SMOKERS wanting to kick the habit can get a helping hand thanks to a new tool being piloted in East Sussex.

AI Quit Coach offers 24-hour personalised support through WhatsApp, providing encouragement, distraction techniques and strategies for managing triggers. It also helps users to stay on track with their goals.

The tool has been commissioned by One You East Sussex, a lifestyle service funded by East Sussex County Council, with the help of funding from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, Department of Health and Social Care.

Darrell Gale, East Sussex Director for Public Health, said: “There can be many barriers to people quitting smoking and we hope that this new tool, which enhances current services, helps to break through some of them.

“Whilst many people try to quit cold turkey using only willpower, nicotine addiction can make it tough. Last year, more than 1,700 residents were supported by One You East Sussex to successfully quit smoking by accessing free smoking stop-smoking products and expert personalised support, which has been shown to boost your chances of quitting for good.

“The benefits of stopping smoking are almost immediate – those kicking the habit will soon see reduced blood pressure, easier breathing and better circulation. It is one of the best things you can do to improve your health and reduce your chances of developing long-term conditions and dying prematurely.”

There are more than 57,000 smokers in East Sussex who have access to stop smoking support including nicotine replacement therapy and e-cigarettes and 1:1 in person or telephone support.

The new stop smoking tool, which is available to anyone living in the county council area who is aged 18 or over, is able to converse in multiple languages making it easier for those for whom English is a second language.

Residents can access the Quit Coach by visiting  https://eastsussex.quitcoach.co.uk/

More information about services available to help residents live a healthier life can be found at One You East Sussex | Free Health & Wellbeing Service

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