While the numbers of people who smoke have reduced, figures released by the NHS this month show there are still worryingly high numbers of people admitted to hospital and sadly dying as a result of the habit. Keys’ National Specialist Advisor for Substance Misuse Fran Gracie explains how Keys Group tackles smoking in the children it supports.
“Smoking is clearly not something anyone is encouraged to take up as a habit. With more than half a million hospital admissions attributed to smoking each year, and almost 75,000 deaths – it’s effect on a person’s health is undeniable.
“Across Keys we offer a great deal of education about the dangers of smoking, and the effects it has physically on the body. We aim to help children and young people understand just what can happen when you smoke.
“We use this education and other methods as early prevention measures to promote and encourage our young people not to smoke in the first place.
“Where we have young people who are already smoking we offer a range of support to help them reduce their smoking or to stop altogether. As well as referrals to smoking cessation services and access to therapists to support them to stop smoking, we also offer auricular acupuncture which can help children break the habit.
“This combination of education, therapy, support from outside agencies and partners and in-house therapeutic specialist practices all work together to help children reduce their smoking, stop altogether – and ideally stop them from beginning smoking in the first place.”
