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Smoking cessation in two socially disadvantaged communities in North & West Belfast
Darren Gowdy, Community Health Development Worker, Ardoyne Shankill HLC, Belfast

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Abstract
Ardoyne Shankill Health Partnership was one of the first community groups in Northern Ireland to deliver smoking cessation services. Research in 1999 amongst women in Ardoyne showed that 72% of the women in the area smoked, which is consistent with socially disadvantaged areas. The areas have also been severely affected by 'The Troubles' with many killings taking place within one square mile of the areas. People have resorted to smoking as a coping mechanism and as a result relative poverty levels continue in a vicious circle. The effects are generational as there here have also been major issues around access to tobacco in terms of shops selling single cigarettes to children as young as 5 years old and also paramilitary influences have led to cigarette smuggling. To date over 200 smokers have came through the service in 4 years. Approximately 40% have quit at 4 weeks and 20% have quit after 52 weeks. Positive factors have included ex-smokers becoming trained as advisors, encouraging others to stop and also having the benefit of availing of alternative/complimentary therapies to reduce stress and anxiety when quitting. The service has made people look at their health holistically in terms of diet, exercise and alcohol consumption etc.

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Biography
Darren Gowdy is a Health Promotion and Smoking Cessation Specialist. He graduated from Stranmillis University College in 2002 with a BSc (Hons) in Health and Leisure Studies. He also holds a Post-Graduate Diploma in Health Promotion from University of Ulster Jordanstown and hopes to continue his studies to MSc level. Darren's interest in the field of Health came from his aspiration to be a Physical Education teacher. In 1998 after the death of his grandmother from the smoking related Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, he became more determined to work in health and it's promotion in preventing avoidable illness and death. This is particularly the case in the area of Tobacco Control. Darren has worked with over 500 smokers through group and individual sessions with around 200 quitting. In 2004 Darren was awarded the Northern Ireland Medical Review Healthcare Award for smoking cessation project of the year. Darren is also a member of the Eastern Area Tobacco Control Group and has presented his work to the local Chief Medical Officer and Health Secretary. He continues to work in community health as a Health Development Worker, a post which he has held for over 4 years and has 5 years overall experience in working in some of the most socially and health deprived areas in Northern Ireland.

Darren Samuel Gowdy
Ardoyne Shankill HLC, Ardoyne Ave
Ardoyne Community Healthcare Centre
Belfast
BT14 7DA

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