Derby Homes, the organisation that manages, maintains and improves Derby’s council houses and estates is supporting a new Fresh Start drop in centre at one of its Local Housing Offices.

Fresh Start is a free NHS service for smokers in South Derbyshire who want to give up smoking.  Fresh Start offers a varied and flexible service and tries to be as accessible for the public as possible.

Members of the public will be able to access one to one advice, support and information on nicotine replacement therapy and Zyban.  Prescriptions for nicotine replacement are also available at the cost of a prescription, or free if you qualify.  The service will also be offering weekly Carbon Monoxide testing to help support people who want to stop smoking. 

Derby Homes is also supporting its employees who want to stop smoking by allowing them to attend the drop in sessions during works time.  Phil Davies Chief Executive of Derby Homes said, “Derby Homes wants to help any of its tenants or members of their family give up smoking and so improve their health and the health of others in the family. Unfortunately several fires in council houses each year are caused by discarded cigarettes, or by children getting hold of matches or lighters. The drop in service is open for all residents and any of our staff too ”

The new drop in centre will be held at the Old Sinfin Local Housing Office on Shakespeare Street every Friday morning between 9am and 11am.  For further information, call the Derby City Fresh Start team on 01332 208077 or visit www.freshstart.nhs.uk