PHARMACISTS throughout Lothian are gearing up to help people free themselves from smoking in 2008.

Help can now be provided by local pharmacists through a new scheme extending stop smoking support.

Fiona Moore, NHS Lothian Smoking Cessation Co-ordinator, said: "The New Year is a time when people often reflect on what's happening in their lives and resolve to change things. Stopping smoking is one of the most effective things you can to do to improve your health - and help protect the health of your loved ones.

"Getting help from the NHS is one way to try and ensure that your resolution survives the January blues and you can go on to successfully break free of this expensive and damaging habit."

The new scheme sees local pharmacies offering up to 12 weeks of 1 to 1 stop smoking support, with nicotine replacement therapy on prescription directly from the pharmacist if desired, meaning that clients do not need to visit their GP for a prescription for nicotine replacement therapies.

NHS Lothian also provides other services to help people stop smoking. GPs can also prescribe special smoking cessation medication such as Champix or Zyban to people who agree to receive smoking cessation support.

Fiona Moore added: "Research shows that you are four times more likely to succeed if you receive support alongside smoking cessation medication or NRT than if you try and stop on your own. We have a team of specially-trained stop smoking advisers who will help.

"If you're tried to give up before, and started smoking again, don't worry, you are welcome to attend again. People often take several attempts before successfully breaking the habit and the key thing is to remember we're still here for you when you feel ready to stop smoking again."