As part of its student welfare policy, Kidderminster College was delighted to have Solutions4Health in residence for several weeks to raise awareness amongst students about the dangers of smoking.

Solutions4Health is a member of the Smoking Cessation Service Research Network (SCSRN) - a collaboration of NHS Stop Smoking Services. For several weeks they have manned a stand in the college reception with the aim of drawing student attention to the negative side effects of smoking.

The team’s mission was to not only try and help existing smokers quit the habit, by offering a 12 week programme with nicotine replacement therapy and one-to-one consultations, but also to prevent people from taking up smoking.

June Greatrex, ‘Stop Smoking’ Cessation Advisor, commented, “We’re able to do carbon monoxide readings on students and many of them have been quite shocked by the high levels which are showing in their lungs!’

“We offer a number of resources to help students stay healthy and illness free throughout their education. Between exams and maintaining an active social life, many college students feel they can't really find the time to keep up on their personal health and wellness until an illness catches hold and stops them in their tracks, so offering advice on health care and offering endless physical activities for students, from fencing to rowing, staying healthy in college is seen as a priority for us,” added Student Services Manager, Victoria Ditton.