Wāhine Hapū

“STATISTICS show that those who are exposed to smoking when they are young, are more likely to become smokers later on in life,” explains Stop Smoking Practitioner Elizabeth (Lizzie) Ghio. She is one of the team helping to make the Wāhine Hapū stop smoking programme a success for everyone in the whānau. Supporting mums and other family members to give up the smokes and be positive role models for their tamariki.

The eight-week programme is funded by Hawke’s Bay District Health Board and focuses on helping pregnant mums or those with babies under six-months, kick the habit with one-to-one support and incentives as milestones are reached.

Throughout the programme participants can earn incentives;up to $140 worth of nappies and $220 worth of grocery vouchers if they are successful with their carbon monoxide readings the entire way through.

Alleessa Menzies and Jason Miller are first time parents to daughter Nika and tell us that the incentives make a big difference. They were both smokers looking to quit and with the motivation of a new baby and achieving their longer-term goal of moving out and purchasing property they jumped at the chance to get more financially savvy. “You save money by not smoking, you save on nappies and on groceries. Every little bit helps,” says Alleessa. Partner Jason is looking forward to being “healthier in the long run” and says it’s nice not feeling like you have to go out for a smoke every hour.

Alleessa is full of praise for the guidance and availability of stop smoking practitioners like Lizzie. “It’s nice to know that she’s only a text away if we need her.” Jason encourages others to get on board too. “You need to want to do it but all you can do is try,” he says.

Want to know more about Wāhine Hapū and the FREE support available to help you or whānau stop smoking? Call Te Kupenga Hauora - Ahuriri on 06 835 1840 and ask for a stop smoking practitioner.

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