Mods and the NHS

[nsd_user663_4847]

A question for the mods, as this is a charitable organisation run by voluntary and government funding, why isn't this forum signposted in the NHS campaigns more clearly?

Also the anecdotal feedback from most users is that the smoking cessation clinics don;t even know about this facility. I have found this site useful and it could do a lot of good in helping more people and re-inforcing peoples quits.

Incidentially do any of the observations of ex-smokers posted here get taken forward in ways to combat the levels of smoking?

MAH

[nsd_user663_3367]

Hello MAH

I would suggest you contact NSD and ask them to address your questions

Many thanks

Moderator 2

[nsd_user663_2]

A question for the mods, as this is a charitable organisation run by voluntary and government funding, why isn't this forum signposted in the NHS campaigns more clearly?

Also the anecdotal feedback from most users is that the smoking cessation clinics don;t even know about this facility. I have found this site useful and it could do a lot of good in helping more people and re-inforcing peoples quits.

Incidentially do any of the observations of ex-smokers posted here get taken forward in ways to combat the levels of smoking?

MAH

Hi MAH

You are absolutely right that many users of the stop smoking clinics haven't heard of our forum. We work very closely with the NHS Stop Smoking Services encouraging them to signpost those quitting to use the forum. We've just finish our roadshow around the UK promoting our new campaign (see home page of website) and promoting the forum.

We have recommended to the Department of Health about they link to our forum via their websites and advertising - but as yet nothing.

It does take time and obviously the NHS want to make sure that the forum is helpful.

Perhaps you might be interested in blogging for us to highlight the use of NHS services combined with the forum - if you are interested please PM me.

Word of mouth is still the best form of communication so please encourage your co-users of NHS Stop Smoking Services to log on and give it a go.

Many thanks

NSD

[nsd_user663_4754]

maybe we could compile a "testimonials" section or email or package (leave that up to you guys to decide format), but the content will basically be the same. i.e - People on this forum giving a paragraph about how it has been fundemental in thier sucess to quit.

We could then send these to the NHS and/or Local MP's to get support ?

let us know if you need me to get my shakespeare outfit on

[nsd_user663_3282]

It does take time and obviously the NHS want to make sure that the forum is helpful.

An excellent evidential base is surely the 1year + quitters section. The vast majority of members reaching 1 year post fantastic testimonies of amongst other things the merits of exactly how participation in this forum has ensured the success of their journey from smoker to non-smoker.

[nsd_user663_4847]

Great reply

Great to receive such a positive reply from yourselves.

My experience of the NHS stop smoking service has been somewhat patchy myself and I thought this site as part of the no smoking day campaign, had stronger links to the NHS so surprised to find that's not the case.

I imagine the NHS might be wary of any info on this site being linked to them as it's not a medical site and advice is given however, this needs to be rated along with the success rate so far of this site.

I would be willing to blog, however I've now been stopped for over 6 months and am not posting as I did in the beginning, though I could drag out those post from the site if that's any help?

M

[nsd_user663_4197]

I attend a strategy group for smoke free north west for work (only went to the first meeting last week) and during a discussion about smoking cessation not really being that successful I then proeeceeded to talk about this website and how it has helped me and many others.

I really think it needs to be recognised and will continue to promote it at these meetings. might get somewhere, you never know!!

[nsd_user663_3845]

This forum is responsible for my quit being succesfull. I have tried all types of NRT before but without the insight to the addiction provided through links on here and the help, experiences and encouragement on this forum I found myself failing.

That's it, without this forum I would've been smoking again well before now.