SMOKERS in Felixstowe who have pledged to quit the habit as part of a New Year’s resolution will be given free support at three new weekly sessions.

The events are part of Live Well Suffolk’s latest stop smoking campaign and officials say people are four times more likely to succeed if they seek help rather than trying to go it alone.

In 2012, more than 4,000 smokers successfully quit for good thanks to Live Well Suffolk’s team of trained stop smoking advisors and the healthy lifestyles service is looking to help a higher number in the coming 12 months.

Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in Suffolk with nearly one in five adults smoking.

It is estimated that half of those will die prematurely as a result of their habit.

Live Well Suffolk’s Felixstowe-based stop smoking sessions will take place at:

? Oaks Children Centre, Grange Road, every Friday – one-to-one sessions from 9.30am to 12.30pm;

? Sea Breeze Children’s Centre, 26 Beach Station Road, every Tuesday, 2pm to 3pm (group session), and 3pm to 4.30pm (one-to-one sessions);

? Felixstowe Library, Crescent Road, every Thursday, one-to-one sessions from 2pm to 5pm.

Those taking part in the programme are eligible for more than �100 worth of free nicotine medication (prescription charges may apply) or other medication.

Tim Roberts, director of Live Well Suffolk, said: “We are working hard to support all of those smokers in Suffolk who are struggling to stop and we want to increase the numbers of people we help this year.

“You are four times more likely to succeed with our help than if you go it alone, so we encourage anyone who is thinking of quitting to get in touch.”

Live Well Suffolk also holds tailored stop smoking sessions for pregnant mums, dads and families. During each session, smokers have the opportunity to speak confidentially to trained advisors and learn how to deal with nicotine cravings.

? For more information about Live Well Suffolk’s clinics or to register for an appointment, call 01473 229291 or visit www.livewellsuffolk.org.uk