The Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) is urging smokers in Fermanagh to make a fresh start in 2008 by making plans now to stop smoking in the New Year.

Stopping smoking is the single best thing you can do to improve your health. It is never too late to stop and even if you have tried before and relapsed, 2008 can be the year that you quit for good.

Ex-smoker Bernie Neeson, Smoking Cessation Co-ordinator with UCF says, "Many people will wake up on New Year's Day and decide to stop smoking but not all will quit successfully. While many smokers will opt to quit 'cold turkey', research shows that the more preparation smokers make in advance of quitting, the more likely they are to succeed. "In preparation, smokers should consider why and when they smoke as well as considering the impact smoking has on their finances, family and health. Smokers should make their home and car smoke-free by getting rid of all lighters, ashtrays, matches and throw away all cigarettes. When you have set a quit date, stick to it." UCF has provided almost 30 stop smoking support groups in the last year and have helped over 50% of those attending to quit within four weeks.

UCF's weekly stop smoking support groups are very informal and you can find out more about smoking habits, tips for giving up and how to cope with cravings. This service offers individual or group support and is held in a number of GP practices, community centres, schools and workplaces at a time convenient to smokers who want to give up.

Anyone wanting to attend a UCF stop smoking support group can either be referred by their GP or can contact Bernie at UCF on Tel. 028 9066 3281 for information on their nearest service. Stop smoking services are also available in some GP practices and pharmacies. For your nearest service call NI Smokers Helpline on 0800 85 85 85.