The group have come together through a weekly support network set up by the Southern Stop Smoking Service. Since its commencement on 13 March, all five are either smoke free or days off their quit date.
Now, they say, it’s about remaining smoke free.
Class breaks can be some of the toughest times, so the group have brainstormed ideas to keep them busy. Some of those include rugby practice, cooking, sports challenges, boxing, gym access, art therapy and catch up classes.
The students are participating in the group voluntarily. Aurora College are supporting the students and allowing them to participate in the group during school hours. Whanau are also actively supporting their children to become smoke free.
Stop Smoking coach Joanne Te Tai says it’s great to see the young teens coming together, supporting each other, and brainstorming ideas to keep them busy during the tough times.
The Southern Stop Smoking Service is working towards providing support in schools across the Southern Region