The new initiative, identified and led by the Health Improvement Commission’s Substance Use team, is delivered in partnership with Public Health Services and Quitline.
Initially 100 people will have the chance to sign up, and there is plenty of space for locals to do so. Those signing up who reside in the Bailiwick can access the programme for free.
Pictured: The service can be accessed via smartphone, and is free for those living in Guernsey and Alderney.
Quit Genius delivers a comprehensive medication-assisted treatment program to help people quit smoking: it is 100% virtual. It is delivered though a smartphone app, connecting people who want to quit with dedicated UK coaches for a period of up to 12 weeks.
Those who enrol will receive personalised interactive support, including; learning new techniques to deal with cravings. Those taking part will also get free Nicotine Replacement Therapy products, as well as a breath sensor to help keep track of the effects of being smoke free.
Research has shown that the Quit Genius approach is more effective than usual care for some people.
Pictured: The app provides a virtual route to UK coaches and strategies for managing nicotine cravings.
Grace Lindsay, Tobacco Harm Reduction Officer at the Health Improvement Commission, hopes this new technology will help more people quit.
“We’re pleased to highlight this new technology to the Bailiwick, this National No Smoking Day. Quit Genius provides accessible support to those who may have the motivation to quit smoking but find it hard to attend face-to-face appointments.
“We’re delighted to partner with Quitline on this project, who will continue to provide a dedicated in-person service to all who’d like it.”
Pictured: The clinic is a joint venture between The Health Improvement Commission, Quitline, and Public Health Guernsey.
Andrea Tostevin, manager at Quitline, was similarly excited for the roll-out and application of this new technology: “[We] know that time can sometimes be a barrier to accessing support to quit smoking.
“Having a coach in people’s pockets will really add another string to the bow at Quitline and we are looking forward to offering this as an alternative to the face-to-face service for those who might find it a better option.
“Quitline will continue to offer professional, nurse led, local support, as this is known to work very well – the Quit Genius app is another tool in our box and increases the options for people to access support in our community.”