Breathing better after becoming smoke-free – Colm’s story

30th September 2026

Before joining One You KCW’s Be Tobacco Free service, Colm had previously tried to quit using nicotine patches and gum but returned to smoking during the pandemic. With a number of existing health conditions, including COPD, Colm knew that quitting smoking was an important step towards improving his health.

“I’d smoked since I was 14, although I had slowed down a lot over the years. Before joining the programme, I was smoking up to ten cigarettes a day. I’d tried to quit before COVID using patches and nicotine gum, but when COVID came, I went back to smoking. I knew I needed to quit to improve my health.”

One You KCW’s Be Tobacco Free service provides personalised support to help people stop smoking for good. By offering access to stop smoking treatments alongside one-to-one guidance and encouragement, the service helps people manage cravings, build confidence and find an approach to quitting that works for them.

“The patches were very useful, but a lot of it is about the mind. Talking to Niamh was really helpful. She was nice, took the time to explain things to me and supported me through the process. Since the beginning of the programme, I’ve stopped smoking cigarettes completely. I’ve noticed changes already. Food has a better taste, and my breathing is better when I’m out walking.”

“I feel better in myself too. Improving my health was one of the main reasons I wanted to stop. I have COPD, thyroid problems, osteoporosis and other health problems, so I knew giving up smoking was something I needed to do.”

“I wasn’t smoking a huge amount towards the end, so I haven’t saved a lot of money, but I’ve still saved a few pounds. For me, the biggest benefits have been how I feel and the improvements I’ve noticed in my breathing and sense of taste.”

“My next step is simple: to stay the way I am and keep cigarettes out of my life. After smoking for so many years, I want to continue being smoke-free and keep building on the progress I’ve made.”

“Overall, the support, nicotine patches and having someone there to talk to helped me quit. I’ve stopped smoking completely, my breathing is better when I walk and food tastes better. Now I want to stay smoke-free.”