EVEN SMOKERS who bury their heads in the sand about the health problems can’t deny that forking out an average of €110 a week to feed the habit is draining their pockets.
So now the HSE is offering a pilot project in Limerick paying smokers to quit.
Instead of sending €6,000 or more a year up in smoke, they can become ex-smokers and save that amount and get paid as much as €400 for taking part in a stop puffing programme.
The HSE Tobacco Free Ireland Programme launched the Financial Incentives to Stop Smoking (FISS) Programme pilot in Kilrush and targeted areas of Limerick City.
The scheme, which has already started, offers individuals gift vouchers of up to €400 over 12 months when they engage with a comprehensive stop smoking support programme and successfully quit smoking.
International evidence demonstrates the power of combining expert support with financial incentives, the HSE said. When paired with intensive support from services like HSE QUIT, financial incentives have been shown to double a person’s chances of successfully quitting smoking long-term.
To be eligible to participate in this pilot, participants need to be living in the key target community areas and hold a medical card.
“We know most people who smoke want to quit,” said Niamh Keating, health promotion and improvement officer at HSE Mid West.
“This programme is about empowering residents in Kilrush and targeted areas of Limerick City with the practical assistance and motivation to make this positive, lasting change.”
Tobacco use remains one of the leading causes of preventable illness in Ireland. Smoking rates are higher in disadvantaged areas, resulting in poorer health outcomes for many people.
Participants to the programme will receiv specialised stop smoking support and regular follow-ups from a dedicated HSE stop-smoking advisor. This includes free Nicotine Replacement Therapies (patch plus gum or other product) through HSE QUIT services.
Participants will engage with the HSE stop-smoking support services for a 12-month programme. They receive gift vouchers (such as One4All) at various smoke-free milestones after their quit status is verified using a simple carbon monoxide breath test.
Participants can receive up to €400 in vouchers over the 12 months. For example, staying smoke free for one week earns €20, two weeks earns another €20, and so on.
Smokers in Limerick City and Kilrush can call QUIT Mid West at 065 686 5841 or email [email protected].