Free service helps hundreds of people quit smoking and improve health in Milton Keynes
A local service is helping Milton Keynes residents to reach a healthy weight and stop smoking, with tailored, free support.
One year ago, Milton Keynes City Council launched a new, easier way for people who live or work in the area to access free, personalised support to quit smoking and achieve a healthy weight. The launch came in partnership with Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire Councils.
Local people can sign up to Choose You for free expert help, with no need to be referred by a health professional.
More than 3,000 people have signed up for help in giving up smoking in the last 12 months, with 44% successfully quitting and reducing the associated risks. According to national data, people are three times more likely to quit smoking if they use professional support.
Meanwhile, 576 residents signed up to lose weight, with more than 40% losing significant weight. These figures, along with real life experiences, show the positive impact of personalised support.
Amelia lost over 15kg through the healthy weight programme, describing it as “not a diet, but a way of living”. She added that the key was “Never missing a class. Every week, I learned something new”.
David who had smoked for four decades said: “It was nice to have the encouragement and know that you aren’t on your own”. For David what really helped him was the connection, consistency, and compassion he received from the service.
Choose You offers different types of support including stop smoking programmes, behavioural change, nicotine replacement options, as well as structured healthy weight programmes to help people make gradual, sustainable lifestyle changes.
The service also signposts people to additional support, such as drugs and alcohol, mental wellbeing and sexual health services, when needed.
Vicky Head, Director of Public Health for Milton Keynes said: “When we launched Choose You, our goal was to provide residents with practical, accessible support to help them quit smoking and lose weight. In just one year, the service has made a real difference, supporting people to take those first steps towards better health.
“As we build on this success, we remain committed to ensuring residents continue to have access to high quality, free support to help them make positive, lasting changes and live longer, healthier lives.”
People who live or work in Milton Keynes can find out more and self-refer at Choose You.