District Dispatch - 27 February 2024

Quitting smoking is one of the best things that you can do for your health, but many smokers who want to quit aren't sure about the best way to go about it.

There's lots of support available to help you quit smoking, including tailored advice from our Wellbeing team. You may be surprised to know that you are three times more likely to quit if you have professional support from an advisor, compared to trying to do this by yourself. We provide a free one-to-one confidential service for 12 weeks. These sessions can be face to face or over the phone, depending on which is more suitable for the individual. We can also help you access free Nicotine Replacement Therapy or other options, to help you quit smoking if this is required. If you are interested in finding out more, you can visit Chichester Wellbeing's website (opens new window) or you can call 01243 521041.

This is one of many services our Wellbeing Service provide. If you want to get more active, they run a free 12-week course on 'walking with poles.' This provides you with the chance to learn how to walk with poles with a qualified Nordic Walking Instructor for those who are looking to return to exercise and are currently doing less than the recommended 150 minutes of exercise each week. Visit Chichester Wellbeing's 'Active For Life' page (opens new window) for more.

The team also arrange a Heartsmart walks programme, which provides volunteer-led guided walks at locations around the Chichester District, with two to three walks per week throughout the year. These are designed to cater for all ages and abilities and give you the chance to not only exercise, but also meet new people. You can find out more on Chichester Wellbeing's 'Healthy walks' page (opens new window).

The team offer free, friendly advice on becoming more active, losing weight, healthy eating, managing stress or emotional wellbeing, as well as reducing alcohol in-take and stopping smoking. Our Wellbeing Advisors help people make small changes to their lifestyles, which will make a big difference to their health and wellbeing. You can book in for a free one-to-one appointment, a NHS health check if you are eligible, or a short Wellbeing check in to discuss any healthy lifestyle changes you want to make.

If you decide you want to lose weight, the team run 12-week weight management courses across the district, which provide you with all the information and support you need to lose weight and eat a healthy diet for life. Courses are run either face to face at local venues or online at lunchtime or an evening.

You may also want to improve your health by reducing your alcohol intake. We have trained alcohol wellbeing advisors who can help you reduce your drinking to a safe level, where you can still enjoy alcohol, but reduce the risk to your health.

The team also take the wellbeing service to local workplaces. They can provide NHS health checks, weight management support stress management and much more. Over the past couple of months, they have visited eight small businesses across the district - with rave reviews.

The service also signposts people to other services from the council and its partners, such as accessing funding for home energy improvements, or support for those who may be struggling financially.

If you would like to find out more about the Wellbeing team and how they may be able to help you or a family members, please visit the Chichester Wellbeing website (opens new window) call 01243 521041; or, email: wellbeing@chichester.gov.uk 

It's also worth signing up to our monthly Chichester District Council email newsletter which provides you with the latest updates, news and events, including information on our Wellbeing service.

Best Wishes

Cllr Tracie Bangert

Cabinet Member for Communities and Wellbeing at Chichester District Council