Ready Steady Quit, ProCare’s smoking cessation service, is getting to the heart (and lungs) of the issue this Smokefree Day – 31 May.
Mihi Blair, Kaiwhakahaere Hauora Māori, Mana Taurite (GM of Māori Health and Equity) at ProCare says: “Smoking can be a really tough addiction to kick and there is plenty of stigma around why people smoke. We wanted to share the stories of our clients to remove the judgement that comes from those who don’t understand some of the reasons people started smoking, and to inspire others to give up smoking too.”
The videos released today feature a range of clients from all walks of life, most of which have successfully quit smoking.
“These are their stories, experiences and journey’s that they have courageously shared,” continues Blair.
The Ready Steady Quit team focus on supporting hauora (health and wellbeing) by encouraging social connections, identifying positive support systems for whānau and guidance on how to build positive relationships and mental health approaches – when combined this puts them in a better mindset to become smokefree.
“Our Ready Steady Quit team use the power of kōrero and shared experiences to form strong bonds with clients over the course of their quit smoking journey. Many of our practitioners are ex-smokers, so they come from a place of understanding,” concludes Blair.
About Smokefree May
Smokefree May is about showing support for the national campaign for Aotearoa to be smokefree by 2025. The theme “We’re Backing You” focuses on the different pillars that support someone with their quit journey – from whānau and friends, to workplaces and programmes like Ready Steady Quit.
The videos will be posted on all Ready Steady Quit social media channels throughout the day – Facebook @Ready, Steady, Quit and Instagram @readysteadyquit.
About Ready Steady Quit
Ready Steady Quit is a smoking cessation service in the Auckland and Waitemata area. Through a free 12-week group programme, we help our clients to quit smoking in a friendly and supportive environment. For more information go to https://readysteadyquit.org.nz/
About ProCare
ProCare is a leading healthcare provider that aims to deliver the most progressive, pro-active and equitable health and wellbeing services in Aotearoa. We do this through our clinical support services, mental health and wellness services, virtual/tele health, mobile health, smoking cessation and by taking a population health and equity approach to our mahi. As New Zealand’s largest Primary Health Organisation, we represent a network of general practice teams and healthcare professionals who provide care to more than 830,000 people across Auckland and Northland. These practices serve the largest Pacific and South Asian populations enrolled in general practice and the largest Māori population in Tāmaki Makaurau. For more information go to www.procare.co.nz
