Stephen inspires others to QUIT on World No Tobacco Day

This World No Tobacco Day (Sunday, 31 May 2026) HSE South West is reminding smokers that you can #TakeBackControl and quit smoking, with the help of the HSE’s QUIT services.

The HSE is supporting thousands of people across the country to QUIT for good though smoking cessation supports and free nicotine replacement therapy (NTR). One such person is Stephen Ahern (42) from Whitegate, Cork who recently celebrated the milestone of being 52 weeks free of cigarettes.

Cork ex-smoker Stephen Ahern said: “I’m smoking over 25 years, as long as I can remember. I had two kids and another baby on the way, so I just decided to stop smoking; I saw the QUIT ad on Facebook and I said I’d give it a go.

“I sent a message and QUIT rang me. They arranged to send patches and an inhaler and then the spray was sent with the patches. Each time the patch went down in strength, so I was getting less milligrams of nicotine each time. It was hard but I was motivated and really wanted to do it. I was in the right mindset.

“A couple of weeks before my one-year-old was born, I stopped smoking. I feel good, I feel better about everything, feel better about my health. You’d spend a good bit of money per week on tobacco and cigarettes, so I have that back. I’m getting out a lot more, walking with the kids.

“I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the support from QUIT. They rang me every week at the start, then every month, then at six months. They were attentive and they sent everything out free of charge, which is very important for people trying to quit smoking. The best thing about quitting is that my health has improved and I have more money in my pocket!”

Anna Burns, Tobacco Lead and Senior Health Promotion Officer, HSE South West said: “We have Stop Smoking Advisors ready to help you take the first step to being an ex-smoker with simple, practical and effective support. Accessing the support from our QUIT service and free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) can help you stop smoking for good, be healthier and save money. You can email us for more information on stopsmoking.servicecorkandkerry@hse.ie.”

HSE South West Health Promotion and Improvement Officers are also supporting Ballyphehane Day Centre, who are launching a new tobacco free campus policy to support people to quit smoking and to protect the health of staff, service users and visitors.

The launch takes place on Thursday, ahead of World No Tobacco Day on 31 May, highlighting the continued importance of tobacco-free environments in protecting public health. The policy aims to reduce exposure to second-hand smoke while also creating a supportive setting for anyone who wants to stop smoking.

Sharon O’Sullivan, Health Promotion and Improvement Manager, HSE South West said:
“Stopping smoking at any age is one of the most important steps a person can take to improve their health. This policy helps to create an environment where people feel supported to quit.”

Sarah Boyle, Clinical Nurse Manager 2 for the Ballyphehane Day Centre said:

“It is great to see staff supporting the launch of this smoke-free campus policy. Their involvement demonstrates a shared commitment to creating a healthier environment for patients, visitors and colleagues alike.”

ENDS