As part of the GRAHAM drive to encourage employees to improve their Health and Well being, eight individuals are currently participating in a smoking cessation programme at the GRAHAM Translink site. This is being supported by the Ulster Cancer Foundation’s ‘Stop Smoking Support Service’.
Recognising that there is a higher incidence of smokers in the construction industry than the national average, the programme is using proven techniques to allow smokers to ‘kick the habit’, giving them access to free products and crucially developing a support network that encourages and maintains cessation.
As one participant commented,
“I have been a smoker for 20 years and the fear of failing has always stopped me from trying to stop before. Bringing this service into the workplace, and having support from the group on site, has given me the confidence to stop. I’m delighted to say that I’m a non-smoker now and I feel great.”
The benefits of stopping smoking are not just directly health related. Staff who are participating will save on average around £3,000 per year. In today’s economic climate that’s something to smile about. The participants are already planning how to reward their achievement. One plans to take his wife on a surprise holiday, whilst another plans to buy a new car.
