Cavan Man celebrates 12 weeks Smoke-Free with the Help of Free HSE Cavan Community Stop Smoking Service

“If I didn’t come here I would have never quit, simple as that”

Local man Joey O Rourke praises the HSE Community Stop Smoking Service as he celebrates 12 weeks smoke-free after 50 Years of Smoking.

Joey is proud to call himself a non-smoker. 12 weeks after quitting with the support of the HSE Stop Smoking Service, Joey says he is “feeling better than ever”.

Over the last number of years, Joey began having issues with his breathing and decided enough was enough, he sought help. Joey joined the FREE HSE Cavan Community Stop Smoking Service. Now, 12 weeks on, Joey is feeling the difference to his overall health.

“I thought when I was coming here it was a waste of time,” he admits. But, when I met with Shelley she explained the whole process step-by-step. She didn’t just explain how smoking could help my breathing but also how it could change my whole life for the better. We looked at my habits and routines together and began with small changes. She encouraged me to start walking and eating regular meals. Now, I’m starting my morning with breakfast and a walk, something I would have never done before. Food tastes better and I’m eating foods I never tried before. Until I stopped smoking, I couldn’t even walk to the top of my stairs without taking a break, now I’m enjoying walks outdoors with my family.

“The support and having someone to talk to made all the difference,” Joey explains. The regular phone calls and appointments with Shelley really helped, there was a clear plan and that helped me keep on track. It was brilliant to have a clinic here in town in Cavan, I don’t drive, so being able to have something so local was a great help.

It’s not easy when you’re a smoker, it’s hard to do it on your own. If you’re thinking about quitting my advice is to get in contact straight away.”

Thinking about quitting?

Stop Smoking Advisor Shelley Mahon explains:

We are here to help you on that journey; you don’t need to 'feel ready', you just need to decide to take the first step and have a chat with one of our friendly advisors.

Get in touch with your local Cavan/Monaghan Stop Smoking Service

email stopsmokingcavanmonaghan@hse.ie or call 047 95528