sessions could be the right way for you to quit.

Not only that, research shows that there are benefits to the organisation you work for too. Fewer days lost through smoking related sickness and an increase in productivity are just two reasons why organisations are keen to support their staff to quit.

At EDF Energy in Ipswich, eighteen members of staff have recently completed a 7 week workplace Stop Smoking Clinic, with great success. Keenly supported by management, the group attended a weekly clinic, set up by Suffolk Stop Smoking Service and held at the EDF Energy offices in central Ipswich.

Each member of the group had their own specific reasons for giving up. Some were concerned about their health and fitness, whilst others were worried about the cost. All said that giving up as a group meant they could support one another, which made it much easier.

“Everyone enjoyed and looked forward to their CO readings each week, which was a visible indication of how well they were doing and a way of keeping each other motivated”, said Sue Joyce, Specialist Advisor who worked with the group.

Many people find giving up smoking difficult, so it is important to get the right treatment and support. “This workplace group at EDF have all been very supportive of each other and many are now happy to call themselves non-smokers”, she adds.

One member of the group said, “I couldn’t have done it by myself. Having the group to support me was wonderful. It is also much easier to attend the sessions because they were at work. That really motivated me to quit”.

After hearing of the success of this group, other employees are now keen to jump on the bandwagon and we are busy working with EDF to set up more sessions over the coming months.