THE effects of smoking kill up to 3,000 people every year in Northern Ireland alone. In fact, almost half of all smokers will eventually be killed by their habit; yet up to a quarter of the adult population across the Tyrone and Fermanagh areas are smokers.

To help people who want to quit smoking, the Western Trust is running a six-week smoking cessation programme, starting on Monday, September 10, from 7-8pm at the Postgraduate Centre at Tyrone County Hospital.

Research constantly shows that stopping smoking is the best thing you can do for your health. And with the introduction of the smoking ban in workplaces and public spaces, now could be the time that many could be able to break the habit altogether. The Western Health and Social Care Trust is committed to providing advice and counselling to help smokers who want to quit.

Kathleen McManus, a trained and experienced smoking cessation counsellor, currently helps smokers in the Tyrone County Hospital to successfully give up smoking.

"More than two thirds of smokers want to quit and joining a smoking cessation group is a great opportunity to avail of free, one-to-one support and professional advice to make the transition easier," says Kathleen.

"As a nurse, I see the damage smoking does and I also see the health benefits of stopping smoking. The positive effects start immediately after the smoker puts out their final cigarette. After only 20 minutes; blood pressure returns to normal and after six months the risk of heart attack, cancer and other 'smoking' diseases falls."

To enrol in the classes, or for further information or advice on quitting smoking, contact Kathleen on (028) 8283 3488.

Places will be awarded on a first-come basis.